Reviews for Chania (Hania) Vacation Rental - VRBO 7929 - 0 BR Crete Apartment in Greece, Iason Studios in the Picturesque Old Town, Hania, Crete

So nice we booked one week and stayed for a second

Guest Jim
Date of stay 03/03/12
Review Submitted 03/23/12

Really loved this as a stress free place to spend some time. The owner recommended restaurants and tavernas that were all good. Shopping at the market and street markets for fresh fruits and veggies was great. Central heating, satellite TV and ability to do laundry all added to the experience.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5

Fabulous location to explore Chania

Guest Moxie
Date of stay 10/28/11
Review Submitted 01/12/12

We stayed 10 sleeps at Iason Studios in old town Chania, Crete before sailing north to the Adriatic. We walked around old Chania every day, enjoying the narrow cobbled streets, or sitting by the sea watching the surf or the sail boats. We read novels & relaxed. It was great. The location of Iason Studios is fabulous ~ safe, convenient, & close to grocery stores, restaurants, or gelato shops!!! We appreciated having a kitchen to prepare our own meals, as eating out is difficult with food sensitivities. Despina is the most hospitable & kind individual we could possibly meet while traveling. She shared ideas on where to go, where to eat, & responded to all our inquiries so positively. She is like GOLD to any traveler who stays in Chania. Thanks Despina for your one-of-a-kind hospitality and the wonderful stay in your apartment. If ever we return to Crete, you will be the first person we contact.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

A wonderful place to stay in colorful, historic Chania

Guest Myreene
Date of stay 09/05/11
Review Submitted 10/26/11

This was a delightful experience for us! The accommodations were so comfortable, clean and customer centered! Despina is a wonderful host and befriends all of her clients. She is a lovely person, always willing to help, suggest, and provide directions for accessing all that Crete and the town of Hania has to offer. Despina goes above and beyond expectations in her services. We felt so at home with a kitchen to provide for convenience while the promenade provided a taste of tradition. The maid service was also remarkable with the apartment maintained meticulously every day. We will definitely go back to Crete and we will definitely stay at the Iason Studios with Despina again. One of our most relaxing holidays ever! Thank you Despina! I look forward to keeping in touch.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Our stay at Iason Studios

Guest Amanda
Date of stay 07/01/10
Review Submitted 08/21/10

My friend and I stayed in Chania at Iason Studios for 5 weeks this summer in one of the lovely studios. I cannot explain what a great experience this was for us and how appreciative we are of the owner for showing such hospitality and kindness to us. The studios are absolutely gorgeous, clean and affordable. Each is equipped with more than enough to get you by and you can do your own cooking with the stove, refrigerator and provided kitchenware. There is a very nice lady who comes to clean the room daily to keep everything tidy and fresh. They are centrally located in a safe area with restaurants, beaches and shops very close by. I would highly recommend anyone visiting Chania to stay at Iason Studios, as we found the location through this website and were very pleased with the results. We hope to visit Chania again in the future and see Despina and our new friends in Greece and we will definitely choose Iason Studios as our accommodation again!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Staying at Iason Studios with Despina as the owner made Hania heavenly!

