Divani Corfu Palace has been a familiar name on the island since the 1970s, but a recent top to bottom renovation has effectively relaunched it for a new era. Perched on a pine covered hill in Kanoni with panoramic views over the Chalikiopoulos Lagoon and within easy reach of Corfu Town, this 4 star property now markets itself as a fresh, design forward base for couples, families and business travelers.
Location: Lagoon Views Near Corfu Town
Divani Corfu Palace enjoys a privileged position on Kanoni hill, one of the most photographed corners of Corfu. The hotel looks out over the shimmering lagoon that separates Kanoni from the runway at Corfu International Airport and from the tiny monastery of Vlacherna and Pontikonisi islet, two of the island’s most recognizable sights. The setting feels lush and resort like, with pine trees and landscaped gardens softening the views of the lagoon and runway.
In practical terms, the location is a major advantage for travelers who want both easy town access and a retreat from the crowds. Corfu’s UNESCO listed old town lies roughly 3 kilometers away, usually about a 10 minute taxi ride depending on traffic. That makes it simple to head in for dinner, sightseeing and shopping, then return to a quieter environment with far easier parking than in the historic center. Mon Repos Beach and the Mon Repos estate sit around 1.5 to 2 kilometers away, reachable by a short drive, bus or a longer walk for those who do not mind hills.
The trade off is that you are not directly on a swimming beach. The hotel has a substantial outdoor pool that functions as the main daytime hub, but anyone prioritizing daily sea swims will need to factor in transfers to nearby beaches or plan on renting a car. For many visitors, especially those staying only a few nights or using Corfu Town as a base for excursions, the combination of lagoon views and quick access to the city center is more attractive than being right on the coast.
It is also worth noting the airport proximity. Planes use the runway that stretches across the lagoon and the hotel’s elevation gives some front row views of takeoffs and landings. For aviation enthusiasts this can be a plus and a distinctive feature of Kanoni. For light sleepers or those hoping for a completely secluded feel, aircraft noise is something to consider, though recent guest feedback suggests that interior soundproofing has improved with the renovation.
Design, Atmosphere and Recent Renovation
The property dates to the early 1970s, and for many years it felt like a typical aging chain hotel. That changed with a sweeping refurbishment program completed in 2024 and further enhancements to facilities and exteriors that carried into 2025. The public face of the hotel has been updated with a new facade, reworked lobby and redesigned outdoor areas that aim for a contemporary, minimal style softened by natural tones and greenery.
Inside, the atmosphere is that of a polished mid range to upper mid range resort rather than a boutique hotel. The lobby and lounge areas are spacious, light and dominated by neutral palettes, clean lines and curated decorative touches. You will not find much in the way of Corfiot antiques or a strong sense of place in the interior design, but the broad windows and large terraces frame the lagoon and hills and provide the local character instead.
Outside, the pool terrace has become the visual and social centerpiece of the hotel. The large, irregularly shaped pool is ringed by loungers, sun umbrellas and clusters of more cushioned seating, with a pool bar and snack area providing drinks, light meals and music throughout the day. After dark, the area functions as an al fresco lounge, with lighting, cocktails and the hum of the runway in the distance creating a resort style evening setting. Families tend to congregate here during the day, while couples often drift to the quieter corners of the terrace in the late afternoon and evening.
The overall ambiance is relaxed, international and professional rather than intimate. As a member of the Divani Collection Hotels group, the property caters to a mix of leisure guests and business travelers, especially when conferences or events are taking place in its meeting spaces. Expect a blend of couples, multi generational families and occasional groups, especially in high season, rather than a quiet adults only vibe.
Rooms and Suites: What to Expect
Divani Corfu Palace offers 163 rooms and suites across several categories, all of which have been refreshed or fully renovated in the last couple of years. The main distinction is between the standard and superior categories on the lower and middle floors and the newer executive rooms located on the top floor. Across all types, you can choose either garden view or pool and lagoon view configurations, with the latter commanding higher rates.
