Nido Mar-Bella Collection

"The Nido-Marbella is a quite exceptional adults only hotel. Staff are unfailingly courteous and helpful, nothing seemed too much trouble. Breakfasts are quite wonderful and will set you up for the day ahead. There is a super terrace for sun bathing and an infinity pool with gorgeous views across to mainland Greece and Albania. Drinks at the Aquavit pool bar are expensive (11 euro for 125ml white wine) but there’s a lovely little supermarket on the main road through a short tunnel not five minutes walk away where you can buy a chilled bottle of white wine for less than 11 euros to enjoy on your terrace. Jenny and Tollis will want to talk! The Green Bus stops straight across the road from the Nido and costs only two euro twenty for the 45 minute ride into Corfu town, though you can take a rather more expensive speedboat if you prefer. Corfu town is a must. We went twice during our week at the Nido and enjoyed every minute wandering round its cobbled alleyways, multicoloured Venetian style houses, hidden courtyards and local shops. The town was buzzing. No for sale signs, derelict shop fronts, littered streets or balaclava clad shoplifters here! Personally I would give the fortress a miss (10 euros and a long queue for not very much) as there is easily enough to see and do in the town. For coffee lovers, Favela No 17 is a super coffee shop with outdoor tables in a quieter part of town. There are three authentic Greek tavernas close to the Nido: Akrogiali taverna directly opposite, and Marbella and Koyuni tavernas, both through the short tunnel described above (don’t confuse the Marbella taverna with any of the restaurants in the nearby Marbella hotel). All serve delicious Greek food (chicken souvlaki and moussaka were exceptional, as was their fish of the day) while Koyuni taverna offers traditional Greek nights on Tuesdays and Saturdays (complete with plate smashing). Each taverna offered half litre carafes of house wine at a delightfully gluggable price of only eight euros. On our last night we splashed out on deliciously aromatic dry white Greek wine called Malagousia. Some reviewers have wondered whether a 5 star hotel like the Nido should offer more entertainment, though we were quite delighted with their olive oil tasting on Saturdays, and their wine tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays. The Nido lays on a daily boat trip to a sleepy fishing village called Petteriti, which takes about an hour there and an hour back, and was a nice way to spend a lazy half day. All of these tastings and excursions are included in your stay, though there are other things to do eg day trip to Paxos, which you can book with reception if you are feeling adventurous. Finally, if you are thinking of a stay at the Nido, apartments do matter. We had a junior suite (immaculately presented with a sunny terrace) though you could pay more for a private pool if desired. There are three tiers of apartments. Tier one is closest to the road and considerably noisier than tiers two and three because of this. If peace and tranquillity are what you are looking for then I would ask for a tier two or three apartment before you go. Terraces are coloured yellow ochre or terracotta pink, with the latter feeling perhaps a little claustrophobic in what is essentially an enclosed space (we would go for yellow ochre). The views from these apartments, and of the sunrise in particular, are quite spectacular. All in all this was a fabulous holiday."

"The hotel has the semblance of a little Corfiot village dancing up the hillside. There are no big accommodation blocks rather small pastel coloured buildings dotted up the hillside. Each has a stunning view over the sea and a large terrace, many with pools or whirlpools. As a result you feel like you are staying in an exclusive villa. Our suite was huge and beautifully furnished. Of course the compromise is the steep walk to reception but there is a very efficient buggy service always at your disposal. The main dining room is a little souless but the food is of a very good quality. Arpegio is very pretty and the food here is excellent. The pool area is absolutely stunning and very well equipped so no fighting for sunbeds. I have seen some disparaging comments about the staff but our experience was exactly the opposite and they were one of our highlights. From the cleaning staff to management we found everyone to be extremely welcoming, attentive and friendly. The hotel is slightly let down by the spa and beach . We had a treatment at the spa which was excellent however the area is small with few relaxation areas and did not feel luxurious . As is explained to you from the outset, the beach is in a preservation area so the hotel are very limited in what they can touch. The beach is not dirty but is small and rustic. The hotel, however, are very willing to run you at any time to other beaches or their sister beachside hotel. The hotel is exceptionally clean and smells divine. Nido is a charming hotel and luxurious with a small L . If you want grandure and statement this is not for you. If you want stunning views and Corfiot hospitality look no further. We would certainly return."

"This beautiful hotel offers a warm friendly atmosphere .it faces the most beautiful view of the ocean .has gorgeous greenery and flowers .has a fabulous aroma everywhere .its peaceful .the staff go above and beyond .i feel like they are family now..amaryllis and vasilis are amazing kind and care about making everything perfect .rooms are beautiful .such a comfey bed .amazing balcony .jacuzzi .food is so fresh so tasty .we looked foreward to breakfast every day .the worst part is that we have to leave .see you next year"