Best Boutique Hotels in Crete

The Greek island of Crete is home to literally thousands of seaside resorts, apart-hotels, and village-like tourist complexes. And for those who are suckers for beautiful design, there are boutique hotels with distinctive service, memorable style, and loads of charm. Take a look at our favorite boutique hotels in Crete.

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1

Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Chania Town, Crete

Elegant, whimsical, and atmospheric, the chic Casa Delfino occupies a 17th-century palace that once belonged to an Italian knight by the name of Giovanni Delfino. Today, the charming 24-room boutique hotel makes for a cozy home-away-from-home for solo travelers, couples, and older families who seek a comfortable base for exploring the rest of the island. Reception staff is notably helpful, and rooms and suites are spacious, with large, comfortable beds, artsy decor, and plenty of modern touches. Facilities include an atmospheric spa, rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor, and shaded courtyard area where a free breakfast is served.

2

La Maison Ottomane

Chania Town, Crete

Ideally located for exploring the historic Venetian Harbor of Chania, La Maison Ottomane is an upscale boutique bed-and-breakfast with just three rooms. Those rooms are pretty spectacular -- each one uniquely reflecting the style of the Ottoman Empire. Modern conveniences are present, such as espresso machines and flat-screen TVs, but don't detract from the historic feel. The owners add generous and personalized hospitality, and provide a free superb breakfast. Additional amenities, such as spa services, a full restaurant, or a pool are not available, however. This is easily one of the best options in the area, but travelers may prefer the boutique Casa Delfino nearby, which offers spa facilities and a lovely rooftop terrace.

3

Rimondi Boutique Hotels

Rethymnon, Crete

With a wrought-iron arched entrance way, marble staircases, and a rooftop lounge, the Rimondi exudes quiet luxury. The 12 rooms and suites are divided between two complexes: the Estate Collection and the Palazzo Collection. Rooms vary widely in offerings -- the Spa Suite, for example, has a private garden and outdoor whirlpool, while the Master Suite is two levels with a spacious living area. All rooms come with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, satellite TVs, and safes. Bathrooms have luxury bath products, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers. Guests are primarily on vacation and can be found lingering over the breakfast buffet, strolling the neighboring shops, and relaxing by the hotel's two pools -- one circular and the other a gorgeous rectangle lined with vine-covered walls and leafy trees.

4

Ammos Hotel

Agii Apostoli, Chania Town, Crete

A short drive from Chania’s attractions, this 33-room hotel stands out on this list as it is the only boutique beach hotel. Ammos' adjacent beach is long and sandy, with ample sun beds and parasols. The hotel's Cycladic architecture received decor upgrades from Elisa Manolas, the Greek designer responsible for the upscale Orloff Resort on Spetses. The style of this hotel is streamlined, light, and airy, from the glassed-in breakfast area with panoramic sea views, to reception, to the stylish rooms. There are lots of quirky decor touches, including colorful patterned pillow accents, avant-garde furniture, and whimsical artwork. The hotel has a reputation for personalized service, and thoughtful extras include free pastries in the lobby and loaner pool toys for the kids.

5

Casa Vitae Villas

Rethymnon, Crete

The romantic and charming Casa Vitae is an eight-room boutique hotel located on a narrow, pedestrian-only street in the quaint old city of Rethymnon. Converted from a 15th-century Venetian home, the hotel brings together a nice mix of old world charm and clean, modern hospitality. The beautiful stone grounds include a koi pond and an elegant courtyard where free breakfast is served. Many guest rooms have original stone walls and subtly opulent decor; some have balconies. While the hotel is near shops, restaurants, and tourist sights, it is a long walk (or short drive) from local beaches. The free parking area is also a walk away, as no cars can access the hotel. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas and in some guest rooms. While generally comfortable, Standard Rooms at the Casa Vitae may be low-ceilinged and small -- particularly the bathrooms. 

6

Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel

Elounda, Crete

The four-pearl Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel is a seaside hotel that has a beautiful design blending antique, modern, and natural elements. Its focus on sustainability is apparent from its solar panels, organic ingredients, and natural linens and bathrobes, but there's no sacrificing comfort: All of its 88 breezy rooms come with king-size beds and furnished balconies overlooking the water. Three excellent restaurants and three bars, plus a great spa and private beach, offer enough activity in a secluded setting for guests to decompress. However, it should be noted that the hillside location can be difficult for guests with mobility challenges (golf carts available upon request), and that food and drinks are extremely pricey, even for the pearl rating. 

7

Casa Moazzo Suites & Apartments

Rethymnon, Crete

Casa Moazzo Suites and Apartments' location on a lively pedestrian-only street is one of its greatest assets -- for those who don't mind parking off-site and taking a short stroll to the beach. Beyond its location, the hotel's most notable amenity is the daily breakfast served in a lovely, landscaped interior courtyard. But there's little in the way of extras otherwise -- for example, there is no pool or gym. There is free Wi-Fi in rooms and common spaces, and an attractive lobby bar. The six rooms and suites are each uniquely decorated and have a bohemian aesthetic, with exposed stone walls, wrought-iron balconies, and cozy brocade pillows; all have plasma TVs, coffeemakers, and kettles.

8

Serenissima Boutique Hotel

Chania Town, Crete

This upscale boutique in the heart of Chania’s historic harbor district offers an elegant, romantic atmosphere alongside quality services. The design is beautiful, with a contemporary, minimalist look that respects the Venetian origins of the 16th-century building. All seven rooms are air-conditioned and well-appointed with Coco-Mat mattresses, smart TVs, minibars, and rainfall showers. Some include coffeemakers and small balconies. Food is delicious, from the free, made-to-order breakfast, to a la carte dinners paired with wines from the bar. The hammam was renovated in 2017, but there are no other spa or fitness facilities on-site. Those seeking such features should check out the Casa Delfino, which has a lovely underground spa. 

9

Lato Boutique Hotel

Heraklion, Crete

A colorful and modern boutique hotel close to all of Heraklion’s main attractions, Lato Boutique Hotel is a welcoming, stylish getaway for singles, couples, and older families interested in exploring both the main town and the rest of Crete. Rooms and suites are spacious and modern, with bright, contemporary decor, and higher-tier rooms even have private balconies with town or sea views. Some, however, are quite small and can get noisy. The hotel is home to three restaurants -- one with rooftop views; another is where the free, extensive buffet breakfast is served daily. There's also a bar, and the hotel has a small spa with a hot tub and a fitness room, and there are business facilities such as meeting rooms and a business center.