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As some of you may know, Crete is one of my favorite places in Europe and the Greek island I have visited most over the years. I love the food, the people, the landscape, and the diving. But where to stay in Crete you may ask? While I usually tend to stay in Airbnbs or smaller guesthouses when I travel for longer periods, there are some amazing boutique and luxury hotels Crete if you wanted to spoil yourself a bit or going for a special occasion (obviously I don’t think you need a special occasion to spoil yourself).
This summer is the perfect opportunity to head to Crete, and so from north to south, from Chania to Heraklion here are my favorite hotels in Crete for you to have a magical holiday!
Where to stay in Crete? The best hotels & resorts
My favorite hotels in Chania
Heading to Chania city or the broader region? Here are some great hotels in Chania and surroundings.
J&G Suites
I am across the J&G Suites when I was looking for a nice hotel to stay at in Chania Old Town. Like a really nice hotel because after traveling around Crete for a month in high season having spent a lot of money on not-so-nice guesthouses I wanted to treat myself.
It was the perfect accommodation in Chania Old Town, right next to 2 of my favorite restaurants in a charming cul de sac. The suites are run by siblings Joanna and Gregoris (thus the J&G) and offer the best of two worlds: a beautiful historic building and modern touches and comforts on the inside. The rooms are calm and spacious and while you have a great view over the neighborhood their windows are so well insulated that you won’t have to deal with much noise. The beds are incredibly comfortable and the decor is a beautiful mix of Greek design and a lot of hygge.
Depending on how much space you need you can book a suite with one or two rooms and they even have one suite that spans two floors. The suite on the ground floor is perfect if you want to avoid tiny staircases. That said, this one can get a bit noisier at night as people tend to linger in the square in front of the door.
Parking is a bit tricky though there is a paid parking lot right next to the hotel. As staying here longer can add up quickly I recommend you drop your luggage and park at the East Moat Theatre Parking which is free.
Malmo Historic Hotel
On my most recent trip, I decided to spend a night at the Malmo Historic Hotel in the old town in Chania. It is located in yet another rennovated townhouse but sports a sleek design and modern amenities like an elevator.
To be honest, it is one of the more expensive hotels in Chania, though the rooms are beautiful and stylish. That said, mine was a little dark. An advantage – no noise from the outside. The bed was super comfy as well, and Europeans will rejoice as you get two duvets! Perfect for couples who don’t want to share.
Upstairs is the reception and a dining room/ lounge where breakfast is served. You can also grab a glass of wine and enjoy it on their little terrace overlooking the roofs of Chania. They don’t have a restaurant on site, but you are very close to many of my favorite Chania restaurants, as well as a really good matcha at Monogram.
Domes Zeen Chania
When I started to research the best hotels in Crete, Domes Zeen Chania was the first I came across. It looked so effortless cool but at the same time like a proper little jungle paradise. Its name derives from the Greek concept of “Ef Zeen” – the art of living well. Something we can all get on board on when on holiday, right?
Close enough to walk to Chania Old Town to explore but located right on the beach, you get the best of both worlds at Domes Zeen Chania. The hotel merges nature and architecture which create a beautiful symbiosis here. The whole setup resembles a Greek village (at least in layout) and all bungalows have their own garden. The interior is sleek, modern, and furnished with natural materials.
And if this luxury hotel in Crete with spa, a Montessori-inspired kids club, and plenty of amazing dining options isn’t enough for you, you can also book their Haute Living Section. This VIP service comes with bonus amenities and services creating an exclusive hotel within the hotel feel.
Monastery Hotel Venetian Harbour
If you are coming to Crete for the first time, a visit to the city of Chania is a must and if you are looking for the best hotels in Chania, Crete, the Monastery Hotel Venetian Harbour has to be included.
You will be smack-bang in the middle of the old city right by the Venetian harbor and sleep in a restored mansion from the 16th century. Modern design meets historic architecture that allows you to step back in time without missing any modern conveniences.
The hotel has a garden patio, a restaurant, pool, and spa with a Turkish hammam. And for true archeology fans, there are even some Roman walls to admire.
