Say hello to the Rochari Hotel, where style, relaxation, and unforgettable connections abound. It’s the ultimate gay getaway.
Mykonos had always been on my travel bucket list, because let’s be real, it’s pretty much Disneyland for the gays. Sun-soaked days, wild nights… Could it get any better? Then I discovered the Rochari Hotel, a destination for like-minded folks craving the whole package. Not only does it have trendy vibes and a sleek and flirty atmosphere, it comes with views that are almost as stunning as the people who stay there. Among them, Dimitrios, the local Greek stud who unexpectedly stopped me in my tracks.
The Gay-Myconian Experience
Before deciding where to stay, I did what any curious gay traveler does — I googled the best gay hotel in Mykonos. For years, it seemed that the answer to that question was the Elysium Hotel, but when it closed (and later reopened as the boutique spot Anandes Hotel), it had zero gay vibes.
Naturally, The Akkadian, slid to the top of the list as the best gay hotel. While it had great reviews, there was one big no-no that stopped me from booking: it’s on top of a hill, and a half an hour walk from the gay dance bars in town. Dear Akkadian, I save my cardio for the post vacation blues.
In other words, I ain’t putting my sore feet through more torture after a night of dancing. And before you say, “Oh but just get a cab!” — nope! There are no taxis in Mykonos town! So even if you’re all for walking carbs off, there are no sidewalks either. AKA — no thank you, Akkadian.
Crappy location (no sidewalks, no taxis) is another issue for the gay friendly Adonis hotel. What is more, the Adonis doesn’t have a pool — and I did not prime this spray tan to hide it beneath my clothes.
Finally, I stumbled upon the Rochari Hotel, and hands down, it clicks off everything on my list. The Rochari offers the ultimate experience. No doubt about this being the real winner here, and get ready for all my reasons why.
Location For The Right Mindset
The Rochari is centrally located, meaning whether you’re stumbling back from the club or taking a quick stroll to dinner, you won’t have to fret about any mountain climbing over hills in the darkness. It’s just a ten minute stroll from the best gay nightclubs on the island. Plus, the hotel’s hidden backdoor leads straight into town like a secret passage, making those early morning returns from a night of dancing a breeze.
I was fortunate that Dimitrios happily showed me all there was to see. Lola Bar is a quirky burlesque-style lounge, and because it fills up early, it was our number one spot for post-dinner cocktails. JackieO’ Town Bar kicks off the real fun with a midnight drag show that later pops off every hour. The music ranges from American to Greek, so if you’ve brought your dancing shoes, this is the place to strut your stuff.
Pro tip: when you’re feeling loosey-goosey, head over to Porta Bar, a late night hotstop, headlined by Gloria Darling, the resident drag queen. This isn’t for the early risers, as the fun doesn’t get rollin’ until around 3AM.
If you awake the next morning with a hangover from hell, it’s time to soak your sore toes in the sea. Head over to Elia Beach, Mykonos’ iconic gay nudist beach. The staff at the Rochari will happily arrange a taxi, provide directions, or even help with car & bike rentals.
By the way, the Rochari offers a complimentary shuttle from the airport and the port, with a friendly local driver who will happily share all the best island secrets. Whether it’s nightlife tips or hidden gems, you’d feel like an insider before you’ve even unpacked.
A Bedroom To Melt Away Stress
I’m not one to kiss and tell, but I will divulge this: the Rochari has rooms for every type of guest. You can choose between eight different room styles, ranging from deluxe, all the way up to mansion suites. Yep, it’s that kind of fancy. Whether you’re a couple, a thrupple, a singleton like me, or something in between, there’s a room for you here.
Beyond the sheets — let’s be real — the views are hard to beat. The balcony off my suite opened up to the sparkling Aegean Sea… a view I may or may not have enjoyed with Dimitrios on more than one occasion. The rooms are a mix of modern minimalist with traditional Greek charm. Sleek, stylish comfort.
When you’re winding down at night (or sunrise — depending on when you got home) there’s an electric kettle ready for that cozy cup of tea. I loved that my room was cleaned twice a day, meaning I never had to rush to pick up after myself when my unexpected guest arrived. Oh, and did I mention the complimentary bathrobe and slippers? Definitely a win-win when strollin’ in the nude gets old.
Rise And Shine, It’s Breakfast Reels Time!
In America, we brunch, but in Greece for breakfast, we indulge. Breakfast at the Rochari Hotel wasn’t just a splendiferous meal — it’s where I fell for my new pal, Dimitrios. Each morning, we’d breathe in the fresh air on the terrace, sharing lusty glances and drooling over each other — and our plates. The spread was unreal: fresh fruit from local farms, homemade pastries, Greek sesame koulouri, and, of course, the best Greek yogurt I’ve ever tasted (make sure you get it with the honey drizzled on top).
Dimitrios adored the omelets, and I did too, when I stole a bite (or four). By the time our stomachs were full, I wasn’t sure if it was the food or Dimitrios, but I was hooked.
Instagramming At The Rochari
Much like breakfast, lunch at the Rochari is more than just a meal —it’s an event. Dimitrios and I would kick off our afternoons lounging by the pool, soaking in the sun while surrounded by the hottest guys in Mykonos. As it turned out, when the luxury cruise ships arrive in port, the crew — performers and entertainment staff — arrive at the Rochari pool to unwind. And these guys? Not only would they tan beside us, but they’d snap selfies and film Insta reels in between model-like dips into the pool. Prime people watching, if you ask me.
I recommend ordering lunch from the bar menu right by the pool so you don’t miss any of the sights. The vibe is effortlessly cool, but the food? I’m still dreaming about the shrimp bao buns, an intoxicating shrimp tempura that comes with crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks, fried onion, a sprinkle of chopped red chili, and a spicy kewpie mayo sauce that me and Dimitrios fought over more than once.
Depending on the day (and when I went to sleep), I’d often skip lunch and go straight to dinner. If you’re seeking more of an intimate and relaxed meal, then you can head to the terrace for a quieter, cozier meal. If you’re craving a delicious delight, you can start with a light summer salad and top it off with fresh seafood pasta — my go-to when I wanted to carb up before a night out.
Vibe To Attract Your Tribe
When the sun dips below the horizon, that’s when the real fun begins. If you’re looking to stay on the property but still want to let your hair down, head back to the pool to enjoy its transformation into one of Mykonos’ liveliest spots. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the Rochari hosts live music from the Starlets —an absolute must if you like to shake it off. So prepare to twirl to all the classic gay anthems from the 80s, 90s, and 00s, and don’t be surprised if you bump some butts.
People get down here, and make sure you grab your phone camera. It’s like an unspoken rule: if you’re in Mykonos, you’re taking a selfie by the Rochari pool, either with cruise performers, or with the Starlets. I also loved how the live shows aren’t just for the guests. Anyone is welcome, which just enhances the entire atmosphere and vibe. If you’re an influencer, woo, you’re in for a treat. This place is practically built for Insta and TikTok.
Where There Is Passion, There Is Life.
It would be short and sweet to just say I fell in love with the island. But truly, what more can you ask for on a gay getaway? Lips to kiss? Yes! But none of it would be possible without the backdrop of the Rochari Hotel. When you consider its location, the suite, and the food, and you include the sights of the sea (and the pool!), plus the nightlife straight from Mama Mia, do you really blame me for blabbering my adoration? Mykonos, Dimitros — but mainly, the Rochari — you better frame that selfie I took by the pool, because I’ll be back.