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Care for a Cocktail at the Margarita, Santorini?

Where: Firostefani, Santorini, Greece

Think sunny Greece, think warm Greek islands, think photogenic architecture and you're on Santorini. Our tip this week for a place to stay is the Hotel Margarita at Firostefani, allegedly one of the most beautiful parts of Santorini. The rooms at the Margarita look pretty much like an interior version of the external white and blue Santorini, with bright, happy color and a relaxed summer feel. There's a swimming pool for kids, and the adults version which includes a pool bar. And they say you can see the sunrise from the balcony of every room.

On top of all that, you get airconditioning, a fridge for any drinks you don't get from the pool bar, and satellite TV as well. We could say it's missing Wifi, but if you're holidaying on Santorini and can't live without constant internet access, you might be missing the point.

[Photo: Morehoos]

Related Stories:
· Hotel Margarita reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Greece Hotel Reviews / Greek Island Hotels / Hydra Hotels / Island Hotels / → All Tags

Idyllic Hydra Island Hotel Is Sponge Worthy

Where: Hydra 180 40, Hydra, Hydra, Greece

Literally. Bratsera Hotel is a converted 19th-century sponge trading post on Greece's Hydra Island. The property is on vehicle-free Hydra, but is only a 90 minute ferry boat ride from Athens, and everybody loves ferry boats.

In the off season Hydra Island can be sparsely populated, but still come complete with excellent weather.

The hotel's make shift website provides a long, detailed video of the hotel that gives you a feel for what is like to spend a night or two in an old sponge factory.

We hear the hotel pool can get a bit shady, and by shady we mean without sunlight, though who knows about the dude in the speedo pictured above, but keep this in mind--it is the only hotel pool on the island.

Bedrooms have whitewashed walls, high ceilings, and the in-house restaurant is well regarded.

Tip:  Avoid the rooms without balconies and yes, thin walls + honeymoon hotel = sleepless nights for some.

Low season rates start at €132.00.

[Photo: tmarie78]

Tags: Greece Hotel Reviews / Hotel Staff / → All Tags

AVA Hotel's Happy Staff

Where: 9-11 Lyssikratous Street, Athens, Greece, 10558

Unfortunately Athens, Greece can be a dirty, sleazy, and loud place to visit. That's why choosing the right hotel is extremely important in his ancient city. The AVA Hotel in the uppity Plaka neighborhood could be a safe haven from the sketch areas. The four-star provides apartment-style suites with verandas overlooking the acropolis.

Past reviews of the AVA really build up the hotel and its staff. Countless people make it a point to report the top-notch staffers:

The Staff: Maria and the other reception staff were just wonderful. This is one of the warmest staff we have ever encountered while traveling. Thank you for helping us with everything from navigating the touristy areas, to providing shopping and clubbing advice, to making sure we departed on our flight on time! The cleaning staff was also great - each evening we retired to a room that had been meticulously re-organized and made homey.

One would think that such a place would really dig into your pockets, but high season (right now) regular apartments run just 175 euros a night. The room has a mini kitchen, balcony with major views, and even a little living room.

However, don't be expecting any fancy designer linens or sleek furniture. There's a reason this place is only 175 Euros a night.

But if Maria could drop off some Moussaka to our room, we'll be just fine.

Related Stories:
· AVA Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]