Ionas Boutique Hotel, Crete
In the historic Splantzia quarter of Chania, Crete, Ionas Boutique Hotel is a beautifully reconstructed architectural treasure. The building’s foundation dates all the way back to 1538, carrying centuries of stories within its walls. It serves as a living timeline of Chania’s complex past, showcasing a brilliant blend of Venetian and Ottoman design elements that have been carefully restored using traditional building techniques.
The hotel’s physical structure boasts some truly remarkable features, including original 16th-century Venetian stone archways at the entrance and a meticulously recreated Ottoman wooden facade. Inside, a custom-crafted wood and iron staircase acts as a structural centerpiece, guiding guests through a layout adorned with decorative stained-glass windows and custom handmade furniture.
The property has been in the current owner’s family since 1929, when his great-grandparents arrived in Crete from Asia Minor during a major historical population exchange. Even more fascinating is the family’s deep Cretan lineage dating back to 1400; historical family records indicate they are actually related to the mother of the legendary Renaissance painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, universally known as El Greco.
With just nine uniquely styled rooms, the hotel balances its rich history with modern comforts, featuring therapeutic orthopedic mattresses and hydro-massage showers. Guests can start their mornings with a fresh, made-to-order traditional breakfast served on a scenic roof terrace, which offers a peaceful escape overlooking the charming, winding alleyways of Chania’s Old Town.
Its central location makes exploring the area incredibly easy. The vibrant Venetian Harbor is just a short five-minute walk away, placing guests close to iconic sights like the Firkas Fortress and the Maritime Museum of Crete. A handful of local gems are right on your doorstep too, including the historic Church of Agios Nikolaos and the unique, ancient Etz Hayyim Synagogue.
Expert reviews
“In the quieter Splantzia quarter, Ionas is housed in a historic building with contemporary interior design and friendly owners. The nine charming rooms are kitted out with all mod cons (including a spa bath in one) and share a rooftop terrace.”
What guests liked
- Central location
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
- Free Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
12 September 2025
Relaxing but close to the busy centre , this hotel has such a great vibe , very chilled nothing was too much trouble
The staff were super friendly and welcoming, breakfast was traditional and beautifully presented in a picturesque court yard. the hotel decor was beautiful and very traditional, the location was excellent for the town centre just a minutes walk away. Could not fault it at all xx
Nothing
12 September 2025
Superb and I would have no hesitation in recommending
Excellent Boutique family run Hotel our second visit.
Nothing
8 August 2025
Will definitely stay again. Great location, helpful staff, great breakfasts. Could not ask for more!
Location, Location! Old town vibes just superb
7 August 2025
Central. Amazing Breakfast. Helpful Staff
Central. Friendly staff. Amazing Breakfast.
Nothing much
23 July 2025
Perfect Location, Amazing Family Owners
The location is fantastic. But the best part was the staff, the mom and Sophiana were so sweet and incredibly helpful with our group of 18. Sophiana grew up there so she called ahead for reservations for us and even had a car arranged within hours and delivered to the hotel that morning. The air conditioning was excellent as we were there in the middle of a heat wave. The breakfast was phenomenal each day as well! This is a top family run establishment in a great location. Will be staying there again when we return to Chania!
21 July 2025
Great family vacation!
Excellent staff! All of our needs were met! Lovely location. Could walk to everywhere.
18 July 2025
We had a wonderful time in Chania town the accommodation made it even better.
The staff were extremely helpful we had a delayed flight and they stayed to help us with check in. The location was so convenient and close to the old town. Couldn’t fault at all.
15 July 2025
Perfect location and super nice staying.
Everything is perfect! The room is super clean and new. I love the terrace they have in common area, we are group of 7, and we were able to hangout together in the evening. Hotel people weee super nice, breakfast was delicious, every day was a little different. We will come back again!
Nothing
12 July 2025
Wonderful Stay at Ionas
The location is fantastic. The wood detailing throughout is absolutely gorgeous. The breakfast is tops. But most of all it’s the staff. The clearly care about their guests and are incredibly helpful and friendly. We were a group of 18 and it was seamless!
7 July 2025
This hotel is run by a beautiful and friendly family who will take care of you from start to end making you feel special
The hotel is beautiful, the rooms are lovely and most of all very clean
28 June 2025
If I am wver back to Chania I would book the place again for sure.
Excellent location and nice family owned place
Maybe not that great for very small kids, perfect option for couples and adult visitors.
26 June 2025
A wonderful stay in a beautiful location!
