The Tanneries Hotel and Spa
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Hotel Details
Location
Crete
Greece, Europe
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Expert Review: The Tanneries Hotel and Spa
The Tanneries Hotel and Spa in Crete, Greece, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its exceptional blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and impeccable service. Housed in a beautifully renovated industrial building that was once a tannery, the hotel offers a unique and memorable stay on the Chania waterfront.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
The Tanneries Hotel and Spa enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, reflected in its "Exceptional" rating of 9.5 out of 10 based on over 560 reviews on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe their stays as perfect and highly recommend the property, highlighting it as one of the best hotels they've experienced. Its selection by the Michelin Guide further underscores its reputation for quality and distinction.
Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Tanneries Hotel and Spa:
- Service & Staff: The staff receives continuous acclaim for being "amazing," "incredible," "super helpful," and "very attentive and prompt". The valet service is also frequently mentioned as excellent.
- Location: Its secluded waterfront setting in the historic Tabakaria district provides stunning sea views and magical sunsets. It offers a quiet escape while remaining within a short driving distance to Chania's bustling center and close to attractions like Koum Kapi Beach and the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
- Design: The hotel's "industrial-chic" aesthetic, born from the thoughtful renovation of former tanneries, is a major draw. The design cleverly preserves original elements like red roof tiles and high ceilings, complementing them with minimalist interiors featuring concrete, glass, blonde wood, and leather. Guests appreciate the "beautiful" and "gorgeously renovated property".
- Amenities: The comprehensive spa and wellness center, including indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, steam room, sauna, hammam, and massage treatments, is a significant highlight. A fitness center, a highly-rated restaurant, and thoughtful touches like welcome champagne and dessert also enhance the guest experience.
Room Quality
The 20 luxurious suites at The Tanneries Hotel and Spa are consistently described as "amazing," "beautiful, comfortable," and "large, clean". All rooms boast unobstructed sea views, with options for small balconies or two-level suites featuring fireplaces, Jacuzzis, and terraces. The interiors are characterized by a quiet luxury, with built-in modular furnishings, travertine bathrooms, and a minimalist design incorporating natural materials like concrete, glass, and wood. Modern amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, coffee machines, soundproofed rooms, and private bathrooms often equipped with steam showers or Jacuzzis in higher-tier suites like the Presidential and Superior Suites.
Dining Experience
The hotel's Periplous Seaside Restaurant is a culinary highlight, serving Greek and modern Cretan cuisine that emphasizes high-quality, locally sourced, organic ingredients. Guests praise it as a "great restaurant" and "one of the best dining options in Chania town," offering "exquisite dishes". The breakfast, served either buffet-style or à la carte, is largely considered "over the top," "amazing," and "very creative," with a wide variety of "yummy" options. It can be enjoyed in a beautiful setting with breathtaking sea views.
Service & Staff
The hospitality at The Tanneries Hotel and Spa is a cornerstone of its excellent reputation. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "amazing," "incredible," "super helpful," and "very attentive and prompt". Many reviewers note that staff members "went above and beyond their jobs to help us". The valet parking service, in particular, receives special mentions for its efficiency and the politeness of the personnel.
Location & Accessibility
Situated in the historic Tabakaria district of Chania, the hotel benefits from a unique, secluded waterfront location that offers splendid sea views. While it is described as being "further from the Chania center of town," it is still "within driving distance" and provides a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds. Key attractions are easily accessible: Koum Kapi Beach is a 10-minute walk, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania is a 7-minute walk. The House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is also nearby. Chania International Airport is approximately 6.8 miles away, with a paid airport shuttle service available. The hotel offers both free parking and valet parking, and a local bus stop is just a short walk away.
Value & Pricing
The Tanneries Hotel and Spa is regarded as offering "exceptional value" and "affordable luxury". It scores a commendable 9.1 for "Value for money" on Booking.com. While its average room price of approximately $238 is slightly higher than Crete Island's average of $194, guests feel it provides an "unbeatable combination of comfort, style, and affordability" given its 5-star quality and amenities. Specific room rates can vary, with prices starting from around $110.49 for a one-night stay for two adults, though rates of up to €666 have also been observed, depending on the season and room type. Complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi are standard inclusions.
Common Complaints
Despite overwhelming praise, a few minor recurring issues have been noted by guests:
- Breakfast Variety: While generally excellent, some guests found the breakfast "adequate" and desired "a few more choices". One reviewer expressed disappointment with pre-mixed omelets that couldn't be customized and slow coffee service.
- Indoor Pool Issues: Criticisms included "too much chlorine," "water turbid," and jets that were "not useable" due to a lack of something to hold onto.
- Outdoor Pool Temperature: One guest staying in November noted the outdoor pool was "very cold so nobody used it".
- WiFi Performance: A few guests mentioned that the Wi-Fi "could be enhanced" and was sometimes "slow for even basic chores". Its Booking.com score for Free Wifi is 8.5, slightly lower than other amenity ratings.
- Minor Cleanliness/Staff Observation: A singular review mentioned unattended "dog poop" in an outdoor public area near the spa/restaurant for multiple days, and another noted that front desk staff at check-out were "not very outgoing".
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Despite overwhelming praise, a few minor recurring issues have been noted by guests:
- •Indoor Pool Issues**: Criticisms included "too much chlorine," "water turbid," and jets that were "not useable" due to a lack of something to hold onto.
