Akrotiri Beach Hotel

Set on a sharp hairpin turn, the Akrotiri Beach Hotel's double-arched entrance is decorated with pretty bougainvillea and leads to the hotel's wood-slatted facade lined with pine trees. Inside, the reception is filled with soft couches and armchairs and a gold-and-blue mural extends the length of the front desk. The vibe is homely, but dated, with mismatching furnishings, red-patterned carpet, and random artwork dotting the walls. A large lobby lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows leads to an outdoor terrace and the first glimpse of the property's main highlight: spectacular elevated sea views, which are also found at the pool area, tiered sun terrace, and main dining room. Most guests are couples (largely Russian and British), although the family-run hotel also gets a fair share of families with kids. Note that there are many steps, so it might not be ideal for guests with mobility issues.

The hotel is perched on a clifftop overlooking the resort town of Paleokastritsa on a peninsula on the northwestern coast of Corfu. The setting is particularly picturesque, with a lush surrounding mountain landscape and the turquoise sea of the sheltered Agia Triada cove below (accessible via steep steps). Agia Triada is a public beach, with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as snorkels (the crystal-clear water is prime for snorkeling). There's also the so-called private Rocky Beach near the pool with access to the water; it's more of a rock platform than a beach. There are several local bars and restaurants within a short stroll. There's also a monastery a five-minute drive away and Angelokastro castle is 20 minutes away by car. The more bustling city of Corfu, with its UNESCO-designated Old Town and impressive historic buildings, is about a 20-minute drive away. Corfu International Airport -- also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport -- is around 15 to 20 minutes away by road.

The hotel offers 126 rooms, all of which extend to furnished balconies with stunning sea views -- upgraded rooms are higher up and have larger outdoor spaces. Decor varies between room categories, but is generally bright, with light-wood furniture and pastel linens. Standard Rooms feature a mixture of dated and more modern furniture -- think motel-style comforters and mismatched patterned curtains -- while Superior Rooms have contemporary and coordinating furniture and fabrics. Amenities include mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and small flat-screen TVs (with only one English-language channel), but no coffee- or tea-making facilities. Functional bathrooms could use an update, and include shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and generic toiletries. 

Dining at the Akrotiri includes a free buffet breakfast served in the bright and spacious dining room with large windows that overlook the sea; however, reports of food quality are mixed. The set-menu, four-course dinner gets better reviews and is included in the half-board rate. The swish seafront Akron Restaurant (opened in 2014) offers generally better a la carte dining for lunch and dinner, as well as a bar. 

The main infinity pool higher up offers superb panoramas, plus an adjacent whirlpool tub and separate children's splash pool. While there is a playground, ping-pong table, and billiards on-site, there's no kids' club. Lounge chairs on the beach can be rented, plus water sports such as scuba diving and boating can be arranged from on-site vendors. The hotel offers evening entertainment in the form of traditional live music and there's a massage room with various treatments. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but it can be spotty.