CreteTravel

Mama Nena Charming Hotel

Our View

Mama Nena Charming Hotel is a small, family-run boutique hotel in the Old Town of Chania, Crete and is open all year round. A great place located at the waterfront of venetian harbour and has both a front view (with stunning sea views) and a back view: the lighthouse and the sea and the picturesque narrow streets of the Old Town.

Mama Nena Charming Hotel, a great, small, hospitable boutique hotel with breakfast in the heart of Chania's charming Old Town, with views over the picturesque harbourfront with its Venetian lighthouse and the sea.

Mama Nena is a charming, stylish, family-run boutique hotel with a homey atmosphere, open all year round – a superb option to enjoy this lovely small town and unique West Crete. The hotel has both a front view and a back view: the lighthouse and the sea to the north and the picturesque, narrow streets of the Old Town against the backdrop of the beautiful White Mountains or “Lefka Ori” to the south.

Matina, Yiorgos, or Eleni welcome you warmly as you head up the aged wooden stairs and find yourself in a warm, dove grey breakfast area. Breakfasts are the full Cretan style with home-made delicacies and preserves (some of them prepared by their mother Nena), fresh fruits, and produce from the family farm, as well as other eclectic and traditional products.

It is their mother, Nena, who lived here as a girl and whose family heirlooms - a mannequin dress form, a battered leather suitcase - lie artfully scattered around, hallmarks of personal history. The 15th century 4-story house used to be their mother's home. The building has been fully restored with particular emphasis on quality and authenticity. The modern and minimalist surroundings recapture the atmosphere of the townhouse at the beginning of the 20th century.

Mama Nena Boutique Hotel offers one double room and 2 suites, each exhibiting the same refreshing style and attention to detail, but with their own individual décor.

Each room and suite is located on a separate floor of the building and each has a sea view overlooking Chania's picture-perfect harbourfront. The suites offer additional views to the picturesque back streets of the Old Town against the backdrop of the White Mountain range.

Why We Like It

- Stunning, beautiful, tasteful, individualistic boutique hotel with great views and location.

- Personal and friendly service. Best value for money to stay in Chania picturesque town.

- Central location in the Venetian Old Town of Chania.

Good to know

- Despite the best quality sound insulation and double-glazed windows, you might experience some noise from the busy pedestrian streets around, especially if you sleep with the windows open. We advise you to use the A/C instead.

- This is a historical Venetian building with 3 floors and without a lift (elevator). Please discuss with us if you think walking up the staircase to your room might be a problem.

- Availability is likely to become a problem. Make your booking as soon as possible.

- No twin rooms, but the two suites could be used as twins if one person sleeps on the sofa bed.

The Rooms

Mama Nena charming hotel comprises of one double room and two two-room suites, all furnished and fitted with distinctive furniture and furnishings.

Each room and suite is located on separate floors of the building and has a sea view overlooking Chania's picture-perfect harbourfront. The suites offer an additional view to the picturesque back streets of the Old Town against the backdrop of the White Mountain range.

The double room and the suites are fitted with air conditioning/heating units and have double glazed windows. They are furnished with a double bed, refrigerator, LCD Television, DVD & CD player and a safe deposit box. Each accommodation has a direct dial telephone and free internet access. In the en suite bathrooms, guests will find bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer. All personal care products are natural.

Mama Nena maintained a fine balance between the old and the new to provide maximum comfort and aesthetic appeal. Carefully restored furniture, fixtures, and objects blend in harmony with the comforts of a modern room.

Matina (up to 2 People - 28m2 - 4m Ceilings) is the Double room on the first floor of the building. It has a balcony with an impressive view of the old port, the lighthouse and the sea.

Argyri one-bedroom suite (up to 4 People) is on the 2nd floor of the building. The sitting area (which accommodates two additional persons in a double-bed sofa) has a fantastic view of the old port, the lighthouse, and the sea. The bedroom, situated at the rear of the hotel, overlooks the Old Town.

Stella one-bedroom suite (up to 4 People) is on the 3rd floor of the building. The sitting area (which accommodates two additional persons in a twin-bed sofa) has access to a private terrace that looks onto the Old Town against the backdrop of the White Mountain range. The bedroom, separate and situated at the front of the hotel, offers an impressive, unobstructed sea view overlooking the old port and the lighthouse. Stella is offered also as a honeymoon suite.

Mama Nena (6-10 People) that means that you would like to book the whole building: 1 double room on the first floor, 1 two-room suite on the second floor, 1 two-room suite on the third floor and sitting area on the first floor

Eating

Breakfast is served in the kitchen area. Breakfasts are full Cretan style breakfasts with home-made delicacies and preserves (some of them prepared by their mother Nena), fresh fruits and produce from our family farm, as well as other eclectic and traditional products.

