Ios Palace Hotel

Commanding a spectacular view over the sparkling blue bay and mountains hugging the coast, this upscale hotel is situated on a terraced hillside, with steps and paths leading around the charming property. Its pristine whitewashed facade is echoed in its interiors, which feature a crisp and simple white color scheme with white marble floors and walls contrasted by greenery. Potted shrubs, olive trees, flowering bushes, and all sorts of plants enhance the architecture and atmosphere. The hotel's Tomatini Restaurant offers outdoor seating beneath a slatted roof, with views over the pool and bay beyond. White wooden tables are topped with orange and white place settings, while mirrors on the walls reflect the blue waters and scenery. There are plenty of lovely outdoor spaces to relax in throughout the property, be it around one of the pretty pools or on a terrace -- loungers, sumptuous shaded day beds, sofas, and all sorts of other seating dot the premises. 

The property attracts leisure tourists -- both couples and families -- seeking a sun-filled vacation, while the island's nightlife also draws young travelers wishing to party. Note that the hillside location and lots of steps throughout the property might pose an issue for some, though there are elevators.

The hotel is scenically situated on a hill overlooking Mylopotas Bay on the island of Ios. The area is home to other hotels and resorts. Mylopotas Beach is just a short walk down the hill, where guests will find a couple of restaurants and bars. The island is known for its nightlife, and there are several bars and clubs within a five-minute drive, like Ios Club and Click Cocktail Bar. The Ios ferry terminal is a nine-minute drive away, with boats giving access to Santorini. The nearest airport is on Santorini.

The hotel offers eight different room categories that include Standard and Superior Rooms, as well as several types of suites. Decor is simple and minimalist -- if a bit spartan -- with white walls, white or gray marble floors, white furniture, and beds topped with gray or cream bedspreads. Subtle pale lime-colored accents add a touch of visual interest to the neutral hues, as do Greek quotes on the walls. Suites have sitting areas, and the Superior and Master Suites have private swimming pools as well as loungers, daybeds, and tables with chairs by the pool area. All rooms have small balconies that are furnished with tables and chairs, and some have stunning views of the bay.

All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, and safes, while some of the upper-level suites add coffee pod machines. Master Suites have kitchens with sinks, two-burner stoves, ovens, coffee pod machines, cookingware, and dishware -- but they're for personal chef use only. Free Wi-Fi is available on some of the balconies -- but not in-room. Bathrooms are small and due for an update, with older fittings and either shower/tub combos or small showers with shower curtains or glass doors. Some of the suites have two bathrooms, offering both showers and tubs.

The hotel makes the most of its scenic location, its terraced setting providing plenty of spaces to relax on a lounger and take in the view. Its three outdoor pools provide particularly stunning vistas of the sparkling water and hills hugging the coast. The attractive pool areas offer plenty of shaded loungers; the lovely upper-level pool even has luxurious canopied daybeds to lounge in. 

The hotel's Tomatini Restaurant serves Mediterranean fare. It is situated by the pool and offers gorgeous views of the bay, as does Margarita Bar, where guests can enjoy cocktails and other drinks. A free breakfast buffet is served in a dedicated breakfast area and includes homemade breads, pitas, and fresh juices. Room service is also available.

The fitness room, though small and equipped with just a couple of machines, commands a scenic perch with gorgeous views of the beach through floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also has a lovely spa offering an array of treatments and massages, as well as a hammam, Swedish sauna, whirlpool tub, semi-indoor swimming pool, and locker rooms. There's also a beauty salon on-site with hair and nail services, as well as waxing and make-up application.

Event space is available for hosting various functions -- including a conference room for up to 120 people -- and the hotel also offers wedding planning services. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and some of the guest room balconies, but it's not available in-room. Other amenities include laundry service, babysitting upon request, and port transfers.