Has anyone stayed at Alexander's Ruby Villa? What was it like?

What about at Alexander's in general?

I'm in great indecision between Alexander's (where the Ruby Villa is available) and Andronis Suites and I have to decide because we are going on May 19th!

thanks,
tamara

I'm sorry to see you've backed yourself into the first-timer's dreaded corner of indecision, something we witness here often when trying to help others find the one "perfect" hotel. I can tell you from having witnessed this many times before that no one but yourself can relieve the anxiety you are now feeling. Your doubts are not about these hotels as much as they are about your fear of making the wrong choice.

Just go with your gut feeling. These are both outstanding hotels. You will love them both. If cost is an issue then go with the less-expensive choice and use the extra money you'll save for fun stuff. If it makes any difference to you, Andronis is about 10 minutes' walk closer in to the village square and most of the shops and restaurants. Also, the rooms at Andronis are all in one large building, and as far as I know they are all above ground, so if you want to stay in a tradtional Santorini cave house Alexander's is where you want to be.

How right you are - it's true that I am afraid of making the wrong choice. First, I'm surprising my husband and I just want it to be fantastic - even though he is the type of person who will be happy with anything. Second, it's really expensive and you just don't want to feel that you've made a mistake and paid a lot for something that is less than wonderful. And third, because of the fact that we have four small kids and don't get away that often (this is only our second trip abroad together), the stakes are higher.

In any case, I took the plunge and booked Andronis yesterday! It's a relief and I thank you for your helpful input and everyone else's. It's nice not to have to think of that issue anymore.

As for restaurants I canvassed all of your replies on restaurants and have a great list. So thank you for that.

I do have another question though, unrelated totally. Is renting a dune-buggy or something like that something that is done on Santorini? I heard about doing that from a friend who went to Mykonos and she said it was a blast. Would you recommend doing this?

We are going to be in Oia for 6 nights and then in Athens for only one night (Staying in Athens longer was another debate that I had resolved - decided to stay for as long as possible in Oia - just going to Athens the evening before the flight). What would you recommend as the top things to see/do there? ( we love gorgeous scenery, meeting people, hiking, beaches, interesting sites....I guess everything).

also, my husband loves Greek music - could you recommend a great place/tavern for that?

thank you so much, tt

I'm glad you've finally decided. You won't regret your choice.

There aren't any dune buggys but there are open "Jeeps", Smart Cars, convertibles and other various vehicles including ATVs and motorscooters. Having something at your disposal allows you a level of spontanteity you can't have using public transportation. You'll also be able to go to areas of the island that buses can't reach.

"What would you recommend as the top things to see/do there?"

I'm assuming you're still referring to Santorini since you're only going to be in Athens overnight.

-Ancient Thera above Kamari Beach-some hiking required.
-Museum of Prehistoric Thera and Akrotiri exhibit at the Nomikos Conference Center.
-Lunch below Oia at Katina's Fish Taverna on the wharf at Amoudi.
-Sigalas Winery in Oia.
-Santorini Mou for some fun at dinner with live Greek music.
-Hike the trail between Perissa and Kamari Beaches that passes by Ancient Thera at the summit.
-Hike the trail between Oia and Fira, about 3 hours and 7 miles.

thanks for the suggestions - I was referring to Santorini.

I have another question - we will be arriving in Athens from Santorini on a Monday evening (around 7 p.m.) and leaving Tuesday morning for an 11 a.m. flight.

Would you stay at a hotel near the airport in Athens and go into the city for the evening or would you stay at a hotel in the city and go to the airport in the morning? My gut says it would be fun to stay at a hotel in the Plaka area - on the other hand, my head says to be near a hotel near the airport and go back and forth at night, rather than in the morning. I keep reading about hotels with views of the Acropolis and it sounds like it would be fun to have breakfast with that kind of view!

What do you think and which hotel would you suggest in either case?

If you've never spent any time in Athens then you definitely should at least go into the city for a few short hours, stroll through the Plaka, enjoy a meal at an outdoor restaurant, do any last-minute shopping and get a good night's sleep. Since your flight out doesn't leave until 11am you have plenty of time to enjoy a breakfast before heading back out to the airport.

Check the Acropolis View Hotel or the Attalos Hotel.

http://www.holiday-in-athens.com/ath...ew-athens.html

http://www.attaloshotel.com


A bit further away from the Plaka is the Athens Hilton Hotel. The advantage of choosing this one is that the Airport Express bus stops there on the way out to the airport.

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hote...thens/index.do

brotherleelove, thanks again - I don't know how you do it. I checked out the Hilton and it's really expensive. Considering that we're splurging on Santorini, I figure a more reasonable hotel is required, especially since we'll barely be there - literally just to sleep and have breakfast. The Acropolis View Hotel and the Attalos Hotel are great prices - but they have pretty mixed reviews, especially the AVH. Have you ever stayed at either?-if so, which is nicer?

Do you have any other suggestions for hotels right in the heart of things that are a touch nicer (I know this means a touch more expensive!)?

I've stayed at the Attalos and think it's a good budget hotel. There's also the Pan, Arethusa, Metropolis and Amazon, all withing walking distance to Syntagma Square. I'll be staying at the Amazon in July.