You created an exceptional property in record time—a true jewel for the city of Chania and a high-end resort just moments from its historic centre. What is the story behind Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa? How did the vision for such a distinctive hospitality destination come to life, and what are the defining characteristics that set it apart?
Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa was born from an ambitious vision: to create a hotel that would become a year-round landmark—not only for Chania, but for contemporary Greek hospitality as a whole.
At the heart of this vision is the Tsiledakis family, whose longstanding experience in the hospitality industry and deep understanding of the expectations of international travellers shaped every aspect of the project. Their philosophy was founded on the belief that Crete has the ability to redefine luxury—not simply through aesthetics, but through authenticity, uncompromising quality, and the creation of meaningful memories.
Our collaboration with Hilton marked a significant milestone in this journey. It brought together the global expertise and exacting standards of one of the world’s leading hospitality brands with the distinctive character of Chania and Crete.
From the very beginning, our ambition was never to create just another luxury hotel. We wanted to create a destination within the destination—a place that respects the city’s heritage, engages in dialogue with its surroundings, and at the same time offers a contemporary hospitality experience of international standards.
The uniqueness of Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa lies precisely in this balance. Guests are only a few steps away from the Old Town and the Venetian Harbour, while enjoying the privacy and comforts of a modern resort, including private heated pools and in-room saunas.
For us, our greatest achievement is that we have created a hotel that could not exist anywhere else in the world. It belongs to Chania.
What were the greatest challenges during the development of the project, and what was the central design philosophy behind its architecture and interior design?
Delivering such a distinctive project within an exceptionally short timeframe was a challenge in itself. Yet the greatest challenge was not merely technical—it was ensuring that, while creating something entirely new, we never lost the soul of the place.
Chania is a city with a remarkable history, a rich cultural identity and a unique aesthetic character. The design therefore had to remain deeply connected to its surroundings. Our guiding principle was to honour the city’s heritage through a contemporary yet timeless architectural language.
Both the architecture and the interior design were conceived around harmony, natural light, authentic materials, clean lines and a sense of understated elegance and tranquillity.
I firmly believe that true luxury is never about excess. It is about balance—creating spaces where every detail has meaning and purpose.
That was our greatest ambition: to create a hotel that feels contemporary and international while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of Crete.
What kind of hospitality experience does Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa offer, and what makes it truly unique?
Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa introduces a different way of experiencing a destination.
Today’s traveller is no longer looking simply for a beautiful room. They seek authentic experiences, genuine connections and memories that stay with them long after they return home.
What distinguishes our hotel is its unique ability to combine the vibrant energy of an urban destination with the privacy, comfort and serenity of a resort.
Within minutes, guests can wander through the historic streets of Chania, discover its gastronomy, culture and local life, and then return to an atmosphere of complete tranquillity, enjoying personalised service, curated wellness experiences and refined culinary offerings.
Ultimately, what makes Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa truly special is its ability to build a personal connection with every guest. We want them to feel that they are not simply staying at a hotel, but becoming part of a story.
Who is your typical guest, and how important is it to offer a luxury interpretation of authentic Cretan hospitality?
We welcome guests who seek quality, authenticity and meaningful experiences.
Our guests appreciate refined aesthetics, privacy, meticulous attention to detail and, above all, the genuine connections that make a stay truly memorable.
Luxury hospitality has evolved. Today, it is no longer defined solely by exceptional facilities or premium amenities, but by the feeling of being genuinely cared for.
Crete possesses a unique advantage: its culture of hospitality is not manufactured—it is deeply rooted in the island’s traditions and in the character of its people.
Our ambition is to translate this authentic Cretan hospitality into an internationally recognised standard of excellence, allowing our guests to experience the very best of both worlds.
Where can guests discover the authentic spirit of Crete within the spaces you have created?
The authenticity of Crete is not expressed merely through decorative elements. It is embedded in the philosophy that shapes the entire guest experience.
Guests encounter it in our culinary offerings, our collaborations with local producers, the carefully selected products we use, the people who welcome them, and the genuine warmth with which every guest is received.
Crete is a place with a powerful identity, and our aim has always been to present it in a contemporary way without compromising its essence.
For us, authenticity is ultimately about respect—respect for the place, its history, its people, and the values that make Crete truly unique.
