Finikas Beach Hotel

Occupying several cream-colored buildings with green accents, the Finikas Hotel features the classic squared-off-style popular in Cycladic architecture. The small complex sits in a U-shape, so that both the central pool and rooms overlook the sea, which is right across the street. With well-manicured green lawns featuring stone walking paths, hammocks, small gardens, and palm trees, the hotel grounds serve as a bright contrast to the dusty landscape beyond. The lobby has a white marble floor, walls, and ceiling festooned with a star-like design, while soft couches and tufted ottomans surround an ornate fireplace. Traditional wood furniture pairs with bright pink armchairs for a sophisticated style that shows off classic and contemporary details. Some areas of the hotel have been more recently renovated than others, so wear and tear, while not apparent in the lobby, may be visible in other parts of the hotel. The restaurant and rooms rely primarily on a palette of beige and white and can feel somewhat impersonal or generic in their decor, but everything is clean and well-maintained, and guests say the staff are attentive. With its secluded location right along the beach and large central pool, this is a hotspot for leisure travelers who want to get away from it all. 

Situated on a dusty dirt road that separates the beach and Agali Bay from the stone entry gate of the property, the Finikas hotel is in a remote area about a 30-minute drive from Naxos town. Guests who want to “get away from it all” won’t be disappointed, but those itching to explore the island may want a hotel closer to town. The property truly feels far from civilization -- a cedar forest takes up a large swath of land on one side of the hotel, while lots of empty land and a tiny residential village sit on the other side. The only place within walking distance, other than wilderness and beaches, is the Taverna Restaurant, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Taxis can be difficult to find, so the best option for day trips is car rental, though there is a bus that travels to town a few times a day. The hotel is a 26-minute drive from Naxos Island National Airport and about a half-hour drive from several popular beaches on the west coast of the island. For guests who find the hotel’s own beach too rocky, the sandier Pirgaki Beach and Alko Beach are each about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. 

Rooms are clean and well-maintained with simple, subdued decor that's tasteful, but uninspired. Beige-tile floors meet white walls while white furniture lends a beachy air. A few floral pictures hang on the walls. Each room is accented in a color that appears in the fabrics, adding a little interest. The Double Room is the smallest and sparest of the rooms, but even it has a separate bench seating area, a classic tufted armchair, and a balcony with a sea view. (All rooms face the sea and have roomy balconies.) Bathrooms feel somewhat dated and feature the same beige color palette with white fixtures and standing showers with faux-stone floors. Suites add a little more style and amenities: the Honeymoon Suite has its own whirlpool, the Superior Suite has a kitchenette, and the apartment-like Finikas Suite has a full kitchen. All rooms are air-conditioned and include satellite TVs, minibars, wine glasses and bottle openers, safes, and free Wi-Fi, though some guests complain it's slow. Rooms also come with hairdryers, toiletries, and robes and slippers. Housekeeping comes twice daily and provides turndown service. 

The hotel’s best asset is the quiet, peaceful beach in its front yard. Unlike other resort beaches, this one isn’t crowded with rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas, but does offer a handful of thatched umbrellas and sunbeds that sit near the water’s edge. Since the hotel is small and secluded, the beach remains quiet. Guests should note, however, that while the area right in front of the hotel is cleared of stones and pebbles, the water and the rest of the beach is stony. The nearby Alyko and Pirgaki beaches are within walking distance and are sandier. 

The horseshoe-shaped hotel complex cups a central courtyard with a large swimming pool surrounded by a sundeck with cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas and a well-manicured lawn with small gardens and trees. While the pool itself is large, some guests complain that lounge chairs are claimed early, and there aren’t enough for all guests. The hotel’s restaurant extends out into the pool area on a terrace where there's also a pool bar. It serves Greek and international food and uses local produce (including some from the hotel’s own garden). Guests find the food tasty and, besides the fish, reasonably priced. They also generally enjoy the hotel’s free breakfast.

Most of the other amenities on-site, such as the fitness area, sauna, and hot tub, are tiny. The fitness area is in a clean, but nondescript room and includes a treadmill, elliptical, weight machine, and exercise ball. The hotel also has a massage room, a small playground, a children’s pool, and a small chapel in the local Cycladic style. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, 24-hour reception, concierge service, and twice daily housekeeping. Babysitting, laundry, car and bike rentals, tours, and transportation to and from the airport can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though some guests complain it’s slow or does not work.