Bella Vista Hotel, Achilleioi

My husband , a friend and I rented two rooms at the Bella Vista Hotel for 4 days in June of this year (2005) and we found it to be a warm, friendly, charming small hotel with great smiling service and terrific low prices. We couldn't believe the rates when we saw the hotel on-line--something like $35 for a double per night including a buffet breakfast--we thought maybe there was something wrong with the place. What we found was a freshly painted hotel with bright cheery walls and even cheerier management. Our room was bright blue and our friend's room was orange and pink. Every room has a sweet toy in it--like a teddy bear or a doll. The hotel is located across the street from a pebble beach and several reasonably priced and good restaurants. It is in Benitses, not Corfu town, so one does need to take the bus into the city but the bus stops very close to the hotel. There are lots of services in Benitses as well--restaurants, pharmacy, internet--as well as a charming little old village. Anthea, who runs the Bella Vista, has the biggest warmest smile I've ever seen. She speaks excellent English (I think she lived in London for awhile) and she does everything she can to show she cares about her guests. The rest of the staff is helpful and warm as well. Each morning there's a breakfast buffet that includes ham, cheese, bread and usually some wonderful home-baked cake or spanakopita. The rooms are charming and stylish and comfy. There are mini-fridges that get replenshed with bottled water every day. The bathrooms are simple and include only a shower, like many Greek Island hotels. We had a nice balcony overlooking the outdoor courtyard where we took our breakfast. Anthea said to us when we booked on-line that it was a 2-star hotel with 4-star service and I think that's right. It is simple, colorful, beautiful and run with much care. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten track with friendly service, clean bright rooms and convenient to the beach and services, this would be an excellent choice. I hope to go back!