Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor

Rooms

Romantics will love the Honeymoon Suite with its walk-in shower and private terrace with sunbeds and dining furniture, hot tub, and views across Chania's old town.

The four Design Suites, situated on the first floor are, as their name suggests, the last word in monastic chic, with blonde wood flooring and furnishings and bare brushed concrete walls. Another four, found in the building opposite, also have Jacuzzi tubs, and all have walk-in showers.

We stayed in one of the three Signature Suites, which are the most characterful. Again, sparsely furnished, but we loved the antique exposed brickwork and original archways, giving the feeling of a very well-appointed cloister – cloisters that also have a private walled patio and outdoor Jacuzzi bath. I missed having a view and found it a bit odd having to ask reception to turn down the A/C in our room, but none of that mattered once I was soaking in the hot tub after a day spent exploring Chania. 

The Penthouse Suites are the largest and also have their own private terrace and hot tub, and panoramic views across Chania and the Aegean.

All rooms feature queen-sized beds and are designed for an occupancy of two people – although a child can be accommodated on request. Note that a few of the smaller rooms have little natural light.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Cots available
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Satellite TV
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

The à la carte breakfast is served in the walled courtyard in summer or in the restaurant on cooler mornings, and you can choose either a typical continental selection – cheese, tomato, bacon, sausage, yoghurt, fresh fruits and granola, poached eggs etc. – or traditional Cretan – goats cheese, salad with olives, herby sausage, dakos (rusks), assorted savoury pies, fried eggs. We tested both out and found them to be equally delicious.

People travel from across the island to dine at Mon.Es, the hotel's excellent restaurant. It offers Cretan cuisine and, although the menu is limited, we were seriously impressed. We started with boreki croquettes, oozing with soft cheese and a hint of peppermint, followed by skioufikta (pasta in a roasted tomato pesto and feta cheese cream sauce) and a generous portion of shrimp linguini sprinkled with caviar. 

Further afield, you’re spoiled for choice in Chania which is the crossing point for three continents (Europe, Asia and Africa), all of which have influenced the local cuisine. The sweeping harbour is the destination for most dinner goers who want to partake in everything: seafood, meats, flat breads, cheeses and truffles – usually served with local olive oil, lemons, capers and oregano. But take a wander around the backstreets too and discover the myriad authentic tavernas, most of which also offer vegetarian and vegan options. 

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• In Chania's historical centre, there’s the Nautical Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Firkas fortress as well as back lanes filled with eclectic shops selling everything from arts and crafts to local produce, such as wine and olive oil. The local market, the Dimotiki Agora, must not be missed
• The Turkish, Venetian and Jewish quarters are fascinating, with sights such as the Mosque of the Janissaries, but ancient buildings abound including the Church of Agios Nikolaos and Chania Cathedral
• For beach lovers, nearby Agii Apostoli, Iguana and Nea Chora beaches are long, sandy and great for swimming as well as being well-served with cafes. Snorkelling and paddleboarding are widely available; hire bikes locally to venture further
• Day trips around the rest of Crete are highly recommended. From the windmills of Lasithi Plateau, to the Cave of Zeus, the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion. Or trek the 16km trail along the Samaria Gorge, a national park that's only open from May to October
• Back at the hotel, book out the spa (for free) to have private use of the sauna and plunge pool - total bliss

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Sauna
• Shopping / markets
• Snorkelling
• Spa treatments
• SUP
• Swimming

Kids

Children of all ages are made very welcome, and there are fun things to do in Chania for families, especially at the beaches, but the hotel's minimalist design (sharp edges and clean lines) isn't really child-friendly. Note that the pool is small and unheated.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

An extra bed and a baby cot can be added to all room types. Families of four with kids older than a baby will need to book adjacent rooms. One Design Suite has a bathtub as well as a shower, one Signature Suite has only a bathtub.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor is located in a picturesque alley, in the heart of the Old Town of Chania, Crete’s second largest city, which is to the west of the island on its northern coast.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Chania International, just 14km away, which has some direct flights from the UK and other countries. Or fly to Heraklion (over 2 hours away) for a wider choice.

From the Airport
Car rental is widely available but you won’t need it to get around the city (although there is free parking nearby). You can also get a taxi from the airport for around EUR20. Buses are available but service is sporadic and unreliable.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.