Small hotel in the Splantzia quarter of the Old Town, set back from the busiest harbour-front streets.
Madame Hortense is a small hotel at 37 Gavaladon Street in the Splantzia quarter of the Old Town of Chania, Crete. Splantzia is the district just east of the Venetian harbour, centred on a shaded square with cafes and the church of Agios Nikolaos, and it is quieter than the harbour-front streets, which is the main reason visitors choose to stay here. The Venetian harbour, the lighthouse and the main shopping lanes are a short walk away, as are the Archaeological Museum and the covered municipal market, so the whole historic centre can be explored on foot. Like most of the Old Town, the surrounding streets are narrow and mostly pedestrian, and visitors with luggage should expect to walk the final stretch from the nearest road access. The property is listed in the mid-range category, with double rooms, junior suites and suites, and typical high-season prices of roughly EUR 85-170 per night for a double. Rooms have air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and breakfast is available, with restaurants and bars nearby rather than a large dining operation on site. The character of the stay comes from the setting: Splantzia mixes Venetian and Ottoman architecture, with stone facades, wooden balconies and courtyards, and the evening atmosphere is lively around the square yet calmer than the waterfront. The small scale suggests personal service more typical of a boutique guesthouse than a chain hotel, which suits couples, solo travellers and visitors who prefer a residential feel to a resort. There is no recorded spa, pool or fitness room, so visitors wanting a beach day usually use local buses or taxis to reach the sand west of the city or the city beaches. Chania is also the starting point for many excursions across western Crete, including the Samaria Gorge, Balos lagoon and Elafonisi, which are generally reached by organised coach or rental car from the bus station and rental offices a short distance from the Old Town. Summer is busy and rooms in Splantzia tend to be limited in number, so advance booking for June to September is wise.
| Price | EUR 85-170 per night (~$98-195 USD), typical high-season (Jun-Sep) double room, indicative not live |
|---|---|
| Address | 37 Gavaladon Street, 731 32 Chania |
Room types
- Double room
- Junior suite
- Suite
Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
- Breakfast available
- Restaurant or bar nearby
Location
37 Gavaladon Street, 731 32 Chania
35.5155, 24.0200 View on map
Highlights
- Quiet Splantzia quarter location set back from the busy harbour-front
- Short walk to the Venetian harbour, lighthouse and municipal market
- Double rooms, junior suites and suites with air conditioning and Wi-Fi
- Small-scale property with a boutique feel and breakfast available
Tips for visiting
- Splantzia square has cafes and bars; ask about room position if sensitive to evening noise.
- Plan to walk the final stretch with luggage, as vehicle access in the Old Town is limited.
- Book well ahead for June to September, since small properties have few rooms.
- Prices of about EUR 85-170 are indicative; verify current rates directly with the property.
- Early morning is the best time to photograph the empty lanes of the quarter.
When to visit
Late spring and early autumn combine warm days with calmer lanes; midsummer is hot and busy, though the Splantzia quarter remains quieter than the harbour.
Accessibility
The Old Town has cobbled, uneven streets and many historic buildings with stairs, so step-free access cannot be assumed. Visitors with mobility needs should ask the hotel about room location and lift access before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Madame Hortense located?
It is at 37 Gavaladon Street in the Splantzia quarter of the Old Town of Chania, east of the Venetian harbour.
Is the area noisy?
Splantzia is generally calmer than the harbour-front, though the square has cafes and bars that can be lively on summer evenings.
Is breakfast offered?
Breakfast is listed as available, and many cafes and restaurants are within a few minutes' walk.
What room types are available?
Double rooms, junior suites and suites are listed, all with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.