Mykonos's Belvedere Hotel Gets a Makeover

The Belvedere Hotel, the chicest hotel on Greece's Mykonos island, has become a lot more posh after a renovation by New York's Rockwell Group.

Mykonos has recently upgraded its image, adding upscale retailers and restaurants. The Belvedere's makeover follows the introduction of high-end lodgings Cavo Tagoo and the Mykonos Grace Hotel.

The Belvedere's poolside bar and lounge.

On Mykonos: During the summer, guests will find a spirited party island of beach clubs and nightlife that stays awake past 4 a.m. Beaches like Elia and Super Paradise feature waterfront bars and casual cafes designed to feed nearby sun worshippers.

First impressions: Concealed by a white wall and motorized gate, the newly refurbished Belvedere radiates luxury from the edge of the island's main town. Ivory stucco walls, tile floors and a thatch-roof ceiling let you know you're on the Aegean.

The expanded lobby opens to the newly renovated Belvedere Bar, which is adorned with playful, ball-shaped chandeliers and leather-upholstered banquettes. Guests splash in the hotel's massive pool while chefs prepare dinner at the nearby Matsuhisa Mykonos. A DJ spins classic Shaggy remixes, providing a soundtrack to the fun.

Finding your room: Rockwell took the Belvedere's clinical-looking rooms and added platform beds, marble floors, chunky wood nightstands and comfy club chairs. While some rooms' windows face the wall of the building next door, others overlook the village.

Pricier suites offer furnished balconies with views of the pool and lounge area or the ocean.

Amenities: A few years ago, rooms featured bulky televisions that sat on wheezy mini-refrigerators. Rockwell went to great lengths to add modern touches, such as sleek LCD TVs and wireless Internet access.