There are people who come to Chania for its maze of Venetian streets, timeworn pink façades, and a harbor that sparkles with history – and then there are those who head straight to Ammos. This seaside gem, just 4 km outside the buzzing centre, isn’t trying to be cool. It just is…
The Host
You get a taste of Ammos’ whimsical approach to hospitality right from the booking process. You can’t reserve any of its 33 rooms without filling in a form on the property’s website and then waiting for owner Nikos Tsepetis to personally reply. He hand-picks the room you’ll be allocated, making sure it’s the right one. Slightly mad? Yes. Completely brilliant? Also yes. It’s this level of detail – bordering on eccentric – that we love.
The Space
Set directly on the beach, the property’s low-slung whitewashed building looks modest from the outside but reveals a playful world inside. Reception and dining areas are welcoming, flooded with light, and visually stimulating; each object and design piece carries weight – in an unpretentious way. The Memphis Group-inspired objects and other significant artworks come from Nikos’s personal collection, carefully arranged and rearranged with a precise yet laid-back sense of fun. Between architecture books, unique designer chairs, and wildflowers picked by the manager (who also harvests vegetables for lunch!), we felt pretty at home pretty fast.
Outdoors, there are banana palm–shaded terraces, cactus gardens, a small pool with loungers, and a beachfront restaurant. The rooftop lounge (which doubles as a yoga space on certain mornings) opens a few days a week for cocktails around the marble bar, overlooking the sunset.
The restaurant
We loved the restaurant, because it’s thoughtful Greek food with no frills. Breakfast is a particular highlight and is charged separately. There’s an à la carte menu you can order from as many times as you like: homemade granola, local honey, creamy yogurt, overnight oats, seasonal fruit, eggs, and lentils. The real star, though, is the sourdough breads and pastries, freshly baked every morning at Red Jane – the state-of-the-art bakery Nikos opened in Chania town a few years ago.
The rooms
The rooms are simple, sunny, and smart. Soft white walls, graphic textiles, Mutina mosaic-tiled bathrooms, and breezy balconies facing the sea or garden. They’re not huge – but everything has its place. The basic kitchenettes come in handy for preparing a salad, and the beds are crisp and comfy. Most importantly: you fall asleep to the sound of the waves – after all: we are facing the sea here.
The beach
Right in front of the hotel lies a small, crescent-shaped bay with warm, shallow water – perfect for families with young children or anyone who just wants to float for hours. It can get crowded in high season due to neighboring hotels, but the comfortable sun loungers and friendly service make up for it.
Special Points
You can book a babysitter. Or a massage. Or ask the front desk to book a studio visit at a local ceramicist.
Ideal for
Young families with small children or any person who loves design and is “kids friendly.” In quieter seasons it charms solo travelers, relaxed couples and digital nomads.
A day in Chania
Getting there
Chania has its own international airport with direct flights and great service to Athens. The ferry though takes quite long from Athens.
Rates
Doubles from 160 euros.
Booking & Contacts
Ammos
Irakli Avgoula
Chania, Crete 731 00
