This small boutique beach hotel with Cycladic architecture received decor upgrades from Elisa Manolas, the Greek designer responsible for the upscale Orloff Resort on Spetses. The style of this hotel is streamlined, light, and airy, from the glassed-in breakfast area with panoramic sea views, to reception, to the stylish rooms. There are lots of quirky decor touches, including colorful patterned pillow accents, avant-garde furniture (such as the curving green whicker chair in the lobby), and whimsical artwork (for example, the silhouette chicken mural on the lobby wall). The hotel has a reputation for personalized service, and thoughtful extras include free pastries in the lobby and loaner pool toys for the kids.

Ammos Hotel overlooks a long sandy beach, and is 10-minute drive from the cafes, restaurants, museums and other attractions of historic Chania. It's within easy reach of spectacular trekking opportunities in The Samaria Gorge, and is also a good base for visiting other local attractions, including the tropical beach of Elafonissi, typical villages of the White Mountains, and the fabled Minoan remains of Knossos.

Ammos hotel’s 33, Cycladic-style white cube rooms are set around either the hotel’s sea-facing pool or the interior courtyard. The decor is mostly white, but bright pillows add a punch of color. Expect the occasional quirky touch, such as a glowing faux moose head on the wall. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, and well-equipped kitchenettes with lovely Corian worktops. Bathrooms have Bisazza mosaic tiles, walk-in showers, fluffy towels, and Arvita toiletries. Larger, Garden-View Suites are suitable for families, while couples may enjoy the Deluxe Sea-View Studios, which have queen beds, lovely, unobstructed sea views, and fluffy robes.

Ammos’ pleasant pool, with its basket of pool toys for children and its beautiful sea views, is popular with families during the daytime. Couples and families who enjoy the sea tend to head for the adjacent sandy beach, where there are plenty of sun beds and parasols.

For buffet breakfast, lunch, and a la carte evening meals, guests can dine at Ammos’ well-shaded sea view restaurant serving Greek and Cretan cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. The hotel’s bar near the reception area also serves a range of drinks and cocktails.

There is a cosy lounge area with sofas and a small Internet corner for guests who need to get online. A range of massages and other extras can be arranged via the hotel’s excellent concierge service.