Guest teachopal
Date of stay 06/12/10
Review Submitted 07/03/10

My husband and I stayed at Iason Studios for six nights in June of 2010. After some problems with the airlines and not arriving in Crete for almost 30 hours, it was so comforting and reassuring to know that Despina had rearranged the taxi for us, which was one less thing for us to worry about. She was even there to greet us and help us to the studios from the taxi at 10pm at night! Even though it was late, she took her time to acquaint us with the hotel, answer questions, and even brought us a tray with fruit, nuts and Raki to welcome us to Crete. The location is perfect-in walking distance to almost anywhere in Old Hania (the Harbour) and New Hania too. The cobblestone streets and small shops added to the old-world ambiance that typifies this very safe and inviting area. Her studios were very clean, roomy and were stocked with all the necessities (even a cold thermos of water in the 'fridge for us) we might need for our stay. Despina is fluent in English, and did so much to help us in any way that she could. She recommended places to see, restaurants to dine at, did our laundry and even assisted us in changes to a car rental. Having gone on to other areas in Greece, and seeing what other lodging facilities offer and/or don't include, the Iason Studios were by far, over and above any other place we stayed in the country. This kind of service and accomodations for these hotel rates is just amazing-this hotel and the area comes highly recommended. Book this hotel now!!!!!!!!! * My ratings for this hotel o 5 of 5 stars Value o 5 of 5 stars Rooms o 5 of 5 stars Location o 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness o 5 of 5 stars Service o 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality * Date of stay June 2010 * Visit was for Leisure * Traveled with With Spouse/Partner * Age group 50-64 * Member since January 15, 2004 * Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: Dear Linda, thanks you so much for putting down all these nice words on me!Your comment is so kind! I hope it will help other travellers, too! Hope to see you again some time, All the best from beautiful Hania, Despina

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Guest Karen and Grant Miller
Date of stay 03/06/10
Review Submitted 03/06/10

We came to the Iason Studios in Hania from San Diego. We booked a room for 2 weeks and we were joined by two other couples who stayed for 1 week. Our room was simple and wonderful We had a balcony, large window, small kitchen, private bathroom and everything we needed. Despina is a wonderful host. She helped us with directions and suggestions for sightseeing. She even provided us with beach towels for our days at the beautiful beaches around Crete. The studios are in a terrific location just a street above the port in the old section. These are pedestrian streets and you are surrounded by great restaurants and shops. The studios are cleaned every day and they are spotless. We were greeted with cookies, fruit and raki when we arrived. There is an iron available and laundry services too. All six of us had a really wonderful time there. We also discovered the fabulous roof top and brought our chairs from our balconies up to have lunch or just wine and look at the lovely view. Hania was great with lots to see there and in the surrounding countryside, and the Iason Studios were the perfect home base. We cannot say enough about our host Despina. If you have any problem at all, she is right there to help you. You couldn't find a better place in Hania. Karen and Grant Miller San Diego, California

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Guest Ma?tre REY QUESNEL, Avocat
Date of stay 08/04/09
Review Submitted 08/03/09

Avec les enfants nous avons été très satisfait de l'accueil, des lieux et du prix.L'endroit est formidablement bien situé, près du port, près de la plage et quelques petites supérettes permettent les courses à proximité.L'hygiène des lieux était irréprochable.

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Guest Peter Stinders
Date of stay 07/28/09
Review Submitted 07/28/09

I can recommend Iason Studios to everyone looking for a low cost high quality stay. Despina is a great host, welcoming you with fresh fruit and some Raki and explaining all what is worth seeing in Chania and beyond. The rooms are simple but you find ll you need, you're here to go out anyway, aren't you. Cleaning happens every day, as is the replacement of the towls. No bad word at all. Great.

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Guest Robert & Linda2
Date of stay 06/23/09
Review Submitted 06/23/09

This was a great place to stay. Very nice towels, fresh starch sheets, great kitchen,coffe maker and coffee. nice place to sit outside. The best frestest fruit & vegs.are at the outdoor market Beatful old town and beaches.

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Guest Heather Babin
Date of stay 06/20/09
Review Submitted 06/20/09

My mother, sister and I spent a wonderful week in a Iason studio. The last week of May was a great time in terms of weather and crowds. Both were moderate. The location was ideal for walking to most places in the old city even for my 87 year old Mom. The weekly outdoor market was a nearby treat. In fact, convenience was the watch word. Tavernas, 'corner store', the harbour and excellent restaurants. And... Despina really was the most considerate and helpful hostess. Unlike the other studio we rented, we had everything we needed to live in the studio. Even coffee, sugar, salt and pepper were supplied. It was very clean and well- maintained. There were treats and advice and a true feeling of concern about our needs. Cordiality and privacy. The best!!!!!!

