Corfu Holiday Palace

The Corfu Holiday Palace was originally built as a Hilton in the 1970s and that property's influence and era is evident throughout the enormous lobby and expansive grounds. Potted plants and clusters of plush couches and armchairs flanking coffee tables provide plenty of places to sit indoors. A jewelry store and gift shop are both located near the lobby entrance. Outdoors, artificial rock walls mean that the clear blue water near the beach is calm and serene. The beach is mostly sandy though there are large pebbles under the water. The enormous outdoor swimming pool can get very crowded. Surprisingly, the clientele here are mostly couples and families with older children so you won't encounter many shrieking kids.

This resort takes up a big patch of prime real estate between the Ionian Sea and the Halikiopoulou Lagoon, which is sliced down the middle with an active airport runway so expect plane activity and accompanying noise unless you book a sea facing room. Captain George's Taverna is across the street from the property and there's a nearby bus stop bringing passengers into Corfu. The hill between the beach and swimming pool is covered with tall green trees -- a pretty and natural touch.

Astoundingly, there are 256 accommodations at Corfu Holiday Palace and each of them is slightly different in terms of size, layout, decor, and view -- so check carefully before booking, and it can't hurt to ask what's available when you arrive. Apartments with private pools are the best rooms in the house with a price point to match. Standard Rooms look bland and out of date -- more fitting for a budget hotel than an advertised five-star option. Dotted green carpet clashes with the dated yellow bed coverlet. Twin beds are pushed together to make a double. Bathrooms have a shower/tub combos and long vanity counter. The balcony is a decent size and furnished. For an upgrade, suites look much more elegant and contemporary. Some have wooden floors and reflective furniture, along with newer bathrooms and better toiletries. Book an ocean facing room for the best views and most quiet. All rooms come standard with mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Public features are seemingly endless at Corfu Holiday Palace. The outdoor swimming pool has a poolside restaurant and bar along with free sun chairs. Take the lift down to the private sandy beach and another restaurant but be prepared to pay to use the sun chairs there. Recreational facilities include indoor bowling, outdoor tennis courts, and a huge fitness center with cardio machines and weights. Staff provides evening entertainment to mixed reviews. There's a clean indoor swimming pool and a health spa -- which could use a facelift. Services there include beauty treatments, massages, and a sauna. Staff can arrange excursions and water sports.

A breakfast buffet is included in the price of the room and there's an option to purchase a dinner buffet as well. Kukutsi sushi bar gets decent reviews as does Brachera Beach Snack Bar and Restaurant. Old Grill a la carte restaurant is the fanciest option on the property, open for dinner. Ma Cocotte Specialty Cafe Cocktail Bar and Restaurant has some of the best views on the property. From its deck patio guests enjoy panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mouse Island. The Pool Terrace is a popular and casual option. It serves cocktails, salads, and ice cream on tables overlooking the pool.