The Royal Grand Hotel, Corfu

★★★
  • Spacious outdoor seawater pool (seasonal)
  • Pool bar & Royal Café with panoramic terrace
  • Main restaurant serving breakfast buffet
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
  • 24-hour reception & concierge
  • Free parking (subject to availability)
  • Air conditioning in all rooms
  • In-room safe
  • Lift access
  • Luggage storage & currency exchange
  • Car hire/transfer service via reception
The Royal Grand Hotel
7.3/10
Reviewed by Tripplo Axel Hernborg, Travel expert
from £ 650 per person
from £ 100 per night

✅ Top 3 pros

Spectacular Location Above Kanoni Bay

Stunning postcard vistas across the sea, lagoon, Vlacherna Monastery, and Mouse Island—views you’d normally find at far costlier properties.

Convenient Distances & Transport Links

Airport transfer is quick, the bus stop is close by, and Old Town is easily reached—ideal for combining city, beach, and day trips.

Excellent Value

A true three-star hotel with fantastic scenery and a lovely pool terrace—outstanding value, particularly during off-peak periods.

❌ 3 cons to be aware of

No Sandy Beach on the Doorstep

Swimming is limited to the hotel pool or nearby bathing spots; the main Mon Repos beach is about 1.8km away.

Aircraft Noise Outdoors

The unique proximity to the airport means planes are audible on the terraces. Soundproofing helps indoors, but light sleepers should opt for a land-facing room.

Room Variation

This is a characterful historic property, so room sizes and finishes can differ; some bathrooms are especially compact. Prefer a fresher feel? Book one of the renovated rooms or a higher floor.

More about the hotel

Hotel NameThe Royal Grand Hotel
AddressPalaiopolis 110, 49100 Kanoni, Corfu, Greece
Stars★★★ (3)
Number of rooms123
Check-infrom 3:00pm
Check-outby 11:00am
Wi-FiComplimentary in rooms and public areas
ParkingFree, subject to availability
MealsBreakfast buffet; à la carte at Royal Café; no all inclusive
LanguagesGreek, English, German, French, Italian (some Arabic)
Wellness/FitnessNo on-site spa or gym; external treatments arranged via concierge
Special featuresSweeping views of Kanoni Bay, lagoon, and the airport runway – ideal for plane spotters
Last updated2025

Overview & Hotel Highlights

Sitting atop Kanoni’s hillside, The Royal Grand Hotel offers guests unrivalled vistas over Corfu’s lagoon, the Ionian Sea, the charming islet of Vlacherna Monastery, and iconic Mouse Island. This three-star property balances easy access to Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with a laid-back, resort-like atmosphere around its pool. Aviation enthusiasts will find Corfu’s most captivating terrace for watching planes take off and land. For 2025, it’s a solid, affordable and dependable base—perfect for couples, friends, and anyone seeking to blend city explorations with leisurely swims.

Cleanliness & Condition

Main public areas—including the lobby, Royal Café, and pool terrace—are well-maintained, with jaw-dropping lagoon and sea views as the standout feature. Guest rooms are cleaned daily, towels changed when needed, and staff are efficient and friendly. The building’s historical nature means some rooms have touches of ‘old-school’ character, such as compact bathrooms or light signs of wear. Prefer a crisper feel? Book one of the newer rooms or a higher floor. The hotel delivers honest, three-star cleanliness and comfort throughout.

Value for Money

With its elevated position above Kanoni Bay, this hotel offers a rare treat for its price: a picturesque setting with great transport links into the atmospheric Corfu Old Town. Room facilities are straightforward and add-ons are limited, but for anyone prioritising location and views over premium amenities, this is an outstanding choice—especially if visiting outside peak season.

Beach & Pool

The generous outdoor saltwater pool is the hotel’s centrepiece, bordered by loungers, umbrellas, and the lively pool bar. Unheated (open April–October, weather permitting), it’s ideal for summer dips and invigorating swims in spring and autumn. No sandy beach lies directly outside; for swimming, make use of the pool, meander to a nearby cove, or visit the bustling Mon Repos Beach in town. Tip: Start your beach excursion early and return for sunset drinks at Royal Café—the golden hour views are unforgettable.

