Hotel recommendations Mykonos/Santorini for group of 4 friends
Feb 17th, 2005, 12:40 PM
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Hotel recommendations Mykonos/Santorini for group of 4 friends
Three friends and I (all female, average age 30) are headed to Greece in early July - and I am so excited! We are now in the planning stages and looking for hotels. I've checked out tripadvisor.com and read through reviews here, so I have some ideas about nice/recommended hotels on these islands, but we want to make sure we end up at hotels appropriate for us.
So, we are looking for nicer hotels (budget max around $250/nt per room, or less if possible), preferably with some resort amenities, e.g. bar, pool or on the beach, but *importantly* with easy access to activities & nightlife....and where we won't feel completely out of place because we're not on our honeymoons!
I've had such luck with these boards in the past... and I thank you in advance for your advice this time around!
So, we are looking for nicer hotels (budget max around $250/nt per room, or less if possible), preferably with some resort amenities, e.g. bar, pool or on the beach, but *importantly* with easy access to activities & nightlife....and where we won't feel completely out of place because we're not on our honeymoons!
I've had such luck with these boards in the past... and I thank you in advance for your advice this time around!
Feb 18th, 2005, 05:13 AM
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Ok - to clarify (and also revise down a bit) - our probable max is around $200/night/room for 2 people; so $100/pp/night. Would go a bit more if the place was worth it but would prefer to spend less. Thanks!
Feb 18th, 2005, 09:08 AM
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Memories!
One of the best value hotel/pensions on Santorini in Thira is the Hotel Ketis. The rooms are clean, have air conditioning, fridge (no pool). They have shared balconies with the most magical view of the caldera. You can't beat the location or price. Check out their website. Not full of couples. Very accommodating host!
Typically, in Mykonos, you get off the ferry and there are many greeks offering rooms in their pensions which tend to be very good value. You barter a little.
The main night life is generally in the chora not on the beach. A really nice beach in Santorini is Perivilos!!
One of the best value hotel/pensions on Santorini in Thira is the Hotel Ketis. The rooms are clean, have air conditioning, fridge (no pool). They have shared balconies with the most magical view of the caldera. You can't beat the location or price. Check out their website. Not full of couples. Very accommodating host!
Typically, in Mykonos, you get off the ferry and there are many greeks offering rooms in their pensions which tend to be very good value. You barter a little.
The main night life is generally in the chora not on the beach. A really nice beach in Santorini is Perivilos!!
Feb 21st, 2005, 07:45 AM
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Thanks for the tips, Kalina. I will look into the Hotel Ketis. Can you tell me, is it on the water?
Based upon further research, we have decided that on Mykonos we'd like to stay in Mykonos town, and on Santorini we'd like to stay in/close to Fira (or is it Thira?) - but on the water, preferably the beach (can you be in Fira and on the water? I'm still learning the island layout). We are also considering trying to find a 2-BR villa in Santorini - any recommendations for something like that?
While we are on a budget ($100-125/nt/pp), we're also looking to indulge a bit on this trip, so any other tips you would give?
Based upon further research, we have decided that on Mykonos we'd like to stay in Mykonos town, and on Santorini we'd like to stay in/close to Fira (or is it Thira?) - but on the water, preferably the beach (can you be in Fira and on the water? I'm still learning the island layout). We are also considering trying to find a 2-BR villa in Santorini - any recommendations for something like that?
While we are on a budget ($100-125/nt/pp), we're also looking to indulge a bit on this trip, so any other tips you would give?
Feb 21st, 2005, 08:07 AM
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Fira (aka Thira) is not on the water, it's on the cliff over the sea, about 800 feet above sea level. There is no beach below. This goes for Firostephani, Imerovigli and Oia as well, although Oia does have a small red rock outcropping that is called a beach, Ammoudi, at the base of the cliff below the village that you can get to by either walking down the many steps or walking/driving down the road that winds down to Ammoudi from the end of the island. It's really nice down there, with some rooms to rent and a couple of small restaurants (try Katina's). It had its humble beginnings as a small fishing harbor. If you're walking down there just remember that you have to walk back up as well!