Mama Nena doesn't serve any other meals, but that's no hardship with so many eateries on your doorstep at Chania's town.

Chrisostomos is an excellent place if you would like to sample well-cooked Cretan food and drink. Starters are great and the main dishes are excellent.

For more eateries in the Chania region.

Kids

The two suites of Argyri and Stella have an additional double sofabed in a separate sitting room, which can sleep 1-2 children and could be most suitable for families.

Children aged 2-16 are charged whereas children under 2 years are free, with baby cots provided.

Best for Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)

Activities

Relax back on your balcony as the sun sets and enjoy the view.

Explore the old city of Chania, walk along the narrow streets with the old building, browse through the small shops with leather goods and ceramics. Visit the main market and buy from here honey, herbs, cheese, olive oil.

On the west side of the Old Port, in the neighborhood of Topanas with its narrow paved streets, the visitor comes across manors with elaborately decorated facades and houses with architectural ornamentation. The Naval Museum of Crete in the Fort Firkas and the Byzantine collection of Chania housed in the church of San Salvatore (15th - 17th centuries AD) nearby are of great interest.

Visit the nearby synagogue and on Halidon street the church of St. Frangiskos. The church today houses the town's archaeological museum in which treasures from the Minoan to the Hellenistic period are exhibited. Visitors interested in ecclesiastic monuments can also see on Halidon street the Catholic Church, and just opposite the Catholic Church the Greek Orthodox Cathedral with its exquisite frescos.

Walking down the quay of the old port, starting from the Sintrivani square, one passes in front of the mosque (1645) and will find oneself opposite the harbor front which extends up to the Lighthouse. A little further away, the ruins of 7 out of the original 17 shipyards (Neoria) can be found (14th - 16th centuries AD). The Big Arsenal, which today is used as a conference and exhibition centre is an impressive landmark. Along the harbour front, small cafeterias and restaurants offer the visitor an opportunity to taste delicious Cretan dishes. On the hill of Kasteli the excavations of Minoan Kydonia and the ruins of the church of St. Maria of Mirakoli (1615) give an idea about the continuous habitation of the town through the centuries.

Along the "stivanadika" Street, which is one of the most popular, one can buy leather products. Nearby is the Public Art Gallery. In the old neighborhood of Splantzia with its narrow streets and the small houses, visitors can see the former monastery οf St. Nicholas (1204) with a bell-tower and minaret, and the small church of St. Rokkos (1630). The church of St. Anargyri (16th century AD), nearby, is famous for its decoration and the icons on the gilded wood-carved iconostasis.

Outside the Old Town fortification, to the east, we come across Koum-Kapi quarter, one of the most developed areas in Chania with bars and restaurants, a favorite meeting place for young people. A little further, in the neighborhood of Halepa one can admire the "neoclassical" architecture of many Manors and Villas built at the end of the 19th century, such as the palace of Prince George, the house of Eleftherios Venizelos and the French School (1860).

In the town of Chania, besides the Old Town and some historical districts, one can also visit many other monuments and places of interest: the municipal park (1870) with its clock, the market (a cross-shaped building dating from 1913, with hundreds of small shops that sell Cretan products), the building of the courthouse and the prefecture, the Venizelion School of Music, the Historical Archives Museum, the War Museum and the Museum of Chemistry.

At the border of the town with the Akrotiri area, there are the graves of Eleftherios and Sofocles Venizelos. The site offers a panoramic view of Chania and its surroundings. In Chania, there is also the Polytechnic University of Crete and the Technological Education Institute of Crete.

In the past, the town of Chania was a crossroads between the East and the West for many centuries. For this reason, it was claimed by its enemies and suffered the presence of many conquerors. In the present, the town of Chania has managed to preserve its cultural heritage and traditional architecture and to successfully combine it with its modern lifestyle. That's why, whatever the season is, Chania remains an ideal holiday destination.

A trip by car I would suggest: To "Therissos" - you drive through a beautiful gorge. The village itself is historic and has some good tavernas like "Andartis". But if you have time, you can continue further to Zourva and come down to Chania again via Meskla. This is a spectacular drive (if the atmosphere is clear and not too hazy), marked on some maps as unpaved - but it is now paved. Just after Zourva, there is a taverna on its own with glass windows with 360 views and good local food.

Go for hiking through the Samaria Gorge, 18km long, that ends up on the south coast, at the village of Agia Roumeli, It takes 5-6 hours to pass it, so be prepared, take with you a snack, your hat, hiking shoes and an abundant supply of water.