Breakfast & Food

The main restaurant serves a varied breakfast buffet with hot items, cold selections, freshly baked breads and local produce. The Royal Café, set on the terrace, serves Greek classics, fresh salads, snacks and an excellent array of drinks all day and evening. At the pool bar, enjoy cocktails and light bites. While the menu suits a three-star hotel, there are plenty of superb local tavernas and restaurants close by and in the Old Town for food lovers seeking more variety.

Atmosphere & Noise

Because of its unique location beside the airport runway, the hotel is a favourite with plane spotters. While you may hear planes on the terraces depending on wind direction, guest rooms feature soundproofing for reduced noise. Light sleepers may wish to request a land-facing room or use earplugs for ultimate peace outdoors.

Service & Ambience

The staff are friendly and responsive, with reception open 24/7. Need help with transfers, car hire, tours or boat trips? The concierge takes care of it all, letting you focus on relaxation. The atmosphere is easy-going and international, attracting a wide mix of guests.

In summary—The Royal Grand Hotel is an excellent pick for couples, groups of friends on a budget, urban explorers who like to swim, and aviation fans. Those in search of luxury spa breaks or classic beachfront style should look elsewhere, but if your priority is a great view, convenient transport, and straightforward comfort, this is the ideal base.

The Royal Grand Hotel - Photo of the hotel
Photo of the hotel
The Royal Grand Hotel - Hotel interior
Hotel interior
The Royal Grand Hotel - Example of a hotel room
Example of a hotel room
The Royal Grand Hotel - Hotel pool
Hotel pool
The Royal Grand Hotel - Restaurant/Bar
Restaurant/Bar
The Royal Grand Hotel - Beach near the hotel
Beach near the hotel

Location & Panoramic Sea Views over Kanoni Bay

Royal Baths Mon Repos – 1800m to Crystal Clear Waters

The hotel is perched above the lagoon, offering sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, Vlacherna Monastery, and Mouse Island. A sandy beach isn’t on the doorstep, but the popular Royal Baths Mon Repos is an easy 1.8km stroll away. Smaller swimming spots are also nearby—great for a refreshing dip between sightseeing and cocktails.

Transport & Getting Around

The location is spot-on for convenience: Corfu International Airport is just a few minutes away, and the closest bus stop with direct routes to Old Town is within a short walk. Taxis are always easy to find and the reception team can help with car hire. To explore even more of Corfu, hiring a car is recommended.

Surroundings & Sights

Within walking distance, visit the iconic Kanoni viewpoint, Vlacherna Monastery, and Pontikonisi photo spot. In Corfu Town, discover the elegant Liston arcades, the grand Spianada square, the Old and New Fortresses, and a network of vibrant cafés and boutiques. The area is also ideal for visiting the Achilleion Palace, hidden bays on the Kanoni peninsula, and, for the energetic, spectacular coastal hiking trails with breathtaking scenery.

  • Corfu International Airport (CFU): approx. 1.7 km
  • Corfu Old Town (Spianada/Liston): approx. 3.5–4 km
  • Old Fortress: approx. 4.1 km
  • Corfu Harbour: approx. 5.2 km
  • Royal Baths Mon Repos (main town beach): approx. 1.8 km
  • Vlacherna Monastery & Pontikonisi viewpoint: approx. 600–800 metres

Rooms & Facilities

Room Types & Capacity (123 rooms)

Choose from economy and standard doubles, single rooms, or suites. Doubles offer a choice of land, lagoon/lake, or sea views. Suites are larger, often featuring private terraces with panoramic vistas. Families can book connecting double rooms or a suite; solo travellers will find the single rooms a convenient fit.

Facilities

All rooms provide air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, safe, and a bathroom (with shower/WC or bathtub), hairdryer, and toiletries. Most rooms include a balcony or terrace; some also have a mini-fridge. Daily cleaning and towel changes on request are standard; extra-large pillows or blankets can be requested from housekeeping at any time.

View Options

Rooms overlooking Kanoni Bay, Lake Chalikiopoulos, and the Ionian Sea are the most sought after—superb for sunset scenes or plane spotting. For a quieter night, opt for a land-side room. To maximise your view, reserve a higher floor or a suite with private terrace.

Food & Drink

Buffet Restaurant & Greek Specialities

Start your morning with a varied breakfast buffet in the main restaurant—hot and cold options, fresh fruit, a variety of breads, and local produce. The Royal Café on the panoramic terrace serves Greek favourites, salads, pasta, burgers, and desserts throughout the day and evening, all with a spectacular view. Additional culinary delights await in local tavernas and Corfu Town.