They have a variety of rooms, some of which even have a private hot tub and terrace with stunning views over the city, the ocean, and the harbor.
Fagotto Art Residence
Fagotto is a tiny guesthouse in Chania, perfectly located between the Venetian Harbor and Talos Square, ideal if you need parking for your rental car. They only have a handful of rooms that are individually decorated and set in an old Cretan house.
I have stayed at their groundfloor room before which had a comfy bed, a small sitting area, a table, and best of all another table outside to soak up the atmosphere over a glass of wine at night – perfectly chilled thanks to the minifridge in the room.
I recently stayed in another room on the first floor. This room was quite small and you have to be able to climb a flight of steep stairs, but it is well-appointed and cute.
Regardless of the room you choose, take airplugs as sounds from the surrounding restaurants can echo.
While Fagotto might not be one of the top hotels in Crete it is such a cute, charming and inexpensive option if you need a place to stay in Chania Old Town.
Where to stay in Crete – the east & the west
Heading anywhere else in Crete? Check out these beautiful beach and mountain retreats.
Tella Thera
Tella Thera is the latest Member of Design Hotels in Crete and a real beauty. It sits just outside of Kissamos and is the perfect venture point to visit Falasarna and Balos Beach.
That is, if you want to leave because while the hotel doesn’t have direct beach access, it is a back-to-nature sanctuary that makes it hard to leave.
Sustainability is a key concept, both when it comes to design and the guest experience. The hotel has only 20 rooms, which are calming and serene thanks to their organic design and the surrounding nature. Of course, there is a pool, a spa, and an outdoor yoga platform, as well as a restaurant and a bar. The hotel also offers a myriad of activities to explore the island, so you can do as much or as little as you see fit during your Cretan holiday.
Acro Suites
Centered on the north coast of Crete, not far west of Heraklion, you will find the Acro Suites. They call themselves a wellbeing resort, and it is easy to believe that all will be well when you stay here.
No, seriously – wellness, self-love, and a deep connection with nature are core values at Acro. The suites connect you with the elements. There is a cave suite, several wave suites, a sunset villa, and many more, each with its own design concept and features.
Not only nature but also nurture play a big role. There are four different eateries on the property, including a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant as well as many “houses” dedicated to wellness. This includes a yoga shala, a proper pilates studio, and a bath house with a hammam.
Monastery Estate Retreat
If you want to stay somewhere in Crete that is a bit off the beaten track and away from people, head to the White Mountains. In the southwest of Crete, you will find the Monastery Estate Retreat one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Crete – perfect if you are in search of a honeymoon destination or want to pamper yourself for a few days.
Nature and quiet await with rooms that are simple, modern, and just the right amount of rustic to remind you that you are in a Cretan village in the countryside.
They have a small spa with a sauna and hammam on the property but best of all – each room comes with a private pool to enjoy those stunning views from all on your own.
Book a room at Monastery Estate Retreat on Booking / Agoda
Cabanon Concrete Retreat
“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time” is the motto of Cabanon, and what a great motto it is!
I have been wanting to stay at Cabanon for a while, but since they only have two cabins, it has been hard to align dates. This year was the year, and I got to stay for 3 nights in May. The cabins merge minimalism with sustainable slow life in the Cretan countryside.
Cabanon is about a 15-minute drive from Kissamos, not far from the other beaches in the west of Crete. Each cabin is a proper tiny house with a cozy bed, a lounge/kitchen area with a fireplace, a bathroom, and a huge glass wall to soak up the views. Outside, you have a small porch with sunloungers, an outdoor shower, and a picnic table under an olive tree.
During the summer months, you can pick your own veggies in the garden. For the rest of the year, you can either order a local supply crate or bring your own food. Since I was by myself, I took my own food and also went to Kissamos for some fresh seafood. That said, I made ample use of their wine minibar that came in the shape of an old suitcase filled with delicious bottles from the neighboring vineyards.
Do book far in advance through their website as they book up quickly since there are only 2 cabins!
Numo Ierapetra
I am pretty sure NUMO will quickly become the best place to stay in Crete – at least for me because they seem to be the only luxury resort that has its own dive center!
