A Tale of Two Civilizations

Originally built as a bank, the Bank Hotel was converted into a trendy 5-star hotel with a sleek vibe while retaining its grand bank façade and imposing vaults. It’s conveniently located in the historic Karakoy neighborhood for discovering the city with the Galata Bridge and Galata Tower just a 4-minute walk away, while the Arap Mosque can be reached within 10 minutes on foot. It has an in-house art curator, elegant décor and a restaurant on-site serving Mediterranean fare at a 15 percent discount for guests. The circular gold bar sits within the restaurant has a drink cabinet set in an original bank vault. Room service is available too. Guests can also enjoy the spa which includes a classic white marble hammam, sauna, steam rooms, and a fitness center. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, complimentary coffee and tea. The Terrace Penthouse Suites offers breathtaking views from freestanding tubs.

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is a luxury five-star hotel set within an Ottoman imperial palace. The only one of its kind on the Bosphorus, it boasts opulence and spectacular river views in an unrivaled waterfront location near landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace. There are 317 rooms and suites, many of which feature private balconies with Bosphorus views. All are air-conditioned and include up-to-date amenities like Smart TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, and luxe bathrooms.

A sumptuous Turkish spread, served buffet-style with hot and cold items, can be enjoyed every morning on the terrace. For other meals, you’ll have multiple options like the Tugra Restaurant, consistently featured in the Michelin Guide, offering a world-class gastronomic experience. The new Rüya Istanbul by the Bosphorus is focused on the vibrant flavors of Anatolia, while the river-view Bellini offers a menu of Italian delicacies. Enchanting Le Fumoir is the cigar lounge, with a menu of drinks and light bites.

The property also includes an outdoor heated infinity pool where guests can unwind with mesmerizing river views. The lavish spa has indoor and outdoor pools, a stunning hammam with a candlelit atmosphere, and a full menu of body and facial treatments.

Located in Uchisar in a vantage point for stunning panoramic views of Pigeon Valley, Tasconaklar Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel with 25 unique rooms and suites, designed to provide an intimate stay focused on “slow travel.” Many of the accommodations were carved right out of the region’s iconic rock formations, providing a cave-style experience, some complete with outdoor Jacuzzis or fireplaces. All feature local design elements and historical character that preserves the original cave structure, with amenities like flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and luxurious bathrooms.

Guests can enjoy unique cave dining at Ding and the all-day and evening restaurant Moniq, both featuring dishes inspired by Anatolian, Ottoman, Greek and Armenian cuisine while showcasing local flavors. There are also two bars located in gardens while offering spectacular views while sipping.
Concierge services are available for a wide range of experiences, recommendations, and more, including private romantic dinners and sunset picnics that include a bottle of wine. Yoga mats are available for practice in the cave area or the garden. Instructors can be arranged for private or group classes as well.

Transformed from an ancient monastery complex into a luxury hotel that blends historic cave dwellings with modern comforts, Argos offers 71 rooms and suites, all of which are unique, spread throughout nine hillside mansions and boast beautiful views of the Pigeon Valley. While each one varies in style, with features like exposed stone and antique rugs, you can expect impressive standard amenities like stereo systems, Nespresso machines, minibars, kettles with tea and coffee, and air conditioning. Some even have their own private Turkish bath or pool.

Dining venues include award-winning Seki, serving international, regionally-inspired dishes with spectacular views of Mount Erciyes, Tiraz Castle and the Pigeon Valley. In its stylish view lounge, enjoy drinks and snacks. At Nahita, dine on regional contemporary cuisine, with seasonal menus focused on traditional Anatolian recipes using the highest quality local ingredients. Nahita Lounge offers light bites and signature cocktails prepared using fresh herbs from the property’s local garden. A collection with some 25,000 local and international wines is available in the cave wine cellar.
The grounds include a heated outdoor pool with a Pigeon Valley view and a lavish spa with a pool, hammam, sauna, Pilates area and treatment rooms for indulging in blissful massages and rejuvenating facials.