Entry level Essential and Superior rooms are around 22 to 25 square meters, a reasonable size for a city adjacent hotel but notably more compact than some beach resorts elsewhere on Corfu. Layouts are straightforward, with queen or twin beds, built in or freestanding wardrobes, desks and small sitting areas. Design is modern and subdued, with light wood tones, muted fabrics and touches of color in art and soft furnishings. Marble bathrooms typically feature walk in showers or shower over tub combinations, along with branded Greek toiletries.
The executive rooms are the standout option introduced with the renovation. Positioned on the top floor, they benefit from the best elevated views over the lagoon or gardens and have a sleeker design language. Think more generous use of wood and stone textures, integrated lighting, smart connected devices, larger televisions and better soundproofing. If your budget allows, booking an executive room with lagoon and pool view is the most compelling way to experience the hotel’s setting.
For families or guests needing more space, there are larger triple and family configurations and a limited number of suites with separate living areas and sofa beds. Interconnecting rooms can also be arranged on request, and complimentary cribs are available for infants. All room types offer air conditioning, Wi Fi, flat screen televisions, minibars, safes and balconies or terraces, though balconies vary in size. Accessibility features exist in some rooms, but travelers with specific mobility needs should confirm details in advance.
Food, Drink and On Site Facilities
Dining and drinking are anchored by two main outlets, complemented by the pool bar and in room service. Amvrosia Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast in the morning, featuring a standard spread of hot and cold classics, cereals, pastries, fruit and Greek specialties. Later in the day, it shifts to an à la carte format with a menu that blends Mediterranean and Ionian dishes, grilled meats, seafood and vegetarian options. The large terrace overlooking the lagoon makes this a pleasant spot for a long dinner on warm evenings.
The lobby level bar, often referred to as Rafaello Bar, offers coffee, drinks and light snacks in a lounge style setting, with an outdoor terrace that becomes particularly atmospheric at sunset. By the pool, the Blue Bar or poolside snack bar caters to daytime cravings with salads, sandwiches, burgers, cocktails and soft drinks. Service style is relaxed, with staff used to guests spending several hours at a time by the water.
Reviews of food quality trend positive, especially for breakfast variety and the evening ambiance on the restaurant terrace, though some guests note that prices for drinks and meals can feel high compared with tavernas in Corfu Town. For many visitors, the ideal routine is to have breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a poolside lunch and then head into town or to nearby villages for dinner several nights a week.
Beyond dining, facilities include a sizeable outdoor pool with a children’s section, a small but well equipped fitness club and spa style services delivered in garden gazebos, including massages and facials. The grounds also house a children’s playground and play area tucked into the trees, which families appreciate for giving younger guests a dedicated space to burn off energy. Practical amenities such as free Wi Fi, on site parking, a 24 hour front desk, concierge assistance, laundry and dry cleaning, and car rental services round out the offering.
Service, Cleanliness and Overall Experience
One of the consistent strengths at Divani Corfu Palace is the professionalism of its staff. As part of a long established Greek hotel group, the property benefits from experienced management and front line teams accustomed to handling both leisure and corporate guests. Reception staff are generally described as efficient and multilingual, with good local knowledge for arranging taxis, excursions and restaurant recommendations in town.
Housekeeping standards are typically high, reflecting the recent renovation and the push to position the hotel as a premium four star option. Rooms and public areas feel fresh, with daily cleaning and regular towel and linen changes. The pool and terrace are tidied frequently, an important factor in a busy family friendly environment, and measures such as non smoking policies in indoor public spaces help keep the interior atmosphere clean.
That said, service can feel stretched during peak summer months when occupancy is high and groups or events add to the load. Guests occasionally report waits for drinks at the pool bar at busy times or slower responses from housekeeping for additional items such as extra towels or pillows. This is not unique to Divani Corfu Palace, but potential visitors should calibrate their expectations: it is a well run resort style hotel rather than an ultra personalized boutique stay.
The overall experience hinges heavily on what you are seeking from your time on Corfu. Travelers prioritizing lagoon views, a large pool, up to date interiors and town access often come away satisfied and impressed, particularly those in executive rooms or higher tier units. Those who dream of direct beach access, a deep immersion in local character or a fully adults oriented ambiance may find the property less aligned with their preferences.
