Domus Renier Boutique Hotel, Chania

Pros

• Original artifacts like documents and mosaics in the lobby offer guests the feeling of being in a museum and a hotel. 
• 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.
• Rooms like the Honeymoon and Master suites are spacious and include features like Jacuzzis, large balconies, and incredible views of the lighthouse and harbor.

Cons

• The location means it's also a busy hotspot in the high season, and there can be noise from outside. 
• The hotel lacks a spa and gym.
• The standard rooms are tight for more than one person.

Additional Notes

The Domus Renier perfectly blends the historical with the modern in interesting ways. History is palpable here, yet the hotel still feels stylish and comfortable. It's luxurious, cozy, and one-of-a-kind, as best exemplified in its reception area, which features a large chandelier, high ceilings, and intricate woodwork. 

Authenticity

The Domus Renier —and its sister hotel, the Chania Inn—are owned by the Pareskevaki sisters from Chania. Built in the 16th century by the aristocratic Renier family, the Domus Renier bears many touches from the original Reniers. The hotel logo is a copy of the Renier family crest, while an original stone arch bears a Latin inscription: "He brought a lot, did a lot, and studied a lot, our sweet father, he sweated and strained. May he rest in eternal peace, 1608." Guests can also find original pieces like ceramic and marble flower designs hanging on the walls or ancient documents housed in glass cases in the lobby. For those looking to immerse themselves in the history of Chania, it doesn't get much more historical than the Domus Renier.

Location

The Domus Renier is located on the west side of the Venetian Harbor of Chania. It offers easy access to the city's sights, sounds, and tastes. It's a five-minute walk to Talos Square, where guests can park for free, as cars aren't allowed in the Old Town of Chania. Leave through the front entrance and be on the waterfront in about 30 seconds, or head out under the back entrance through the Renier arch, where you can lose yourself in the winding back streets of Chania's Old Town in the same amount of time. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel offers 10 rooms in total: 9 in the main building and one hideaway suite with a private courtyard in a second building across the street. There are different options for couples, families, or groups of friends here. Couples will love the Honeymoon suites: one has a covered sun porch with a Jacuzzi overlooking the lighthouse, while the other includes a hammam shower. The master suite consists of a large balcony and a fantastic indoor hot tub, both of which overlook the harbor, while the 

Amenities

No gym or spa is on-site, but guests can request in-room spa services. Although the hotel has an elevator, it's not ideal for someone with limited mobility and no specially adapted rooms. Guests can enjoy a tranquil courtyard garden, where breakfast is served, and a library with works by famous Cretan authors and Greek poets translated into English.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel has not been designed with children in mind; only those ages 12 and up are welcome. Families with older children
can check out the master suite, an attic-style space—it sleeps up to six people in its two bedrooms and living room. The hideaway suite, including two bedrooms and a private courtyard, is also an excellent option for families. No activities, amenities, food, or drinks cater to younger travelers.

Other Highlights

Hotel guests can savor a complimentary a la carte breakfast in the hotel's interior courtyard, featuring a bubbling fountain and lush greenery. The hotel also has a restaurant on the waterfront; it serves Cretan and Greek dishes and has a full bar. To secure a spot on the terrace, it's advisable to make reservations.