Last updated July 2018
Samaria Hotel in the heart of the business district of Chania is more of a business hotel than a typical tourist hotel. There are no apartments or opportunities for self-catering, only tastefully furnished rooms that ooze comfort. However, you do not have to be on a business trip to enjoy the Samaria Hotel. Both the old town and the Venetian harbor are within easy walking distance, as are a wide variety of eateries. The nearest beach is within a mile.
Professional and efficient check-in
We were met by a highly professional receptionist at the front desk at the Samaria Hotel. We arrived warm and tired after hiking the Deliana Gorge, and therefore much appreciated the quick and efficient check-in process.
A friendly bellman took care of our luggage and brought it up to the room. After a brief presentation of the room facilities, it was lovely to close the door and settle down on the soft beds. We immediately felt that this would be a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Premium twin room
The premium room we had booked was not particularly large, but the space was well utilized, and the room was stylishly furnished. The two extra wide twin beds naturally took up most of the space, yet the room also comprised a desk and a small seating area.
The air conditioning was both efficient and quiet, and cold water was waiting for us in the otherwise empty minibar. The bellman apologized for the lack of view from the balcony, but for us, it was only a plus that the room faced towards the quiet courtyard rather than the much busier street.
It should also be mentioned that the hotel is one the best-soundproofed hotel we have visited. During our stay, we never heard a single sound from either the outside, the neighboring rooms nor the hallway.
The bathroom was quite small but very delicate with marble tiles and a rain shower over the spacious bathtub. Inside the closet were lovely bathrobes and slippers.
Great ambiance at Samaria Hotel
The soft color scheme of the room matched the rest of the hotel and created a comforting atmosphere all around. The lobby had a piano and a small library for relaxation, and if you needed to do some work, there was a business room in the basement. In the basement was also a well-equipped fitness room.
The most inviting place at the hotel, however, was the pool area. During the day it was lovely to have a cooling swim here, while in the evening the area was transformed into a beautifully lit relaxation zone. Burning candles and mood lightning created an extra special ambiance.
Room Service
Samaria Hotel does not have a full-service restaurant but instead has a cafe-bistro called 1866. We did not eat at the bistro but ordered room service on one occasion. The menu had a good selection of dishes, and we ordered a late breakfast. The breakfast was fine, but not particularly memorable.
A delicious breakfast buffet
The complimentary breakfast buffet, on the other hand, deserves special praise. The buffet was very inviting and offered fruit and vegetables, eggs, bacon and smoked salmon along with many delicious Greek dishes. The baked goods were particularly fresh and tasted excellent.
Friendly waiters seated us at the table and were quickly on the spot to serve coffee or tea. Freshly squeezed juices and sparkling wine were in the buffet. We also liked the fact that one could choose whether to have breakfast in the breakfast room or outside by the pool.
Local surroundings
The area in the immediate vicinity of the hotel is the only thing that draws the overall impression a little bit down. The street in front of the hotel is extremely busy, and the bus terminal next door is a convenient, but not a particularly nice neighbor. However, we must emphasize that this was of little importance to us, as the charming old town only was a five-minute walk away.
Summary
Rarely do we visit hotels that deliver as well in all areas as the Samaria Hotel. At the Samaria Hotel, you will not get the most personal service, but you will have a comfortable stay where every detail is taken care of. After a day on the move, it was heavenly to get back to the cooling comfort of the hotel and charge our batteries before heading out for new adventures. You will not experience the authentic Greek way of living here, but in return, you get a lovely room with great beds and plenty of amenities. The Samaria Hotel is a business hotel perfect for tired tourists looking for a relaxing place to recharge!
Don’t miss!
-An evening visit to the pool area.
Tips:
Since the hotel is located next to the bus terminal, it is very easy to catch the airport shuttle from there. The ticket costs 2.5 EUR (in July 2018) and can be purchased at the ticket office at the terminal.