Sea View Aparthotel

Peacefully situated at the end of a cul-de-sac just 100 metres or so from Kato Daratso's sandy beach, this small, well-run aparthotel is ideal for travellers wishing to combine relaxing days on the beach or by the pool with easy access to Crete's former capital, Chania. The beautiful Venetian harbour with its excellent selection of bustling cafés and restaurants, and the enticing shops that line the picturesque backstreets of the Old Town can be reached on foot in around 40 minutes, a pleasant walk mainly following the seafront. If you don't feel like walking, there is a very frequent bus service linking Chania with the string of resorts further west along the bay; the nearest stop is just 200 metres from the hotel, and for the occasional night out in Chania, a taxi back won't break the bank either.

Recently renovated from top to bottom, Sea View offers bright and airy accommodation with modern furnishings and contemporary decor. The 26 studios are divided into four categories according to their outlook. Economy studios have south-facing balconies looking over neighbouring buildings towards the mountains. Ground-floor studios face the sea but the views from their terraces are partially obscured by vegetation. The remaining studios have either side sea views or direct sea views. Each studio has a double bed and a convertible sofa; there is also an additional single bed in the ground-floor studios and the side sea view studios. All studios are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safety-deposit boxes and free WiFi access, and each has a stylish en-suite shower room with a hairdryer, and a small open-plan kitchenette with basic self-catering equipment for preparing light snacks or simple meals.

A continental buffet breakfast, served from 8 to 10 am, is included in your stay at Sea View Aparthotel, with the exception of the Economy Studios, which are offered on a self-catering/room-only basis. There are several local tavernas within walking distance, so you needn't go all the way to Chania to dine out, although most guests will want to experience the city's atmospheric centre at least once or twice during their stay. The nearest mini-market is just 200 metres away, and a larger supermarket is a 15-minute walk away, so car hire is by no means essential here, although for those wishing to explore the island in depth and at their own pace, we offer reduced car hire rates if collecting the car on arrival at the airport (ample parking is available on site).

As if the beach wasn't close enough, an enticing swimming pool set in a pretty garden framed by palm trees adds further to the hotel's appeal, and guests frequently comment on the friendly and helpful staff, so we are happy to recommend Sea View Aparthotel as a quiet yet convenient base in western Crete.