Next to Samaria gorge is the gorge of Agia Irini, this is a shorter and easier one. It ends up at the Sougia Village also on the south coast.

Go for climbing or just hiking at White Mountains (Lefka Ori) on the slope of Gingilos(2000 m), reached from Omalos.

Visit the peninsula of Chania. There are three monasteries up there. Agia Triada, Gouverneto and a ruined one, Katholiko, You need to hike from Gouverneto to Katholiko, the path is short and easy, and you get impressed when you face the ruined monastery in front of you. Very close to Katholiko is a small beach, a perfect place for swimming.

For sunbathing, we propose Falasarna Beach, a long beach 4 km long, on the west coast. A part of the beach is well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, this part attracts many people, but the rest of the beach is very quiet, The beach is so long that you will find a nice place to relax.

Or maybe you prefer to drive a bit further for a truly idyllic beach, drive 2 hours southwest to Elafonisi, we prefer the Kedrodasos (cedar forest).

Take the ferry to Gramvousa Island one of the small satellite islands of Crete. It is situated on the northwest side of the island and can be reached by boat in about an hour from the town of Kastelli Kissamos. The ferry that will take you there leaves in the morning and sails close to the coastline allowing you to take a good look at the landscape and the phenomenon of land elevation by six to nine meters above sea level (you can see the difference in the color of the rocks - the west of Crete has been rising out of the sea while the east has been sinking for the last 2000 years).

More activities around Chania.

House Rules

Check-in: 13.30 pm
Check out: 12.00 pm

Time of delayed departure: 18.00 pm In case of a delayed departure, there will be an additional charge of 50% of the price of the room.

Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season.

Single occupancy of the Standard double room has a 10% discount.

Each additional adult for Suites will be charged at 35€ per night.

MHTE: 1042Κ050Β0195501

How To Get There

Mama Nena charming hotel is located in the Old Town of Chania. All the main attractions are easily accessible on foot and the closest beach is about 0.5 km away.

By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania (17 km from the Hotel) and, more frequently, to the capital Heraklion (140 km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.

By Sea
"The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda port (8 km from the Hotel), or Heraklion port (140 km). Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.

By Car
If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We suggest our sister website, which offers competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.

By Taxi
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through CreteTravel.com

Facilities

Dining: The hotel offers a fully Cretan breakfast, that is included in the rate. No other meals are served

Communal areas: There's a lovely communal breakfast room and a small library/reception room downstairs.

Internet Access: Wifi Internet

Swimming Pool: Not available

Spa Treatments: Not available

Disabled Access: Not suitable

Pets: Pets not allowed

Languages Spoken: Greek, English, Russian

Parking: Free municipal parking is available 300m (5min walk) from the hotel

Good to Know: Dry-cleaning and laundry service are available upon request

Keep it Green: Energy-saving lighting, Recycling of glass, plastic and other packaging, Environmentally friendly toiletries, Local, organic produce for breakfast

Air - Conditioning
Open in Winter
Sea View
Restaurants nearby
Concierge Service
Public Parking (nearby hotel)
Guest Computer
WiFi Internet
Breakfast
Accepted Credit Cards
Library
Smoke Detectors & Fire Extinguishers
Organic Toiletries
Non Smoking
Central Heating
Pets Not Allowed
City Style
Honeymoon
Romantic
Architecture & Style
Foodie
Family Rooms

rooms types

Matina (Double Room)

35 m2. Standard Double room on the first floor, en suite shower room, balcony with views to the old port, private entrance, soundproofing windows.

Air - Conditioning
Sea View
WiFi Internet
Safe Deposit Box
Daily Maid Service
Fridge
Iron & Ironing Board (on request)
Bathrobes & Slippers
Organic Toiletries
Hairdryer
Double Glazed Windows
Soundproof Windows
Closet
Direct Dial Phone
Private Balcony
Flat Screen TV
Bathroom With Shower
Central Heating
Upper Floors Accessible By Stairs Only

From: € 110 Per Night

matina double Room, mama nena charming hotel chania crete

Argyri or Stella (Two-Room Suite)

(37-51m2 : up to 4 people : 1 queensize bed + 1 double sofabed ) Argyri: 1-bedroom suite on the 2nd floor. Rear-facing bedroom with ensuite shower room, front-facing sitting room with double sofabed and views to the old port. This can sleep 4 adults (+1 baby). Stella: 1-bedroom suite on the 3rd floor. Front-facing bedroom with views to the old port, shower room, sitting room with double sofabed, private terrace with views over old town to White Mountains. This can sleep 2 adults and 2 children (+1 baby)