Which partnerships have proven to be particularly valuable, and which do you believe will become enduring pillars of the hotel’s identity?
A project of this scale and character could never have been realised without people and partnerships united by a shared vision.
Our collaboration with Hilton is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s strongest foundations, allowing us to combine the global expertise and exacting standards of one of the world’s leading hospitality brands with the authenticity and spirit of Crete.
Equally significant is our partnership with Fauchon Paris, which marks the celebrated French gastronomic house’s first presence in Greece. Bringing such an iconic name in French culinary culture to Chania adds a distinctive new dimension to both the hotel’s gastronomic identity and the city’s culinary landscape.
Our L’Occitane en Provence Spa also reflects our philosophy of wellbeing, nature and holistic care, offering guests an experience that is both restorative and deeply connected to the senses.
At the same time, our collaborations with local artisans, producers and creatives across Crete are equally important. We firmly believe that true luxury is created when international excellence meets authentic local character.
What role do art and culture play in the identity of the hotel, and how do you see this relationship evolving over time?
Art and culture are inseparable from the identity of Chania. A city shaped by centuries of history, diverse cultural influences and remarkable creative energy naturally became a source of inspiration for our hotel.
At Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa, we do not regard art as a decorative feature. We see it as a language of communication—a way of connecting our guests with the place itself.
Through the artworks displayed throughout the property, our collaborations with artists and makers, and the cultural initiatives we are developing, we aspire for the hotel to become a living cultural destination, where guests experience not only the beauty of Crete, but also gain a deeper understanding of its identity.
Looking ahead, we intend to expand our collaborations with artists, cultural institutions and local creatives, establishing the hotel as a meeting point for Chania’s contemporary creative scene.
I believe that a truly exceptional hotel welcomes far more than guests—it welcomes ideas, stories and culture.
Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa successfully combines the qualities of an urban hotel with the amenities of a luxury resort. How did you achieve this balance?
This was perhaps one of the greatest ambitions behind Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa.
The concept of an urban resort is far more than a combination of two words. It is about creating an experience where guests can enjoy all the vibrancy of city life without sacrificing the privacy, tranquillity and sense of escape traditionally associated with a resort.
Our location is unique. We are situated just moments from the historic heart of Chania—a destination rich in culture, gastronomy and local life—while at the same time offering a secluded environment where guests can unwind, recharge and reconnect.
Private heated pools, in-room saunas, wellness facilities, our spa, the rooftop venue, curated culinary experiences and highly personalised service all contribute to this distinctive resort atmosphere.
The real challenge was achieving this delicate balance: remaining fully connected to the city while creating a private world for every guest.
Guests can enjoy amenities rarely found in Greece, including private heated pools and saunas in every room, a spectacular rooftop bar overlooking the city, and the country’s first Fauchon destination. How have guests responded, and what lies ahead for the hotel?
The response from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive, confirming that there is a growing audience seeking a new expression of luxury hospitality.
Every distinctive feature of the hotel was conceived with a clear purpose—not simply to impress, but to create meaningful moments.
A private pool, an in-room sauna or a fully equipped cocktail bar are not merely luxurious amenities; they offer guests the freedom to create their own rituals of relaxation and enjoy a truly personalised stay.
Similarly, our rooftop bar offers a unique perspective, bringing together the vibrant energy of the city with breathtaking views over Chania, while the arrival of Fauchon—its first location in Greece—has become a defining element of both the hotel’s culinary identity and the city’s evolving gastronomic scene.
Looking ahead, we will continue to build on this philosophy: creating experiences with genuine purpose—experiences that leave a lasting impression long after our guests have returned home.
Has the final result lived up to your vision? Is it what you originally dreamed of?
Every great project begins with a dream, but its true value is measured only when it comes to life through the people who experience it.
What we have achieved fills us with pride because, every day, we see that the vision behind Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa truly resonates with our guests.
That said, I don’t believe a hotel is ever truly finished. Hospitality is a living organism—constantly evolving, adapting and improving.
Our dream was never simply to create a beautiful hotel. It was to create a place that people would remember.
The greatest reward comes when a guest leaves not only satisfied, but genuinely moved by the experience they have had.
Are you already seeing returning guests? What kind of feedback have you received, and why do you believe guests choose to come back?
