San Marco Hotel & Villas

The gleaming whitewashed with blue trim San Marco hotel is a bit far from the action in downtown Mykonos, so it attracts mostly couples who want a romantic vacation away from the shopping crowds. It also attracts families who enjoy splashing in the large pool and small parties of friends traveling together. The restaurant can be crowded during high season. There's a large sitting area dotted with chic white couches. This is the kind of place where travelers spark up conversation over wine, olives, and mojitos. Those looking for a relaxing evening by the pool while taking in the magnificent sunset will find the hotel scene quite satisfactory. Like most buildings on the island, the hotel is built into a cliff for wonderful views, but steep steps can pose a mobility issue for some. 

The hotel is 15 minute drive from the shopping, bars, and restaurants of Old Port and Mykonos's hot spot, Little Venice, reached by a hotel shuttle bus that leaves approximately every couple of hours, starting at 9:15 am and ending at 2 a.m. However, during busy periods especially in late July and August, the shuttle can be full, meaning you could find yourself waiting in downtown Mykonos for the driver to turn around and come back for a second trip. A taxi will cost about 10 euros from town, but be warned, taxis on the island are few and far between. 

The closest "beach" is a small pebbly inlet on Houlakia Bay, about a five-minute downhill walk from the hotel. For those up for a somewhat strenuous stroll, the beautiful sandy shores of non-touristy Agios Stefanos Beach is a 20-minute walk away and the nearby Stefanos fish tavern is known for its fresh catch. Some guests rent an ATV, scooter, or car for more convenient access to the rest of the island; the hotel has free parking. 

Rooms range from Classic to Private Villa and all are large, bright, airy, and clean. Decor consists of Mediterranean colors, tiled floors, and hardwood ceilings. Rooms with a sea view provide the most bang for your buck, as they are stunning. If, however, you have some mobility issues, make certain to ask for a room close to reception, as the hotel is built along a sharp, hilly incline and getting to the top rooms takes some degree of quad strength. There is an employee with a golf cart who takes guests to their room upon arrival.

Some rooms have twin beds pushed together too. Bathrooms are roomy and modern, with good pressure and plenty of hot water. Some bathrooms have more light than others. There's no minibar, but rooms are stocked with two bottles of free water and a small fridge. Each room included a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, though it can be spotty. 

Though the San Marco is far from the madding crowds of Mykonos center, the occasional barking stray dog or party villa next to the hotel's east side may bring unwanted noise. 

The San Marco has two large swimming pools with fresh sea water piped in from the nearby Houlakia Bay, but you may not see the second pool unless you hike to the top of the hotel area, as it's hidden away by the top floor rooms and the hotel doesn't quite advertise it. The pool is surrounded by plenty of cushy loungers but the umbrellas are usually tied up to keep from blowing away in the strong and relentless Mykonos wind.

There is a small bar right by the pool (which is inexplicably closed sometimes). The breakfast room is large and airy and has outdoor seating by the pool. Upstairs is the restaurant; dinner starts in the early evening and has a full menu until late. Popular dishes include the rooster or the Greek pasta with seafood. Depending on how you feel about cats, you may be disturbed or charmed by the many strays roaming the hotel, including the outdoor eating areas, looking for a handout.

The breakfast buffet could use some improvement: There's no fresh fruit, and the scrambled eggs are more like watery gruel. The wait for someone to bring coffee can go on forever. Grilled tomatoes topped with feta squares are a favorite.

Those who want to practice their backswing can take advantage of the full tennis courts near the top of the hotel's hill. There's also a full gym below reception. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.