This summer I too stayed at Fresh Hotel and loved it. In some ways, it's even better than a W! That roof bar and pool is amazing!! Also located in an interesting part of town. Close to the touristy stuff, but also close to the market and some up and coming neighborhoods.
GB is a wonderful hotel. Old school, and yes, stuffy, but you should try it at least once. Excellent location.
Mykonos: Belvedere is not exactly gay, but oh so trendy and certainly "gay friendly" . Beautiful pool & beautiful people. New money crowd. It's also worth stopping by for a drink if you stay somewhere else. Plan on spending 15 EUR for a Mojito though!!
I was not impressed with the Santa Marina. Too far away from everything and very quiet. Old money crowd.
Tip: Make sure you stock up Korres products. They are great and quickly becoming popular outside if Greece. Someone called it the Aveda of Europe.
Originally Posted by dallardice
BF and I did Athens, Mykonos, Santorini this Sept/Oct.
Athens - we stayed at Fresh Hotel -
www.freshhotel.gr - fun design hotel in a very funky area near the Central Market. We thought about the GB and the Hilton and did stay at the GB for a night on the way back. Fresh had a very funky vibe to it with a South Beach-style rooftop cocktail bar/pool/terrace with an Acropolis view which we liked a lot.