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fun and pleasant days and nights at Iason Studios...

Guest angie0617
Date of stay 04/04/09
Review Submitted 05/11/10

"Our time in Chania (at Iason) with Despina were the most fun and pleasant days and nights. Even though we had lost luggae, she made our lives so much easier!.. Thanks again for taking care of the conversations with airlines to find the luggage quickly and for taking the personal care to call the rental car copany and have the car ready for us at Iason the next morning.. Loved our stay.. Tell George hello for me too."

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Guest Bob and Sally Carlyle
Date of stay 03/29/09
Review Submitted 03/29/09

03/29/09 A most pleasant and relaxing 5 weeks was spent in Feb/Mar at the Iason Studios. The hostess, Desprina, earned full marks in all categories and is also a wonderful caring person. The location is excellent in all regards and provides you with a complete immersion in the ancient history and culture of this beautiful part of the Mediteranean. The friendly atmosphere of the area enables one to make new friends, most of whom have been there before and are well versed in the history and adventure within Hania and surrounding areas. The experience of living (holidaying) in Hania at the Iason Studios has been a real pleasure and is full of wonderfull memories.

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Guest Inga Clemens
Date of stay 07/23/08
Review Submitted 07/22/08

July 2008 We travel around the world for the second year in a row. Our travel demands are so specific it always a challenge to find appropriate stay that would accommodate our driving agenda, our need for fast Internet connection to keep software business running, our Golden Retriever Gerda - yes, we travel with a dog... oh yeah, and me - requesting clean, quiet and comfortable furnished self-contained room, not far from the shore for a reasonable price. Iason Studios turned the daunting task into a quick email and a new friend at the other end of the line. Iason Studios caters to and understands those who love the fuzzy four legged ones. Gerda had a lot of attention and loved every minute of it! Location is perfect, see my photos and more comments about Chania on CITYPHOTOS. All in all we had a wonderful trip in Crete. Thanks again, Despina, for all your help!

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Guest Diane Theriault
Date of stay 06/07/08
Review Submitted 06/06/08

I truly enjoyed the month I stayed in one of these studios March - April of this year. Despina is the most thoughtful, kind and helpful landlord I've ever had the pleasure to deal with. The room was very clean and well maintained. The location is incredible - less than 2 min. walk to the harbor, numerous restaurants, 2 markets, car rental, travel agency - all nearby, and even a jazz club next door! Hard to believe but it is also very quiet. I would love to live there and will definitely visit again!!

Owner response: Coming form a very brave lady , such comments are so welcome! Thanks a lot Diane! Hope to see you again! Despina

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Guest K. K.
Date of stay 05/03/08
Review Submitted 05/03/08

Our party of two couples just came back from Greece, where we spent a week in Chania at Iason Studios. We all had a *wonderful* time, and recommend Iason Studios highly! We had two studios, one with a lovely balcony and one, on the ground floor, with no steps to climb (good for anyone with a bad knee) and a small terrace on a dead-end walking street. Both sides of the studios open onto small pedestrian dead-end streets. The location was so much more quiet than most of the other places in Chania! We especially loved being right in the old city. The studios are very clean and well-maintained, with almost everything one would need or want. My sister and I both thought that we could easily have spent a month or more there very comfortably. The cost was very reasonable, especially compared to the hotels! We didn't have a harbor view, but we had a terrific price, didn't have all of the noisy tavernas and restaurants directly below us, and didn't have flights of stairs to climb. We were able to shop for food right down the street, we were one minute from taxis and perhaps two minutes from the harbor. There are SO many restaurants within 2-3 minutes walk, the problem was deciding where to eat when we dined out! I would recommend checking out a "mom-and-pop place "down" Angelou street toward the harbor about 20 meters, take the first right, and look for the tiny place on the left in about 30 meters. the lowest prices, tasty, very friendly, and live music! Thanks again to Despina for being a wonderful hostess!

