Greek Hotels On Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2013

Three Greek hotels were included on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2013, published this month, following the magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice survey that included the hotel, resorts and cruise line options of some 47,000 readers.

“Every entry on this list has been rigorously tested and screened by our readers… The Gold List is truly a global representation of real quality, no matter how far-flung. It’s newsy, too, highlighting impressive newcomers and discerning trends,” Condé Nast Traveler said in its January 2013 issue.

Below are the three Greek hotels that made it on this year’s Gold List with their descriptions as included in Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

– Perivolas, Santorini
Readers’ Choice Rating 98.1

Perivolas, Santorini

“A dream place for the soul! You feel whole again after staying at this paradisiacal sanctuary.” On a cliff above the island’s famous caldera—a perfect-scoring location—this resort “embodies simplicity, elegance, and tranquillity.” Modern, spare rooms converted from 300-year-old caves have clean white walls with splashes of vivid fuchsia, mauve, aqua, and rose in the cushions and bedding. There are no TVs, but there is an “absolutely marvelous infinity pool”—Mediterranean fish and other seafood plus Greek wines are served on a deck overlooking it. Perfect-scoring staff are “friendly, warm, and accommodating, second to none.”

– Hotel Grande Bretagne (Luxury Collection), Athens
Readers’ Choice Rating 90.0

Hotel Grande Bretagne (view from GB Roof Garden).

This 1874 stone building with marble and wood is “in the heart of things” on Constitution Square. Rooms, though “a bit small,” set the tone with restored antiques and “very elegant marble baths.” Suites come with butler service and Gilchrist & Soames bathroom amenities. Watch the changing of the guard or unwind with a martini at Alexander’s Bar, under an eighteenth-century tapestry of Alexander the Great. Decorated in Art Deco style, GB Corner serves Greek specialties like roasted white grouper with artichoke; its rooftop garden bar offers views of the Acropolis—“it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to have dinner.” “The service was superb, but the high food prices aren’t completely justified.”

– Blue Palace Resort & Spa (Luxury Collection), Crete
Readers’ Choice Rating 94.0

Blue Palace Resort, Crete

“The view is breathtaking when you open the curtains” at this “truly inspiring resort” set amid palm and olive trees and jasmine and bougainvillea plants, in Elounda, opposite the isle of Spinalonga. The low-rise property blends into the landscape with clay roof tiles, wooden shutters, and traditional pebble mosaics, while the lobby’s design evokes the local shipyard. Guest rooms are arranged in clusters along a slope overlooking the sea—“definitely splurge on one with a private infinity pool.” Vegetables handpicked by the chef accompany Flame’s locally sourced steak. Decorated in white-and-blue tablecloths, Blue Door focuses on the daily catch from local fishermen. Sample typical Cretan pastries and egg dishes for breakfast at Olea. “The highly qualified staff provide royal service.”