You know how Mykonos feels these days? It's intense. Everyone is chasing the same three "Instagrammable" sunset spots while paying prices that would make a seasoned Wall Street trader flinch. But then there’s this pocket of the island that just... works. If you’ve been looking into the Pelican Bay Hotel Mykonos, you’re likely trying to balance that "I want to be near the action" vibe with "I actually want to sleep at night." It’s a tricky needle to thread on an island known for 24-hour basslines.
Honestly, the location is probably the biggest selling point. You’re in Platis Gialos. This isn’t just some random beach. It’s arguably the most strategic spot on the southern coast because it serves as the primary hub for the water taxi. If you want to hit Paraga, Paradise, or Super Paradise without dealing with the nightmare of Mykonian traffic or the extortionate cost of private transfers, you just walk down the hill and hop on a boat. It’s simple.
The hotel itself was inspired by the traditional Cycladic architecture, which means a lot of whitewashed stone and smooth edges, but with a weirdly specific 1990s-meets-modern aesthetic. It was fully renovated around 2010 and has seen consistent updates since, but it doesn't try to be one of those ultra-minimalist, "everything is concrete" boutiques that are popping up in Chora. It feels like a hotel. A real one.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Pelican Bay Hotel Mykonos Location
People see "Platis Gialos" and think they're right on the sand. You aren't. Let’s be clear about that. The hotel is perched slightly up the hill, about 300 meters from the water.
Is that a bad thing? Not really.
Walking down is a breeze. Walking back up in 35°C heat after three cocktails at a beach club? That’s a different story. But that elevation is exactly why you get the views. If the hotel were at sea level, you’d be staring at the back of a souvlaki stand. Instead, from most of the balconies, you’re looking out over the blue expanse of the Aegean. It’s quiet. You get a breeze that the people down in the "bowl" of the beach don't get.
The Room Situation: Luxury vs. Reality
I’ve seen a lot of people get confused by the room categories here. They offer everything from standard doubles to suites that can fit a small family. The rooms aren't massive. This is Greece; space is a premium. But they are impeccably clean. The hotel pride themselves on a level of maintenance that honestly puts some of the five-star "design" hotels to shame.
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- The Terrace Rooms: These are the ones you want. The outdoor space is often nearly as large as the room itself.
- The Bedding: They use high-quality mattresses. Sounds like a small detail? Wait until you’ve spent 12 hours walking the cobblestones of Mykonos Town. Your back will thank you.
- The Vibe: It’s understated. Think crisp white linens and marble floors that stay cool even when the sun is punishing the exterior walls.
Why the Service Here Actually Matters
In Mykonos, service can sometimes feel... transactional. Or worse, dismissive if you aren't ordering €500 bottles of champagne. The Pelican Bay Hotel Mykonos doesn't play that game. It’s a family-run atmosphere, even if it has the infrastructure of a larger resort.
The front desk staff—usually led by people who have been on the island for decades—actually know the bus schedules. They know which car rental agencies won't scam you on the insurance. If you want to find a taverna that still serves actual Greek food rather than "Mediterranean fusion" foam, they’ll point you toward Nikolas Taverna at Agia Anna. That kind of local intelligence is worth more than a fancy lobby.
Breakfast and the Art of the Morning
The breakfast is a buffet, and it’s pretty extensive. You’ve got your standard eggs and bacon, but the smart move is the local stuff. Greek yogurt that actually tastes like yogurt. Thyme honey. Local cheeses. It’s served in a space that opens up to the pool area, which is great for people-watching before you head out for the day.
One thing to note: the coffee. It’s good. Not "best in the world" good, but significantly better than the watered-down stuff you find at many mid-range European hotels.
Managing the Logistics of Platis Gialos
The bus stop is basically at your doorstep. This is huge. The Mykonos bus system is surprisingly efficient, connecting Platis Gialos to Fabrika (the southern edge of Mykonos Town) every 30 minutes or so during peak season. It’s cheap. It’s easy. It saves you the €40 you’d spend on a five-minute taxi ride.
