Mykonos View Hotel

The Mykonos View Hotel has a timeless look, with an exterior that's equal parts exposed stone and finished white plaster. It's a simple traditional design in harmony with the hilly landscape, with parts of it built like a fortress -- winding stone paths leading to reinforced stone walls below rustic terraces covered with cane awnings. Trees cling to the steep sides with small gardens filled with Aegean greenery and flowers decorating the grounds. There's a more modern edge to the interiors, and the small lobby feels like a contemporary living room with a white and gray palate that subdues a sitting area with cushioned bench seating, facing two small windows that look out over the harbor. 

The hotel sits high on a hill above the center of Mykonos Town, walking distance to the old port (so-called because most ferries dock at the new port in Tourlos, just to the north of town). From the old port, it's a short walk into the heart of town; nearby attractions include the high-end shopping on Matoyianni Street, the Aegean Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. Mykonos Town is famous for its lovely Cycladic architecture -- the narrow cobblestone streets lined with blue-shuttered white buildings are postcard-perfect. The closest beach, Megali Ammos, is a 15-minute walk away, and it's a 10- to 15-minute drive to beaches on the south coast (including Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paradise, and Super Paradise). Both the new port and Mykonos Airport are within a 10-minute drive.

The hotel's 33 rooms vary in size and layout, but all have a simple traditional decor characterized by bright white walls and white-painted wood ceilings. Some of the wood furniture is left natural, but most is painted white and there are a few marble and brass accents throughout. The standard rooms are on the small side, with double or twin beds. All rooms have furnished balconies, and some have sea views. Upgraded rooms add separate living rooms with sofa beds (or built-in couches that double as twin beds), and kitchenettes. There are also large bi-level apartments that sleep up to six people, with kitchenettes and huge balconies. Free Wi-Fi is standard, with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, but there are no coffeemakers. The bathrooms tend toward rustic, with small walk-in showers that have plaster walls and old fixtures. 

At the top of the hillside property, the outdoor pool has commanding views over the harbor. The pool itself is a good size, but the sundeck around it is cramped and narrow with limited space for loungers, and there are a few tables along with a small bar taking up space on the periphery under cane awnings. The Phoenix Lebanese Restaurant and Sunset Bar serves wine and cocktails in a stylish black and white space that contrasts nicely with the rustic vibe of the grounds outside. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to more seating on a covered outdoor terrace that has excellent harbor views. The menu serves Greek and Lebanese cuisine like mixed grill kebabs, tabouli, and penne with smoked salmon. Some of the seafood is frozen, not fresh, but this is clearly labeled for discerning diners. A free traditional breakfast buffet with homemade sweets is served in a separate rustic room with exposed stone walls that's open to an adjoining outdoor terrace. Free parking is available.