Porto Veneziano Hotel

This harborside hotel primarily attracts couples with its quiet vibe and picturesque setting along the water. The harbor-facing exterior of the hotel is charming, right down to wrought-iron balconies and the outdoor cafe with pretty flower boxes and linen umbrellas shading wooden tables. The rest of the exterior is bland and reflects the age and history of the area. Inside, the Porto Veneziano Hotel's lobby and bar are simply decorated with beige tiling, neutral-tone seating, and some charming elements such as a wooden piano and nautical-themed artwork -- an appropriate nod to its location. Also notable is the hotel's focus on sustainability, evident by the use of solar energy to heat water, geothermal energy to power air-conditioning, and natural products in the rooms.  

Porto Veneziano sits on the eastern end of the Old Venetian Harbor in Chania. The area is very accessible with many restaurants, shops, and museums within 10 minutes on foot. It is a 12-minute walk to the center of Chania. There is a small beach near the hotel and several more popular beaches within a 20-minute drive. Narrow roads and alleyways sprout away from the harbor; travel by car may be harrowing, while walking is typically a more pleasant history-filled experience. The ferry from the mainland comes into Port Souda, which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. A bus also takes passengers from the port to a station in Chania, about a 12-minute walk from the hotel. The Chania International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. 

All 57 rooms and suites underwent a renovation in 2013 that resulted in a modern, minimalist design with an emphasis on neutral-tone furnishings and blue accents that reflect its setting. Most rooms have pinstripe headboards, blue-and-white-striped curtains, and a piece of artwork or two on otherwise blank white walls. Comfortable beds are topped with high-quality white linens and pinstripe bed runners, while suites add a pullout couch for an extra guest. A pillow menu allows guests to choose from a variety of natural materials for a comfortable night; mattresses are also made from all-natural components. Views vary, with the sea-view rooms certainly being the more scenic option. They have compact furnished balconies that provide spectacular sunset vistas. All rooms have soundproof windows and doors, which cuts down harbor noise. Nondescript bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos in suites, plus they're equipped with hairdryers and a range of toiletries. Economy rooms are tight on space, with little space between the bed and walls, and the Standard Rooms are also a bit small. All rooms have minibars, safes, 32-inch flat-screen TVs with local and satellite channels, and slippers. Higher-category rooms automatically come with coffee- and tea-making facilities, while they're available upon request for others. The Open Bath Suite has a large bathroom with a clawfoot bathtub and additional seating -- a romantic addition for couples. 

Porto Veneziano offers few amenities -- no gym, spa services, or full restaurant -- but it does have a few stellar features. The well-reviewed free buffet breakfast uses local ingredients and is extensive. Breakfast can be eaten in the main indoor dining room or outside facing the harbor. The bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day, which can be ordered through room service as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout, plus there's a computer with internet access. There are several bicycles that guests may borrow for free to explore the surrounding city. Staff can help arrange excursions and exchange currency.