Budget Accommodation in Heraklion & Chania in January and...

I found that many hotels, especially the small ones and especially in Hania (Chania) were closed during January. We just strolled around the old town and found a cheap, clean room for rent that was open during the winter months. Heraklion seemed to have more open (due to its bigger year-round population), so we found a couple of hotels open. We didn't have anything booked in advance -- we just booked upon arrival. Check out Matt Barrett's Greece Guide for his recommendations on Crete. Also, Lonely Planet and Rough Guide probably have recommendations, along with contact information. If you want to be booked in advance, I'd suggest you contact them in advance to make sure they're open in the winter.

I think you can only visit the Gorge during the May-October time period. I was there in January a few years ago, and we were told we couldn't visit it.

Dave

Yeah, the Gorge is off limits during winter. The weather isn't conducive.
Mame

We spent September in Crete. In Chania we stayed at Pension Nora, which I highly recommend. They had very reasonable prices (which get ridiculously good in the off season), an unbeatable location, and I think they remain open all year round. In our small apartment we had a private bath and a kitchenette. Natalie, girlfriend of the landlord, is a native English speaker and can recommend to you many things to do around the western side of the island. Contact info:

Theotokopoulou 60
Chania, Crete
2821072265
mobile 6932372068

Although we just showed up and got a place! I especially don't think it'd be a problem in January.

Good luck,

Brittany

reservation@dogehotel.com

Also check the doge hotel out (email above). Great location, friendly family run, cheap, internet facilities. The owner gave us some home made grappa too which was a bonus.