Bella Venezia Historic Boutique Hotel, Corfu

• Centrally located and a stone's throw from the port, you're not far from popular sites but also tucked away on a quieter street from the main bustle of the Old Town.
• As a historic building, Bella Venezia has done its part to preserve its 19th-century start with original external walls, Corfiot gardens, and elegant touches from local artworks to cream-checked floors of Ioannina marble.
• The breakfast buffet is highly praised and certified by the Greek Chamber of Hotels for its authentic Greek fare.
• Expect elevated touches like a welcome drink from the on-site bar, laptops available to borrow, and packed breakfast boxes if you're on the go.
• Rooms are bright, with views overlooking Corfu Town or the gardens—our preferred view.

• The rooms are on the smaller side, so you may want to book the Master Suite for some added breathing room.

Authenticity

Formerly the "Goulelios" palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the neo-Classical building mixes Corfiot and British architectural styles, popular at the time. Its "new" moniker, however, pays tribute to the original (and right next door) hotel, Grand Hôtel d'Angleterre et Belle Venise, which, like all other palatial mansions on Zambeli Street of the period, was completely destroyed in a World War II siege. As the sole surviving building, it was purchased in 1985 and turned into a hotel to honor Corfu's aristocratic past. While the original exterior has been preserved, most of the interior has been reconstructed, keeping Corfiot aesthetics (as seen in the colorful gardens) and, in a more recent renovation, a Belle Époque theme.

Location

Tucked on a quiet side street just south of the Old Town, you can reach Spianada Square and historic Liston within minutes on foot, as well as the port and Old Fortress. Shops and restaurants abound, and it's just over 10 minutes to Faliraki beach (though Naok at the Nautical Club of Corfu is about 3). A bus stop around the corner takes you to Kanoni in about 15 minutes (you want bus 2a), and if you're desperate for a stamp to mail a postcard home, the post office is a 5-minute walk away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms are elegantly styled, pulling in luxurious details that recall the hotel's earlier days of playing host to the aristocratic elite, like tall ceilings, crown molding, hardwood floors, plush, velvet furnishings, and goose down pillows (there's a pillow menu with options to order a hypoallergenic alternative). Bathrooms are equally elegant, with marble paneled walls and gold fixtures. The five room categories cater mostly to double occupancy, save for the Master Suite, which sleeps four and has more living area and a Juliet balcony overlooking the town, and the quietest rooms on the top floor that interconnect: the Venezian Loft Double/Twin rooms. 

Amenities

Given Bella Venezia's historic status, you won't find a pool or spa on-site, but you will get to enjoy its fragrant wraparound garden, where you can breakfast in the warmer months (there's an airy sunroom for cooler days). Breakfast (certified for authenticity by the Greek Chamber of Hotels since 2014) is buffet-style, serving numerous Greek options, like Greek yogurt, honey, nuts, cheeses, ham delicacies, fresh fruit, and made-to-order omelets. Olive oil tastings and live Greek and Jazz music occur weekly in the evenings here, too. There's also a fully stocked cocktail bar with generous seating open to the public.

Family-Friendliness

Two room options for parents traveling with kids are the Venezian Loft Double/Twin Room and the Master Suite. The former sleeps up to four guests when you book one of the two interconnected rooms. Whereas the Master Suite has a separate living room area with a pullout double and added space to place a crib for the youngest of travelers (complimentary and subject to availability).