A 5-star boutique hotel, Xenodoxeio Milos is the first gastronomic hotel to open in Athens. Located steps from Syntagma Square and the National Gardens opposite the Old Parliament, it hosts 43 rooms and suites for a luxury boutique experience. All come with king-size beds, Nespresso machines, and marble bathrooms with brand-name toiletries. Some include views of the Old Parliament or Lycabettus Hill, along with extra-special perks. The Milos Terrace Suite is particularly impressive with its own spacious outdoor terrace with a private Jacuzzi. 

Upscale dining can be enjoyed at the on-site Estiatorio Milos restaurant, serving dishes focused on simple Mediterranean flavors with high-quality ingredients, including just-caught seafood and fish. There’s also a raw fish bar with the catch of the day served sashimi style. In the stylish Milos Bar, you’ll find an extensive list of wines and cocktails. All rooms include dining tables so that you can enjoy private dinners, with 24-hour room service available. 

The hotel has exceptional concierge services and some impressive shared facilities. You can burn off all those calories you’re bound to consume in the well-equipped gym, open 24/7. There is also a spa suite for indulging in massages, facials, and body treatments.

Set within a restored 1925 neoclassical mansion at the edge of the charming Plaka neighborhood, The Dolli at Acropolis is just steps from the Acropolis. Guests enjoy an awe-inspiring view of Athens’ most iconic landmark from many vantage points, including the rooftop. Some of the 46 rooms showcase it too, but the Acropolis Grand Apartment is a standout with a stellar Acropolis and Parthenon view. All come with Smart TVs, minibars, and marble bathrooms with high-end toiletries, robes and slippers.

The rooftop restaurant serves an a la carte breakfast in the morning, followed by international and Greek dishes using generations-old recipes and local ingredients, all enjoyed with an unobstructed view of the Parthenon and Plaka landmarks like the Roman and Ancient Agoras. An excellent selection of sommelier-selected wines, champagnes, vintage spirits, and creative cocktails is also available. On Thursdays, the venue becomes a hopping place for nightlife with the DJ spinning ambient techno beats.

The hotel’s infinity pool has been named among the world’s best by Conde Nast Traveler, providing a chic spot with its waters reflecting the Acropolis, while the fully-equipped gym offers cardio and cross-training equipment, along with personal training sessions.

Dupiani House is a smaller, traditional boutique-style hotel with just 24 rooms and spectacular views of famous Meteora, located in the village of Kastraki at the base of the cliffs. All are spacious and showcase magnificent views of Meteora and its remarkable vertical rock pillars. Standard amenities include flat-screen satellite TVs, minifridges, and private furnished balconies for enjoying the vista among the fresh mountain air.

Although there is no restaurant on-site, a breakfast is served every morning in the dining area next to reception or in the fragrant garden during the warmer months. Many of the dishes feature ingredients from the hotel’s garden, along with eggs from the village, fresh pastries, local yogurt, Meteora honey, and homemade jams and fresh pastries. In summer, breakfast is served in the fragrant garden. Coffee and other beverages can be enjoyed at the traditional bar. For dinner, staff will be happy to make recommendations for local eateries nearby.

The lobby provides a cozy, elegant space with comfortable furnishings for unwinding with a drink by the fireplace while gazing out at a view of Meteora or while socializing. You’ll also find a common lounge/TV area, a garden, and furnished outdoor space.

Overview

The family-friendly Divani Meteora is a modern hotel surrounded by striking natural beauty. Meteora’s rock formations and monasteries are so close you can practically touch them. It also boasts an impressive list of amenities, including a large outdoor pool where you can swim or relax on a lounger with a Meteora view. There’s a fabulous spa that has a Jacuzzi, an indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath, ideal after a day of hiking or exploring. If you didn’t get enough of a workout, you’ll find a fitness center too. The M Restaurant offers local and international fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a good selection of wine. You can also unwind with cocktails at the On the Rocks Bar with views of the pool and gardens, while rooms offer more impressive views along with all the modern comforts.

