Belvedere Mykonos

The Hotel Belvedere is one of Mykonos’ most famous and iconic hotels, and often entertains celebrities and VIPs -- but any guest will feel like a temporary member of the elite thanks to luxurious touches, both large and small. Opened in 1995 and occupying a romantic mansion dating to circa 1850, the hotel has a sophisticated, contemporary vibe that incorporates traditional Greek island architecture and natural materials. Bougainvillea, lush greenery, and colorful flowers flank and frame the white buildings, creating an idyllic scene, and many potted plants grace the interiors as well. The central pool is closely surrounded by the hotel's bars and restaurants, and it's lit up by pretty lanterns at night, amping up the already spectacular surroundings. Inside, the all-white interiors -- from the lobby to the dining spaces -- are accented by sleek and handsome wooden furnishings, with cool lighting fixtures adding aesthetic interest.

Attention to detail, some of the island's best food, and 20 years of experience all come together to provide a true luxury vacation for those who don't mind the splurge. Guests report that the service helps this hotel stand out; it is common for staff members to refer to you by name, rooms are serviced twice daily, and guests in suites might get extras such as a bottle of wine upon arrival and free transfers to and from the port. The vibe is peaceful and intimate, and though families are allowed, parents may feel uncomfortable with kids running around in such close quarters. 

The Hotel Belvedere is conveniently located in Mykonos, overlooking the picturesque town and the Aegean Sea. The hotel sits on a major street, but still feels like a quiet oasis. Many of the island’s major attractions are within a 10-minute walk, including the Mykonos Windmills, the Old Port, Fabrika Square, Paraportiani Church, the Aegean Maritime Museum, and the designer shops of Matogianni Street, as well as nightlife hotspots like Little Venice and Sunset Bar. The Archeological Museum is a 12-minute walk away. The nearest beach is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while other popular beaches are within a 15- to 20-minute drive, including Super Paradise, Elia Beach, and Kalo Livadi Beach. The airport is about a five-minute drive, and the hotel runs an airport shuttle for a surcharge. Valet parking is offered to guests with cars, but the parking lot is not on-site (it's nearby).

The guest rooms at the Hotel Belvedere are bright and immaculate, but not incredibly spacious. The rooms are individually designed and decorated in a combination of contemporary and traditional Greek Island style. There are eight different room categories, all done up in white, with aquamarine and Aegean blue accents as well as tiny touches of nature in the artwork and accessories. Even the wall-mounted flat-screen TVs are cool, encased in chic white frames. Walnut closets serve as storage, but there is little counter space in the rooms. Each room comes with a furnished private balcony, most of which offer sea views -- guests report that sea-view rooms are well worth the additional charge. Suites have separate living rooms, and some also have private gardens and pools. 

Bathrooms are modern and sleek, with marble floors and marble tile mosaics on the walls. Each has a glass shower stall with a rainfall showerhead. Guest rooms are soundproofed, but rooms at the front of the hotel overlook a busy road; light sleepers may want to request rooms toward the back. Amenities include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players, surround sound systems, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi.

The Hotel Belvedere features a lovely central pool (open seasonally) surrounded by cushioned sunbeds and romantic cabana beds. There's also a pretty day spa that offers a lengthy treatment menu, including massages, Ayurvedic treatments, scrubs and wraps, mani/pedis, and a full slate of facials and beauty services. It has a steam room and spa tub as well. In addition, the spa offers four- and six-night detox programs that include wellness treatments and spa meals. The on-site fitness center has a fresh outdoor feel, thanks to the bougainvillea draped from the ceiling. The gym is stocked with modern cardio and weight equipment, and there is a stretching area. 

The hotel’s two restaurants, Matsuhisa and Thea, are popular Mykonos dining destinations. Matsuhisa, open for dinner only, is a branch of the famous Nobu chain, serving “New Style Japanese” cuisine with South American and Western influences. The dining room feels like a garden overhung with lanterns and bougainvillea. Thea is the smaller poolside restaurant, and serves a Mediterranean menu throughout the day and evening. The free breakfast is pretty basic, including items such as fruit, pastries, and granola, but fees may apply for coffee and eggs. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The hotel’s three bars include two that serve craft cocktails invented by the resident mixologist, as well as wine bar, the Belvedere Cellar, which offers a superb wine list. 

Other on-site features include two shops: a high-end jewelry boutique and a more general gift shop stocked with luxury goods. The hotel also provides airport transfers (for an additional charge), free Wi-FI throughout, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Pets are allowed upon request for no additional fee.