Ok, I'm about to make my Santorini accomodations decision, which was much aided by the experts on this board. Here are my choices: Chelidonia, Oia (Chelidoni Villa for 5 nights and studio for 1 night), Aspaki, Oia (Deep Blue), Oia Mare (1 bedroom suite), or Atrina, Oia (senior suite.)

I am steering toward Chelidonia because it is only $200 per night, it received numerous rave reviews on TripAdvisor (#5 of all hotels in Santorini), and it is available at the beginning of our honeymoon. I'm not sure why it hasn't received more discussion on this board. I also like Aspaki, which is $290 per night, received rave reviews on this board and TripAdvisor (ranked #23 of all hotels in Santorini), but is only available at the end of our honeymoon in Greece. I realize that the rankings on TripAdvisor is far from a perfect science and the reviews for both the Chelidonia and Aspaki were extrememly positive. Oia Mare has a pool and is $277 per night, but has lots of steps. Atrina has a pool, but only has a volcano and ocean view (not a sunset view) and is $290 per night. Atrina has a lone, very positive review on TripAdvisor, but no mention of it on this site.

I love a good view but the last time I watched the sunset with my fiance was on a boat off of the coast of Martha's Vineyard. I enjoy the sunset, but it's probably not an event that I would plan to sit and watch more than once. Perhaps the sunset in Oia will change my mind.

I would love to have a pool to cool off in, but may we willing to forego it for a nicer overall experience.

I would welcome any thoughts or recommendations anyone may have to share to help me "pull the trigger." Thanks!

Jay

I've been acquainted with the owners of Chelidonia for over 20 years. He's a surly guy with a too-sincere smile but his wife is great. She's Austrian, he's Greek. She's a hard-worker, meticulous about keeping their properties up. He always makes me want to check to see if my wallet's still in my pocket. The Villas are in the exact heart of the village, just below the main square (very easy to find), great view of the caldera, nice and quiet.

You know I love Aspaki. They're in a class by themselves.

As you've discovered, Oia Mare has many steps, but is in an excellent location for the sunset. You may not realize that their view of the caldera is partially blocked by a convolution in the cliffside, but it's still a great view overall.

I don't know anything about the Atrina, but it looks great from the photos. I love the use of natural volcanic rock for facing some of the walls.

As far as the sunset is concerned, I'm with you. I don't go out of my way to watch them. And I much prefer the tropical sunsets I've seen in the So. Pacific and S.E. Asia. The one aspect of the sunset on Santorini that I do love is the way the colors change in the village from the changes happening in the atmosphere as the sun itself changes colors on the way over the horizon. This you can see from just about anywhere, but most vividly from wherever the sun hits the buildings.

I'm sure you'll be satisfied with any of your final choices. Oia is a beautiful village.

Thanks Brotherleelove! Helpful as always! Question: Just how much am I going to want a dip in the pool in Greece, from June 22 to July 6? What are the likely temperature ranges during this period? Thanks!

Jay

jaydubbs --

Even if you don't have a pool, there's always the ocean. Maybe brotherleelove will fill you in on his favorite swimming spot below Oia.

Loved Oia. Went there last year and felt like I was on my honeymoon even though I wasn't! Congrats.

Because July can be so hot I think a pool is a good idea. If you have a car you can easily drive down to Ammoudi for a swim, but you'll still want to have something readily available for those days you just want to laze around. If you don't have a car and choose to walk down to Amoudi to cool off, you'll get hot all over again just making your way back up the steps. That's when a pool will feel especially great. Temps can sometimes get as high as the mid-90's in July. Expect low- to mid-80's consistently.

Favorite swimming: at the end of the seawall that starts on the wharf at Ammoudi, then across to the platform on the little rock island. I DARE you to jump of the upper level!!!

I agree that a pool is especially desirable on Santorini this time of year. It gives you the option of hanging out at the hotel all day, enjoying the views and reading a book without getting too hot. As I've said, this is our favorite thing to do when in Santorini, and I can't imagine staying someplace without a pool. If I went in early May or October, it wouldn't be as big a deal. But in June/July, you may regret being pool-less. I don't really know the hotels you're considering, but I've checked out Oia Mare from the outside and it looks very nice. I like the location. Good luck!

Ok, that REALLY helps! I can see how missing the ability to take a dip in the pool in the heat could make a big difference! Would it make a difference if I would be in Oia the last week of June? Is the weather any less severe then? Now, next question: Is Oia Mare in a better location in Oia than Atrina? Atrina is on the non-sunset side of the caldera, at the far end of Oia. Thanks!

Jay

Thank you Europhile! That was helpful!!

Jay

By the end of June it will be consistently warm-to-hot, no way of telling to what degree. Just assume 'hot' and you'll be pleasantly surprised if it's not.

"Better location" is so subjective an opinion no one can answer that but you. Is a daily sunset view more desirable than a constant caldera view? Apples or oranges?

Sunset vs caldera view is personal opinion. You can enjoy the caldera view from your room all day long...but sunset is only for a fixed/short amount of time. No guarantee you could see sunset from your terrace/hotel anyways even if you're on the "right" side. We stayed at Esperas and could not view the sunset from our terrace, but we could view the sunset from the pool..and it was just a short walk away. I would pick the hotel that "feels" right to you and which offers more of what you're looking for.

Thank you Brotherleelove and Beanweb24! That was helpful!

Jay