The main beachfront villages are Perissa and Kamari. They are on the other side of the island looking east instead of into the caldera.
The main beachfront villages are Perissa and Kamari. They are on the other side of the island looking east instead of into the caldera.
Feb 23rd, 2005, 07:02 PM
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Thira is not on the beach. The best part of being in Santorini is the magical view of the Caldera which you wouldn't get on the beach. Also, the main nightlife and restaurants are in the main villages, ie. thira, Oia, etc. I would do day trips to the beaches - there are buses or you can cab it. Here is the link for Hotel Keti www.hotelketi.gr You can rooms side by side.
In Mykonos the main town (chora) is not on a suntanning beach. There are lots of places to stay on some of the beaches in Mykonos but if you want nightlife and good restaurants then I would stay in the chora and again bus it to the beaches or even rent a car. Please check out a really good restaurant called Antonini's in Taxi Square - it is fabulous.
You and your friends will love Greece!
In Mykonos the main town (chora) is not on a suntanning beach. There are lots of places to stay on some of the beaches in Mykonos but if you want nightlife and good restaurants then I would stay in the chora and again bus it to the beaches or even rent a car. Please check out a really good restaurant called Antonini's in Taxi Square - it is fabulous.
You and your friends will love Greece!
Apr 25th, 2005, 10:33 AM
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Thanks again everyone for your advice.
I've posted separately on these questions, but just in case the previous 'repliers' (making up words, perhaps) checked back here, you might be able to advise on these hotels if you have any insight?
*Mykonos: Harmony Hotel or Petasos Beach
*Naxos: Hotel Galini & Sofia or ???
*Santorini: Hotel Keti, Enigma Apts, or Loucas Hotel.
Jun 6th, 2005, 07:59 PM
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Funnily enough, 3 friends and I (all single and no honeymooners!) will also be travelling to Mykonos and Santorini in early July so here's what we're planning...
For Mykonos, I have heard from people who have been before and from online reviews that the 4-star Petasos Beach Hotel is a great option. You can get a room for 2 for 170 EUR. Also their location seems to be perfect in terms of access to the best beaches and night life. Keep in mind, however, that the Mykonos nightlife is supposedly raging so you may not really sleep much!
As for Santorini, we currently have the 4-star Aegean Plaza booked. We have a big family suite for 4 reserved at ~200EUR. The hotel is in Kamari which is on the East coast and close to the black sand beach. You may prefer to stay in Fira, however, which has better cliff-side views and nightlife but no beaches. However, Kamari is only a 5 minute cab ride away from Fira.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your bookings and enjoy the trip!
For Mykonos, I have heard from people who have been before and from online reviews that the 4-star Petasos Beach Hotel is a great option. You can get a room for 2 for 170 EUR. Also their location seems to be perfect in terms of access to the best beaches and night life. Keep in mind, however, that the Mykonos nightlife is supposedly raging so you may not really sleep much!
As for Santorini, we currently have the 4-star Aegean Plaza booked. We have a big family suite for 4 reserved at ~200EUR. The hotel is in Kamari which is on the East coast and close to the black sand beach. You may prefer to stay in Fira, however, which has better cliff-side views and nightlife but no beaches. However, Kamari is only a 5 minute cab ride away from Fira.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your bookings and enjoy the trip!
Jun 7th, 2005, 04:54 AM
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Hi JeanMarc - thanks for your note! We are so excited to go!!!!
We actually booked a few weeks ago, and made it our priority (at least on mykonos & santorini) to be in town on each island...as our preference was to be able to walk to/from clubs, and take other transport to the beach. On Mykonos, we'll be at Harmony Hotel (which has good reviews on tripadvisor), on Naxos at Hotel Galini & Sofia, and on Santorini at Hotel Loucas.
We'll be there July 9-18 - - - maybe we'll see you there!
We actually booked a few weeks ago, and made it our priority (at least on mykonos & santorini) to be in town on each island...as our preference was to be able to walk to/from clubs, and take other transport to the beach. On Mykonos, we'll be at Harmony Hotel (which has good reviews on tripadvisor), on Naxos at Hotel Galini & Sofia, and on Santorini at Hotel Loucas.
