We hadn’t been to Mykonos in more than 15 years, being types who prefer wild, empty beaches to partying 24/7. But when friends proposed we check it out off season together and get out of our rustic rut, we said ‘why not?’ Grace came recommended by English friends who’d seen rave reviews, so we picked it, rather than do a lengthy web search, and October’s lower rates were an added incentive.
The first thing that struck us after the hotel minibus picked us up at the boat and dropped us at the front door was its air of understated elegance. And the second was the wonderful welcome given us by the young women at the reception desk: friendly without being either effusive or obsequious, just naturally polite and unfailingly helpful. We had entered a serene, cheerful building that gave off only pleasant vibes for the whole length of our stay. In fact, all the staff were charming, not just “have a nice day” nice.
I have to take my hat off to the architect/decorator. Through a very creative use of space, they have somehow managed to mirror the winding alleys of the town in the passageways that connect the rooms, terraces and ground floor lounge. The décor is minimalistic but not stark, a soothing blend of whites, creams, greys and grey-blues, that is unobtrusive and restful to the eye, while the furniture is invariably soft and comfortable where you want that, ie on the pool terrace, in the TV/reading room above it and lounge. The restaurant chairs and tables are more severe but there the decor lends a warm light touch, with a giant cup, fork or spoon outlined in grey against the white wall.
But the restaurant was not just to look at. Breakfast was a feast – of different breads, fresh fruit, eggs to order and champagne on the house, on the day of your choice, which I accompanied with superb crepes with strawberry syrup. Dinner on our last night was even more memorable: a salad of prosciutto, slivers of dried fig, and fresh cheese rolled in sesame seeds, followed by what must be the best steak au poivre (4 kinds of peppercorns) I’ve ever tasted (and I have eaten at least a steer’s worth of steaks in several different countries over the years).
Our room was more than comfortable: big bed, mattress just right, selection of poetry and other books in Greek and English in case you’d finished your thriller, a sofa to sprawl on, a flat TV that went unwatched, but what won my heart was our private hot tub/jacuzzi on the balcony. My back was acting up and long soaks morning and night kept me going. I also loved lying in bed or on my chaise longue and watching the cruiseships come in. Huge ships that docked quite near the hotel (and rather put me off going to town to face the crowds).
We spent three days in Mykonos and I have to say that the Grace was the best thing about the island. I found the place too built up, too commercial – don’t forget I first went there in 1963. But I and my husband and friends loved the Grace and would go back any time. There’s a nice, though not spectacular beach below; the taverna next door is just fine (don’t miss the chocolate souffle); and the hotel can book seats on the boat to fascinating Delos, which keeps getting better.
Was there anything less than marvelous? Only the scruffy vacant lot between the hotel and the beach. It’s a bit of an eyesore but easily overlooked. Otherwise, there’s not a thing about the Amazing Grace I would dream of changing.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older Travellers, Great pool scene, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, People with disabilities, pet owners, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Great food / Wine