The story
The building sits high above Hora Sfakion, a compact seven-room property arranged to make the most of its hillside position. The outdoor pool and sun terrace face the harbour and the sea beyond, and the hotel's site describes balconies with sea views across many of the rooms. It is a small operation rather than a resort — an advantage for anyone who prefers a handful of guests to a lobby full of them.
Rooms come in several outlooks, and it pays to read the categories closely. The Deluxe Double with Balcony and Sea View and the Superior Triple with Sea View look out to the water; the Side Sea View, Port View and Terrace doubles offer different aspects. All rooms carry air-conditioning, private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, refrigerators, TVs and slippers. Breakfast is a buffet of local specialities, warm dishes, cheese, fruit and juice.
Vrissi Beach is a 400 m (1,450 ft) walk downhill, with Ilingas and Ammoudi both 1.4 km (0.9 mi) away, and the centre of Sfakiá sits just 110 m (350 ft) off. The Fortress of Frangokastello is 15 km (9 mi) along the coast, and Chania International Airport is 74 km (46 mi) by road. Payment is cash only. A calm, well-placed base for exploring Crete's southern shore.