7 Leoforos Vasileos Georgiou, Kos Town, Greece
Seafront property with stylish, minimalist decor throughout
Close to the heart of Kos Town and its harbor, bars, and tavernas
Every room has a furnished balcony that looks out over the Aegean
Breakfast is included in the room rate and offers a generous buffet
Rooms come with coffee- and tea-making trays, flat-screen TVs, and AC
Excellent on-site restaurant with a lovely terrace and fresh seafood
30-minute drive across the island to the airport
Free Wi-Fi throughout
The "private beach" is more of a swimming platform
Rooms on lower floors can catch noice from the restaurant until late
No pool or spa, though guests can use those at sister hotel nearby
Wi-Fi signal can be a bit unreliable
No free parking on-site
This stylish, mid-range seafront hotel is a 10-minute walk from the heart of Kos Town's harbor, tavernas, and dining, making it a great choice for couples looking for a three-pearl property near the center of the action or want somewhere close to onward travel to other islands. Design throughout is decidedly modern and minimalist, with lots of sea-inspired accents. All of the 42 rooms come with balconies that offer stunning views of the sea, as well as flat-screen TVs, free (albeit spotty) Wi-Fi, and kettles. The ocean access will be enough for most, but those who want a pool (and spa) will need to go to the sister hotel a 10-minute walk away. Guests who prefer everything in one spot can check out the stylish, four-pearl Pelagos Suites, though it's a 10-minute drive to Kos Town.
Scene
Modern, minimalist design with sea-inspired blues and pretty views
Originally the site of a Kos Xenia property -- one of the first hotels in on the island -- the Kos Atkis Art Hotel is all about minimalist and modern style. Throughout the historic property, light colors, clean lines, glass, and wood intersect for a streamlined, serene feel. The property can feel a bit cold with its predominance of grays, but the widespread windows overlooking the sea are undoubtedly lovely. Given its location near the center of town, it's good for both business and leisure travelers, though far more popular with the latter. There aren't a lot of kid-friendly amenities, but it should do the trick for couples who don't mind the lack of wellness features.
Location
Close to everything in Kos, plus views across the Aegean to Bodrum, Turkey
Although it's off of a main road, the back of this boutique waterfront hotel overlooks the Aegean Sea and across to Bodrum, Turkey. It's a 10-minute walk from the harbor and main square of Kos, where there are lots of bars and restaurants. Five minutes on foot takes guests to Neratzia Castle, which dates back to the 14th century and is the best-preserved medieval castle on the island (though, to be fair, it's still ruins). Orfeas, an outdoor cinema, offers two projections almost nightly and is a five-minute stroll away. Kos Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi.
Rooms
Modernist rooms all have stunning sea views
The hotel's 36 rooms and six Junior Suites follow the decor of the common areas with gray tile floors and mostly beige walls. Best of all, all rooms have a sea view and semi-private furnished balconies separated by opaque glass partitions. However, the dark-wood furniture drags down the lightness of the scheme, and the lack of artwork can make the spaces feel a bit cold. Also on the downside, rooms on lower floors can be noisy until midnight or so due to the restaurant downstairs. Needless to say, the waist-high glass partition between the bedroom and bathroom could be a bit awkward, but there's a curtain available for privacy. The sleek gray bathrooms have great water pressure in the shower/tub combos, and come with old-fashioned hairdryers, toiletries, and magnifying mirrors. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and flat-screen satellite TVs.
Features
Wooden private swimming platform is a main draw
The hotel has its own private beach with loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels provided for free. However, it's less a beach than a wooden platform with a ladder down into the water --- though it's still excellent for swimming. There's no swimming pool on-site, but guests can go to the nearby sister property Kos Hotel Junior Suites, a 10-minute walk away, and use its pool and spa. There is a fitness center on-site, though it's small.
The hotel's extensive, free breakfast buffet features traditional Greek items like thyme honey and cheeses, plus standard buffet items like eggs and bacon. It transforms into the H2O restaurant at night, which has great seafood and microbrews. Eating on the outdoor terrace is a treat.
Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, but the signal can be a bit unreliable. A small, basic meeting room holds 10 at a squeeze. Parking isn't available on-site, but free public parking is nearby.