Porto Mykonos Hotel

The hotel overlooks the old port in Mykonos Town and fits in well with the white, square buildings that give the island its distinctive look. From the lobby and some of the rooms are gorgeous views of the ocean and the beautiful Mykonos shoreline. Breezy white common spaces -- with splashes of turquoise -- and stone walls predominate in the hotel. Breakfast can be taken on the veranda, where chairs are lined up against the ledge for optimal views of the ocean. The outdoor pool area has a hot tub and pool bar with white wooden seating under a white awning.

The hotel is yards away from the old port in Mykonos Town (so-called because most ferries dock at the new port in Tourlos, just to the north of town) and set off from the street. From the old port, it's a short walk into the heart of town; nearby attractions include the high-end shopping on Matoyianni Street, the Aegean Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. Mykonos Town is famous for its lovely Cycladic architecture -- the narrow cobblestone streets lined with blue-shuttered white buildings are postcard-perfect. The closest beach, Megali Ammos, is a 15-minute walk away, and it's a 10- to 15-minute drive to beaches on the south coast (including Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paradise, and Super Paradise). Both the new port and Mykonos Airport are within a 10-minute drive.

Rooms are airy and beachy, with tile floors, light wood furnishings, and wood-beam ceilings (some painted white). Beds have blue and white striped comforters and mosquito nets, though some guests report that they are uncomfortable. The rooms are a bit basic for the price, but they do have one spectacular selling point: Almost all have balconies or patios with views of the sea. Amenities include minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and DVD players -- but no coffee or tea facilities, and no Wi-Fi. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. Bathrooms are small with tiny showers prone to getting the bathroom floor wet.

The chic, infinity-edge outdoor pool is the main feature of note here, and has an adjacent hot tub, attractive stone surrounds, an upper-deck pool bar with covered white wood seating, and most importantly, beautiful sea views. Veranda seating overlooking the ocean is available. There's also a small indoor fitness center with cardio machines, free weights, a boxing bag, and barbell. The hotel provides a free breakfast buffet with bacon, eggs, cereal, and fruit. The restaurant serves Greek and international cuisine, and has views of Mykonos Town and the Aegean Sea. Free Wi-Fi is available in common spaces (but not the rooms), and free parking is also available.