Not wishing to fall into brochure-speak, but it is hard to image a place that more accurately represents what Baby-Friendly Boltholes is all about than the beachside Ammos Hotel and we are genuinely excited to have found it. From the emphasis on contemporary style but not stuffiness, and the family-run atmosphere, to the practicalities like the short transfer from the airport (20mins from Chania airport/2hrs from Heraklion), spacious rooms with handy kitchenettes (fridges, hobs & kettles) and sofas that become comfortable beds with no unfolding or fiddling. Then there's the luxuries like lovely Korres toiletries, a new treatment room offering massages and yoga and the simple pleasures of being able to enjoy good quality food in elegant waterside surroundings, but knowing mini guests will be warmly welcomed, not merely tolerated - in fact, BFB users have been so impressed with the family-friendly staff that they've been known to try and poach them to replace nannies at home!
Admittedly, there's no creche and not a great deal of toys or baby equipment, but there are cots, high chairs, baby baths, kids menus, babysitting and staff who have a genuine affection for babies and toddlers, most are parents of little ones themselves. Nothing is too much trouble. If you need a doctor, Nikos the owner will have an English speaking one with you in minutes. They even bring fresh eggs from the village chickens just for the little guests.
The sophisticated interiors have been recently redesigned with the help of architect and interior designer Elisa Manolas. She's used a skilful blend of Marimekko fabrics, chic seventies Scandinavian-style furniture pieces and funky sci-fi Bisazza mosaics, which together create a stylish environment that is also fun and practical for kids. The lovely Korres products, Corian surfaces, rainfall showers, solid teak furnishings, white-washed walls punctuated by splashed of bold colours, graphic patterned fabrics or funky mosaics, along with privileged position of its beachside bar/bistro terrace makes for an environment it is very hard to drag yourself away from and its certainly easy to see why guests have returned year after year since Nikos and his team took over.
Accommodation Overview - Garden View Studio:
Ammos Hotel has just 33 exceptionally well designed and surprisingly spacious studios/suites all with kitchenettes. Garden view studios accommodate up to two adults and a child in a cot/single day bed. Larger families, with older children, can request adjoining (not connecting) studios. The open-plan layout comprises a bedroom area with queen-sized double, made up of two joined singles, whilst a single daybed in the living area can be made into a comfortable single bed for a child The studios boast beautifully tiled bathrooms with showers (baby baths provided) and small kitchenettes with two-ring hobs, sink and fridge. Rates are from €100 - €150 per studio per night.
PLEASE NOTE: PRICES BASED ON 2 ADULTS. AMMOS CHARGE 5% FOR BABY/CHILD 2 AND UNDER IN STUDIO. PLEASE ADD IN OPTIONS & EXTRAS SECTION TO OBTAIN ACCURATE COSTS.
Ammos (which means sand in Greek) has a fabulous location, right on a sandy beach, set far back from the main road and yet only 5 Km from the picturesque Venetian harbour and the city of Chania with its wide range of bustling waterfront tavernas, bars and shops. It's just a short walk to the pretty village of Galatas and four kilometres from the village of Platanias (the centre of night life). There's a choice or restaurants within a few minutes walk, a mini-market within 50 metres, a super market within 400 metres and a beauty salon within 150 metres.
Crete itself is easy to reach with charter flights from most UK airports and low-cost flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports. Its a diverse island with verdant valleys (take a day trip to the Samaria Gorge), pretty harbours, ancient ruins (Knossos is a must for history fans) and miles of lovely beaches.
Apart from splashing about in the pool or messing about under the shade of a parasol or Tamarind tree on the beach, little ones will enjoy the glass bottom boat trips available from Chania and the mini fairground rides and play zones at the nearby Golden Fun Park.
The hotel offers a concierge service and can book day trips, tours, car rental etc. and owner Nikos is always on hand for useful advice and suggestions.
Getting There: The hotel is open from 1 April - 31 October. The nearest airport is Chania, which is just 25minutes by rental car or taxi (approx 35 euros). We find www.skyscanner.net useful for comparing flight costs and availability. If flights to Chania are not possible, then Heraklion AIrport is approx. 2hrs away by car.
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Check-in time: 15:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 15:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities/Equipment remain largely as described. The playroom is closed. Instead, toys are available on loan and kept in the cottages for the duration. Toys and baby kit are fully disinfected between guests A 25% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place in the area local to the rental property. Balance payable 28 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance ,such as that provided by Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point.
Check-in time: 15:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 30%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
COVID 19 UPDATE: Facilities/Equipment remain largely as described. The playroom is closed. Instead, toys are available on loan and kept in the cottages for the duration. Toys and baby kit are fully disinfected between guests A 25% deposit secures booking & is refundable/exchangeable if travel restrictions are in place in the area local to the rental property. Balance payable 28 days before arrival. Covid-19 inclusive insurance ,such as that provided by Nationwide, should be relied upon for refund after this point.
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Sleeps 2 adults + 1 children + an infant in a spacious open-plan studio room with 1 double bed (made of 2-joined singles), a single sofa be/day bed and a small kitchenette with two ring hob, sink and fridge. The bathroom has a walk-in shower but no bath. |
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![]() | The nearest airport is Chania, which is just 25minutes by rental car or taxi (approx 35 euros) or Heraklion is 2 hours away. |
![]() | The hotel is set on a pretty sheltered bay with shallow waters. |
![]() | There is a mini market and a couple of restaurants within walking distance, along with the beach. |
![]() | The hotel has a pool with separate shallow area for young children. |
![]() | The hotel has a new treatment room & offers a range of massages. |
![]() | Supervised games/crafts take place for a couple of hours each day, generally between 5pm-7pm |
![]() | Baby-sitting is available. Rates are 8 Euros per hour min. 20 Euros |
![]() | cots, highchairs, baby baths and towels can be provided |
![]() | The hotel has a playroom. |
![]() | Room service is available but there is also a fridge and two ring hob with pans, kettle, crockery etc. in the rooms |
![]() | Supervised games/crafts take place for a couple of hours each day, generally between 5pm-7pm |
![]() | The hotel's restaurant is open all day & serves excellent value kids & adults meals, available inside, on the terrace or on the beach. Room service is also available. |
![]() | Garden studios come with private terraces/balconies (the latter are safely enclosed) overlooking the gardens. |
![]() | Wi-Fi and ethernet-cabled high speed internet (complimentary) |
![]() | The hotel uses bio-degradable cleaning products and recycles paper, plastic, tin, and perishable goods. It also uses solar energy for hot water. |
Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
Ammos was absolutely brilliant. It was perfect for us and perfect for our son, we realised when we got back it was the most relaxing holiday we'd ever had including before we had our son! Just because Ammos have thought of everything and make holidaying with an 18 month old an absolute cinch.Review dated 27/10/2014
Ammos Hotel is literally a case study of modern Greek hospitality. White, with a seventies touch in the interiors; traditional, yet in a "wallpaper-esque" way modern. Internet and marathopites, Bisazza in the bathrooms and private day trips combined with local finger food, a discreet and yet effortless service. Greek Vogue, July 2006Review dated 03/11/2009
Excellent hotel, we have a 1 year old and a 2 year old and it was a great place to bring them, nothing is too much trouble here.Review dated 03/11/2009
Incredibly friendly staff who treated our son very kindly.Review dated 03/11/2009
Wonderful hotel with staff very very child friendly. Good accomodation,pool and beach area but let down a little by the quality and variety of the food in the restaurantReview dated 03/11/2009
*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 2 guests.