HotelChatter || Greece Hotel Guide: The Aigialos Hotel in Santorini

Our far-flung correspondent Monica Guy has once again slapped together a guide to city we have only dreamed about visiting. This time, she's summing up various hotels in Greece. Got a tip, question or suggestion about where to stay? Send it our way.

One HotelChatter reader had a bad time on the island of Santorini (Thira), Greece.

It's a shame, because Santorini has tons to offer. It's unlike the other islands in the Cyclades in that it's a volcanic island, with black sand beaches, a huge caldera (parts of which you can swim in), and some of the most fantastically clear light you've ever seen (or seen through) in your life. Volcanic soil is also fertile and Santorini makes some of the only good Greek wine you'll drink.

There are donkeys all over the island. In fact, if you reach it by ferry you'll take a donkey from the port up to the main town of Fira, which is perched high on the rim of the caldera. Despite the large number of tourists that flock there, Santorini's a must-see on the list of most visitors to Greece.

You can skimp on the other islands - here, in the town of Fira at least, it's worth paying for luxury. The Aigialos Hotel is the place in which to pay for it.

The Sunlight
It's actually not a hotel as such but a collection of 16 separate houses based round a swimming pool and restaurant, all individually decorated and all with different facilities and prices.

They're built in traditional Cycladic style using local stone, with the typical white shining walls and roofs you'll see all over the island and with enough verandas and terraces to satisfy the most romantic of you.

Nearly all houses have a sitting room - slightly old-fashioned decorations, but comfortable and cool - and either one bedroom or a master bedroom and a smaller one. The sitting rooms have dining tables so you can order a room service dinner (or make your own - they have fridges too) and enjoy it in privacy overlooking the view.

And the location is not something you could improve upon - mingling right high up with fantastic views over the caldera, volcano and over the Aegean sea.

The Shadows
The bad bit is that you may not want to leave your haven, especially with the Greek sun burning down. Santorini has loads to offer, from boat trips to swimming in volcanic pools to donkey rides and shopping, but the Aigialos hotel is designed for people who want a rest from all the hustle and a bit of privacy and luxury on their own. Make sure you check out the facilities and layout of the house you're booking as they vary wildly in what they offer.

And the other bad bit is the price - it isn't cheap. Standard houses start from $210 per person per night, including breakfast, rising to $973 per person per night for the most luxurious Voreas house in peak season.

If you can pay that price and still enjoy the sunset without worrying about your pocket, go for it.

Or try...
But if you prefer something slightly cheaper and quieter, jump in a cab and head to the town of Oia, devastated by a huge earthquake in 1956 and only just recovering. It's a lot quieter than Fira and the Perivolas hotel - again a collection of small houses, but this time carved out of caves - has been tipped as one of the finest on the island.

[Photo: Island of Palms]

Hotel Reviews:
Perivolas
Aigialos Luxury Traditional Settlement

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