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Guest Nicole Walker
Date of stay 09/14/07
Review Submitted 09/14/07

We stayed with Despina at the end of June and had a fantastic time. The location is suberb - we could easily park the car within walking distance and explore the beautiful old harbour by day and night with it's many restaurants and shops. It's a perfect combination of being close to the action without the noise of the action :-) Despina is also a wonderful host - we were there for a friend's wedding and she continually relayed messages left for us and was always helpful with suggestions and directions. Her accommodation is clean and well-maintained - we had blissfully air-conditioned nights and could shop at the nearby Champion for breakfasts on the porch or by the big window in the kitchen. I can't say enough about this ideal spot and Despina's kindness, it's a great price and base for exploring Crete.

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Guest Litsa Rorris
Date of stay 09/07/07
Review Submitted 09/07/07

My stay at Iason Studios was lovely. Despina's warm and inviting character made me feel at home. The location is perfect--just steps from the harbour, boutiques, and restaurants. For those planning a visit to Chania--I highly recommend Iason Studios.

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Guest Debbie Toppan
Date of stay 09/02/07
Review Submitted 09/02/07

I had a LOVELY visit at Iason Studios in July 2007. Despina could not have been more helpful, and she was most welcoming! I highly recommend her wonderful accommodations and would stay there another time! Thanks, Despina, for making my visit to Chania so pleasant!!!

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Guest Robert Matthews
Date of stay 07/14/07
Review Submitted 07/13/07

I stayed at Iason Studios for a month in February/ March 2007. Despina and her family were extremely hospitable and helpful, even accomodating my change in dates on short notice. As the other guests mentioned, Despina brings lovely little gifts from her village. She also sweetly worried over me when I went on my rock climbing excursions. Further, Despina is very honest, and making arrangments with here is straightforward and pleasant. I highly recommend Iason Studios, and plan on staying there again!

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Guest Steve and Margaret
Date of stay 05/25/07
Review Submitted 05/25/07

We stayed in Iason Studios in the Old Town of Hania for three weeks in May 2007. We had been to Hania before, two years ago, and thought it was just the most wonderful location for a holiday. The people couldn’t be friendlier and there is an incredibly wide choice of places to eat and drink, around the old Venetian harbour or in the narrow back streets behind. Last time we stayed in a hotel, which restricted us from buying fruit and vegetables from the many local shops or the markets. This time we self-catered some of the time and went to a number of restaurants on other occasions – the best of both worlds. We used public transport to get around Western Crete and walked in the White Mountains and the hills close to Hania. (The Rodopos Peninsular was our favourite, but you have to do the Gorge of Samaria.) Both before our trip, and all the time we were there, Despina could not have been more helpful. She brought us the little gifts other visitors have talked about, and was always ready to give us advise when we needed it. We cannot recommend the studios highly enough, ideally situated, spotlessly clean, quiet and yet minutes walk from the harbour. We’ll be back.

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Guest Elissa & Peter Stathis
Date of stay 04/05/07
Review Submitted 04/05/07

Iason Studios are great and Despina is a wonderful host. We stayed for 5 days in October 2006 with our two teenage daughters. It was great to have two separate studios and we often cooked for ourselves, which made it feel more like home. Despina was kind, knowledgeable and very helpful. Hania was beautiful and friendly - we liked the markets and walking round the harbour. Day trips into the mountains, to Knossos and Souda Bay War memorial are within easy driving. We found great food and music at Semiramis Restaurant in the back streets of the harbour. Iason Studios is a terrific place to stay - clean, close to sights and very reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

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Guest Bay Jervis
Date of stay 10/24/06
Review Submitted 10/24/06

I stayed at Iason Studio 3 for 10 days in September 2006 - I was travelling alone and was so lucky to find Despina, as she was so kind and helpful in so many ways.Thank you Despina! My Studio was perfect as a home away from home! It was a very happy time, and was the highlight of my travels. I will definately be back.

