We hired a car. There are transports to Chania with bus but that takes some time. It can take up to three hours I believe. I would personally write to the hotel as the staff is very helpful. Perhaps they can recommend someone like a taxi driver with a better price.
Yes there are places around and you should be able to find them very pleasant. Just a few meters from the hotel there is a beautiful and friendly restaurant which faces the beach and very often has evening music (the owner is a Serbian). I have a 3-year old and he loved it also the food was good.
For lunch I would recommend you use hotel but there is a lack of choice if you ask me. I personally love Greek food and for the evenings it’s always good to go out.
Also, if I may say, don’t use just the beach in front of hotel. There are many beautiful beaches just around the corner which have much less wind in the windy days.
My personal choice for a trip out is also Marathi beach.
Hope this was helpful.
Enjoy your holidays!
