Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa — Hotel in Municipality of Chania

Where to begin....How about with the welcome, which was warm and enthusiastic. We felt truly appreciated for having chosen this hotel. Our sincere thanks to Orfeas, Antonis, Stephanos, Margarita and all their team (the very fact that I remember so many names tells you something about this place). ||Then there's the hotel itself -- a meticulously, ielegantly restored Venetian mansion with gorgeous, character-rich rooms that are the absolute opposite of what you'll find in a chain property. Beds are great, the bathrooms beckon, terraces are lovely... But the real star of Casa Delfino is its unbelievably serene courtyard where breakfast can be enjoyed in the morning, and aperitifs await you upon awakening from your siesta in the late afternoon. ||About breakfast: That, too, is a world apart from standard hotel fare. Every morning we were presented with a changing array of homemade breads, pastries and savory Cretan-style pies. Even the granola is homemade (we were told it's the proprietor's grandmother's recipe. I get the feeling that ownership also encourages the kitchen team to put their own cherished family recipes into rotation as well). And if you want something made to order -- maybe a few olive oil-fried eggs, fresh from the farm with their deep orange yolks – just ask. Honestly, we'd wake up each morning and the first thing we'd ask each other was, "I wonder what's for breakfast?" What a way to start the day. ||Another thing we loved: The owner is on-site almost all the time, and it's clear that she has a great rapport with both guests and front-of-house team. This is the kind of place where you feel like the staff really enjoy working here. There's no other way to explain their ever-present smiles and eagerness to indulge the guests. ||Gotta mention Casa Delfino's location in the heart of the old harbor -- maybe 50 meters from the sea as the crow flies. I'd go down to the waterfront to read my book at a cafe, knowing that the tranquility of my room was literally two minutes away.||Finally, I loved the trustworthiness of the hotel's recommendations for restaurants and activities. We never got the feeling that we were being steered to businesses owned by their friends. Recommendations were personalized for us -- and omg every restaurant was a home run, including Taman, a simply but intoxicating little place that's even less than a two-minute walk from the hotel.||BTW, we were there in late March and it was an ideal time to enjoy Chania. With tourists yet to arrive en masse, the seaside cafes and restaurants felt like they were ours alone. And even though Casa Delfino seemed to be more or less fully booked, that too felt like it was ours alone. I am...

Let's start with the welcome, which was gracious and sincere. The hotel staff acted like we'd done them an honor by choosing the Casa Delfino. In return, we just fell in love with them. Orfeas, Antonis, Stephanos, Margarita and all their team were unfailing kind to us (the very fact that I remember so many names tells you something about this place).

The hotel itself is an immacuately, tastefully restored Venetian mansion with gorgeous rooms that are the absolute opposite of what you'll find in a chain property. Beds are great. The bathrooms beckon (as do their amenities). Terraces are lovely. But for us the most special part of the hotel was its courtyard, an unbelievably serene space where breakfast is served in the morning, you can read a book in the afternoon or enjoy a coffee or aperitif post-siesta.

Regarding breakfast: It's far, far removed from standard hotel fare. Every morning we were presented with a changing array of homemade breads, pastries and savory Cretan-style pies. Even the granola is homemade (we were told it's the proprietor's grandmother's recipe. I get the feeling that ownership also encourages the kitchen team to put their own cherished family recipes into rotation as well). And if you want something made to order -- maybe a few olive oil-fried eggs, fresh from the farm with their deep orange yolks – just ask. Honestly, we'd wake up each morning and the first thing we'd ask each other was, "I wonder what's for breakfast?" What a way to start the day.

Notable about Casa Delfino: The owner is on-site almost all the time, and it's clear that she has a great rapport with both guests and front-of-house team. This is the kind of place where you feel like the staff really enjoy working here. There's no other way to explain their ever-present smiles and eagerness to indulge the guests.

Gotta mention the location in the heart of the old harbor -- just steps from the water. I'd go down to the harbor to read my book at a cafe, knowing that the tranquility of my room was literally two minutes away.

Finally, I loved the trustworthiness of the hotel's recommendations for restaurants and activities. We never felt steered to businesses owned by their friends. Recommendations were personalized for us (my advice: If they suggest a restaurant, go there. We loved every place they sent us).

I am definitely returning to Casa Delfino. In my dreams I've been back several...

Family of 4 visited first week of April. We debated staying at a resort outside Chania but ultimately settled on Case Delfino because wanted to be in the old city. This is the right choice!||From the beginning, this place is 5 stars- starting with arranging a taxi at Chania airport (for a very reasonable rate, 40 euros) that waited with our name. Driver took us to edge of old city and employee with golf cart was waiting for us with a smile. They whisked us to the hotel (few mins) and took our bags straight to our room. ||The hotel is breathtakingly beautiful- gorgeous inner courtyard (seating for all day, and where breakfast is served) with lots of room. Our suite was spacious and nicely appointed. There are stairs to walk up and down but that is to be expected in a historic home. Is a rooftop bar (opening up in a week or two I believe, but anyone has access now) providing amazing views of the old city and the harbor. The spa can be booked for two people and includes an hour massage and access to a jacuzzi and steam room (we booked and 100% recommend). Current bartender makes a great drink.||Staff is A+ is every way- patient, with service that is not over or under "done", always just the right touch. And always starting with a smile to walk us through a map or provide unbiased restaurant recommendations (and help with reservations). Really anything you could want (or need), the staff is there to help.||Location is perfect- you exit the residence and are immediately surrounded by the old town and its alleyways. The harbor is 2 minutes away. And when it is time for a mid day break, the hotel is always close.||We met the owner a few times, along with her family. She always approached us to confirm our stay was satisfactory and ask if we needed anything. She helped us arrange a last minute boat tour with only two hours notice. I would also say its clear the owner has great rapport with the staff.||The breakfast is fantastic- many homemade Crete options (pies, deserts, fresh fruits). And they will cook a custom omelet.||All in all, this is a fantastic option for anyone wanting old world charm mixed...