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Guest Michelle16
Date of stay 10/15/06
Review Submitted 10/15/06

We stayed here for one month in July and had a wonderful experience! Despina is extremely warm and welcoming and makes you feel right at home. She provides lots of great information about local attractions and things to do. The setting is perfect; you are right in the middle of the charming Old Harbor with cobblestone walkways and many shops and restaurants. I highly recommend Iason Studios and would gladly go back if the opportunity presented itself.

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Guest Doug and Maggie McKelvey
Date of stay 10/10/06
Review Submitted 10/10/06

We recommend the Iason apartments in Hania very highly - we stayed 17 days and could have stayed much longer. Despina was a wonderful host - she welcomed us with homemade raki and salted nuts and it seemed that every second day another treat arrived - village olive oil, wine and goats cheese plus cakes. The location of the studios is excellent - right in the old town so there is no traffic noise yet a few minutes walk away from wonderful restaurants, a good supermarket, local shops and the bus station. If you like the beach go to Stavros - 30 minutes by bus. You will love the white sand, peace and quiet and spectacular location.

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Guest Nikos Papadelis
Date of stay 09/05/06
Review Submitted 09/04/06

Very good feeling, very clean and the best service

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Guest Cindy15
Date of stay 08/24/06
Review Submitted 08/24/06

We stayed at Iason Studios for 6 days and had a wonderful time. Despina is very friendly and helpful. She makes you feel at home and has a wealth of information. The location is ideal! It is very close to the harbour, great restaurants, shopping, and the bus station is also very close by. I would highly recommend staying here if you are in Hania, Crete.

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Guest Eric Lerner
Date of stay 05/28/06
Review Submitted 05/28/06

We stayed here for a week in May. Loved Crete & Hania. Pleasant studio apartment in great location. Short stroll to Old Harbor, but still very quiet. Despina's English is excellent and she was extremely helpful in answering questions before our visit and helping us find great places to visit in Crete, especially Falasarna & Therisso. She was also especially helpful when the airlines lost our luggage for 3 days. Highly recommended.

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Guest Kit Richardson
Date of stay 10/31/05
Review Submitted 10/31/05

Even before we arrived, our hostess, Despina, provided information, answers and suggestions to make our stay on Crete more enjoyable. We had two apartments, each with a balcony or two, and small kitchenette, on the upper levels in the restored home of her husband's family. The warm reception and lively conversations, including those with Despina's mother and sons, made our stay there feel like we were visiting old friends. Her location in the old walled city, on a very quite walking street one block from the main Hania Harbor and three blocks from central parking, is perfect. At the corner of her street and the harbor is a cafe for early morning treats with a waiter who allowed me to take an unpaid for espresso back to our room so I could return with the money I had forgotten in the first place; we enjoyed coffees, croissants and sunrises there more than once as it was so close and friendly. Our visit with IASON STUIOS was so wonderful that our son is talking about coming back to Hania for his wedding! We have traveled quite a bit, mostly in Europe since 1959, and always prefer homes to hotels; this is one of the most enjoyable visits we have had anywhere. Despina and her family made us feel most welcome in their home. We would definitely return and stay in IASON STUDIOS again.

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Iason Studios in the Picturesque Old Town, Hania, Crete [#7929] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (28)

So nice we booked one week and stayed for a second

So nice we booked one week and stayed for a second

Fabulous location to explore Chania

Fabulous location to explore Chania

A wonderful place to stay in colorful, historic Chania

A wonderful place to stay in colorful, historic Chania

Our stay at Iason Studios

Our stay at Iason Studios

Staying at Iason Studios with Despina as the owner made Hania heavenly!

Staying at Iason Studios with Despina as the owner made Hania heavenly!

fun and pleasant days and nights at Iason Studios...

fun and pleasant days and nights at Iason Studios...