Aspaki vs. Esperas
 

Need help in choosing between the Aspaki suites and the Esperas.Which property has the better accommadations? What rooms would you recommend in either property? Which property is closer to town? Please advise in the differnce in cost.Are their many steps to climb on both properties? And of course,what property has the better view? This is for a couple traveling in May.

It's a bit like trying to compare apples and oranges, both delicious but distinctively different. I beleive the accomodations at Aspaki are better from the standpoint of the location and decor, but Aspaki isn't a hotel. Its 4 units are self-catering. There's no room service or swimming pool, but there is someone to help make your stay comfortable and someone to keep the rooms clean. Esperas is a lovely hotel with an unobstructed view of the sunset but only a partial view of the caldera. Aspaki's view of the caldera is as good as it gets. It sits out on a promontory by itself over the sea but you can't actually see the sun drop behind the horizon because that view westward is blocked by the convolutions of the cliff and the rest of the village. What you do get to see is all the colors change over the village and the rest of the island as the sun gets lower in the sky, as well as the lights of the other villages at night in the distance and reflected in the water below. Spectacular is a word I use without shame to describe Aspaki.

Oia is not a "town" but a small clifftop settlement, emphasis on the small. Everything is close to everything else. Aspaki is just a short walk to the village square and the well-known gourmet restaurant "1800". Esperas is at the end of the village, about a 15 minute walk from the village square. There are lots of steps to get to the rooms at Esperas, almost none at Aspaki.

Room recommendations? It all depends on your budget and what you require. All of Aspaki's rooms are wonderfully decorated in a mix of traditional Cyclades and modern with a touch of artistic whimsy thrown in for fun. Esperas' rooms are more traditional, very comfortable, well-designed and maintained. All of the rooms at Esperas have kitchenettes. Every room I inspected at both properties are worth a recommendation, so it's really up to you. I particularly liked the Deep Blue suite at Aspaki but again, they're all wonderful. Pricewise I think you'll get more for your money at Aspaki. Esperas will give you a discount for cash payment if you ask for it.

If you absolutely must have a sunset view check out the Oia Castle, owned by the same gentleman who owns and designed Aspaki. They are equally as spectacular.

http://www.artmaisons.gr

http://www.esperas-santorini.com/index.html

I will second everything that Brotherleelove has told you about the Aspaki suites. The location is fabulous and the suites are fantastic. I believe they all have full kitchens and whirlpool tubs, also. I can't imagine anyone finding fault with this wonderful property.

Aspaki and the castle look great but is it true there is no pool at all?
We are deciding between that one and Esperas or some other Luxury place in Oia. Is there another property we should look at before I book? WE would like to have drink by the pool and watch the sunset go down after a great day of beaching, hiking or wine tasting. Katikies and Kirini are too expensive for us, our top range is not more than $400 us. Other thoughts for us? We don't mind steps, but don't want to climb 500' each time we leave the place either. My husbands feedback is "just book something!". LOL>
Since this is the most romantic and special part of our trip, I don't want to mess up the lodging selection. Esperas gets good reviews on this thread, but their website had me nervous. Also, we like to have a queen bed, not a double. Thoughts before I confirm something? anything else I should look at? Anyone know anything about Ikies?

Right, no pool at Aspaki and Oia Castle.

Have a look at La Perla Villas.

http://www.laperlavillas.com/

Also check out Strogili Houses.

http://www.oia-strogili-houses.gr/

I stayed at esperas in Sept and it was quite nice. There was a pool, you could order food and drinks there, and sunsets were gorgeous. I would not say it was luxurious tho. I did not find the steps to be as bad as has been written about here in Fodors. We even walked down to the port at the bottom several times.

If you pay in cash, there is a 10% discount which helps with the pricing.

We stayed in a 2BR house, I had the room with 2 twins, so don't remember there only being a double bed. If you write them, they will send you details about the possible rooms.

I don't know what the weather will be like when you are in Oia but in Sept. even tho it was hot I didn't see many people in the pools. I am a swimmer so I wanted a pool but was told that the water would probably be cold. We stayed at Aspaki and it was great in every other way. You can have your drink on the terrace without crowds of people milling around and watch the boats and the sky change colors. The steps are minimal and the suites are perfect. We stayed in the Romeo and Juliet suite which had a king size bed,full kitchen and a whirlpool tub. If you post your email address, I'll send you some pictures.