Veronica Hotel

“Sincerity”

"So, did you enjoy your stay here?" Tatjana, the receptionist, asked as we were leaving. My husband thought for a moment. "I think ..." he said, "it is probably the best place we have ever been." "Really?!" she exclaimed, her smile radiant. "I actually think so, too," I added. And then, on the way… more

"So, did you enjoy your stay here?" Tatjana, the receptionist, asked as we were leaving. My husband thought for a moment. "I think ..." he said, "it is probably the best place we have ever been." "Really?!" she exclaimed, her smile radiant. "I actually think so, too," I added. And then, on the way home and long after, every time I thought back on our vacation, I tried to understand why we answered that way. Yes, we love to travel - new experiences and new places! From primitive cottages and mountain huts to luxurious full-service hotels with panoramic sea views. Some places were boring, some were exciting, but rarely have we had a vacation which was not - in some way - memorable and joyful. So, what made this one so special? Originally, we chose this hotel because it was close to a beautiful and fascinating coastline, in a peaceful area with wonderful beaches, while still being within walking distance of the old, enchanting city of Chania, with houses and restaurants right at the waterfront and an old Venetian lighthouse overlooking the historical harbour. The hotel was reasonably priced and came with a breakfast option. It turned out to be small, cosy, simple and practical, with spacious rooms. We even had a porch view straight out to the pool. But what made it special were the people there. I have rarely met a staff more personable, friendly and helpful. Within a day, they felt more like family than staff to us. And there was something in the atmosphere of the place, so liberating, leaving you with a sense of freedom and relaxation. What was it that made it like that? I breathed deeply, letting the memories drift through my mind. And like a whisper, a word appeared in my mind: "sincerity." That is why I think we will - for the first time ever - choose to go back to a place we have already been for our next vacation. Not for the luxury of the stay, but for the beauty of Crete and the treasure of the golden hearts.

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“Well sited hotel, very clean and quiet.”

When we first arrived, in the middle of the night, I have to say I was a little disappointed. The room was small with not much storage space and it was in the basement. However, the next day, we quickly realised that we actually seemed to have one of the best rooms. Yes it was small but we asked fo… more

When we first arrived, in the middle of the night, I have to say I was a little disappointed. The room was small with not much storage space and it was in the basement. However, the next day, we quickly realised that we actually seemed to have one of the best rooms. Yes it was small but we asked for extra hangers (we started off with 2 between us!) and moved the wardrobe over so we could open the door without hitting the bedside table and put our cases in the space. We had a little terrace which got the sun all morning while other rooms had a table and chairs by the pool or a balcony overlooking an inner courtyard. The staff were really helpful and immediately provided a new TV when ours wouldn't switch on and a new hob. All rooms have shutters over the sliding doors (which was good as the lock didn't work on our back doors) and there was excellent wifi in the rooms which we don't usually get. The fridge was a bit buzzy at night but earplugs sorted that out. The hotel is really convenient for the beaches, buses to Chania and local restaurants. The rooms are cleaned every day by lovely cleaners and we had frequent towel changes. There was very little noise from other rooms so it was lovely and quiet. All in all, a basic small room but clean, bright and quiet in a good location.

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“Positives and negatives.”

Nice location with several good restaurants and lovely beaches within walking distance. Veronica itself has pleasant rooms with decent free aircon in main room. The rooms were kept very clean by the lovely and friendly cleaning staff. The negatives are: if you're self catering your options are very… more

Nice location with several good restaurants and lovely beaches within walking distance. Veronica itself has pleasant rooms with decent free aircon in main room. The rooms were kept very clean by the lovely and friendly cleaning staff. The negatives are: if you're self catering your options are very limited, with a hot plate, a kettle and very little else. The balcony attached to our room was so small it was impossible too stretch our legs, so we had to sit uncomfortably. Another issue was the lack of friendliness from the staff. The younger guy was very likeable and helpful, but the the more elderly staff were professional and efficient without being particularly friendly. They were certainly not rude or unpleasant, but a simple smile or good morning would have been welcome. All in all a decent enough place but I don't think we'd return.

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