Thalassa Beach Resort

Thalassa Beach Resort is an upscale, adult-only hotel with an emphasis on creating a romantic holiday for couples. The building stands out on the shop-filled street for its lush entryway and oversized arched window with visible plants. Inside, the lobby is a grand introduction to a beautiful hotel. Three stories are open through the center, with a rounded ceiling reflecting light throughout the building. Bright-white tile floors, gleaming silver balustrades, and rich wood paneling on walls are beautifully complimented by sleek black tables and chairs with pops of color in red sofas. 

Guest enter on the second floor where there’s a reception desk, a comfortable bar, and a stylish living room with a fireplace and library. The first floor houses the Mare Art Gallery, a 2000-square-foot (200-square-meter) contemporary art gallery showcasing Greek artists. Original artwork also adorns the main floor of the lobby. The third floor feels like an atrium, with sunlight drenching large potted plants, which are visible from the floors below. Beyond the lobby, the grounds are peaceful with trim grass, flower beds, and potted plants all around. The hotel is family owned, and guests appreciate the responsive, friendly service most staff members offer.

Thalassa Beach Resort sits on the main coastal road west of Chania. The road is busy and full of shops and restaurants, all within a few minutes’ walk. There are a supermarket, clothing store, and a car rental shop across the street. The hotel has free parking so guests with cars can easily access sites. There is also a bus stop a two-minute walk from the hotel. It is an 11-minute walk or a two-minute drive to the center of Platanias, where there are many more shops and restaurants, plus entertainment and nightlife. The Port of Platanias is also a two-minute drive and offers boat rentals and sea excursions. It's a 15-minute drive to the center of Chania where tourists explore the sites and museums of the historic Old Venetian Harbor. Chania International Airport is a 33-minute drive away.

Spacious, bright rooms are done with a modern, minimalist design. Brown-tile floors, light-wood furniture, and cream walls are warm and relaxing, though some patterned bed runners and rust-colored couches feel old-fashioned. It all seems to work, however. Muted green fabrics with gold accents add visual interest, and artwork depicting Greek village scenes compliments the design scheme. A comfortable sofa and a desk give guests rooms to spread out. Sea views from furnished balconies are breathtaking, but some rooms don’t have much to look at. Spacious bathrooms are sleek and well-appointed with a deep tub/shower combo, a vessel sink, and some counter space. A hairdryer, free toiletries, bathrobe, and slippers are all included. All Standard Rooms have a mini-fridge and kettle with free coffee and tea provided. A small flat-screen TV has a DVD player, plus Wi-Fi and safes are free in every room.

Suites have two floors with a living area and bathroom on the main floor and a loft for the bedroom. The loft space is tight with a curved ceiling, but guests appreciate the comfortable double bed. There is a twin-sized sofa tucked under the stairs for a third guest. Three Superior Suites have upgrades including a living room, two bedrooms (one of which has a whirlpool tub and a king-sized bed), and a stocked minibar. 

For a smaller property, the Thalassa Beach Resort offers more quality features than expected. The pool is at the back of the hotel, with a grassy strip separating it from the beach. It has a swim-up bar and adjacent whirlpool. The pool deck, grass, and beach are full of comfortable, padded lounge chairs. There are several cabanas off to one side, plus a massage station amid the loungers. Despite this crowded feel, the beach and pool are generally quiet and relaxing. 

The well-reviewed spa has a variety of body treatments and massages, with packages and treatment rooms designed for couples. The indoor pool is small but appealing, and the whirlpool is a romantic spot with colored lighting and candles setting the mood. Massages are also available in a breezy cabana on the beach. A small, worn fitness room offers a few cardio machines and strength training equipment. The hotel offers a wide variety of add-on services for couples including options such as flowers in the room, cooking and dancing lessons, fireworks at dinner, and a private photo shoot.

Dining wise, the main restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast and dinner. The free breakfast is particularly well-reviewed for delicious food and variety, which includes typical continental choices, plus Greek specialties. An a la carte restaurant offers fine Greek dinners on a lovely patio and the outdoor beach restaurant serves a lunch of small dishes accompanied by ouzo and raki.