Boutique Hotel Fortino

Behind its historic walls, Boutique Hotel Fortino occupies a renovated Venetian building with around 450 years of history. The original character remains part of the setting, alongside modern minimal furniture, warm décor, arches and works of art.

This is an aparthotel for travellers who would rather have a proper base than a standard room. You get a quiet address on a pedestrian street, but the lively Old Port starts almost immediately outside. English and Greek are the languages of the hotel's website, so English-speaking guests can get the essential information before arrival.

The mood is more old-town hideaway than resort complex. You can step out for the harbour, return to your apartment, and let the day wind down without needing another journey.

You are in Chania Town, Greece, at Radamanthous 10, in the centre of the Old Town and on the historic Venetian Port. The hotel sits on a pedestrian street, which keeps the immediate setting away from passing traffic while placing the seafront and Chania nightlife roughly 10 metres away. That is close enough to wander out for an evening drink without turning it into an expedition.

The Central Market is about a five-minute walk away, with cafés and restaurants spread through the lively surrounding neighbourhood. Historic sights are also close: the Venetian Neoria are about 200 metres away, the Folklore Museum of Chania about 650 metres away, and Firkas Fortress about 1 km away.

For swimming, Koum Kapi Beach is about 0.4 miles away on foot. Nea Chora Beach is around 1.1 miles away, while Chryssi Akti is about 2 miles away. Blue Adventures Diving Ltd is just 33 metres from the hotel, a useful detail when the day's plan starts with a dive rather than a museum.

The accommodation is arranged as spacious split-level apartments and suites, with lofts, a sitting area and a fully equipped kitchen. For a couple, the suite with its private hot tub gives the evening a little more room to unwind. If you are travelling with family or simply prefer separate zones, the split-level apartment layout makes more sense than a single open room.

Every accommodation type has a balcony with port and city views, air conditioning, soundproofing and a private bathroom. After salt, sun and a long day outside, the practical details matter: the refrigerator can hold cold water, the coffee machine and kettle cover the first drink of the day, and the dining table gives you somewhere to sort out tomorrow's plans without balancing everything on a suitcase.

The bathrooms come with either a spa bath or shower, as well as bathrobes, slippers, towels and toiletries. Daily housekeeping is included. Upper floors are reached by stairs only, so the split-level character comes with a straightforward caveat for anyone who would rather avoid steps. Cots are available for children aged up to two, while extra beds are not available.

Breakfast is served to go rather than as a hotel dining-room ritual. It is available at Neorio Moro, around 100 metres away, so you can collect something before heading out instead of waiting around for a long morning spread. For divers, that can be the difference between a calm start and watching the departure time disappear while still looking for coffee.

There is no hotel restaurant or bar described here, but the location does the heavy lifting once hunger returns. The old port, central market and surrounding streets are lined with cafés and restaurants, with options such as Deux Lux, Chania Irish Pub Conor Pass and Kross Coffee Roasters within walking distance.

The in-room kitchen gives you another option when a full meal feels unnecessarily ambitious. A stovetop, toaster, kitchenware, refrigerator, coffee machine and dining table are all in place, while the hotel leaves complimentary chocolates, marmalade, traditional spoon sweets and local spirits in every accommodation type.

Chania itself is the main activity once you are out of the water. The hotel sits within easy reach of the old harbour, Venetian buildings, museums, squares and the central market, so a cultural outing can be as simple as following the lanes without arranging a full-day excursion. The tour desk can help with exploring the city and Crete.

Back at the property, the hot tub provides the obvious place to put your feet up, particularly in the split-level suite. Massage is also available, and the balcony or terrace gives you somewhere to sit with a drink while the port carries on below. No forced entertainment, no timetable to obey. Just a base that lets you choose between another walk and doing absolutely nothing useful.

Bicycle rental, car hire and babysitting are available for guests who want to widen the radius or arrange an evening out. Children of any age are welcome, and books, DVDs or music for children are available for quieter time indoors.

Chania International Airport is about 7 miles away by road, and an airport shuttle is available to arrange with the hotel. Car hire is also available, while the old-town pedestrian setting means your final approach is on foot. Public parking is described close to the property, but the accommodation itself does not have its own parking facility.

Check-in runs from 14:00 to midnight and check-out from 07:00 to 11:00. The reception is not open around the clock, so your arrival time matters and should be arranged in advance. Private and express check-in and check-out are available, along with luggage storage and a tour desk.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Smoking is not allowed, quiet hours run from midnight to 09:00, and payment is by card rather than cash. Pets are welcome without an additional charge. The upper floors are accessible by stairs only, an important point if stairs are a concern after travel or with heavy luggage.