shubha_r

Hello fodorites,
I know there are a lot of threads about hotels in Santorini.
We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 13 and 9 visiting Greece in Aug.
We would like to have a spectacular view, preferably in Fira and Oia. We don't mind walking and exploring. But we need something on the high end/luxury side of the spectrum. Budget is around $500-$700 per night. Don't really need nightlife, but good restaurants in walking distance will be nice.

Thanks
Kush

brotherleelove2004

In Oia check Esperas Houses, Atrina Houses and Fanari Villas. These all have fantastic views and swimming pools, something for which you'll be grateful in August.

mdmom

Stayed at Esperas in Oia with our kids ages 18 and 15 at the time. Got 2 rooms although I think they also had larger suites - absolutely perfect in every way. All you have to do is stand outside on your private balcony to watch the sunset, while also watching the crowds on the cliff above that come to do the same. Great concierge service, pool/ lounge chairs in gorgeous setting. Lovely, fresh breakfast enjoyed out by the pool area.

yipper

I also stayed at the Esperas and really enjoyed the view, pool, and rom.

HappyTrvlr

FYI: We had a terrible experience at Esperas and couldn't wait to leave.

brotherleelove2004

HappyTrvlr, please tell us the story.

Heimdall

Not exactly a happy traveller in that case? ;-)

huddoshols

I realise you ask for hotel suggestions but what about a villa ? I have stayed in Oia, in a villa , would do again. That budget would do a villa. More freedom. Walking distance to so many restaurants, shops etc.

shubha_r

Villa is also an option !! Any suggestions? Specially since its Aug , we need a pool too !!

brotherleelove2004

You can stay somewhere without a pool and use the Lioyerma Cafe/Pool: http://www.lioyerma.gr It's free as long as you buy food and/or drinks. Great place to sit and watch the sunset. Marizan Villas and Golden Sunset Villas are practically next door.

The problem you will have is finding something this late in the year for your family. By now many of the best places are already booked. That said, try using the filter system at http://www.booking.com to search for what you want. You can search a specific village or island-wide.

Check Dream Blue at www.myblue.gr, Ifestio Villas, Aris Caves, Old Oia Houses (house D), Strogili Houses, Rimida Villas, Lava Oia's, Fotinos Houses, VIP Suites and Lucky Homes (Oia Home I).

shubha_r

Thanks brotherleelove for the list of villas to look into.

I am also considering Thermes Villa and El Greco. Any feedback on either of them ?

There are few on VRBO too. But very few with reviews.

Thanks again
Kush

brotherleelove2004

For me they're both in undesirsable locations on too-busy roads. Thermes has a great caldera view but there's nothing around, no shops, galleries, restaurants, etc and you're a few miles south of Fira. El Greco is closer in to Fira but the main road heading south to the ferry port and Akrotiri is between the hotel and the caldera view, so lots of traffic passing by starting early in the morning and continuing into the late evening.

You can do a lot better.

HappyTrvlr

Brotherleelove2004,
We had already been traveling in Greece for several weeks and had been shown the incredible Greek hospitality everywhere we stayed. No one, not one person at Esperas was Greek. The service was awful, the breakfast the worst we had been offered by far, and a hostile staff. The room was a cave room and only had windows in the front, claustrophobic and damp. I am not a negative person but it was weird, the place looked so Greek but didn't feel like we were in Greece do to the lack of hospitality.The hotel was filled with Americans unlike other places we stayed in Greece. We used a Greek travel agen to book that trip. Greece is one of our favorite travel destinations and that was the only time we have encountered a situation like Esperas.

shubha_r

Brotherlerlove, thanks for that feedback on both the hotels, it is very helpful.

Back to the drawing board how about Nefelis which is on the cliff ?

Kush

brotherleelove2004

Thanks for the details. I encourage you to leave a review on TripAdvisor if you haven't already.

brotherleelove2004

Nefelis is definitely a much better choice and the views from Imerovigli are really special, as it's at the highest elevation over the caldera of anywhere along the cliff.