Hotel Kamari

Situated on a steep hill just yards from Platys Gialos Beach, the family-run Hotel Kamari offers wonderful views of the bay and surrounding mountainside. It has a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere, with very little noise despite its close proximity to the town and beach. Built in 1986, the architecture is typically Cycladic and includes whitewashed walls plus blue and red accents. The lobby is bright and airy, with white walls, cozy seating areas, floaty curtains, and blue paintings adding a splash of color. The large outdoor pool is the central feature of the hotel, surrounded by reclining sun loungers and deck chairs, tropical straw umbrellas, and traditional Greek terra-cotta vases. The hotel's buildings are connected with giraffe-spotted stone pathways, and flowered by beautiful green gardens. Given its quiet nature and proximity to the beach, families and couples make up the majority of guests here. 

Hotel Kamari is nestled between two of the island's most popular beaches. It's just a two-minute walk to the sparkling waters and golden sands of Platys Gialos Beach, and around a 10-minute walk to Psarou Beach. The location is ideal for travelers who want to be near the beaches and town, but far enough away to enjoy a peaceful, relaxed setting. The town and beachfront have numerous restaurants and bars, while lively Mykonos Town is around a 10-minute drive from the hotel, with a bus stop right outside. Although there are two lovely beaches within walking distance, many guests rent cars or bikes to get around and explore. Alternatively, there is a pier on Platys Gialos Beach with regular water taxi's to Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. The airport and port are a 10- to 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

All 59 guest rooms and suites are bright, spacious, and simply decorated, though many are dated. Large family rooms are available, and some suites have grand four poster beds, giving them a bit more class. Expect to see white painted walls and glossy tiled floors, plus blue drapes, bedding, and artwork to create a subtle nautical feel. Light-hued furniture is kept simple, with ornate French-style dressers, mirrors, bedside tables, and bed frames. They are, at least, impeccably clean and quiet. Each room has a balcony or veranda, with a seating area for taking in the lovely sea, garden, or pool views. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, and minibars. Bathrooms are spacious and attractive, with marble-tiled floors and walls, vessel sinks, big mirrors, shower/tub combos, and basic free toiletries, though tube hairdryers look a little dated. It's worth noting that there are no electric kettles, which disappoints some previous guests.

There are just enough features here to add some value to a stay at this hotel. The complex is arranged around a large outdoor pool with reclining sun loungers, straw umbrellas, and a hot tub. There is poolside bar serving a variety of drinks and snacks, plus a Greek restaurant that serves traditional dishes, as well as a free breakfast buffet with hot and cold options such as pastries, coffee, eggs, and bacon. The hotel has some nice features for families with children, including an outdoor play area with swings and climbing frames, plus a large game room with a billiards table and other activities. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, in-room massage, babysitting, car and bike rentals, and airport and port transfer services, though this comes at an additional fee. The hotel also provides free parking and Wi-Fi.