My fiance has been overwhelmed studying for the bar and picking hotels for our August Vacation to Greece, and I have promised to carry on for her.<BR><BR>One of our stops is in Crete, and I noticed that post after post recommends Casa Delfino as the place to stay. Now Crete is a large place, everyone who travels to Crete can't stay in the same place, can they??? Are friends of the owners busy signing its praise? Do all paths lead to Casa Delfino?<BR><BR>Can anyone recommend a hotel besides Casa Delfino? Does such a place exist? We were planning on staying in Western Crete, and wanted a central location? Is this necessary?<BR><BR>All fun aside, thanks for your help.

I don't know anything about the Casa Delfino, but do want to commend your choice of staying in western Crete; the east is very touristy. As I explain the difference, in western Crete the music you hear is Cretan; in the east, it's US rock. I would look for a hotel in Chania. I can't recommend one b/c we stayed in a rented apt. in a village near there. Rethymnon would be as far east as I would consider staying for a true Cretan experience.

No, everybody cannot stay in Casa Delfino. I have been to Crete several times and in many places. Never stayed in Casa Delfino though, but I have seen it and checked the little, very nice lobby. People obviously recommend it because it has atmosphere and is situated right in the middle of Hania´s beautifully restaured old town. And Hania is a nice town. Last time I was in Crete last August, and I must say that August is not the best time to visit. Hania is very crowded, a different place from what it is in May. But still nice. We stayed in a little village called Kalives half way between Hania and Rethymnon. Visit also nearby Rethymnon, Elafonissi beach in the south western corner, Knossos and the archeological museum in Iraklion. And if you rent a car drive to mountain villages and south coast village Paleohora. There are good fish restaurants there, and prices are almost half compared to those in Hania.

Hania is by far the sweetest town on Crete. Casa Delfino is a truly smashing looking place. We stayed in a hotel across the street (if you can call it a street), which was a lot cheaper at the time and vowed that when we could swing Casa Delfino we'd try it.

Check this site for pix http://www.crete-hotels-rooms.com/Re...sa_Delfino.htm

We stayed at the Casa Delfino last november for about a week and really emjoyed ourselves. Nice location, clean, roomy, good hosts, nice breakfast and quite inexpensive for what you get. It cost us E150/night for two bedrooms, two baths including a large jacuzzi, and shower plus living room on 5 levels. We enjoyed ouselves as much or more than many of the 4 Seasons/ Ritz's we have stayed at. Highly recommended, especially in the off season when Crete is not over run with tourists.<BR>There are many places to eat near the hotel and if you stay away from the harbor the food is pretty good and cheap.<BR>We liked Taman alot. The Lonely Planet guide to Crete is quite good for more information.