Kalimera Hotel — Hotel in Municipality of Chania

We toured the island of Crete for 10 days and we were nowhere as disappointed as at Kalimera Hotel. We paid more than in other places as it was our last night in Crete and we wanted somewhere with a sea view and swimming pool close to Chania so we can have a nice view and a swim both in the sea and in swimming pool before leaving and a nice atmosphere for our last night. First, I was driving from eastern Crete for some hours and our entire holiday atmosphere was great before getting to Kalimera Hotel. I had some trouble in finding the hotel as it has the entrance in between two buildings that are shops and finally when we entered in the parking lot, a young lady came fast and said: ‘Are you looking for something? May I help you?’ It was clear from the way she addressed that she speaks English and by no means was she there to welcome us or at least say kalimera (a good day!) as anyone before. And the hotel is called Kalimera!! I was afraid I entered the wrong place and I hoped it will all clear out. When I explained her we have a booking and we were a bit lost she promptly said ‘You should have called!’ and asked for my ID and to go to one room that was the reception (she stressed) as I should have seen it before entering even if there was no sign. She said she would keep my ID and that our room was number 14 first floor in the building after parking and we should find the keys in the door. It was actually the cleaning lady that I met on the stairs that helped me find the room and the only nice person around. It was the first time in my life that someone said to me with no hello - go search for the room and you’ll find the keys in the door. When I returned for my ID the young lady was working in the shop in front (not at the reception!) and also gave me immediately the invoice and told me she had already charged me for the room. It was the first place I was charged before actually seeing the room. Definitely this was the worst I’ve seen in Crete after I met for 10 days so many nice and hospitable people on the amazingly beautiful island. So I can say it’s not normal behavior for Crete but very abnormal. The room was acceptable as space – except the bathroom shower or the kitchenette that is at the entrance and probably if you use it all the smells will stay in the room - but we had better for half that price. The sea view was actually an effort of imagination as the view from the terrace was blocked by the buildings with the shops facing the street coming of course with all its noise and chaos of many buildings crowded one next to the other. The restaurant in the right front made enough smoke in the evening so you cannot even imagine where the sea is. It was like a cheap holiday in a ridiculous place with strange 70’s music coming from not far by discotheque. Internet even if mentioned to be free on booking.com and accessible anywhere was not working in the room or even from the terrace since the modem was in the shop 30 meters away. Maybe the parking in between is the hot spot! We lost our mood completely for the night and only in the morning we decided to have a swim in the swimming pool that was opaque, warm and dirty at 8.00 o’clock in the morning as the water seemed not to be changed for a week. We had swimming pool in every place we stayed in Crete and nowhere were like that. So, the sea view and swimming pool money we spent were totally wasted, as was our mood and happiness we charged with while in Crete. A terrible choice and a bed example for Crete! Above all, the lack of hospitality was at least rude if that’s the business they decided to pursue. Our last day in Crete was ruined and I would recommend anyone I know...

We had a great stay at Kalimera Hotel in July 2022. The room was basic, the mattress was quite firm, there was a decent small kitchenette and fridge, room was very clean and had everything you need including AC, a hairdryer, hangers, shampoo, nice bathroom/ shower, and there is onsite parking if you decide to rent a car. The cleaners were very thorough and came everyday.

Agia Marina is a great base for travelling around the island and sightseeing. There is also a lovely blue flag beach opposite the hotel with clear waters. Hotel Kalimera is about 9km from Chania old town where there are nice restaurants and lots to see. The hotel is right near the bus stop that goes straight to Chania and it costs about €3 for a return, buses are regular and run till about 1am and depending on the traffic the trip can take between 10 and 35 minutes.

The hotel location is easy to find - we got a taxi from the airport in the middle of the night and it cost about €40. On the way back, we got the bus to Chania and then to the airport, it was very easy and cheap. The hotel reception is not 24 hours so if you arrive at a late time email Katerina to help arrange the room and key for you! We also paid €25 extra to keep the room longer as our flight home was late. Katerina was lovely and extremely helpful - she also responded quickly to all our emails and whatsapp messages prior to our arrival and was always happy to help us...

The room itself was nice, as described, with working AC and very comfortable bed. However, the family that owned the hotel/mini market were rude and hardly acknowledged us our whole 3 week stay. They literally yelled at us and lectured us when we asked for an extra set of towels one day. The cleaning lady was polite and helpful, and kept our room very clean. The internet didn't work in the room -- you have to be on the balcony to get a decent signal, but unfortunately there were a lot of mosquitos on the balcony when we were there in June. Also a neighboring hotel had very loud entertainment a few times a week that was hard to block out when you try to sleep. Otherwise it was quiet because it sits back from the road...