Despite opening only recently, we are already seeing guests making reservations to return, and for us that is one of the clearest indicators of success.
People do not come back simply for a room, a private pool or a particular service. They return because of the way the experience made them feel.
The feedback we value most highlights our attention to detail, the warmth of our team and the feeling that every guest is treated as an individual.
At its heart, hospitality is a human relationship.
People may eventually forget a place they visited, but they rarely forget how that place made them feel.
That is what continues to inspire us: creating experiences that become lasting memories.
What are the hotel’s rarest qualities—the attributes that truly define its uniqueness?
I would say our greatest strength is balance.
The balance between international standards and local character; between contemporary luxury and authenticity; between the privacy of a resort and the vibrant energy of a historic city.
Above all, however, our greatest asset is our people.
You can create an exceptional property, but genuine hospitality is always delivered by the people who bring it to life.
Discretion, sincere care and the ability to anticipate a guest’s needs before they are even expressed are qualities that have become increasingly rare in modern hospitality.
For us, true luxury is not defined by what guests see—it is defined by what they feel.
Do you believe Crete attracts discerning travellers, and how could the island further strengthen its position in this area?
Crete possesses everything today’s discerning traveller is looking for: an extraordinary history, an authentic culture, exceptional gastronomy, remarkable natural beauty and, above all, people who have hospitality woven into their way of life.
I believe quality tourism is not attracted by luxury infrastructure alone. It is attracted by destinations with a strong identity that remain true to themselves.
Crete does not need to become something different. It simply needs to continue celebrating and showcasing what already makes it unique.
Looking ahead, our greatest opportunity lies in investing even more in authentic experiences, sustainability, cultural heritage and extending the tourism season. The more reasons we offer people to visit Crete beyond its sun and sea, the stronger its position will become on the global travel map.
What else lies ahead for you and for the hotel?
Our philosophy is one of continuous evolution.
Hospitality is constantly changing, and so are the expectations of today’s travellers. Our ambition is to remain creative, cultivate new partnerships and continue developing experiences with genuine meaning and lasting value.
At the same time, we want Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa to play an increasingly active role in the cultural and social life of Chania through collaborations with local institutions, artists, producers and creative communities.
I believe that a great hotel should never exist in isolation from its destination. It should become an active member of the community and contribute meaningfully to its long-term development.
How do you envision the hotel ten years from now?
Ten years from now, I hope Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa will be recognised not only for its facilities or services, but for the experience it creates.
I would like it to be regarded as a benchmark for hospitality in Greece and across the Mediterranean—a hotel guests choose not simply because it belongs to an internationally renowned brand, but because they know they will experience something truly exceptional.
I also hope it will have contributed to establishing Chania even more firmly as a destination for discerning travellers who value culture, gastronomy and authentic experiences.
If, ten years from now, people say that Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa has become part of Chania’s identity, then I will know we have achieved what we set out to do.
How would you define beauty?
To me, beauty is harmony.
It is that moment when everything coexists effortlessly—without excess, without trying to impress.
You find it in a space that brings a sense of calm, in a genuine smile, around a table where stories are shared, or in a sunset that needs no explanation.
Perhaps that is why I have always loved hospitality. At its core, it is the art of creating beautiful moments for people.
What does authenticity mean to you today?
I believe authenticity has become one of the rarest forms of luxury in our time.
We live in a world where appearance often comes before substance—where it is easy to capture attention for a moment, yet far more difficult to leave a lasting impression.
To me, authenticity means remaining true to your values, even when no one is watching. It is a business that does not chase trends, but patiently builds a lasting identity. It is a destination that evolves without losing its character.
The same applies to hospitality. True quality is not measured by stars, facilities or awards. It is measured by the feeling you leave with your guests long after they have returned home.
As someone working in hospitality, I believe our role extends far beyond managing hotels. We create experiences, inspire our teams to exceed expectations and proudly represent our destination to every guest who places their trust in us. That is both our responsibility and our greatest privilege.
If I were to leave just one final thought, it would be this:
The success of a hotel is not measured at the moment a guest checks out. It is measured months—or even years—later, when they choose to return. Because that is when you know you have offered far more than a stay; you have given someone a reason to relive an experience that truly mattered.
Photography: Anima Vision — Nikos Kontostavlakis
