Imagine Anassa
Anassa's name and inspiration arise from the ancient Greek word for "queen," and our aim is to treat you like royalty.
From outstanding food, wine, and cocktails, to enchanting accommodations, our attention to detail offers you the chance to experience Chania in unique style.
Spend the day exploring the Old Town, picturesque beaches, and remote villages, or hike through ancient ruins and vibrant hillsides. When you return from your adventures, we make it easy to slip back into a regal state of mind.
Our History
Our waterside building is centrally located on the Old Harbor, the secular and spiritual heart of Chania in Crete. Built by Venetians in the late 17th century, the harbor was the center for public meetings and scholarly debate among politicians and aristocrats.
In the late 19th century, Chania was the capital of an independent Crete and the Old Harbor was the site of embassies and consulates, alongside cafes and hotels. Our building was one of six three-story structures comprising the famous Grand Hotel de France.
In the 1930s, a fire wiped out all six buildings, which were then rebuilt as individual single-story units. From 1936 to 1951, our structure changed hands a few times, until the Vailakis family purchased the property and turned it into a soda and beer-bottling factory.
In 1972, as tourism began to blossom in Chania, the building became home to the Zeus Art and Clothing store.
Fast-forward to 2021, when a multi-year construction effort restored the building to its former glory. As proprietors, second and third-generation Vailakis family members from New York City returned to their ancestral home to open Anassa.
Centuries after the Venetians left, Anassa has been reborn and reimagined, and is ready for your visit.
Katherine Vailakis-Tsamasiros and Efstratia Tsamasiros proudly invite you to enjoy food, drink, and slumber in our beautiful space.
Our pledge: To give you an experience like no other, in the inspirational heart of Chania