We'll be there July 9-18 - - - maybe we'll see you there!
Jun 7th, 2005, 07:52 PM
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Hey Happymz - after reading your message stream, I decided to change our hotel location in Santorini... we are now booked at the Enigma Apartments in Fira, Santorini. It seems like a very nice hotel and Fira seems like a better place to be than Kamari. A large suite for 4 people is 270 EUR per night. We are still planning to stay at the Petasos Beach Hotel in Mykonos based on all the reviews and feedback I heard about that hotel.
We will be in Mykonos from July 1-7 and then Santorini from July 8-11. Let me know if our itineraries overlap!
We will be in Mykonos from July 1-7 and then Santorini from July 8-11. Let me know if our itineraries overlap!
Jun 8th, 2005, 07:29 AM
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Unfortunately, looks as though we will just miss you, JeanMarc! 
We will be in Mykonos July 9-12, Naxos 12-13, and Santorini 13-16.
We almost booked a 4-person suite at Enigma but opted not to because we were concerned with having 4 girls share one bathroom!
But according to other posts on this board, we should be very happy at Loucas. We also almost booked Petasos Beach, but the majority wanted to be in town so Harmony was the choice. I've heard such great things about the Petasos Beach - I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!
A quick question: you mention nightlife in your earlier post...if that's something your group is looking to enjoy as well, any insights you can share with us? All I've heard is that drinks are as expensive (if not more so) than NYC and many places don't even open until 12 (in which case we think our jet lag should work in our favor)...but any tips on where to go, the style of dress (e.g. anything goes, casual, vs. dressed to the nines), etc. ?
We will be in Mykonos July 9-12, Naxos 12-13, and Santorini 13-16. We almost booked a 4-person suite at Enigma but opted not to because we were concerned with having 4 girls share one bathroom!
But according to other posts on this board, we should be very happy at Loucas. We also almost booked Petasos Beach, but the majority wanted to be in town so Harmony was the choice. I've heard such great things about the Petasos Beach - I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time! A quick question: you mention nightlife in your earlier post...if that's something your group is looking to enjoy as well, any insights you can share with us? All I've heard is that drinks are as expensive (if not more so) than NYC and many places don't even open until 12 (in which case we think our jet lag should work in our favor)...but any tips on where to go, the style of dress (e.g. anything goes, casual, vs. dressed to the nines), etc. ?
Jun 10th, 2005, 05:26 AM
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Here's what I've been recommended by several friends who have been before...
1. Mykonos is very Ibiza style. Visit Paraga beach (during the day) or Platis Yialos beach during the day (you can stay @ a hotel on Platis Yialos & take the ferry boat daily to the other beaches but I recommend you rent a scooter or car) (well worth it); visit Ornos beach at least once (stunning) & definitely daily you must visit Paradise beach (from 4-8pm - major beach party every day @ that time) & Super Paradise beach (50% gay but still fun).
2. Hot clubs in Mykonos: Space, Scandinavian bar, Cavo Paradiso (you head there around 5-6am for the after hours party), The Piano Bar in Little Venice, Astra (greek bouzouki bar), Kalamopodi beach during the day / afternoon: beach party @ Tropicana club & Uno Bar, Rapsody (located in a venetian house in Little Venice - fantastic view over the windmills), Pierros Bar (gay but fun & something to experience even if it's for 30 minutes) - on top of Pierro's is a new lounge bar - very cool.
3. At night - you need to be in Mykonos Town, loads of restaurants, designer shops, bazaars etc. Best clubs are...
Caprice: chill out bar - watch the sunset.
Space: The main club - really cool!
Cavo Paradiso: Opens at 3-4am - party with the sunrise - It's a drive
out though into the sand and rocks! , Def. go in Trainers - very sandy and rocky to get to...
Beaches: Paradise, Super Paradise, Plati Yialos; Elia (secluded in the
4. Santorini - great partying, lots of historic sights (volcanoes, ancient city,etc.), best sunset in the world. MUST GO HERE. Good clubs are Koo Club and Enigma (right across from each other). Clubs all over the country have high door fees but they include a drink. Drinking is fairly cheap. Chili Bar is a great beach bar at the main popular beach whose name I also can't remember--partied more here during the day than I did at night.
