Ayios Yiannis, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, Greece | (586) 210-9239
Located right on Agios Ioannis Beach, two miles from Mykonos Town
Tricked-out suites with private, sea-view infinity swimming pools, telescopes, and soaking tubs
Shirley Valentine Beach (as locals call it) has free loungers, umbrellas, and towels
Two on-site restaurants serve Mediterranean fare and seafood
Althea Spa Center provides all-natural treatments
Large outdoor swimming pool with adjacent kids' pool and whirlpool (all overlooking the Aegean Sea)
Free poolside refreshments, and the staff will clean your sunglasses
The White Bar does cocktails on the terrace with sunset views
Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking
Fitness center, tennis courts, and squash courts
Some guests complain about noise in the rooms
Balconies aren't private, and some rooms have better sea views than others
Free shuttle to Mykonos Town runs irregularly
The hotel's website shows an infinity pool, but it's available to only one suite, and not for all guests' use
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is a design-forward luxury property with many of the same features (chic outdoor swimming pool, beach facilities, spa, restaurants) as its competitors in this price range. The suites have private swimming pools, two bedrooms, and telescopes for star gazing. Other guest rooms have minimal decor and outdoor balconies, though these are less than private. The small beach here is lovely, with loungers reserved for hotel guests only, but it's a bit pebbly. For access to a slightly wider stretch of sand, visitors might want to check out Myconian Villa Collection (overlooking Elia Beach) or Petasos Beach Hotel (located on a peninsula between the very popular Platis Yialos and Psarou beaches). Many, however, prefer the seclusion offered here.
Scene
Minimalist white with Greek architecture
Like many resorts on the island, Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort employs Cycladic architecture with cube-shaped whitewashed buildings. The lobby has lots of natural light and bright-white walls. A gray shag rug and long, beige upholstered benches warm up a living room area flanked by deep-white sofas and a wooden four-poster day bed topped with numerous striped throw pillows. Overhead, black trays suspended from the ceiling hold white pillar candles for a romantic vibe. Some of the lobby windows overlook the Aegean Sea.
Location
Two miles outside Mykonos Town on the Aegean Sea and across from Delos Island, the legendary home of Greek gods
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort offers the best of both worlds on the island of Mykonos: It's only two miles from the party scene of Mykonos Town, so it's easy to get in the mix, but if the crowds become too much the hotel provides a quiet oasis with a serene beach. A free shuttle bus runs at irregular hours, and parking at the hotel is free. The sacred island of Delos (thought to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, today it's a Unesco Heritage site and massive archeological area) is just across the Aegean Sea. Greeks claim that it's one of the sunniest areas in the world and offers special cosmic energy.
Rooms
Modern rooms and suites with balconies or terraces, and some breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea
Garden View Rooms are the most economical option at Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort. These are on the first floor and have terraces. From there, prices increase but so do the amenities. Sea View Rooms are much more luxurious and include gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea and minimalist design with white Greek marble and a Myconian arch that separates the living area and bedroom. Premium and Superior Sea View Rooms have enormous bathrooms with egg-shaped soaking tubs, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and steam rooms in the superior option. The grand suite looks like something straight out of a music video. Think private infinity swimming pool overlooking the Aegean, outdoor barbecue and shower, white Dionysos marble floors, and an indoor hot tub. Note that past guests have complained that the walls are thin, and that balconies overlook one another, which compromises privacy.
Features
Private beach facilities, spa with fitness center, restaurants, swimming pool and hot tub, and more
Many guests come to Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort for a beach vacation and don't leave the property until it's time to head back to the airport. The resort includes a large, chic outdoor swimming pool and tiered deck with a hot tub overlooking the Aegean Sea and Delos Island. Sun beds, loungers, free ice cream, and towels -- plus drink service -- are available poolside or on Shirley Valentine Beach. This lovely, if slightly pebbly, stretch of sand isn't the biggest on Mykonos, but it certainly feels quiet and secluded. The spa offers traditional and all-natural treatments, but unlike the Myconian Imperial Hotel & Thalasso Centre, it doesn't have the saltwater therapy treatments that Mykonos is famous for.The fitness center is one of the best we've seen on the island, while tennis and squash courts are a nice touch. Yoga or Pilates can be privately arranged in the stone-built amphitheater. Breakfast is free, and there are two on-site restaurants serving Mediteranean cuisine. The White Bar offers seating in the lobby or outdoors on the terrace with views of the sun setting over the water. If an infinity pool is a must, check out nearby Myconian Villa Collection.