Elia Zampeliou Hotel, Chania

Pros

• The location is right in the center of Chania's harbor: guests can enjoy sea views, waterfront strolls, and exploration of the Old Town all within seconds of leaving the hotel.
• The design is nicer than a basic standard hotel, incorporating aspects from the original building, like stone arches in the rooms.
• Guests can enjoy a drink or coffee on the rooftop, which overlooks Chania's historic harbor.

Cons

• The hotel has no elevator, and several rooms have steps to reach the bed, so it isn't the best option for those with limited mobility.
• No parking is available, and breakfast is served at a sister hotel nearby.
• The hotel lacks simple in-room amenities, like a soap dish and conditioner. 

Authenticity

The Elia Zampeliou was once a home and then was turned into a hotel in 2016, and its modern-day iteration has retained parts of that old building. The superior room, for example, has turned a former stone oven into a display area of various objects, while guests can have breakfast or coffee under the original arches in the cave-like breakfast room. 

Location

The Elia Zampeliou is on Chania's historic harbor, and while its facade faces the sea, its main entrance leads right into Old Town. Those with cars can park five minutes away at Talos Square, while the hotel itself is perfect for anyone wanting to get their steps in. Reach the start of the walkway to the lighthouse on foot in about 15 minutes, or head in the opposite direction and get to Nea Chora beach in 15-20 minutes of walking.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are eight rooms in the Elia Zampeliou. They can only be reached by stairs, as there's no elevator. Some sea-view rooms have balconies, so snag one of those to enjoy direct views of Chania's harbor. The superior room has no balcony and faces the city, which can get a little loud sometimes, so book a higher room if you're a light sleeper. 

Amenities

The hotel lacks a pool, spa, or fitness center. The top amenity is a rooftop terrace with views over the harbor—it's a great place to watch the sunset. The Elia Zampeliou Hotel isn't a good choice for those with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

Since it's an adults-only hotel, the Elia Zampeliou is best for couples or solo travelers; the rooms comfortably sleep two people at the most.

Other Highlights

An excellent breakfast buffet is included in the stay. However, it's served in Elia Fatma, a sister hotel nearby. Past guests raved about the meal's wide range of local produce and dishes, like fruit, cereals, nuts, yogurt, honey, cheese, toast, ham, fried eggs, bacon, sausage, olives, various sweet and savory pastries, bread, and other Greek specials like stuffed mushrooms. There's no restaurant or bar on-site at the hotel.