Malmo Historic Hotel, Chania

Pros

• The design stands out, as guests can find the arch motif throughout in customized wooden furniture, headboards, and the very-fun-to-touch pocked coffee tables in reception.
• The hotel is in a prime location for those who want to be in the middle of Chania’s Old Town. Enjoy the view of the arch as you walk under it off a busy street into the alley where the hotel is located and take in the feeling of the city from the breakfast terrace or a balcony if you book a room that has one.
• The history of the building and the man that it’s named for will appeal to history lovers and those who want to immerse themselves more fully in Chania’s rich past.
• Folks with mobility needs will find an elevator here and can book the Kastello room, which is ADA-compatible.

Cons

• The hotel is in a perfect location for those who want to be in the middle of the Old Town but that also means it can get quite lively in the high season, even with its soundproofed windows. Light sleepers and those who want some more quiet can book a room with a quiet side street view, like the Santa Rocco or Kastello.
• Not all of the rooms have balconies, so folks looking for outdoor space can check out the Porta Sabboniara room. This one has a small balcony looking directly onto the Ahmet Ağa minaret, which dates back to the Ottoman occupation.
• The Malmo is an upscale standard hotel that offers basic amenities like breakfast and coffee in its warm reception or beautifully designed terrace, so it’s not an all-inclusive option or one that has services like a gym or spa. 

Authenticity

Don’t let the name or Scandinavian design fool you: The Malmo Hotel has nothing to do with Sweden. The building has gone through various histories as it was originally part of a 16th-century monastery and turned into a mansion during the Ottoman occupation in the 17th century. However, it takes its name from Antonio Malmo, a local man that turned it into a library and space of art and culture in the 20th century.

While the hotel preserves the sense of culture and love of art represented by Malmo, it takes its visual cues from the 15th century arch that it’s built upon. A number of historic buildings in Chania rest on these types of arches for sanitary purposes and guests can walk under the arch to get to the hotel and then find its presence throughout in furniture pieces, light fixtures, and furnishings that mimic the arch of the hotel.

Location

The Malmo Hotel is located on the side street of Antoni Malmou and looks out over Chatzimichali Ntaliani, a popular Old Town pedestrian street filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. Chania’s historic harbor is under 10 minutes by foot, while you can walk to the lighthouse in 15. Since cars aren't allowed in Old Town, you can park nearby in the new city, which is just five minutes away walking, or try the Chania Port parking, which is 10 minutes away walking.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has seven rooms, which primarily differ based on size. The smaller standard rooms can feel a little cramped, so if you want some more space, check out the Porta Colombo, Porta Sabboniara, or the Madonna, which is the biggest. The rooms don’t all have balconies, so if you want some fresh air, book the Porta Sabbionara, which looks out right onto one of Chania’s two still remaining minarets, left from the Ottoman occupation.

There aren't connecting family rooms here or two-bedroom suites, so it's a better option for couples, solo travelers, or small groups of friends who can grab a few rooms. Some rooms include bathtubs for those looking to relax and those with wheelchairs or mobility needs can book the Kastello room, which is ADA compatible.