Mykonos Palace Beach Hotel

The gleaming white-washed style so integral to Cycladic architecture decor is as prevalent here as it is all over the island, with the hotel's penchant for billowy fabrics adding an elegant touch. Meandering pathways, stone arches, and rounded white corners all converge in a pleasant combination of traditional style with modern furnishings, all sandwiched between marble-tiled floors and wood-beam ceilings. The look can be perfectly summarized in the hotel's choice of artwork: Instead of the usual reproductions of Greek sculptures, the Mykonos Palace opts for a flat, abstract relief of a Grecian figure, surrounded by orange swirling dots.

Mykonos Palace Beach Hotel is central to all the bars and restaurants lining the golden stretch of Platys Gialos Beach, with more upscale dining to be found on nearby Psarou Beach (where it’s not uncommon to spot a celebrity). On the western end of the beach, guests can access the rest of the island from a dock where private-hire boats operate between other harbors on Mykonos. Several other beaches are within a short boat ride, including Paranga, Paradise, and Super Paradise. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the shopping, dining, and sightseeing of Mykonos Town, while Mykonos Island National Airport is 12 minutes away by car.

The hotel has 50 air-conditioned rooms that feature traditional white decor and wood-beam ceilings. Gray accents and patterned fabrics add some detail to the white plaster walls and all-white furnishings. Standard Rooms lack sea views, but all have a small balcony or patio outside. Superior Rooms and Suites have sea or pool views with French doors that open out to larger balconies or terraces. All have free Wi-Fi and small flat-screen TVs, along with minibars. The dated bathrooms have an underwhelming plain-tile look with either average shower/tub combos or cramped walk-in showers. Hairdryers and free individual toiletries come standard. 

The beach here is crowded, but along with the usual umbrella-covered loungers, the hotel also has some daybeds with billowy shade covers and accompanying tables that create some breathing room. A water sports club provides Jet Ski and kayak rentals along with tube rides and other activities. There's also a small jungle gym behind the rental hut on the beach for kids. Up by the outdoor pool, there's a hot tub and a large sundeck with cabanas. A party scene revolves around the poolside bar with loud music playing every day. Within earshot, the more serene Notos Restaurant Mykonos serves Greek and international cuisine on an open-air terrace. Highlights include a wood-fired pizza oven, Greek wine menu, candlelight dinners, and free breakfast. The equally elegant Ostria Beach Bar has salads, sandwiches, and light snacks with a big cocktail menu along with white linen shades and ocean views.