An adults-only boutique hotel, The Excelsior sits within a renovated historic building that dates back to 1924, located near the seafront and the main square in Thessaloniki, just steps from the main sights. Inside the classic façade are surprisingly modern details, including contemporary works of art, a glass-enclosed rooftop breakfast room and an industrial-style restaurant along with 34 elegant rooms.

Overview

One of the top spots for exploring Greece’s second city, The Excelsior is just minutes from the mansion- and café-lined main square while providing a stylish mix of old and new. The building features original details like Art Deco balconies, original plaster ceiling roses and marble staircases, although there is lots of modern art and high-quality furnishings while the high ceilings come with glamorous light fixtures. The classic rooms boast pale hardwood floors and full-length windows for plenty of natural light along with amenities like iPod docks, Nespresso machines and Tivoli radios. Junior suites include a balcony with a courtyard or city view, but if you’re looking for a more spacious option, the Excelsior Suites come with his-and-her bathrooms along with separate living rooms. When it’s time to explore, a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade, lined with ouzo bars and unique shops, will bring you to the city’s most famous landmark, the 16^th-century White Tower. Guests can also take advantage of the gym and spa at the Excelsior’s neighboring sister’s property.

Location:

Located in the heart of Thessaloniki’s center just steps from the main square, about 30 minutes north of Thessaloniki Airport.

A landmark hotel overlooking one of the most impressive city squares in Greece, Electra Palace offers opulence throughout with a byzantine-inspired exterior with luxurious neoclassical details on the interior, including ornate furniture and beautiful wood paneling. The views are just as impressive, stretching all the way to Mount Olympus across the gulf on a clear day.

Overview

Electra Place reflects the majesty of this picturesque region located right on Thessaloniki’s Aristotle Square, tucked between the gulf and Mount Olympus providing stunning views in all directions, including from the gorgeous rooftop garden. Up on the rooftop you can enjoy swimming while gazing out at the Aegean, and dining on a delicious al-fresco breakfast – a spread said to rival the best in Greece. Lunch or dinner, with a focus on nouvelle cuisine paired with well-researched wines, is served here too. Of course, you’ll also be just steps away from the city’s outstanding culinary scene and hopping nightlife. The hotel also hosts a spa where guests can indulge in a massage, enjoy a soothing sauna session, soak in the whirlpool bath or take a dip in the gorgeous pool. The spacious rooms all come with marble bathrooms and your choice of Karras toiletries, while balconies provide picturesque views over the square.

Location:

On Thessaloniki’s buzzing Aristotle Square, about 10 miles from Thessaloniki Airport.

Overview

An atmospheric boutique hotel, Casa Delfino is located in the heart of Chania’s historic centre along a cobbled street close to the Venetian harbour. It’s housed within a 17th-century mansion and provides a home-away-from-home kind of feel, ideal for everyone from solo travellers and couples to families with children. It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, historic sites, and museums, as well as being close to sandy beaches and hikes in the Samaria Gorge. The candlelit spa has a steam room and hot tub along with a menu of treatments and massages. Guests can start their day with an extensive complimentary breakfast featuring many local specialties, enjoyed in the courtyard or indoor dining room. The rooftop terrace is a popular spot to sunbathe, relax in the hot tub, or grab a cocktail from the bar to sip while watching the sun go down over the harbour.

Overview

Set within an 1890 neoclassical building, the Ambassador’s Residence Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of popular Chania attractions and multiple cafes. It hosts 13 double rooms, junior and senior suites, all themed by the various materials used to renovate the building in the 1980s. With the minimal capacity, an intimate stay with exceptional service is ensured. All rooms offer abundant natural light, free wi-Fi, minibars, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. The upper floor suites are the most impressive with large windows, high ceilings, and terraces with gardens where guests can relax with a panoramic water view. Special extras are provided such as a welcome bottle of wine, while a delicious free breakfast is served in a nearby harbor view café and a limited room service menu is available. Private romantic dinners can be arranged in the harbor or even on a yacht.

This exclusive luxury hotel that overlooks Heraklion’s historic harbor in a central seafront location that’s just outside the hustle and bustle, yet only a short walk from the port, shops, cafes, restaurants and museums. Guests enjoy spectacular views of the Heraklion fortress and stunning vistas from the top-floor restaurant and rooftop pool.

