12 Best Hotels in The Peloponnese, Greece

The fortified, seaside stronghold of the Mavromichali clan, noted for their role in the fight for Greek independence, is now an enchanting inn with character-filled rooms and suites set within the walls of a centuries-old tower building. Around this are clustered sun-drenched terraces that drop down to the turquoise waters of Limeni harbor, which lies just north of Areopolis. Stone walls, wooden floors, vaulted ceilings, and other original architectural touches are complemented by supremely comfortable beds and stylish furnishings. The on-site restaurant (as featured in the film The Trip to Greece) is open only to hotel guests and presents a gourmet Mediterranean menu highlighting products from the Mani. Several present-day Mavromichalis descendants are usually on hand to provide a warm welcome.

A 19th-century neoclassical mansion on a quiet square has been delightfully transformed into a petite family-run B&B with extremely comfortable guest rooms and alluring public spaces. Each room has a small balcony from which to enjoy the comings and goings below and the sight of the Palamidi above. The top-floor room with the large terrace is one of the nicest accommodations in town.

This handsomely restored old house, just off the waterfront in the center of town, feels like a well-appointed private home, and the extremely comfortable guest rooms are graciously appointed and have sparkling bathrooms; all have views of the bay or a palm-filled square. The top-floor suite is especially spacious, with sloping ceilings and two balconies. A light breakfast with homemade cakes is served in a pleasant bar-café that opens onto a narrow lane of the Old Town; drinks are served here throughout the evening.

Amymone and Adiandi guesthouses (owned by the same family) have long been popular stays among the boutique-heavy B&Bs of Othonos Street. Set in centuries-old buildings, their oak wood floors, stylish mural headboards, and all-round design offer a welcome dose of style as opposed to their fustier rivals in the city. The newer Amymone Suites has similar design elements running through its veins, except the rooms are larger. It's still good value, however, and its fine breakfasts are held nearby in the excellent Wild Duck restaurant and bar, on the quayside.

One of the region's most popular eateries also provides attractive and character-filled guest rooms, all with balconies overlooking the countryside. These very comfortable accommodations, along with a relaxing swimming pool, allow guests to enjoy a country retreat while visiting the ruins, just 3 km (2 miles) away. Family rooms come with a Jacuzzi and can host up to four, making this a great bet for families traveling in the region. Its restaurant is particularly feted, and the poolside terrace is a lovely place to spend an afternoon or evening, though locals don't typically start arriving until 10 pm or so for dishes that include delicious grilled lamb and farm-fresh vegetables. 

Like many stays in Monemvasia, Byzantino spreads itself liberally across a half-dozen stone buildings in the Old Town. All are different and full of character, typically embellished with stone- and tile work and other distinctive decorations; some are multilevel. Less expensive rooms do not have terraces or sea views, but still retain the charm that pervades this old city. Bathrooms in most units are fitted into medieval recesses and are quite small. Breakfast at the hotel's café, near the main square, costs extra.

Accommodations in this old monastery (kellia means "cells") are fairly simple, but they are extremely appealing and face an airy square above the sea. Many are two floors, with sleeping lofts above a sitting room; most have sea views and pleasant terraces; and some have fireplaces.

A complex of restored buildings at the far edge of the Old Town (reached on a trek over sometimes steep and uneven pavement) provides atmospheric and comfortable lodgings tucked into nooks and crannies under cane-and-wood or vaulted brick ceiling. Each is decorated with good beds and handsome contemporary furnishings, along with a smattering of patchwork rugs, embroidered tapestries, and antiques. Many rooms have terraces and sea views, and some have fireplaces.

These bright, handsome stone cottages, owned by the couple behind Lela's Taverna, lie scattered across hillside gardens. Their insides are furnished in handmade, bleached-wood pieces and attractive muted fabrics. Each unit also has a large terrace overlooking the sea and kitchens are well equipped. The hospitality of Giorgos and Maria is as warm and embracing as everything else about this lovely spot. Stays are a three-day minimum.

Nestled amid one of the most likable streets in the old town, this estimable pension has charm to spare. High-ceilinged rooms make the most of its 19th-century neoclassical townhouse setting, with some accommodating up to four people—a rarity in the city's pensions. Owner Ute also has a choice of apartments elsewhere in town, so there's a good choice for larger families. Sun-speckled balconies overlook one of the city's better areas for a quiet night out, and in the morning some of the best breakfasts in town (homemade and imaginative) are served in the bistro downstairs. 

The 200-year-old property seems to be on top of the world, tucked away at the very summit of the Old Town, just below the Acronafplia. From here its breezy balconies and gardens gaze out to the sea. It's been in the Zoltas family for over 40 years, and one of the brothers is always on hand to extend familial hospitality that extends to fresh-squeezed juice from the family orchards and homemade cakes and jams. Aside from being convenient to the sights (and the beach is short walk away), this homey perch is full of shady nooks and crannies that are tailor-made for relaxation, while the terrace has fantastic views at breakfast. Grab a stay in one of the lower stone-floored rooms for something a bit special.

A stone mansion set in a fragrant garden at the edge of the modern town is the setting for this stylish country retreat, where luxurious rooms, all decorated with rich colors and fabrics, overlook orange groves and Mt. Taygettus. The stone-walled public rooms and shady terraces are a delight as well, as are the friendly welcome, attentive service, and excellent breakfast.