We are travelling to Santorini in May. I would like to stay in Fira. Can anyone recommend a nice hotel with views of the Cauldra?

Is Firostefani very far from Fira.

I was crazy about the Hotel Loucas. I had worried that I might not like it because compared to other places that sounded similar it was way too cheap! But all fears where abandoned when I arrived. I set up for them to meet us at the hydrofoil and deliver us to the hotel -- a good idea, as it cascades down the side of the caldera -- and we would have had a hard time finding and lugging our stuff there on our own.
Our room was carved into the rocks -- cave-like, simply but nicely furnished. We had a private terrace facing the caldera -- I think all rooms had either a private one or a larger one they shared. They were building a pool at that time (2000). We had a wonderful meal there outside at night. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Some told us we wouldn't like Fira because it is so busy and noisy. But because the hotel faces out, we were never aware of any of the town noise at all -- we could have been in the middle of nowhere -- except that when we went up and out the "front" of the hotel, we were right in the town, which we found very convenient.

I had known I wanted to stay there when I could read the name of the hotel in a spectacular picture of Fira I had clipped out of a Travel and Leisure magazine.

See www.loucashotel.com

Patrick

Thanks for your recommendation. I have had a look at the website. In the hotel listing I have for Fira, it states that there are a lot of stairs. Are these a problem.

Well to be honest, if stairs ARE a problem, don't go to Santorini. They're everywhere -- even along the streets/sidewalks. That's why I mentioned I was glad I paid the extra for them to pick us up, that included bringing the luggane into the lobby and down to my room. They also carried it up at the end of the stay. No, stairs don't bother me, but then I live in a three story townhouse, so what do I know?

The Atlantis Hotel in Fira is a good choice, it's one of the few quality A Class hotels that are accessible by car, no steps. It has only 25 rooms, most with the caldera view.

http://www.magicaljourneys.com/santo...ntishotel.html

I stayed at the Hotel Loucas in 2000 and really liked the hotel. My room was on the bottom level, so there were many stairs to climb - I think I counted 140 steps from my room to get out of the hotel property to the main level of Fira. Obviously, stairs don't bother me - in fact, I figured I could eat any of the wonderful pastries at the local shops since I was getting so much "step exercise." The lower levels of the hotel are very private and quiet - I really enjoyed sitting on my balcony watching the sunset. The rooms are equipped with little refrigerators and were very nice, but not extremely luxurious. Follow Patrick's advice if you stay at Loucas and have them pick you up at the airport. I took a taxi from the airport, which dropped me off along the closest road. When I asked the driver where the hotel was, he pointed towards a tall set of stairs upwards and said "that way." After lugging my suitcase up the stairs (although there was a ramp), I had to ask two shopkeepers along the way before I found the hotel.
Martha

Thanks Martha, Patrick and Brotherleelove for all the great advice

I have checked out the Atlantis Hotel, it looks really good. From what I can the Altlantis Hotel is the four storey building that can be seen in most photos. I need to make the choice of the the Atlantis, which is a 'conventional' type hotel or the Loucas, which appears to have a more 'traditional' Santorini setting. I ask about the steps because I am asthmatic and on our last visit to Europe I must have included every hilltown in Europe. This was quite a strain with all the luggage and bits and pieces you pick up along the way.

Thanks Brotherleelove for the great website.

Does anyone have any further suggestions?

Regarding the stairs, you would not normally enter the Loucas from below (I can't believe that's where the taxi driver "dumped" mjnbrown -- he should have taken her above), but rather from the main street area above the hotel. There are very few steps down to the lobby of the hotel. If you book, tell them about your medical condition and request a room closer to the top with fewer stairs. That should be no problem.

Go for the Atlantis ,as it is accessible by car and connected to the pedestrian walkways ,the main shopping area and most famous restaurants of Fira.
The hotel has immaculate ,large rooms and elegant lounges(tea time is a real treat)and a pool with a splendid view!
You will feel good and relax...