Greece: What’s Your Hotel Vibe?
As Greece seems to once again headline our summer travel conversations, one question remains: Where should you stay?
As WhirlAway’s Alison Warner puts it: Choosing a hotel is about more than location—it’s about finding the atmosphere, personality, and pace that suits your trip—and you. A recent visit took Alison to more than 25 hotels across the country. Here’s what rose to the top.
ATHENS>>Nearly every Greek vacation makes its way through Athens. Rather than zipping off to the islands, we recommend settling into the city for a few days. Pop into local wine bars and cafés, roam the streets of Plaka—Athens' oldest neighborhood—and, of course, explore the Acropolis.
The Vibe: Grande Dame Energy
Built in 1842 as the private residence of a wealthy Greek businessman and now known by locals as the “Royal Box of Athens,” the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne is celebrated for its front-row views of the Acropolis, Old Royal Palace, and Syntagma Square. Unabashedly opulent with marble detailing and original frescoes, expect “impeccable service and old-school grandeur everywhere you turn,” says Alison.
The Vibe: Art Aficionado Escape
Located in the historic city center,
The Dolli at Acropolis
is housed in a meticulously restored 1925 neoclassical mansion with 46 guest suites and private apartments. “When I walked in, it almost felt like I was in Paris,” says Alison. As much art gallery as boutique hotel, the public spaces feature works by Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, as well as a collection of ancient Greek ceramics. Bonus points for the stylish rooftop bar and restaurant with stunningly close Parthenon views—especially at night.
CRETE>> Greece’s largest island, Crete is famous for its relaxed, slow-paced way of life, with an emphasis on culture, nature, and home-grown food. In fact, most everything that is exported to other Greek islands is grown here.
The Vibe: Soulful Hideaway
“When I run away from home to restore myself, you’ll find me here,” says Alison. She’s talking about Phāea Blue, an intimate, eco-conscious boutique hotel on Crete’s northeastern coast between Elounda and the fishing village of Plaka. Its swoonworthy cliffside setting overlooks Spinalonga Island, while the private pebble beach is Blue Flag-certified, which means it meets the highest standards for water quality and sustainability.
The Vibe: Elite Oasis
Sprawling across 40 acres of lush, botanical gardens in Mirabello Bay with two private sandy beaches,
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is at once relaxed and elite. “It felt like having exclusive access to a little seaside town,” Alison says. The suites and villas feature private heated pools, expansive terraces, kitchens, and personal chef and driver services.
SANTORINI>> We’ve all seen the photos: cliffside white-washed cave hotels … blue-domed churches … striking red or black volcanic sand. This island is iconic for a reason and the biggest vibe shift can be found between its two sides: The caldera (cliff face) side and the back side of town (Oia). Alison says she can make strong arguments for both.
The Vibe: Cliffside Romance
Mystique Hotel Santorini, says Alison, is “exactly what you think of when you hear the words “Santorini charm.” Think: spectacular caldera views, whitewashed buildings, and, yes, tons of steps. The authentic
yposkafa (cave) rooms were originally carved into volcanic cliffs as low-cost housing for sailors and fishermen. Today, the curved Cyclidic architecture is the epitome of romantic chic.
The Vibe: Social Darling
On Santorini’s back side, Andronis Arcadia is a five-minute walk from the bustle of Oia shops and restaurants. The setting is like an upscale, Ibiza-style beach club with one of the island’s largest pools. “We watched a spectacular sunset from their Pacman restaurant, where the sushi was delicious and a DJ set the tone,” says Alison, who adds that the hotel would be great for a family with teenagers because they could come and go into Oia on their own.
MYKONOS>> Yes, it has a reputation as “Greece’s party island,” but Alison says that’s now far from the case. “It’s definitely lively, with more nightlife than other islands but it’s also incredibly family friendly,” she says.
The Vibe:
Cosmopolitan Luxe
While staying at
Santa Marina Mykonos, Alison says she felt like she was on the French Riviera. “This is where you might see a jet-set crowd with a beach club scene, yet my room was a tranquil, luxurious retreat,” she notes. “You can be social or you can relax in a private three-bedroom villa on the hill above it all.”
The Vibe: Designer Chic
Imagined as a Cycladic sanctuary,
Deos Mykonos features interconnected courtyards, stone-paved paths, and a central area adorned with ancient mosaics. “If Santa Marina is Mykonos meets St. Barths, then Deos is Mykonos meets modern design,” says Alison. With private plunge pools and ample privacy, this tranquil property is more about the aesthetic than the scene.