If you’re planning to explore the island, the hotel offers free parking. This is a massive "win." Trying to find parking in Mykonos is like trying to find a quiet corner at a rave—nearly impossible and highly stressful. Having a dedicated spot at the hotel means you can actually rent a Suzuki Jimny or a scooter and see the northern beaches like Agios Sostis without dreading the return journey.
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The Pool Scene
The pool isn't huge. It’s an "all-day lounging" kind of pool rather than an "Olympic laps" kind of pool. The deck is wood, the loungers are comfortable, and there’s a bar that makes a very decent mojito. Because the hotel is small enough, the pool area rarely feels claustrophobic. It’s the kind of place where you can actually finish a book.
Comparing Pelican Bay to the Neighbors
Look, you have options. If you want to spend three times the money, you can stay at the Myconian Ambassador just down the road. It’s stunning. It’s also very, very expensive. On the other end, you have some budget studios that are... fine, if you don't mind a mattress that feels like a bag of rocks.
The Pelican Bay Hotel Mykonos sits in that "Goldilocks" zone. It’s categorized as a 4-star, and it lives up to that. You get the elevator (not always a given in Cycladic architecture), you get the gym (it’s small, but functional), and you get the reliability of a professional operation.
A Note on the "Pelican" Name
Don’t expect a pet pelican living in the lobby. The hotel is named after the island’s mascot, Petros the Pelican. While the real Petros passed away years ago, his successors still roam the waterfront in Mykonos Town. The hotel name is more of a tribute to that island legacy than a promise of bird-watching.
Things to Consider Before You Book
No hotel is perfect. If you have mobility issues, the hill might be a concern. While the hotel has an elevator, the walk down to the beach and back up involves some incline. It’s not a mountain, but it’s a workout.
Also, if you are looking for a party hotel where people are doing shots at 10 AM by the pool, this isn't it. The crowd here tends to be a mix of couples, small groups of friends, and families who want a bit of decorum. It’s a place for people who like to go to the party, but don't want to bring the party home with them.
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When to Visit for the Best Value
May and September. Hands down.
In July and August, Mykonos is a circus. It’s crowded, it’s loud, and the Meltemi winds can get pretty fierce. By September, the water is still warm from the summer sun, but the crowds have thinned out, and the staff at Pelican Bay actually have time to chat. Plus, the rates drop significantly once the "peak of the peak" passes.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you end up staying here, do yourself a favor and don't just sit by the pool.
- The Water Taxi: Take it at least once. It’s the most beautiful way to see the coastline.
- Psarou Beach: It’s a short walk from Platis Gialos. It’s where the yachts are. Even if you don't want to pay for a sunbed at Nammos, the walk around the rocks is beautiful.
- The Nightlife: Take the bus into town around 7 PM. Wander the maze of Chora before the dinner rush, watch the sunset at Little Venice, and then take the bus back when things get too rowdy.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Mykonos Trip
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a booking, keep these specific points in mind to ensure you get exactly what you want out of the experience:
- Request a High Floor: If you want the best possible view of the bay, explicitly ask for a room on the upper levels. The lower rooms are great, but the perspective from the top is what you’re paying for.
- Book Direct or Check Packages: Sometimes the hotel offers specific perks for direct bookings—like airport transfers—that might not be included on the big booking sites. It’s worth a quick email to their reservation desk.
- Pack Walking Shoes: I cannot stress this enough. Mykonos is made of stone. The walk to the beach and the streets of the town will destroy your feet if you only bring flip-flops.
- The "Half-Board" Question: They offer half-board options. Honestly? Skip it. You’re in one of the culinary capitals of the Aegean. Go out and eat. Explore the tavernas in Platis Gialos or take the bus into town. Don't tie yourself to a hotel dinner every night.
The Pelican Bay Hotel Mykonos provides a very specific type of luxury. It’s the luxury of convenience and competence. It’s not the flashiest place on the island, but it’s one of the most reliable. In a place as chaotic and unpredictable as Mykonos, that reliability is a luxury in itself.