One's more accessible, slightly. One's got a cooler old town, slightly.

Winner?

I remember preferring Chania. I found it more attractive, plus I used it as a base for the Samaria gorge.

Chania, hands down.Nothing wrong with Rethymnon but Chania is better in many ways. When I was planning a trip to Greece, my Greek friends told me the two most beautiful towns there are Chania and Napflio.We spent two weeks in Chania and can't wait to return.

I will only say once again that i like both..
Both similar in a way, both are ideal for nearby day trips, i wouldn't know which one to chose....

But regardless which one you will choose, plan a long visit to the other one.

Loved Chania and spent five days there Wasn't particularly impressed with Rethymnom, but we visited for a day.

Our choice is made... Chania for five nights. Thanks to all for the advice!

We did some research, and booked an apartment in this place: http://www.chaniastudios.com . The reviews are great, and the Old Town location seems very favorable.

We will definitely plan a nice day trip in Rethymnon as well. And I'm really looking forward to exploring the smaller villages and hiking the Samaria Gorge.

I loved the Samaria Gorge, but my knees hated it...

I will get together our list of restaurants and villages for you. I'll double check it with friends who have a home there. The apt looks great.

thurs... If my knees survive the Inca Trail next month, I figure they'll recover by October. Hopefully.

HT...thanks so much! We're looking forward to eating there, as much as anything!

While you are in Chania there are some excellent day trips to consider including Ancient Aptera and the Balos Gramovossa Boat excursion complete with a pirate fortress.
A day trip to Rethymnon is also a great idea it has a vibrant old town area and of course the fortezza. Here are images of Western Crete you can see Chania Rethymnon Aptera and the Balos excursion.
Western Crete http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632115757899/

I'll start working on it when I get back from Cuba!

stanbr... Great pix! And thanks for captioning them all; I now have several more items on my "must see" list.

Wowowowow! Can't wait!!!! Might be a bit cold for beach in October (at least for my Puertorican standards), but still gorgeous.

mr_go, my most likely dates will be Sep 28 - Oct 1 in Chania, please tell me we will not just miss each other....

'Fraid so, marigross. Sorry to say.

Temps might be less than ideal for you... but they'll be right in our Chicago-style wheelhouse!

Good choice mr_go! And the apartments you have booked are also a great way to explore the old town and tavernas. As far as I am aware they have summer temperatures in December even and I have been there myself in September in previous years and its the best month as the sea is warm and there are not too many tourists crowding the streets. Tip of the day - try to go towards Splanzia Square and Daliani street for your coffees, drinks and greek tapas. Enjoy!

Well thanks, NT. We're looking forward to it. And thanks for the tip!

Finally, a few restaurant recommendations for you in Chania that are NOT on the Venetian harbor:
Taman on an alleyway behind harbor, Well of the Turk in the old Turkish neighborhood, , Glositses near Best Western on port, east of Venetian harbor, To Karnagio, east past Venetian Harbor along waterfront walk.

Awesome, HT! I've already earmarked Taman and Well of the Turk, both of which are fairly near our apartment. Apparently, there's a place called Portes that everyone loves too.

Have a wonderful time in that special city.