Breakfast was wonderful! We were located within walking distance to every thing. Staff was extremely attentive and helpful! One of the best places we have stayed in EU. They even found a hair stylist for me for our photo shoot.
Nothing!
22 June 2025
It was wonderful with the best run hotel we have stayed in!
Great location! Staff is outstanding and so accommodating! Loved our whole time here!
Nothing!
14 June 2025
A wonderful experience!
Ionas Hotel was outstanding. It’s only a couple minutes walk to the main area and is situated within Old Chania. The staff was the best, helping us nail down our itinerary and enjoy our stay. The breakfast was amazing. I have nothing to say other than amazing!
12 June 2025
Comfortable, Clean and Accomodating! Very close to the main town-A very short walk.
This is really a very beautiful Boutique Hotel that is spotlessly clean. It is family run and they pay attention to detail. The breakfast is awesome and I would recommend adding that feature to your stay. I loved this place
It really isn't something I disliked but I would like to recommend adding a full-length mirror and an Iron to the room
7 June 2025
Lovely hotel in a quiet corner of Chania
The welcome and continued interest from the family owners, super breakfasts and well appointed rooms. Situated in a quiet corner (of an otherwise busy Chania 'old town'), with an excellent small restaurant 15 metres from the hotel.
5 June 2025
Charming little gem in the old town
Excellent location in the old town. The property is down a charming walk-way which is tucked away and protected from the noise of the al fresco dining nearby, yet this is less than 2 minutes away. Lovely family who owns and runs the hotel. Very special freshly made breakfasts and good coffee. Good air-con and wifi. Very glad to have stumbled upon this little gem.
Nothing.
27 May 2025
It’s a family run hotel and the family are absolutely lovely, helpful and courteous. I want to say a particular thank yo
Everything! It’s tasteful and understated, but has everything from a lovely terrace to sit and chill to lovely setting for breakfast outside under lovely umbrellas.
Nothing, for me it was really super.
10 May 2025
Wonderful boutique hotel in a picturesque quiet part of the city
The perfect boutique hotel. Lovely breakfast, wonderful staff, superb location, clean and unique rooms.
Nothing springs to mind
5 May 2025
perfect base for exploring Chania
Loved the charming and quiet location, friendly staff and delicious breakfast
there is nothing I did not like.
20 April 2025
Would stay there again & highly recommend
The charm of the hotel & the staff were amazing
16 December 2024
Excellent stay and excellent staff, all were very hopeful.
I did not try the breakfast however, I was very satisfied with the café options.
Wish there a Spa at this location
10 November 2024
NICE STAFF, GREAT LOCATION, NICE SIZE BED AND LOVELY CLEAN AND TIDY MODERN ROOM
NO BREAKFAST AS OFF SEASON, BUT NO PROBLEM, LOCATION WAS EXCELLENT, ROOM CLEANED EVERY DAY AND FRESH TOWELS IF NEEDED, AND STAFF VERY PLEASANT AND EASY TO TALK WITH.
A BREAKFAST IN THE MORNING WOULD HAVE BEED GOOD, BUT OUR STAY WAS OFF SEASON.
28 October 2024
Beautiful hotel in a lovely part of Old Town, would definitely return.
Sofianna was always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, giving us tips on local beaches to visit (Marathi was our favourite) and local places to eat. Our room was spotlessly clean, breakfast was outstanding and personalised. The soundproofing on the windows was amazing, it blocked out all external noise. We were in the newer building with only 1 room on each floor which made it very private.
Stairs are quite steep with no lift in the newer building, something to be aware of although the older side did have a lift.
17 October 2024
Great location and accommodation in Old Town
Excellent location in Old Town, easily walkable to all places and also meet up locations for tours. Quiet at night, excellent rooms and beds were comfortable. Staff was very helpful. Staff helped us find parking
Would recommend
16 October 2024
Really enjoyable one-week break
An excellent family run hotel. Very friendly and helpful staff. Convenient central location easy walking in the local streets and to the harbour. Nice breakfast with base theme and daily variations served in a cosy outdoor courtyard. Great choice of local restaurants
Very little. One very minor issue which could improve: Fridge and kettle shared one socket so to use the kettle you have to disconnect the fridge!
Hotel facilities
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Hiking (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Diving (additional charge)
- - Horse riding (additional charge)
- - Snorkelling (additional charge)
- - Yoga classes
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Reception services
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Private check-in/check-out
Business facilities
- - Fax/photocopying
Kitchen
- - Shared kitchen
Food & Drink
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

17 September 2025
I highly recommend