Diamond Deluxe Hotel

The Diamond Deluxe's sea-facing entrance has a stone facade, a glass awning, and its own man-made lake. Inside, the lobby is chic and furnished with unusual decor, including a life-sized gold-colored horse lamp, golden chairs, tufted white leather couches, and a moss backdrop behind the front desk. Bronze sculptures of nude men and a bright red bulldog statue add to the eclectic, though stylish look. The clientele tend to be vacationing couples, although the hotel does see the occasional family or group of friends. 

The Diamond Deluxe Hotel is situated on the west coast of Kos island, across the street from a beach. The town of Kos -- where travelers can explore the Ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, the Knights of Saint John, and the Neratzia Castle -- is a 10-minute drive away. The town also has the liveliest scene on the island, and it's where visitors will find the best selection of restaurants, bars, and shopping. The ancient ruins of Asclepieion are 12 minutes by car and the airport is a half-hour drive away. Covered parking at the hotel is free. 

Taking design inspiration from the lobby, rooms and suites feature gold and white luxe decor. White sculptures of nude figurines and plush bathrobes embroidered with the words, "After Sex," give the rooms a decidedly adult vibe. All come with flat-screen TVs that double as free Internet terminals, plus DVD players, kettles, digital safes, and mini-fridges. Each comes standard with balconies and terraces with pool or sea views. Maisonettes are spread out over two floors and have a bedroom, a living room, and two bathrooms. Diamond suites offer a living room, a separate bedroom, and a private pool -- some Superior rooms have semi-private shared pools. Bathrooms are decorated with gold wallpaper and include scales, whirlpool tubs, telephones, and high-end toiletries. Note that some rooms pick up noise from a nearby street. 

A chic wooden staircase with gold and white bicycles hanging from the ceiling leads to the Emerald, the hotel's main buffet restaurant, which has white decor, Greek artwork, and a terrace. The Peruzzi Italian restaurant has a more rustic look, with cool antler chairs, wood decor, and a sea-facing terrace. There’s also a lobby bar, a beach bar, and a pool bar with sea views that has hip -- albeit somewhat worn -- white furniture. 

On-site recreation includes a well-maintained tennis court and a basketball court, neither of which are shaded. Guests have direct access to a beach with white canopy beds, cushioned lounge chairs, rattan parasols, a shower, and a massage canopy, although traffic from the nearby road can make the area noisy at times. Guests might find the unheated lagoon pool area more peaceful, despite the fact that there's a kids' pool (as well as two hot tubs). 

Guests have access (for a charge) to the heated spa pool, with a skylight, fountains, and massage jets. The elegant Mazarin Health Club spa also features a glass entrance walkway, stone wall accents, a solarium, a steam room, a sauna, a Vichy shower, and a hair salon. There’s also a tile-floor gym that features modern equipment, but guests have to pay extra to use it.