Local architect Konstantina Smponia and her firm Smponia have transformed four abandoned and derelict 19th-century Cretan waterfront leather tanning factories into a boutique hotel worthy of the Design Hotels designation it carries. The Tanneries Hotel & Spa is an excellent example of gentrification in the once-shunned Tabakaria neighbourhood, which, just 70 years ago, hosted more than 30 somewhat odorous leather processing factories.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The Tanneries Hotel & Spa Chania, Crete review

Old and new effortlessly combine

Heritage-protected, the buildings’ original characteristics have been preserved, while nods to the industrial history are evident throughout. Be it the imposing leather hide press in the lobby’s street-front windows, the glassed-over fresh water well remnants in the restaurant floor, or the large dyeing pond on the waterfront that is now the hotel’s outdoor plunge pool and Jacuzzi.

Less than two kilometres from Chania’s famous Venetian Harbour and Old Town, The Tanneries Hotel offers 20 roomy, airy, and bright suites, all overlooking the Aegean waterfront. Natural materials like stone, marble, and wood, along with glass and a primarily monochrome colour palette, combine for a clean and minimalist look.

The rooms

The Tanneries Hotel & Spa deluxe suite
Expect modern interiors with exceptional views

We stayed in an expansive 35 sq-m Junior Suite with superb waterfront views, a super-comfy king-sized bed, working desk, seating area, abundant storage space, and an impressive Italian travertine marble bathroom. This entry-level room was more than adequate for our needs.

The Nespresso coffee machine and Greek organic teas were appreciated. The Apivita toiletries – originating in Athens in 1979 with ingredients derived from local bee products, medicinal plants and enhanced by cutting-edge green cosmetology – were a welcome touch of luxury. That indulgence continued with the shower room and glorious rain shower. This pink-orange marble room with double seating was also our in-suite steam room, providing relaxing soaks after days out exploring Chania.

Slightly larger (40-45 sq-m) Deluxe Suites come with a small glass-sided balcony ideal for relaxing sundowners while taking in those Aegean views. With a bright and airy loft design, Superior Suites (60-70 sq-m) have a bedroom on the upper level and a Jacuzzi in the living room.

Top of the line, the Presidential Suite offers two master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms on the upper mezzanine level and a double Jacuzzi in the entertainment-friendly living room space below. All rooms have innovative environmental technology managing the suite’s energy and environment when guests are out.

Food and drink

On the waterfront level, just steps from the Aegean, house restaurant Periplous serves Cretan cuisine with a modern twist, using organic and fresh ingredients from local producers. From breakfast through dinner, guests can dine in the light and spacious indoors or on the restaurant’s seaside terrace.

Breakfast, starting at an exceptionally sensible 7am during our stay, exemplified the organic, fresh and Cretan cuisine theme with house-baked local-style breads, biscuits, and pastries. A honey selection, which the island is renowned for, offered nine distinct flavours. That local theme continued with traditional-style yoghurts, seasonal fruits, and many other items.

The breakfast offering combined a curated buffet and a la carte menu selection, and selecting the familiar or something decidedly Cretan in style was a cinch. Having the necessary Mimosa ingredients ready on the buffet, including a choice of two sparkling wines, added an extra zing to the breakfast offering.

Of an evening, Periplous’s menu has a seafood slant and alfresco dining on the outside terrace, complete with the gentle lapping of the sea waters as your soundtrack, is a must. A well-stocked wine list showcasing some of Crete and Greece’s best wines rounds out the dining choices.

Spa and other activities

The Tanneries Hotel & Spa indoor pool
Be sure to schedule some time to relax

The Tanneries’ wellness facilities occupy the remainder of the waterfront level. Like the guest suites, the Spa is swathed in marble and original stone. It offers a selection of body and massage treatments, again featuring the Apivita skincare range. Bespoke wood-trimmed modern gym equipment is available in the small, though more than adequate, fitness room.

Steam rooms sit between the indoor heated pool and the Spa. With its enormous picture windows, the indoor pool area connects directly with the outdoor Jacuzzi-plunge pool and waterfront sun terrace. You can grab some Vitamin D and take in Aegean views while soaking in what once was a hide-dyeing pond.

Things to do in the area

Chania’s Old Town and Venetian Port are only a 20-minute walk from the hotel. This scenic stroll is mainly along the seafront, passing carved-out swimming holes in the foreshore and the beach promenade of Akti Miaouli with its cafes and restaurants.

Within the hotel’s immediate neighbourhood are two highly-rated museums. Eleftherios Venizelos House showcases the home and life of the most prominent Greek politician and statesman of the early 20th century. While the new and architecturally striking Archaeological Museum of Chania offers a representative picture of the Chania region’s rich cultural identity from 7,000 BC to the 4th century AD.

The Tanneries Hotel & Spa’s design successfully combines preserving the area’s historic identity while providing a thoroughly modern and exceedingly comfortable environment for your next Chania stay. The property is a member of Marriott’s Design Hotels – a collection of 300+ independently owned and operated hotels rooted in design, locality, and culture.

Learn more about The Tanneries Hotel & Spa or Book through Booking.com

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