Design on the Beach: Hotel Ammos in Crete

In the first week of October I decided to take one week of vacation. After a very busy period and various book launch events for the Urban Jungle book, I needed some time off. I was looking at various destinations, the Greek island of Crete was one of them. I asked my friend Eleni from My Paradissi if she had any recommendation for Crete. In the meantime I did my own research on Pinterest and other blogs and one hotel appeared everywhere: Hotel Ammos in Chania.

After a quick look on their website and other online pics, I found myself writing an email to the hotel. Just after a day I had a reply from the hotel manager and the room was booked! A few weeks later I found myself on the way to Crete. While Munich was gliding into proper autumn, I arrived to Crete in full summer mode! And the hotel had all that vibrant summer vibe too.

Hotel Ammos is not big. It can definitely qualify as a fine boutique hotel where you will feel very welcome. The staff knows your name right from the beginning, you are treated not like a customer but like a friend. And that’s what I loved above all. Real Greek hospitality! But the hotel itself is a gem too!

The design is very eclectic and colourful. It has the stamp of the hotel manager and design aficionado Nikos all over it. He worked with a great interior designer and contributed to the styling with his fantastic collection of designer chairs. In the hotel’s restaurant you can sit on a different designer chair every day. Literally. The interior design also nods with humor to Greek culture. Playful paintings by the Greek artist Konstantinos Kakanias decorate the rooms and public spaces on fun plates. But you will also find internationally renown design labels such as &Tradition, Marimekko, Nendo or Tom Dixon.

The rooms are comfy and equipped with colourful design accents. I was lucky to enjoy pool and seaside views from my balcony. There is nothing better than to fall asleep to the sound of the rolling waves. Even though the hotel emphasizes to be kid friendly, do not be afraid. I spent a very relaxing and quiet week there despite families with kids.

The breakfast is yet another highlight. Delicious sweet and savory treats with local specialties will please you every morning. Oh and you can enjoy breakfast till 11:30 am. Paradise! The beach is just in front of the hotel with fine sand and shallow waters. Take a subbed, grab your book and order a drink – you will be served at the beach directly. Hello vacation!

The hotel is also a real gem for plant loving folks like me. I loved all the plants, the well kept garden, the huge range of succulents, juicy pomegranates and colourful bougainvilleas.

Hotel Ammos is situated in a wonderful sandy bay a mere 5 km outside of Chania’s old town. Yet it is really good to have a car to discover the island with more flexibility. I will show you why in one of my upcoming blogposts. Crete is such a beautiful island with lots on offer – beaches, mountains, artists, cities, villages. And the Hotel Ammos is a truly wonderful base to explore Crete’s west. Stay tuned for more summer-in-autumn impressions!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

The post Design on the Beach: Hotel Ammos in Crete appeared first on Happy Interior Blog.

from Happy Interior Blog https://happyinteriorblog.com/2016/10/design-beach-hotel-ammos-crete.html