Domus Renier Boutique Hotel, Chania

Pros

• The location is unbeatable; you're 30 seconds away from the waterfront on Chania's Old Harbour and, in the opposite direction, the web of historic alleys and streets that connect you to additional cafés, tavernas, and boutique shops. 
• You're well cared for with coffee service upon arrival, Prosecco and a handwritten welcome note in your room, and thoughtful conveniences like a pillow menu, robes and slippers, and wonderfully-smelling Cretan bath products.
• You'll find original artifacts, such as documents and mosaics, in the lobby, as well as architectural details, like beautifully sculpted ceiling ornamentation.
• It's one of the few hotels in the Old Town with an elevator—guests can see the building's original stones as they go up and down the floors.
• Suites like the Honeymoon and Grand Harbor Master are spacious and feature jetted tubs or a hammam, large balconies, and incredible views of the lighthouse and harbor.

Cons

• Its central location on the harbor means it's also a busy hotspot in the high season, so you can anticipate noise from outside. 
• The standard rooms feel slightly cramped for more than one person (and their bags).
• Domus Renier isn't the best choice for those with limited mobility. There is an elevator, but the rooms aren't accessibility-friendly, nor is access to the hotel straightforward; you have a fair bit of walking to do from where your transfer/taxi drops you off (Old Town Chania is pedestrian-only). 

Authenticity

Housed in a 1608 Venetian mansion built by the aristocratic Renier family, Domus Renier—and its sister hotel, the Chania Inn—are owned by Chania natives, the Pareskevaki sisters. Original architectural elements, left over from Renier's influence, are found throughout the property, including Venetian-influenced decorative ceilings, latticework, exposed wooden beams, and oversized windows once designed to showcase women in their elaborate gowns, not to mention the beautifully preserved original ceramic and marble flower designs and glass-enclosed historical documents on display. Continuing to honor the Renier legacy, each of the 10 rooms is named after a Renier family member, with black-and-white portraits displayed outside, and fittingly, the hotel's logo is a copy of the Renier family crest.

Location

Domus Renier sits directly on Chania's Old Venetian Harbour, steps from the waterfront promenade and its tavernas and bars, including the hotel's restaurant, Zepos. Leave through the front entrance and be on the waterfront in about 30 seconds, or head out under the back entrance through the historic Renier Gate (a stone archway), where you can enjoy losing yourself in the winding cobblestone back streets of Chania's Old Town in the same amount of time. It's a 5-minute walk to Talos Square, where you can park for free (as Chania's Old Town is strictly for pedestrians). Being so close to it all, you can expect ambient noise drifting in from the promenade and harbor, a small price to pay for those sea-facing views.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are 10 individually designed rooms and suites. Harbor-facing rooms have expansive windows and furnished balconies that overlook the water, while others offer a private outdoor hot tub and/or views across Old Town or the harbor. Design details shine with sculptural wooden ceiling panels or painted ceiling medallions, hand-finished doors with subtle carved details, lofted sitting areas, and preserved Venetian architectural elements. Roomier options, like the Grand Harbor Master Suite, span an entire floor with two bedrooms and bathrooms, while the Domus Secreto offers a private garden residence in a second building across the street. Bathrooms are stocked with beautifully scented olive oil-based products from Cretan heritage brand ABEA (est. 1889), as well as slippers, robes, and pillow menus.

Amenities

There isn't a gym or spa on-site, but guests can request an in-room massage or head to sister hotel, Domus Blanc, for additional treatments and gym access. Complimentary breakfast is an a la carte affair, featuring fresh orange juice, seasonal smoothies, and standout mains like oven-baked eggs in tomato sauce or traditional spinach pie with local cheeses, served in the courtyard garden. In-room breakfast is available with notice for a small fee. There's a small library with works by famous Cretan authors and Greek poets translated into English, and Zepos Restaurant (open April-October) pairs harbor views with Cretan and Greek dishes and a full bar. To secure a spot on the terrace, it's advisable to make reservations.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel has not been designed with children in mind (it has been listed as one of the world's most romantic hotels, though); only those ages 12 and up are welcome. Families with older kids can check into the Grand Harbor Master Suite, a loft-style space that sleeps 4-5 people across two bedrooms and a living room with a sofa bed. The Domus Secreto Privée Suite, with two bedrooms and a private courtyard, is also an excellent option for families, sleeping four guests.