Dorothy's Dream is a grand historic, four-bedroom residence located in the “Palazzo del Rettore”, one of Chania’s oldest and most exquisite national monuments. Rising above the Byzantine walls of Kastelli, this amazing property overlooks the beautifully preserved Chania Old Venetian Harbour.
This large and exquisite residence of 200 square meters covers the entire top floor of the “Palazzo del Rettore”, a building dating from the 14th century. It overlooks the heart of the old town and offers incredible views over the Chania Venetian Harbour, including the famous lighthouse, the Maritime Museum and the Giali Tzami Mosque. The endless sea views are also well covered from all of the northern facing rooms in this property. The rooms facing the south and east offers views towards the charming old town and the private “piazza” below. This charming piazza with its lemon trees welcomes the guests at its entrance.
Dorothy’s Dream also features one of the most spectacular rooftop terraces in Chania. It provides guests with a 360º unobstructed bird’s eye view to the “White Mountains” of Chania, the Old Harbour and the nearby beaches. The terrace is the perfect place to dine for breakfast during the mornings, with only swifts and swallows obstructing the views. The same applies for evening meals when the harbor and its lights come to life.
Dorothy's Dream offers true relaxation, comfort, elegance and history – all wrapped into one. It’s a one of its kind and undoubtedly the most interesting accommodation options we offer in the city centre of Chania. With this beautiful city on your doorstep, the cafes and restaurants are just meters away, whether you decide to proceed to the harbor or through the quaint and characteristic streets of the old town.
“Palazzo del Rettore” was built on the Byzantine wall overlooking the port of Chania. The Venetian archives were part of this residence and it also accommodated the Venetian ruler of Chania until 1645, before Chania surrendered to the Ottoman Turks. The building then became the residence of the Turkish Pasha. The building miraculously survived the heavy bombing of the Kastelli hill during the Second World War, and has since been restored and renovated to become the residence we know as Dorothy’s Dream.
Dorothy Andrews was an American painter who visited Chania after the war, and fell in love with the house. She used it as her residence as well as art studio until she passed away in 2008. To honour Dorothy and her significant contribution to the town of Chania, the residence was named Dorothy's Dream.
The breakfast can be enjoyed ‘al fresco’ on the terrace most days of the year and we would strongly recommend this if you stay at Dorothy’s Dream. A setting you will not be able to find anywhere else in Chania. The terrace offers sufficient tables and chairs, but also a BBQ and rooftop canopies for shade during the middle of the day. Many take advantage of hiring a private chef, transforming the terrace into an exquisite private restaurant overlooking the harbor of Chania. Whether you would like dine or simply enjoy a glass of wine during the evening, the terrace must not be missed.
The kitchen is of course a focal point in itself and offers all the necessary appliances and a round large table next to the fireplace. Make use of the kitchen as a way to experience the authentic taste of the Cretan gastronomic treasures, and seek locally produced fruits, vegetables and items from the nearby shops. The Old City Market is just a short stroll away, and local food markets can also be found at certain days in town, to that of conventional supermarkets.
GNTO Licence Number: 1042K113K2943601