The Place
This pretty stone building, draped in bougainvillea, stands just inside the high medieval battlements of the Old Town. Steeped in romantic history, the main building features two medieval arched rooms, and overlooks the ruins of the ancient Roman market. Potted palm trees growing by the entrance add to its semi-tropical appearance, and inside, more trees shade an attractive courtyard. Owner Nikolis Sotiris and his Danish wife Mariana have turned the San Nikolis into one of the Old Town’s most sought-after places to stay, so book well ahead. Nikolis spends every winter adding period touches to the hotel, such as the canopied beds which can be found in many of the rooms.
The San Nikolis also has a full-service restaurant offering lunch and dinner; breakfast is served on the roof terrace, which has marvellous views over the Old Town’s tiled roofs to the harbour. The bar serves a wide range of drinks and cocktails, and there is a snug with an original, 800-year-old fireplace – hardly in demand in summer, but cosy in winter.