lti Louis Grand Hotel

The Lti Louis Grand Hotel lets the light in, wherever guests are. The sea views are spectacular, and the architecture frames those vistas from every angle, giving the place an airy spacious feeling -- a vacation with no rough edges. The breezy lobby features a large expanse of black-and-white marble checkerboard flooring and an abundance of couches facing out through the picture windows to the water. In various corners and nooks, there are old settees and chairs that nod to the hotel's history. The Figaretto Restaurant has a terrace with phenomenal views (of course) through a series of arches that make city life seem centuries away. Tables are set with full, elegant place settings and white tablecloths, and the entire restaurant has a subtle golden glow. Tables at the Asian restaurant, which all-inclusive guests can visit once a week, are set with disposable chopsticks in paper wrap, and paper placemats instead of tablecloths, but the views are, again, unbeatable. There is a casual pool bar and beach restaurant for afternoons in flip-flops and beachwear, and its opposite: the Castello Bar, with an elegant stone fireplace, plush carpet, a grand piano, and white sofas upon which to recline with a cocktail.

The Lti Louis Grand Hotel is 10 miles from the town of Corfu, but the hotel runs a free shuttle bus back and forth. Reservations for the shuttle are required in advance. Corfu Airport is a 30-minute drive, and the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is 40 minutes by car. The hotel has unbeatable sea views, and sits on a wild, unspoiled hillside, but there are bars and restaurants all along the beach, which is great for swimming and sometimes even has waves suitable for surfers.

Every room at the Lti Louis Grand Hotel is fresh, clean, and airy, with spotless wood floors and stylish light wood furniture. Lighting is exceptional, with no harsh glares but, rather, lovely sconces that flatter everything. The mirror is a perfect circle on a large, natural wood frame. There are coffee and tea facilities, safes, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, as well as an abundance of storage. Balconies are pretty and private, with tables and chairs. The jewels of the property are the family swim-up rooms, with long narrow pool steps from guests' private decks.

The Lti Louis Grand Hotel is surrounded by lovely green lawns strewn with sunbeds, as well as a large pool and gorgeous beach. There is a full line-up of sports, including lighted tennis courts, ping-pong, volleyball, water polo, and archery, and a game terrace with pool tables, air hockey, and video games. Kids are treated to a special kids buffet, mini disco, pool activities, and more. Spa treatments are available, even poolside. There is plenty of good food available all day long in different venues, including picnic lunches, and late-night sweets in the main bar.