Saint Vlassis Hotel

The Saint Vlassis Hotel occupies a pretty white building accented by light dusty blue wooden doors and window shutters, and flanked by greenery and flowering bushes. Soft creamy hues make for a calm and soothing atmosphere throughout the property; guests are greeted in a sunny lobby awash in off-white shades and light mint accents. Lovely paintings of olive trees adorn the walls. The adjoining dining space spills out onto a lovely terrace where white tables and chairs overlook flowers and greenery.

Though short on features, the charming property garners great reviews from guests, who note a friendly and welcoming owner as well as attentive staff. The hotel is suitable for both couples and families -- though guests should note that there's no pool and it's about a 10-minute walk to a beach.

The hotel is situated in a quiet area on the western coast of Naxos, about a 10-minute walk to the city center, where guests will find dining options, bars, and shops. The port can be reached in about 25 minutes on foot (or it's about a 10-minute drive) and offers many more restaurants and tourist shops. Area attractions include the Castle Of Naxos, which also houses an archaeological museum (20-minute walk away), and the Portara ruins (25-minute walk or eight-minute drive). The nearest beach is an 11-minute walk away. Other area beaches include Ágios Prokópios (11-minute drive), Agía Ánna (11-minute drive), and Plaka Beach (12-minute drive). The Naxos Island National Airport is about a five-minute drive from the hotel.

Like the hotel's public spaces, rooms are awash in white and cream hues that lend them a peaceful ambience. White bed linens are accented by pale mint pillows, and the simple, clean-lined furnishings include desks and small nightstands. Details vary from room to room: some have blond wood headboards, others feature industrial-style light bulbs suspended by slinky chains from the ceiling, and some add pops of color to the white walls via colorful sunflower bouquet paintings. All rooms feature small balconies or patios furnished with tables and seating -- Executive Rooms also add outdoor whirlpool tubs. Suites have separate living rooms.

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, minibars, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are sleek and modern -- if small -- with plenty of storage space around the sinks and walk-in rainfall showers. Some rooms have glass-walled showers neighboring the bedroom (with privacy curtains). Molton Brown toiletries, hairdryers, and fluffy bathrobes and slippers come standard.

Features are limited at this small hotel, which lacks a pool, gym, or spa facilities, but the property does offer a handful of conveniences. The on-site restaurant serves free buffet breakfasts (Greek yogurt, fruit, cereals, bread, pastries, meats, cheeses, cake, juices, fresh coffee and tea) in the mornings, as well as offering lunch and dinner in a pleasant dining space and on an outdoor terrace. Guests can rent cars and motorbikes through the hotel, as well as book various excursions. Other amenities include laundry services and massages that are available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, as is on-site parking.