Newly opened in 2021, barefoot luxury awaits with a design that is earthy yet sleek and a perfect mix between traditionally Cretan and minimalistic.
The communal spaces offer a choice of pool or sea with upscale beach bar vibes. If you prefer peace and quiet, choose one of the rooms with a private patio and deck to chill and soak up the beautiful surroundings.
The restaurants pay homage to Mediterranean cuisine with Menoa restaurant featuring contemporary Cretan dishes – have I mentioned that Cretan cuisine is one of my favorites?!
Phāea Cretan Malia
I never thought I would feature one of the best resorts in Crete for families on this blog considering that I am a solo traveler and usually try to stay away from places labeled ‘kid friendly’. But honestly, the Phāea Cretan Malia (formerly Cretan Malia Park) seems to merge the worlds of a chic design hotel and a family destination perfectly. For one, they are part of Design Hotels TM and offer sleek interiors, lots of nature, Cretan hospitality, and some great dining options on the property. In addition, they go all out when it comes to families with children of all ages. They have a Little Explorer Kids Club for smaller ones as well as a designated area for teenagers.
The rooms are super reasonably priced and you have a variety of categories, one of course being a designated bungalow for families.
Once you have settled into your room you can do as much or as little as you want as they also have a spa, sports courts, yoga area, beach club, movie nights, cooking courses, and so much more.
- Book a room at Phāea Cretan Malia on Booking
The Royal Senses
The Royal Senses is the first hotel in Crete that is part of the Hilton group but luckily it couldn’t be further from a typical hotel chain property. It is authentic Cretan, modern and spacious and many rooms even have a private pool if you like to splash without interruptions.
If that isn’t enough there are four more pools large enough to be sure you never have to fight over a sun lounger or a lane while swimming. And for young and old mermaids there is even an Aqua Splash Park.
When you are not splashing around you can visit their family farm where much of the hotel’s fruits and veggies are being grown or get a local Cretan treatment at the spa – think olive oil, carob, raki, honey, yogurt, and Cretan crocus – on your face, not on your plate for a change!
Kapsaliana Village Hotel
One of the best resorts in Crete, if you want to get an authentic idea of rural Cretan life, is the Kapsaliana Village close to Rethymnon.
Now a historic hotel, Kapsaliana Village was once an autonomous community thanks to its olive mill. Today it perfectly merges a luxury accommodation with bespoke experiences that give you a glimpse of traditional Crete.
The hotel has various rooms and suites all named after stars and constellations and there is a focus on wellness as well as excursions into the region. It is also the perfect place for foodies as produce is sourced from farms in the area as well as their own garden. Depending on your mood you can choose from traditional dishes or contemporary fine dining with a Cretan twist.
Domes of Elounda
Another luxury hotel in Crete that you shouldn’t miss is Domes of Elounda. Set right on the beach you have unspoiled views over the ocean and historic Sinalonga Island.
The hotel combines modern architecture with Greek traditions and charm. Art and sculptures are dotted around the property, there is an outdoor cinema and plenty of entertainment options without the dreaded feeling of being on a cruise ship.
Of course, foodies are well taken care of thanks to 4 restaurants and 4 bars that each offer something different – whether you are in the mood for a quick Greek salad or a gourmet dining experience.
Rooms are modern, minimalistic, and earthy and are designed in a way that showcases the beautiful setting – with views from your private pool or jacuzzi of course!
Minos Beach Art Hotel
Imagine a typical Cretan fishing village and mix it with a modern art museum – welcome to Minos Beach Art Hotel! Nature and art blend seamlessly together at this chic boutique hotel. The rooms and villas have a private pool and beach access – perfect for mermaids and those not in the mood to share a pool. And while they have an impressive 121 rooms there is nothing impersonal about Minos Beach – the service is bespoke and each room feels like your own private haven.
The restaurants offer modern Crete cuisine and ingredients are locally sourced – farm-to-table dining at its best. And while for some art on a plate might be enough, others may want something more. Lucky for those, 40 pieces of modern art are at the heart of the hotel, making it a cultural center in the region.
If you are looking for an Airbnb in Crete check out my road trip guide with some great options!
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