Pros: Where Divani Corfu Palace Excels
The most obvious advantage is the location. Few hotels on Corfu combine a resort style pool environment with such easy proximity to the old town. Being only about a 10 minute drive from the UNESCO listed center means you can fit in sightseeing, shopping and dinners in town without committing to a city hotel that lacks outdoor space and facilities. The lagoon and hill views add a sense of occasion and distinguish the property from more anonymous inland options.
The renovation program is another clear plus. Many long running four star hotels in Greece have lagged behind in updating rooms and public spaces, but Divani Corfu Palace has invested in new executive rooms, refreshed superior and essential categories, redesigned outdoor spaces, a new lobby and improved dining outlets. Guests benefit from modern bathrooms, better soundproofing, upgraded bedding and contemporary decor while still enjoying the mature gardens and established feel of the property.
For families, the hotel offers a strong mix of amenities: a large pool with a shallow section, a dedicated children’s playground, family and interconnecting rooms, kids lunchbox options and the possibility of babysitting on request. Parents appreciate the balance of child friendly features and an overall adult compatible environment that does not feel like a dedicated kids resort. The Divani group’s experience with multi generational travel is evident in thoughtful touches such as cribs, sofa beds and flexible room combinations.
Finally, the event and business infrastructure gives the hotel additional versatility. Modernized meeting rooms, including spaces with panoramic lagoon views, make it suitable for small conferences, incentives and social events. For business travelers who want to tag on leisure time or for attendees who wish to bring family members, it can be a more attractive base than a standard city hotel limited to function space and guest rooms.
Cons: Potential Drawbacks and Limitations
Despite the many positives, Divani Corfu Palace is not the perfect fit for every traveler. The most significant limitation for some is the lack of direct beach access. The property sits near the coast but above the lagoon, so a car, taxi or bus ride is required to reach most swimmable beaches. If your ideal Corfu stay involves walking straight from your room onto sand every morning, you may be better served by one of the island’s dedicated beachfront resorts.
Another consideration is the style and sense of place. While the redesign has modernized interiors and exteriors, the aesthetic leans toward international contemporary rather than specifically Corfiot or traditional. Travelers who prioritize staying in converted mansions, historic inns or intensely local properties may find the chain hotel feel somewhat generic. The character here comes more from the views and the surrounding landscape than from architectural quirks or heritage details.
Noise can also be a concern depending on your sensitivities and room choice. The proximity to the airport runway means that takeoffs and landings are visible and at times audible, even with improved soundproofing. Within the hotel, the popularity of the pool area and terraces means that central rooms can pick up daytime noise during peak hours. Light sleepers should request higher floor lagoon view rooms away from elevators and public areas, or garden view rooms that face away from the busiest spaces.
Finally, guests should expect hotel level pricing for food and drinks. While breakfast is often included in room rates, lunch, dinner and bar tabs can add up quickly, particularly compared with family run tavernas and bars in Corfu Town and surrounding villages. Using the hotel’s outlets selectively and balancing them with meals out can help manage the budget without sacrificing convenience.
Who It Is Best For
Divani Corfu Palace is particularly well suited to travelers who want a comfortable, resort like base close to Corfu Town without sacrificing outdoor space, views or family friendly amenities. Couples on short breaks or part of a longer Greece itinerary appreciate the combination of a sizable pool, renovated rooms and quick access to the old town’s culture and dining. Booking an executive room with lagoon view elevates the experience significantly, making it a strong choice for anniversary trips and special occasions that do not demand five star luxury.
Families with school age children and teenagers also find a good fit here. The pool, playground and gardens give younger guests room to roam, while parents can relax knowing that town, beaches and attractions are within easy striking distance. Interconnecting rooms, sofa beds and flexible bedding arrangements help accommodate various family structures, and the option of babysitting or kids services lets adults carve out some time to themselves.
Business travelers and event attendees are another core audience. The combination of modern meeting rooms, a professional service culture and relaxing off duty facilities means that conferences and incentives can feel less confined than in more urban properties. Participants can spend mornings in sessions and afternoons by the pool or exploring Corfu Town, which is valuable in encouraging attendance and engagement.
