SloPugs

My husband & I just got back (OCT 2004) from a two week trip to Greece. We stayed in Athens, Corfu and Santorini. In Athens we stayed at the Grande Bretagne. Our stay there was wonderful! The spa facilities and treatments were top notch. The rooftop pool wasn't bad either (though small). They did a great job with their recent renovation. Very consistent quality throughout the hotel~not a shabby corner was to be seen! The location was perfect for touring the historical city center on foot. It was a nice place to retreat to from the urban bustle. All this comes at a high price, but I think it was well worth it. I thought the food was very good, but not great. The room was not huge, but it was very comfortable, especially the bed.

In Corfu we stayed at the Corfu Palace (not our choice because we were with a group for this portion of our trip). Don't bother with this hotel! It's very out of date, and in desperate need of a renovation. The style was not traditional Greek~you could've been anywhere. The one nice area of the place was the large outdoor pool that doesn't look too old and run down (like the rest of the place).

In Santorini we stayed at the Astra apartments & suites in Imerovigli. George, the manager is extremely friendly and helpful. He can take care of anything in a very efficient manner! Near the end of the season, the place was not completely full and we were upgraded to a very nice 2 bdrm. suite. The only problem we encountered at the Astra is that word has gotten out how great it is, and over the 5 days we were there, there were a few very noisy groups of friends (who happened to be Americans like ourselves), and they spoiled the otherwise peaceful ambiance of the place (we could here through our walls). These groups came and went (we encountered several), and in between the place was very tranquille. The Astra was in a great central location for exploring all of Santorini, and it was easy to walk or get a taxi everywhere. We loved Oia/Ia, but were glad to return to quieter Imerovigli after a busy day of activities. One day we walked all the way to Ammoudi (past Oia) for lunch (a spectacular 3 hr. hike I would recommend if you are in decent shape), and the second time we took a taxi. Our last night there was our 15th wedding anniversary, and George recommended dinner at Selene in Fira. He was right on! The ambiance, service and food were outstanding. We ate out on the terrace by candlelight, and it was very romantic. Although it was dark, the moon shone brightly, and there was a cruise ship down on the caldera which looked festive with its twinkling lights. Santorini is one of those places you dream of returning to someday.....

Our last night we flew back to Athens. We stayed at the Sofitel at the Athens airport because we had to catch an early flight the next morning back to California. What can I say; it's an airport hotel. OK, it was a cut above the rest of any of the airport hotels where I've stayed. In fact, I think the bed was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on~anywhere!

THE END

ira

Thanks for sharing, slo

dianap13

we were thinking about Astra Apartments and after reading your review, really are excited about making it our decision to stay there. You think it's worth the price? We won't rent a car so if it's walking distance from places, that would be perfect. Did you go to the beach a lot? How far was it?

Thanks

chatham

dianap13,

A lot can change in 4 years. You might start a new thread and ask about Astra Apts. and have more up to date info.

chatham

Sorry, I got a year ahead of myself.