Villa Archanes, Heraklion

Pros

• History is on display at this property, thanks to the 19th-century building and family heirlooms dating back a century.
• The pool is a major plus in the summer, as guests can cool off without having to drive 30 minutes to the beach.
• The owner brings generosity, hospitality, and love to the space, which has been in his family for decades. His family's involvement, such as his mother's homemade snacks and food, adds something special.
• Many of the rooms have two bedrooms, which makes this a great option for families or groups looking to spread out.

Cons

• Due to the building's historic status, some changes can't be made: several rooms have traditional loft beds with steep steps to climb, which won't work for travelers with limited mobility.
• The hotel is on a hill and requires a steep uphill walk to access. 
• The traditional style can feel a bit dark compared to the region's many whitewashed houses.

Additional Notes

Arguably, family is the heart, backbone, and stomach of Greece, and you can see all of that clearly in the Villa Archanes. The hotel is a tangible manifestation of Vasilis' family: its stone walls hold up his grandmother's handmade textiles, and his mother's homemade treats are offered in the garden. It moved me to see this unbroken continuity of tradition, history, and customs. It gives the Villa Archanes something special and real, so while perhaps it's not the nicest or chicest mountain village hotel in Greece, it's certainly one of the more personal and memorable.

Authenticity

The building of the Villa Archanes dates back to the 1800s, when it was a farmhouse. The remnants of that past are still visible in its stone walls and steep wooden steps leading up to loft beds. The current owner, Vasilis, grew up in Archanes, and his uncle turned this building into a hotel back in 2000. In fact, it was the first hotel in the village, and Vasilis took over in 2014. Family, Archanes, and Crete are all themes that run throughout the hotel. Room decorations of textiles and tapestries were made by Vasilis' grandmother and other family members, while his mother makes delicious traditional treats for guests to enjoy in the fragrant herb garden by the pool. Vasilis' roots here give guests the chance to discover the real Archanes of today and yesterday. 

Location

Perched on a hill, Villa Archanes looks across at Oros Giouchta or Mount Juktas, which borders the village. Archanes is a 30-minute drive south of Heraklion, 20 minutes from the airport, and just 15 minutes from Knossos. Guests can walk down to the main square in less than 10 minutes, but note that it's an uphill walk back. Archaeological sites like a Minoan sanctuary and Fourni are all just opposite in the mountain, which you can drive to in less than 10 minutes or walk to in an hour.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's six rooms follow the traditional architecture of the original building, so a few of them have loft beds with steep steps to climb. Five of these rooms have two bedrooms, so you can sleep on the more accessible ground-level bed instead. All of the rooms have fireplaces and kitchens. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Cretan mountain style, with dark wooden furniture, stone walls, and handmade tapestries and textiles by Vasilis' grandmother and family.

Amenities

A small, unheated outdoor pool is open to guests year-round. The hotel has a well-equipped indoor gym, and while there's no spa on-site, in-room massages can be arranged. Pets are welcome (and incur no extra charge). The hotel's location and layout mean it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility and/or strollers.

Family-Friendliness

Villa Archanes is popular with families, and children of all ages are welcome. Free cribs are available for infants, and extra beds are available for older children (for an extra fee). Baby safety gates can be provided for travelers on request, a helpful feature in units with staircases.

Other Highlights

Villa Archanes serves an excellent Greek-style breakfast buffet; guests can dine in the poolside courtyard or request the meal be served in the room. Other meals are not served on-site. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, allowing guests to make their own meals.