The most popular hotels in the central town of Hania, a Mediterranean summer resort town in the biggest Greek island, are the ones that go by the name of 'pension', a French term used for small rooms in the style of the English bed and breakfast.
All the three-story buildings seen around the port are hotels, while the ground floor operates as some kind of business associated with the tourist trade, eg cafe, bar, restaurant, souvenir shop.
Here's a sampling of the more picturesque, quainter hotels lining the narrow streets in the old town by the old port.
What I like most about them is their names, which usually show the foreign influences. Casa del Amore, Castello and Villa Venezia clearly attest to the Venetian origins of the town, while Lena and Irini are probably the Greek names of former or present owners. Soultana (the name of a restaurant) comes from the 'sultan', a Turkish chief; the Ottomans (Turks) dwelled in the town for four centuries.
There are also other more traditional styles of hotels with large dining areas and swimming pools, but not in the old town, as the streets are too narrow; they're found outside the ancient walls of the old town in the more modern parts of Hania. Not as picturesque, but probably more functional.
Very beautiful "H" :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my this a nice look at the different styles where you live.
ReplyDeleteI only have one "H" for my post today. I hope you like it. I put it on Canon Pixels
Looks so nice!
ReplyDeleteWe went to Chania when we were in Crete last year but it was very wet the day we went there and the waves were splashing over the walls across the promenade and into the restaurants.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very pretty place.
They do look very quaint, but I can't see myself dragging all my luggage along those narrow streets. I'd probably stay at a more modern place and then go strolling around to see all the "real" pensiones.
ReplyDeleteI love narrow streets and walkways like these. The hotels along the water are inviting...
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the quaint streets. They are so narrow and full of character. Thank you for showing them to us.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore this post. I fell in love with your first shot. I stared at it for ages before I moved on to the other delightful shots and text. This photographer whishes she had taken that first shot.
ReplyDeletemust be very pleasurable to stay in these pensions...
ReplyDeleteare they expensive?
Love your post todag. Have a nice ABC:)
ReplyDeleteI imagine the tourists staying in these Hotels are Happy to be there.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely.
Bear((( )))
excellent choice, so beautiful photos
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy of your blog.Soultana is the name of Maria (the Vergin Mary). Greeks used this name when the Turks didn't allow them to have their kids orthodox baptized. My husband's grandmother called Soultana.
ReplyDeleteThose narrow walkways look so inviting to explore! Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteI had not known the Turks also occupied the island. I should have realised.
ReplyDeleteSteeped in history.
Beautiful photos! These narrow streets remind me the island of Corfu. Venetians had also origined of it.
ReplyDelete"Picturesque":you've just taught me a pretty word!:)
great post. :) i love hotels, and i also love narrow picturesque streets. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the perspective of these photos! They buzz with the activity of the location--what energy!
ReplyDeleteCharming photographs!
ReplyDeleteCharming. Looks like a fun place to stay if visiting. And who needs a pool? You can go to the beach!
ReplyDeleteOh I love hotels....adventure and all part of the travelling fun when we go out on the motorbike, sorry I am so late.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.