Alia Palace Hotel

This peaceful hotel is popular primarily with couples for the laid-back atmosphere and beautiful views. The grounds are open, with grassy spaces between peach-colored buildings that march down the hill in rows toward the pool and reception. While it is not steep, guests with mobility issues may need to wait for a ride up to their room. Inside, a neutral canvas with soft peach tones and both wicker and ivory sofas create a relaxing atmosphere. Stone accent walls and beaded pendant lights are pretty touches. Older wood furnishings are polished, but some show their age with wear and scuff marks. Though the property falls short of its advertised luxury rating, it is a lovely and tranquil setting. Beyond the main building, there is a stunning panoramic view of the small town and the ocean beyond. Guests consistently rate the staff as friendly and helpful, with many willing to go above and beyond to make everyone happy. 

Alia Palace Hotel is set just outside Pefkohori, a small town on the southeastern coast of Halkidiki’s western peninsula. The hotel is on a hill above the town, offering a lovely view and quiet atmosphere. A 15-minute walk downhill will bring guests to the center of the village, where there are shops and restaurants to explore, as well as a nice stretch of beach. The hotel runs a shuttle to the town and beach, which is especially helpful for the uphill trip back to the hotel. Guests can also get a public bus from Pefkohori for trips farther afield. A 25-minute drive from the hotel, there’s an ancient ruin of a temple dedicated to Zeus. There aren’t many sites nearby, but the coastline offers beaches and villages to explore, and there’s hiking in the mountains. The nearest major city is Thessaloniki, a 90-minute drive from the hotel. Thessaloniki Airport is an 80-minute drive from the hotel, and the city port is a 95-minute drive. 

Standard rooms have simple but attractive decor consisting of white or ivory walls and floors and a solid accent color -- usually a light shade -- in pillows and the bed runner. A few pieces of artwork on the walls or patterned wallpaper add interest, but otherwise the design is low on frills. A double bed and a sleeper sofa can accommodate up to three people. Many of the furnished balconies have gorgeous views of the coast, though not all face the sea. All rooms have a 32-inch flat-screen TV, minibar, kettle, and free safe. Bathrooms are likewise simple, with either a glass-walled shower stall or a shower/tub combo with a partial glass wall. A hairdryer is provided, and free toiletries include soap, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. 

Upgraded rooms have slightly more sophisticated decor and some offer private pools, personal parking spaces, and robes and slippers. Executive Suites have room for up to six people thanks to two bedrooms, a living room, a whirlpool tub, and a private pool. 

A good range of amenities include restaurants, a pool, and a spa, though little for kids. The lovely infinity-edge pool is a highlight of the hotel, providing a gorgeous view of the town and sea. Wooden loungers with peach cushions sit under tiki umbrellas on the lawn, as well as a few sunbeds and wicker loveseats that show their age with scuffed wood and faded colors. A small wading pool sits to one side. 

The main restaurant serves three buffet-style meals daily, consisting of both Greek and international dishes. It is a modest spot, though tables are set with white linens, some chairs have gray striped covers, and an oversized painting of Poseidon emerging from the sea dominates one wall. Breakfast is free, and all-inclusive or half-board options are available. The a la carte eatery has a cozier atmosphere with stone walls, wood floors, and warm lighting. There’s also lighter meals at a poolside bistro, which opens for lunch. 

Guests enjoy their time at the spa where massages and beauty treatments are offered, as are a whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. The small fitness room has only a treadmill and weight-training equipment, and a tennis court offers some outdoor activity. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though guests report difficulty getting a connection.