Greece: The Five Best Crete Hotels
Crete Has the Best Hotels in the Greek Islands, From Spas to Palaces
Crete is the biggest of the Greek islands and has some of the country's best hotel accommodation, ranging from super spas and chic boutique hotels, to historic houses
Crete is by far the biggest of the Greek islands, and the Cretans regard themselves almost as a separate nation. They say they are Cretans first and Greeks second. Crete is 155 miles (250 kms) from east to west, and ranges between 9 miles (14 kms) and 37 miles (60 kms) between the north and south coasts. The sheer size of the island means that there is plenty of choice of everything, from unspoilt mountain villages to busy beach resorts, and there's also a wide variety of hotels to choose from too. Here is a small select choice of arguably the five best Crete hotels.
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BEST CRETE HOTELS: Elounda Mare Hotel, Elounda
Easily the best resort hotel on Crete, if not the whole of Greece. The Elounda Mare is a hotel in the best luxury tradition, with 215 suites and villas – nothing as mundane as a simple room. Some of the villas are in their own private areas and pools, and there are golf, tennis, watersports and other leisure facilities. If you want pampering, this is the place to be.
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BEST CRETE HOTELS: Istron Bay Hotel, Istro, Agios Nikolaos
You could almost drive right by the Istron Bay, as it is built right into a cliff and the entrance from the coast road that goes by is actually on top of the hotel. Below are several floors of spacious rooms, all with their own large balconies overlooking the secluded bay in which the hotel sits. The hotel's restaurant has won awards for its gourmet cuisine, so lovers of good food should make their way to the Istron Bay.
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BEST CRETE HOTELS: Palazzo Rimondi, Xanthoudidou 21, Rethymno
Several 15th-century Venetian houses form the palatial Rimondi, hidden away in the back streets of Rethymno's Old Town. There are 21 rooms which would be better described as mini-suites, and although lots of the original features of the buildings have been retained, the rooms themselves are stylish and modern with every convenience. The Palazzo Rimondi is for those who like to indulge in comfort but be steeped in history.
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BEST CRETE HOTELS: Casa Delfino, Theofanous 9, Chania
Chania is the loveliest town on Crete, its Venetian harbor is one of its most attractive features and this, the best hotel in Chania, has a private roof terrace overlooking the harbor. The 17th-century former palace is hidden away in the old part of Chania, and the rooms are off a beautiful central courtyard. They all have marble jacuzzi baths as standard, as well as satellite TVs and air-conditioning.
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BEST CRETE HOTELS: Casa Leone, Theotokopoulou 18, Chania
In the back streets of Chania's Old Town, but with a rooftop terrace overlooking the lovely Venetian harbor, the 'House of the Lion' is a 600-year-old mansion that has been impeccably restored with period furniture to keep that classical look, but with modern conveniences. Some rooms also overlook the port, and others the private hotel garden. Try to get a port view, if you can.
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