Crete Hotels

Hotel St Nicolas Bay

Village-style arrangement of simply furnished bungalows and suites, among lush gardens on a private headland 2km west of Agios Nikolaos. Three pools, five restaurants, four bars, private beach, antique shop, art gallery and boutique, billiards room, health centre and watersports centre. PO Box 47, GR-72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

Casa Delfino Suites

This sensitively restored Venetian mansion is close to the bustling harbourside, yet its elegant studios are quiet and private. Rooms are extremely well-furnished, combining all mod cons (Jacuzzi, minibar) with classic style; rooftop views over the castle, out to sea, and inland. Shady pebble-mosaic courtyard. Theofanous 9, 73100 Chaniá, Crete.

Hotel Nostos

Archetypal picture-postcard Greece: down a charming narrow pedestrian street in the heart of the old town, is this café/bar/hotel, painted in bright blue, yellow and pink. Small round café tables, rush chairs and pots of flowers complete the picture. The studio rooms have gallery beds and balconies with great views of the castle and the mountains. Zambeliou 42-46, 73131 Chaniá, Crete.

Suites Pandora

A peaceful location on a quiet street is one of the attractions of this small collection of suites in a 19th-century mansion. Others are the views of the old town and boats in the harbour, the attractive courtyard and balconies, and the rooftop café terrace. Rooms are furnished in simple traditional style, with double brass beds and stone-flagged floors. Lithinon 29, 73100 Chania, Crete.

Mythos Suites Hotel

l This 16th-century Venetian mansion is set on a quiet street in the picturesque old quarter of town, and is within easy walking distance of sights and beaches. It was tastefully restored in 1994, and great attention to detail has been paid in the lighting and decoration. Bright bar and breakfast area and sunny terraces. 12 Karaoli Square, 74100 Réthymno, Crete.

Vecchio Hotel

Apartments These attractive apartments provide excellent value. They are set in a quiet street in the heart of the old quarter; the building is new but decorated in pale blue and terracotta to fit the style of its medieval surroundings. The super pool is a real bonus. Rooms are simple and modern, well appointed and elegantly painted. Daliani 4, 74100 Réthymno, Crete.

Hotel Fortezza

This modern, family-run hotel may be short on charm but it’s long on facilities and has an excellent central location. Melissinou 16, 74100 Réthymno, Crete.