can you recommend a great hotel in Mykonos and Santorini were we can have a wonderful <BR>50th birthday to remember forever.<BR>Thank You

In Mykonos I would recommend the Santa Marina. It is the top hotel there. Also look into the Petassos Beach Hotel or the Kouros if Santa Marina's not available.<BR>In Santorini I would recommend the Villa Vedema Hotel, Katikies or Dameia Palace Hotel. These are the top luxury places.

As someone brought up in Greece and writing Greek guide books for a living I have had the pleasure of staying in some fantastic places on those islands. <BR><BR>On Mykonos I would recommend the Belvedere if you want something social and funky, the Semeli for slightly quieter town location, or the Cavo Tagoo for top quality, discreet style.<BR><BR>On Santorini, the Zannos Melathron has to be the best place on the island - it is not on the caldera rim (along with the hordes), but has a lovely panoramic situation in Pyrgos village, with sunsets to die for, and amazing labyrinthine rooms. If you want to be on the caldera rim, go for Perivolas or Katikies in Oia.<BR><BR>Most of these places are described on www.i-escape.com/greece.php (click on 'places to stay'), who very kindly paid me to stay there and write up reviews!

Thinking of vacationing here between Christmas and New Year's. What would the weather typically be like?

Topping