Bars

The pool bar (open seasonally, weather permitting) offers cocktails, soft drinks, and coffee from morning into the evening—perfect for sunny days. At night, Royal Café transforms into a buzzing cocktail bar with its own signature drinks (seasonal). There is no traditional All Inclusive; depending on your booking, breakfast or half board may be included.

Pool, Spa & Wellbeing

Spacious Seawater Pool with Panoramic View

The hotel’s highlight is its spacious outdoor saltwater pool with plenty of loungers and umbrellas—perfect for a cooling swim after sightseeing or simply relaxing with a scenic backdrop. The pool is not heated and is usually open from April to October; pool towels are available from reception.

Spa & Fitness

There’s no classic spa or gym onsite, but guests can easily arrange massages, beauty treatments or personal training with trusted local partners via the concierge—flexible and convenient to suit your personal preferences.

Service & Staff

Greek Hospitality with a Relaxed Touch

The atmosphere throughout the hotel is friendly and relaxed. Staff at reception, the bar, and the restaurant are on hand to assist with everything from dining recommendations to organising car hire, boat tours, and excursions. Need extra pillows, an early breakfast, or late checkout (subject to availability)? The team are happy to help make your stay more comfortable.

Reception & Concierge (multilingual)

Reception is manned around the clock, with staff speaking Greek, English, German, French, Italian—and occasionally Arabic. The concierge can arrange transfers, tickets, guided tours, and car hire—perfect if you prefer a helping hand planning your holiday.

Sustainability

While the hotel doesn’t have formal eco-certification, you’ll notice simple green initiatives in place: towel changes on request, reduced buffet waste, and a focus on local produce at the Royal Café. Want to know more? Contact the hotel for current sustainability information before booking.

After several short stays, my honest impression: it’s the location that sets this hotel apart. Enjoying a coffee on the Royal terrace as the sun sets over the lagoon is exactly what Corfu should feel like—without the hefty price tag. Keep your room expectations realistic, plan a couple of evenings out at local tavernas, and you’re likely to have a fantastic holiday here.

Axel Hernborg
Axel Hernborg Travel expert

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is the airport?

Corfu International Airport (CFU) is just a few minutes away by car—approximately 1.7 km.

Is there a beach within walking distance?

No sandy beach lies directly outside. Mon Repos beach in Corfu Town is about 1.8 km away, and some smaller swimming spots are within easy reach.

Is the pool heated?

No, the outdoor seawater pool is unheated. It’s generally open April–October.

What food options are available?

Breakfast buffet in the main restaurant, daytime and evening meals at Royal Café, and drinks at the pool bar. No all inclusive packages are available.

Which languages do staff speak?

Greek, English, German, French, Italian, and sometimes Arabic.

Is parking available at the hotel?

Yes, complimentary parking is usually available—arrive early in peak season to be sure of a space.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in from 3:00pm, check-out by 11:00am. Late or early check-in/check-out may be possible, subject to availability and a possible fee.

Is there a gym or spa?

No, there’s no gym or in-house spa, but massages and personal training can be arranged via the concierge with local providers.

Which rooms have the best views?

Rooms with lagoon or sea views on higher floors, as well as suites, offer the best outlook. These sell out quickly, so book early!

Is the hotel family-friendly?

Yes—especially with the pool and top location. Families may prefer suites or connecting double rooms for extra space.

Tripplo's verdict: I The Royal Grand Hotel a hotel worth staying at?

Tripplo’s verdict: Is The Royal Grand Hotel worth considering? Definitely—if you appreciate unique views, convenient distances, and a genuine, budget-friendly three-star experience. If you’re dreaming of a spa, designer interiors or a sandy beach right outside, look instead to a classic resort. But for couples, city/sea fans, and aviation spotters, the Royal Grand is an excellent fit.

Axel Hernborg
Travel Expert Axel Hernborg is an expert in budget-friendly European travel and the founder of Tripplo.co.uk, a leading platform for travel deals. With over 15 years of experience, he shares valuable tips on how to explore Europe affordably. His articles are based on personal experience and in-depth knowledge. On Tripplo.co.uk, he helps travellers find the best deals and make the most of their travel budget.