Kos Aktis Art Hotel

Originally the site of a Kos Xenia property -- one of the first hotels in on the island -- the Kos Atkis Art Hotel is all about minimalist and modern style. Throughout the historic property, light colors, clean lines, glass, and wood intersect for a streamlined, serene feel. The property can feel a bit cold with its predominance of grays, but the widespread windows overlooking the sea are undoubtedly lovely. Given its location near the center of town, it's good for both business and leisure travelers, though far more popular with the latter. There aren't a lot of kid-friendly amenities, but it should do the trick for couples who don't mind the lack of wellness features. 

Although it's off of a main road, the back of this boutique waterfront hotel overlooks the Aegean Sea and across to Bodrum, Turkey. It's a 10-minute walk from the harbor and main square of Kos, where there are lots of bars and restaurants. Five minutes on foot takes guests to Neratzia Castle, which dates back to the 14th century and is the best-preserved medieval castle on the island (though, to be fair, it's still ruins). Orfeas, an outdoor cinema, offers two projections almost nightly and is a five-minute stroll away. Kos Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi.

The hotel's 36 rooms and six Junior Suites follow the decor of the common areas with gray tile floors and mostly beige walls. Best of all, all rooms have a sea view and semi-private furnished balconies separated by opaque glass partitions. However, the dark-wood furniture drags down the lightness of the scheme, and the lack of artwork can make the spaces feel a bit cold. Also on the downside, rooms on lower floors can be noisy until midnight or so due to the restaurant downstairs. Needless to say, the waist-high glass partition between the bedroom and bathroom could be a bit awkward, but there's a curtain available for privacy. The sleek gray bathrooms have great water pressure in the shower/tub combos, and come with old-fashioned hairdryers, toiletries, and magnifying mirrors. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and flat-screen satellite TVs. 

The hotel has its own private beach with loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels provided for free. However, it's less a beach than a wooden platform with a ladder down into the water --- though it's still excellent for swimming. There's no swimming pool on-site, but guests can go to the nearby sister property Kos Hotel Junior Suites, a 10-minute walk away, and use its pool and spa. There is a fitness center on-site, though it's small. 

The hotel's extensive, free breakfast buffet features traditional Greek items like thyme honey and cheeses, plus standard buffet items like eggs and bacon. It transforms into the H2O restaurant at night, which has great seafood and microbrews. Eating on the outdoor terrace is a treat. 

Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, but the signal can be a bit unreliable. A small, basic meeting room holds 10 at a squeeze. Parking isn't available on-site, but free public parking is nearby.