Hotels near The Castle of St Nicholas, Santorini

Since my one week stay in Oia with Amaya, I have been debating what my review would be. Here is where I weight out: 1. I would NOT stay at this brand / group again 2. It might be a risk if you manage to get 50% off the price as I did. But I would have been angry to have paid more 3. With the exception of the property manager, the onsite staff tried hard within the confines of what they had 4. At one point, these cave villas were probably as good as they could get. But with so much modernization, there are just too many better properties than these dated villas 5. The location is absolutely stunning. Getting the chance to stay in a MODERN white cave villa is like a bucket list item. So, here is the deal. I chose a week, in January – the VERY off season, because I wanted quiet and to return to Santorini. A big travel company offered this place at a very big discount. I jumped at the chance. What I experience, was a villa that was in a stunning location. And with a very stunning view. But the management of the villa. And the modernization of the villa is just not good enough anymore. WHAT I LIKED: - There was a attendant names “Vali” who was very helpful and responsive, despite the manager not being responsive. (Note to anyone staying here. You are SIXTY STEPS down the hill to your villa. You definitely need an attendant to help with luggage. Vali was marvelous. But if you have knew or other health problems, be aware that this is not an easy place to get up / down on. - The view was amazing. - But be aware that you are in the path at sunset to Sunset point. It becomes quite busy on your little path at that time - I am a cat lover. Be aware there are hundreds of cats near the villa. If you leave your doors or windows open – they do come in. Most are cautious. But you have to be comfortable with cats – or forever keep your windows doors closed. - The daily breakfast was marvelous. The person who cooked it and delivered it was attentive. She made generous breakfast that was delicious. The location, at the very near end of OIA was quiet WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: - The good news about booking in January is that 97% of the tourists have gone away. You really have the area to yourself. But – the flipside is that during this low season, there is a ton of renovation happening. In the day, when you want quiet and sunshine, you are getting drilling sounds. Hammering sounds. And a lot of local workers making improvements. You won’t get this in mid to high season – but this was not enjoyable. - The manager just was not professional. It began when a note was sent out, encouraging you to make a reservation with them for the transport from the airport. Ok. It sounded like a good idea. She promised a “reliable and very professional” service. For a price that I would learn is about double the price of others who will do the same on the island. I arrived to the airport. No sign. No transport. Everyone from the plane had left, and I was left. I eventually was able to reach

Hotel with spectacular views of the Santorini caldera. The pool and hammocks are acceptable and with good views. However, the room very outdated, the water from the shower leaked into the room. It urgently needs a reform because it is not adequate for the price you pay for the room. It was offset by the incredible views of the room and the hotel that allowed you to watch the sunset and enjoy a luxurious panorama of Santorini. The breakfast is quite mediocre but you have no choice as there are no other options around.

Thank you, Renta and staff, for a memorable stay in Santorini. I had some doubts about the suites’ location overlooking the Caldera and the climbing that might be required, but the hotel is easily accessible with lovely gentlemen who take your luggage down to your room and pick it up when you are ready to leave. The accommodations are roomy, well appointed, and have an incredible view of the sea. We had our own patio where we could eat an ample breakfast delivered every morning. On these same mornings when we were very lucky, a parade of donkeys and one mule would clop by the path near the hotel, carrying materials to nearby sites. Of course our stay in November meant that many restaurants and shops in Imeroviglia were closed, but Fira is nearby. Renta will call Nico to give you a ride into town. Both of them are so gracious and accommodating that we very much enjoyed our stay. Following Renta’s advice, we took the catamaran tour of the Caldera, a must for seeing the Caldera from the sea. The plus side of Santorini in November is a complete lack of crowds. Our weather was sunny and in the seventies every day, which may have been a Greek anomaly but perfect for us. I highly recommend the Aqua Luxury suites and staff.

It was a romantic balcony, and it was an accommodation with all three views. If possible, we recommend booking a room with a balcony. As soon as I arrived, they gave me welcome wine haha. The breakfast was also delicious. Greek style~~ There's a very large bottle of bottled water in the refrigerator. Thanks to that, when the water didn't work, I washed my face with that bottled water. (The next morning, the electricity went out and the water didn't work, but I don't know if it was like that originally or just the day I stayed. Just in case, take a shower and sleep the night before.) The view is really pretty. I sat on a chair and looked at the view for a while and basked in the sunlight. I think it would be nice to sit in the evening as the weather gets warmer. If I ever come to Santorini again, I will book this place. It also explains which tourist attractions are good to visit, which restaurants are delicious, and what routines are good. If you have a lot of luggage, you can also get a pick-up service to the airport for 30 euros. It's difficult to move with a long carrier. (I brought a backpack, so I just took a local bus that costs 2 euros.. haha) The attached photos are all taken at the accommodation. It wasn't taken well on a cloudy day, but it was really pretty :)

While listed as a two star hotel, I would more accurately rate it as a five star cave hotel. What a beautiful view, comfortable room, and attentive staff. We spent 5 nights here (on our last as I type). We received an upgrade to a room with a jacuzzi. It was WONDERFUL, and a very pleasant surprise. Costas and Faye, along with the rest of the staff strive to please, and have great recommendations for both dining, and activities. The highlight of our trip was the catamaran cruise. While not inexpensive, worth every penny. Every morning when I walked out on our balcony, we continued to be amazed with the view . Breakfast each day on our balcony was fabulous. So glad my wife chose this hotel after reading previous recommendations. You will be pleased to stay here.

We are so happy with had the opportunity to meet our Hostess Arestides he was above and beyond exceptional. He was helpful and he was able to get our transportation to the airport the correct time. Also, any restaurant reservation he was able to take care that for us and suggested great restaurant by the area by calling the restaurant I making sure we get a table with a nice view. He was very nice explaining everything to us when we arrive to the hotel and show us all the highlights of the island the best beaches and places to go. We felt safe and happy everything we will go to the front desk, and he was there to assist us. I can't thank you enough for all you time and hospitality. we are so happy we stayed there. The staff were so friendly, the rooms were immaculate. It was so peaceful and safe. I loved our pool right outside of our room 101, and the breakfast was delicious. The hotel is not too far from the center to Fira by walk about 7 minutes. Thank you again Arestides and the entire Staff.

We had an incredible stay at Athina Luxury Suites! We were here for part of our honeymoon and everything was so perfect. From the balcony breakfasts to the massages to the infinity pool and pool bar, it really was a dream. Walkable to town and transportation services available to everywhere else on the island. And porter services are a must with all the steps! Our room was beautiful and clean and comfortable to stay in and we would definitely stay again and recommend to others! Thank you to everyone who is apart of the Athina Luxury Suites team!

In fact, the whole thing is okay, the staff is nice, and they are all smiling when they see you. The facilities are good, there is a jacuzzi. The breakfast is delicious. I suggest you book it. In fact, you can’t find something to eat in the morning. Maybe I don't know how to find it, but the location is actually good. It will be more convenient if you rent a car, and there are shuttle buses everywhere. But there are so many mosquitos in the rock room LoL