Hotels in Greece

Also featured on the Gold List in: 2005, 2006

Staff at this sprawling, "ideally located beachfront escape" on the northeast coast arrange waterskiing, sailing, and more. "Heavenly rooms" with blue-and-white-checked textiles and dark woods have private terraces overlooking Mirabello Bay. Sit on wicker chairs at the alfresco Dionyssos Gourmet Restaurant, where the menu is Mediterranean; the wine cellar stocks 8,500 bottles.

254 rooms

Amenities: Beach, Pool, Spa, Tennis, Water sports

New to the Gold List

Dating from 1874 and fully renovated in 2003, this boxy hotel on Constitution Square has "a concierge who was very helpful, drawing up a battle plan for seeing the sights within a limited time frame." With luxurious fabrics, restored antiques, and marble baths, rooms are "an oasis in an otherwise hectic town." The Art Deco signature restaurant, GB Corner, offers a Mediterranean menu; enjoy steak and seafood as well as Acropolis views at the GB Roof Garden.

321 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

New to the Gold List

This 13-year-old whitewashed property is "a respite from the bustle of Athens and Crete," though some bemoan the "isolated location at the opposite end from the tourist attractions." Vedema, whose name means "harvest," was built next to the owner's working vineyard; Vinsanto restaurant is set in a former wine-pressing room. Cottages have bright pastel interiors and are linked by paths paved with black lava cobblestones.

45 villas

Amenities: Beach, Pool, Spa, Tennis, Water sports