...Hope this helps. I basiclaly cut and paste all the advice that friends have sent me about these 2 islands. Also as far as I know, everywhere there is fairly casual.
1. Mykonos is very Ibiza style. Visit Paraga beach (during the day) or Platis Yialos beach during the day (you can stay @ a hotel on Platis Yialos & take the ferry boat daily to the other beaches but I recommend you rent a scooter or car) (well worth it); visit Ornos beach at least once (stunning) & definitely daily you must visit Paradise beach (from 4-8pm - major beach party every day @ that time) & Super Paradise beach (50% gay but still fun).
2. Hot clubs in Mykonos: Space, Scandinavian bar, Cavo Paradiso (you head there around 5-6am for the after hours party), The Piano Bar in Little Venice, Astra (greek bouzouki bar), Kalamopodi beach during the day / afternoon: beach party @ Tropicana club & Uno Bar, Rapsody (located in a venetian house in Little Venice - fantastic view over the windmills), Pierros Bar (gay but fun & something to experience even if it's for 30 minutes) - on top of Pierro's is a new lounge bar - very cool.
3. At night - you need to be in Mykonos Town, loads of restaurants, designer shops, bazaars etc. Best clubs are...
Caprice: chill out bar - watch the sunset.
Space: The main club - really cool!
Cavo Paradiso: Opens at 3-4am - party with the sunrise - It's a drive
out though into the sand and rocks! , Def. go in Trainers - very sandy and rocky to get to...
Beaches: Paradise, Super Paradise, Plati Yialos; Elia (secluded in the
4. Santorini - great partying, lots of historic sights (volcanoes, ancient city,etc.), best sunset in the world. MUST GO HERE. Good clubs are Koo Club and Enigma (right across from each other). Clubs all over the country have high door fees but they include a drink. Drinking is fairly cheap. Chili Bar is a great beach bar at the main popular beach whose name I also can't remember--partied more here during the day than I did at night.
...Hope this helps. I basiclaly cut and paste all the advice that friends have sent me about these 2 islands. Also as far as I know, everywhere there is fairly casual.
Jul 18th, 2005, 02:35 PM
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I am back - in short, we LOVED Greece (esp. the islands) and didn't want to leave! Hit the ground at JFK at approximately 4 PM, and while I haven't the energy this evening for a trip report, it will be coming soon!
Hit the ground at JFK at approximately 4 PM, and while I haven't the energy this evening for a trip report, it will be coming soon!
Aug 21st, 2005, 12:11 PM
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I, too, am interested to hear about the Santorini leg of your trip. We are headed to Santorni on Sept 1; like you, we are east coast singles (guys) in our 30s. Particularly intersted in your nightlife recommendations. Thanks.
Aug 22nd, 2005, 04:16 AM
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Dopplehouse --
When you get to Greece, look for a bright orange guide book called "Santorini Guide" (published by Athinorama). We bought one in Fira and it was by far the best guidebook we had with us on our trip. There is a whole section devoted to nightlife & clubs.
When you get to Greece, look for a bright orange guide book called "Santorini Guide" (published by Athinorama). We bought one in Fira and it was by far the best guidebook we had with us on our trip. There is a whole section devoted to nightlife & clubs.
Aug 26th, 2005, 10:05 AM
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Hi again - sorry, I know I've been a trip report delinquent! Work has just been too much since the return, I think I need to go back to Greece! Dopplehouse, you will really enjoy it. Will you be heading to Mykonos at all? A shame if not - I preferred the scene there (a bit more laid back and beach-oriented) though there were plenty of places to go out on Santorini too! Our favorite on Santorini - we went there 3 nights in a row - was Murphy's. Murphy's is an Irish Pub (of course) that turns into a dance club after 11 or so, complete with people dancing on the bars - - - great time. It's location is also good for the other bars/clubs, as Enigma, Koo club, and several others were either on the same street, very close (within 1 city block), or within a few blocks nearby. There are also several bars/taverns on the caldera in Fira for a more relaxed ambience. Have a great trip!
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