Imbued in many layers of history, Chania is a city of many textures and styles, and the most appealing places to stay make intelligent use of the city’s most attractive attributes – of which there are plenty. Some are housed inside restored houses in the Old Town, where the day begins with coffee, the opening of wooden shutters and leisurely strolls on calm, cobbled roads. Some face the sea in Tabakaria, the old tannery quarter of Halepa, and others still, spread along the coast west of town or out on Akrotiri, with pools, spas, beach access, children’s clubs, serious food and enough space for guests to stop performing tourism and simply remain happily in place.

This year, the choice has become even more impressive. New arrivals from Hilton and JW Marriott bring a bigger, more international resort approach to the region. The 10 places we list here were chosen for their sharp design, setting, gastronomy, wellness services or historic character among other features. They offer different versions of the same essential promise: Crete with taste, comfort and a proper sense of place.

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