So I am narrowing down hotel choices in Santorini. Down to two hotels in Fira -- Noni's Apartments (amazing view, but not much info on rooms or comfort) or Dream Islands (breakfast, consistent solid reviews, pool). Dream Island sounds great except for the fact that it has no sunset view. Noni's apparently has a beautiful view but likely just average accommodations.

Anyone who has been to Santorini: Is the sunset view worth the tradeoff?

If you are going in summer, I would opt for the pool. There are many bars and restaurants in Fira where you can sit to watch the sunset.

No.

We had very unimpressive sunsets all 4 nights we were in Santorini. I'm sure the weather and other stuff affects it, but we thought the whole "sunset" thing was dumb (especially in Oia where we were staying, where busloads of people came in just for the sunset and then were overheard grumbling about what a huge letdown it was).

The caldera view, otoh, was impressive 24 hours a day. We didn't want to leave our terrace. So I agree with Cathinjoetown -- you can watch the sunset from anywhere and it's only a few minutes a day, so I don't see much of a point in choosing accommodations based on seeing the sunset for 10 minutes.

Wait -- I just re-read the OP and I'm confused. Are you talking about just a sunset view or a view of the caldera all day long? I think the latter is worth paying extra for, but not the former.

Basically, the hotel that has nice reviews doesn't have a view of the caldera or the sunset, it faces the other way. But apparently people like everything else about it. Still thinking on this point... when we travel, we tend to like to sit out with a drink around sunset time before we go out -- whether we're actually watching it or not. Am leaning toward the room with a view. The place doesn't have bad reviews, just very few reviews.

CandyApple13: So you are talking about a caldera view then. (In Oia, a sunset view and caldera view are two different things b/c very few hotels face the sunset).

I guess whether the view is "worth it" to you depends on what you like to do: we enjoyed spending time on our terrace with the spectacular caldera view and wouldn't trade it for anything. It was so gorgeous and peaceful and my travel partner still talks about it as the highlight of our 2-wk trip.

Otoh, if it's hot you may really enjoy a pool. I don't care about a pool but our hotel had one and my friend enjoyed it (it also had a caldera view, and she might not have enjoyed it as much if it didn't). To me, the caldera view was the main reason we were in Santorini in the first place and it did not disappoint.

Ah, a CALDERA view--yes, indeed, that is special. I so wish I could remember the name of the Fira hotel I stayed in about 10 years ago--the rooms were fine--fridge and small balcony, rather basic bathroom. It was accessed via the top walking street, then built down the hill--near the south (?) end of the town.

I think it would be better to stay at a hotel that has view to the caldera and the volcano, after all this is the most impressive thing about Santorini. Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli have lots of hotels that see towards the caldera and, from what I remember, almost all of them have pools.
Personally, I really loved the sunset but you should go to Oia to see it from there.

id never tie myself to room with a view - not just for the sunset
id be miffed if we missed it lol
go to oia for the sunset
it gets crowded with people but it's kinda part of the whole scene

Thanks all. We ended up choosing the view in Fira (Nonis Apartments). Supposed to be amazing and figure we'll spend days at the beaches so can swim then if we want. And turns out there is a jacuzzi at the hotel too. Am really excited about it! And of course, we will absolutely venture into Oia for a sunset at least once.