Overview

The GDM Megaron is a top choice for luxury-seekers in Heraklion, providing unspoiled views of the Heraklion fortress in a central location within walking distance of many shops, restaurants and sights, including the Historical Museum of Crete. It boasts a fabulous rooftop with a plunge pool where guests can look forward to gazing out at stunning Aegean Sea views while relaxing or swimming. The restaurant, located on the top floor, also offers breathtaking vistas of the sparkling blue waters and serves delectable Mediterranean cuisine. The spacious rooms include classic décor and modern amenities, including bathrooms that have small wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and high-end toiletries. Most include a private balcony, and all boast a beautiful harbor or city view. For the ultimate stay, book one of the Presidential Suites which include an in-room hot tub, overlooking the fortress and the sea.

Location:

Overlooking the harbor in Heraklion. The airport is less than a 10-minute drive away and the ferries can be reached in under 5 minutes.

Located in the heart of Heraklion, Legacy Gastro Suites, Legacy Gastro Suites Heraklion hosts a dozen rooms, steps from the city’s top cultural and gastronomic experiences. Each suite has a retro 1950s design with themes honoring Cretan icons like Renaissance poet Vicenzo Cornaro, artist El Greco, and writer Nikos Kazantzakis, while boasting sea views from nearly every vantage point. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, tablets for remotely controlling the lighting, temperature, music, and TV, Nespresso machines, and private balconies with dining tables.
Papi Restaurant is open from early morning until late at night, with breakfast featuring items like omelets, Cretan sausages, and homemade brioche. It’s followed by Mediterranean-inspired fare such as tagliata with herbs, sea bass with tarama, and fresh salads, along with pizzas and burgers. Epsilon is the gastronomic restaurant focused on seafood and high-quality dishes that “come out” of the flames, prepared in a wood-fired oven or a traditional Cretan parastia, an old open-fire hearth method of cooking. At either eatery, a variety of fine Greek and international wines are available.
There is no spa or pool on-site, but it’s possible to book in-room massages (including couples’ massage), body and facial treatments, or holistic therapies.

Housed in a complex of whitewashed buildings, Agali Houses is a Cycladic-style hotel with arched roofs, hand-laid mosaics, and a traditional village feel, perched on the caldera cliffs. Located in a peaceful Firostefani setting between Fira and Imerovigli, it comes complete with spectacular caldera views. The 31 rooms and suites feature exposed white stone walls and balconies or terraces showcasing sweeping views, some with private pools or Jacuzzis. Flat-screen satellite TVs, CD players, minifridges, Nespresso machines with complimentary coffee, high-end toiletries, robes and slippers all come standard.

Breakfast is served at the Agali Cafe, which offers outdoor dining on dishes focused on fresh, local ingredients. Throughout the day and late into the evening, it offers a menu with a wide selection of light meals, snacks, salads, and desserts. Drinks can be enjoyed here too, from coffee and fresh juices to sodas and cocktails, including the classics and creative modern concoctions. 

There’s a rooftop pool surrounded by a glass wall for relaxing or swimming with a sea view, along with an adjacent pool bar. Massage services can be arranged upon request. Concierge services are available for just about anything that would enhance your stay, from recommendations to arranging special celebrations.

Enjoy an elegant retreat at the Canaves Oia Suites, where you will receive impeccable service and stay in excellent accommodation. This luxury all-suite property is located in the hilltop village of Oia, offering picturesque views of the charming caldera and the Aegean Sea.

The newly renovated suites include modern facilities, spacious areas to relax in, your own private plunge pool and stunning views. For those staying in the Executive Suite, you will have your own outdoor Cave Pool, which overlooks the caldera volcano and the Aegean Sea. If you are looking for the ultimate romantic experience, couples can enjoy gourmet food in a spectacular and intimate setting on the Panorama Balcony. Guests can also dine at Petra Restaurant and Bar, which serves delicious Greek cuisine with a twist. In-room dining on your own private balcony is available, as well as wine tasting in the Wine Cellar.