On the other hand, independent travelers who prioritize authenticity, quiet seclusion or direct beach life over convenience and facilities may wish to look elsewhere. Those deeply sensitive to aircraft noise, or who mainly want to explore remote parts of Corfu, may find a villa, rural guesthouse or beachfront hotel in the island’s north or west more aligned with their expectations.
The Takeaway
Divani Corfu Palace has successfully reinvented itself as a contemporary, full service hotel with one of the most convenient locations near Corfu Town. Its strengths lie in the renovated rooms, especially the executive floor, the expansive pool and terrace, the lagoon and runway views and the ability to balance leisure, family and business needs under one roof. The experience is polished, professional and resort oriented rather than intimate or deeply local, but for many visitors that is exactly what they seek in a short or medium length island stay.
If you value a large pool, easy access to the old town, modern interiors and a family compatible environment, Divani Corfu Palace deserves a spot on your shortlist. Book a higher floor lagoon view room if views and noise mitigation matter to you, and plan to mix on site dining with meals in Corfu Town to get the best of both worlds. Travelers who dream of stepping directly onto sand, or who want to disappear into a quiet village far from the airport and city lights, will find better options elsewhere on the island.
Ultimately, this is a renewed classic rather than a radical newcomer. It offers a comfortable, well executed version of the established Greek four star resort model, refreshed for today’s expectations. For many couples, families and event groups, that combination of familiarity, renovation and location will be exactly what makes a stay at Divani Corfu Palace feel like the right choice.
FAQ
Q1. Is Divani Corfu Palace close to Corfu Town?
Yes. The hotel is located on Kanoni hill, about 3 kilometers from the historic center of Corfu Town, which generally translates to a drive of around 10 minutes by taxi or private car, depending on traffic.
Q2. Can you walk from the hotel to the beach?
You cannot walk directly from the hotel onto a beach, as the property overlooks the lagoon rather than the open sea. However, Mon Repos Beach and other swimming spots are a short drive or bus ride away, and many guests combine pool time with day trips to beaches around the island.
Q3. Are the rooms newly renovated?
Yes. The hotel has recently completed an extensive renovation program, with all room categories refreshed and new executive rooms created on the top floor. Guests now find updated bathrooms, contemporary decor and improved in room technology compared with earlier years.
Q4. Is the hotel suitable for families with children?
Very much so. The property offers family and interconnecting rooms, cribs on request, a large pool with a children’s section, a playground in the gardens and kid friendly meal options. Babysitting can often be arranged through the hotel for an additional fee.
Q5. Will aircraft noise be a problem during my stay?
The hotel overlooks the lagoon that borders the airport runway, so you will see and sometimes hear planes taking off and landing. Recent renovations include better soundproofing, and many guests report that noise is manageable, but highly noise sensitive travelers should request quieter room locations and take this factor into account.
Q6. Does Divani Corfu Palace have a spa?
The hotel does not operate a full scale indoor spa complex, but it does offer a range of spa style services such as massages and facials in outdoor garden gazebos. These treatments can be booked through the hotel and complement the fitness club and pool facilities.
Q7. What kind of travelers will enjoy this hotel the most?
Couples, families and business travelers who want a resort style setting close to Corfu Town are likely to enjoy Divani Corfu Palace. It works well for those who value a large pool, modern interiors and easy access to urban amenities rather than a secluded rural or beachfront atmosphere.
Q8. Is breakfast included and what is it like?
Breakfast is included in many room rates and is served as a buffet in the main restaurant. The spread typically features hot and cold dishes, pastries, cereals, fruit and some Greek specialties, and guests can eat either indoors or on the terrace overlooking the lagoon.
Q9. Do I need a car if I stay at Divani Corfu Palace?
You do not strictly need a car, as taxis and local buses connect the hotel with Corfu Town and nearby areas. However, renting a car can be useful if you plan to explore more distant beaches and villages around Corfu, and the hotel offers on site parking to make this easier.
Q10. How does Divani Corfu Palace compare to staying directly in the old town?
Staying at Divani Corfu Palace trades the atmosphere and walkability of the old town for more space, a large pool, gardens and easier parking. If your priority is being surrounded by historic streets and nightlife, an old town hotel may suit you better, while Divani Corfu Palace is the stronger choice for travelers who want a resort environment within quick reach of the city.