Mykonos Princess Hotel

Mykonos Princess Hotel is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Aegean Sea, occupying a whitewashed building on grounds with palm trees and cactuses. Guests are greeted with a free glass of sparkling wine in the contemporary lobby, done in white, gray, and black, with hanging lights, a cactus plant, driftwood-style bench and table, and modern Greek art. It all has just enough funky, urban-chic style to look fresh and distinctive. A "peephole" window overlooks the sea where ferries and cruise ships come to and from the nearby port. This same view is on offer from the open-air Greek restaurant and from the deck of the outdoor pool, where guests relax on the double-size sunbeds and sip free ice water, fruit juice, soft drinks, and iced coffee. The hotel draws both families and couples with its outdoor pool, free breakfast, contemporary rooms, and quiet beach-ready location not too far from Mykonos town. 

Mykonos Princess Hotel is in a quiet, mostly residential area on a hillside overlooking the protected Agios Stefanos Beach. Within a short walk or drive of the hotel are restaurants, tavernas, and beach bars. Car, scooter, ATV, and bicycle rentals are also available nearby. The Mykonos Ferry Port (Tourlos) is a little over a five-minute drive from the hotel. Armenistis Lighthouse -- which was built in 1891 and features superb views of the Aegean Sea and Mykonos -- is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The center of Mykonos town is a 15-minute drive or free shuttle ride from the hotel, though the shuttle only operates in the evening. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and several museums abound in town, and it's also home to Matoyianni Street shopping, the 17th-century Church of Panagia Paraportiani, the historic Mykonos Windmills, and Little Venice. Several beaches are within driving distance of the hotel, including Ornos Beach (15 minutes away), Agios Sostis Beach (20 minutes), and Paraga Beach (20 minutes away). Expect a 15-minute drive to Mykonos Island National Airport.

Rooms and suites at the hotel have a spare, contemporary look composed mostly of beige (or gray), white, and light brown. Little adorns the wall, which allows the stylish vintage-modern furniture to get most of the attention. Rooms have light wood furniture and modern art, and get good natural light from their private terraces or balconies -- some have lovely sea views. Floor plans range from 215 square feet to 301 square feet (20 to 28 square meters), while suites are between 301 and 1,345 square feet (28 to 125 square meters). 

All rooms come with air-conditioning, desks, safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with English channels. Some rooms have espresso machines and kettles for instant coffee and tea. Suites offer some combination of sitting areas with sofa beds, bathrobes and slippers, and kitchenettes or kitchens -- one suite has a fireplace. Bathrooms are stylish and contemporary, but some are a bit small. They have either walk-in rainfall showers or shower/tub combos, and inc;ude hairdryers and premium toiletries. Rooms are all non-smoking, but the hotel has outdoor public areas for smoking. 

The outdoor pool isn't terribly big, but it's good for a short lap. The surrounding sundeck features double-size sunbeds and lovely views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can sip on free ice water, fruit juice, soft drinks, and iced coffee, plus the staff also passes out cool towels and free snacks. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from the poolside bar. As an alternative, the beach is about a five-minute walk away and has sunbeds and umbrellas (for a fee), plus outdoor cafes and tavernas.   

The Mykonos Princess serves a free a la carte breakfast, with a menu of omelets, Greek salads, spanakopita, local cheeses and cured meats, freshly baked breads, croissants, cereals, fresh fruit, fruit salad, freshly squeezed orange juice, and Greek coffee. Breakfast is available until late morning, which is good for those who like to sleep in. The open-air restaurant serves Greek and Mykonian cuisine for lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on local seafood and produce. Alfresco poolside dining and room service are available. 

Other amenities include a fitness center with nice number of machines for a hotel this size. Baggage assistance, airport transfers (for a fee), a 24-hour front desk, and free parking are also available. A free shuttle bus runs to and from Mykonos Town in the evening. The staff can arrange car, ATV, and bicycle rentals, as well as boat trips and excursions around the island. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.