Crete Hotel Review: The Theodore Boutique Hotel in Chania

The Theodore Boutique Hotel – The Concept

Evoking essential emotions such as inspiration, essence, and beauty, this place easily reflects an intimate relationship of love for Crete, its people, and its hospitality. As the owners like to put it, love for its ancient traditions and heritage, in a contemporary way. 

Created as a home away from home for everyone stepping inside, it’s not difficult to fall in love with the atmosphere you breathe at The Theodore Boutique Hotel. 

However, details are not just what distinguishes the property, they are much more. During your stay, their focus remains on you— and your journey to Crete. And it’s easy to feel it.

The place brings a natural state of well-being and connection with yourself. Clear, neat spaces, bare, and calm, everything asks you to pause, breathe, and relax.

Everything calls for tranquility, from yoga mats to soothing earthy colors, from a smiling staff to delicious, healthy cuisine… made from traditional and fresh products from the island. What is there not to love about The Theodore?

The Stay

I stayed at The Theodore for three days and two nights, and I could have stayed a century! My room, Inspiration, had privileged access to the beach with imposing views of Theodorou Island.

Unique comfort and thoughtful details have been the trademark of my stay.

The Theodore allowed me to disconnect from frenetic city life and routine; it gifted me with unforgettable sunsets, delicious flavors, and top-class service, always with a heartfelt smile.

The service is excellent, and the staff is among the warmest I’ve ever met. It’s hard to beat this hotel’s hospitality…!

The Premises & The Service

There are only 9 boutique suites at The Theodore, which are simply magnificent. Beds are comfy with delicate linen and inviting pillows.

Warm lights, quality toiletries and amenities, books, and gorgeous decor are just part of the deal.

The common spaces are modern, in natural tones, with extra comfortable lounging puffs and cushions for a restoring nap under the sun or a delicious signature cocktail, like the Visit Crete, my favorite! 

A small, cozy, and beautiful dining room with a domed ceiling and a corner featuring unique gifts and souvenirs from the island. 

Direct access to the beach, where a bottle of iced, pure water will be waiting for you after your swim or will be brought to your umbrella every few hours. A thoughtful blessing during the scorching summer days on the island.

The Gastronomy

A shout-out to the Theodore Boutique Hotel’s chef and kitchen staff.

A simple yet refined selection of dishes, including light salads, delicious wraps, and one of the most creative breakfast menus I’ve seen in a long time.

I had a heavenly cheesecake and the most mouthwatering homemade strawberry jam I’ve eaten in ages. Really, it’s probably the best jam I’ve ever tried. (Kudos to Zoe in the kitchen—every praise is not enough!).

A word to be spared on their wine list, essential but offering just the right labels to pair with your food. When it comes to cocktails, you should try various traditional proposals and some unique signature cocktails.

The Details

Details are the keyword when it comes to your stay. You start noticing them little by little, and then, when you look at them as a whole, all of a sudden, they fit in place, they make sense, and they give a theme to your stay or a frame—rituals that give shape to the sanctuary.

Theo-sophy (TM) stands for Love + Wisdom, and every evening, as part of The Theodore turn-down service, you receive a practice ritual based on the core philosophy and elements that inspire the hotel.

These rituals are enriching ideas that invite you to reconnect with yourself, your dreams, and your expectations for your trip to Crete.

They all come with a quote by Nikos Kazantzakis, Crete’s famous writer, and they make you pause and think before sleeping, something we tend to forget when we are all caught up in our daily routine.

These are some of the details that have created memories and that have made my stay unforgettable:

• Fragrances: I loved the subtle smell of fresh mint on my patio, surrounded by lovely herbs. Every day, I woke up to the soothing aromas of thyme, lavender, oregano, and sage. I also loved the beach towels’ comforting smell and softness, an aroma that made you feel at home.

• Yoga mat: You will find all the necessary elements to practice yoga in every room.

• Traditions: Beautiful elements from the island traditions are found reinvented and given a new purpose, like the vourgia, the woolen backpack carried by Cretan shepherds, now serving the purpose of keeping your hairdryer.

• Books and cards with meaning: Your room contains interesting books, some about the island, some about Greek Myths, and some that will surprise you.

• Cool water: Nourishing our bodies is something the hotel takes very seriously. Cold water is there right when you need it. I was surprised that I never had to ask for it. It was available when I needed it most: next to my sunbed after a swim, in my room after coming back…. everywhere.

These are details that put you in the center. These are some of the details that would make me choose The Theodore any time, again and again!

Why You Should Stay at The Theodore Boutique Hotel

Pin this Review to the Fabulous Theodore Boutique Hotel for Your Next Trip to Crete!