Bella Venezia Hotel

While the original building that stood at the Bella Venezia's site was destroyed by bombing during World War II, the hotel looks every bit the 19th-century mansion that it replaced. The property opened as a boutique hotel in 1988 (after a string of previous uses including a consulate and a bank) and was last renovated in 2006.

An elegant columned entrance, a stone-carved balustrade, and shuttered windows combine to create a stately Neoclassical-style facade. The lovingly-recreated Belle Epoque styling continues inside, with a lobby characterized by velvet, patterned upholstery, coffered wood ceilings, and antique rugs on Ioannina marble floors. To the rear, a spacious and bright breakfast room opens out to a pretty patio with a pergola covered in greenery that casts dappled shade on the rattan seating below. The secluded garden also extends to a sun terrace with pink-cushioned metal chairs next to a trickling fountain. The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet -- the lobby bar closes early to cut down on noise -- appealing to the senior couples who make up the majority of guests.

The hotel is located on a leafy street in a largely residential neighborhood at the southern end of Corfu Town's Porta Remounda district. While the location is peaceful, it's within easy walking distance of many attractions, including the Old Fortress and Corfu's Archaeological Museum, both under 10 minutes away on foot. It's also just a five-minute walk from the central square of Spianada, which is lined by numerous cafes and restaurants. The Blue Bus Terminal is around a five-minute stroll away, while Corfu International Airport -- also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport -- is under a 10-minute drive away.

The hotel has 31 air-conditioned rooms spread across three floors, each floor decorated in differing styles. All have somewhat bland, yet pleasant wood furniture, wood floors, and sheer drapery, while suites add more plush seating and decor. Some rear-facing rooms open to Juliet balconies overlooking the garden patio, while the Master Suite features a balcony with panoramic views of Corfu Town. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, 19-inch flat-screen TVs (with a couple of English-language news channels), and free Wi-Fi that has a decent signal. Bedding comprises high-quality, all-natural mattresses and a choice of goose down or hypoallergenic pillows. Small bathrooms are well-maintained, but most have tiny showers with flimsy curtains. Bathroom amenities include hairdryers and toiletries made from local olive oil, plus robes and slippers. 

A buffet breakfast is included in room rates and features plenty of local produce, including Greek yogurt topped with local honey. There's also a cooking station for made-to-order eggs (using only virgin olive oil) and breakfast can be taken in either the cheerful dining room or alfresco under the patio pagoda (weather permitting). There's also a lobby bar finished in the style of a 19th-century English club, which has a cocktail menu, though it closes relatively early and there's no restaurant on-site. The garden also has a terrace area with comfy seats for lounging in the sun, as well as a giant chessboard, but there's nothing in the way of spa or health facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.