Ikies and Aspaki
 

Me again....still not sure on my hotel choice for Santorini....I really would like 1 night in a special room, however I can't spend $400 EUR for every night....Ikies prefered I did not change room, so I was thinking of doing 2 nights in the gardener and then my last night in Endless blue....are these hotels close? Walking distance with luggage? How much to cab?? am I crazy for thinking this is a good idea?

They're about 20 minutes apart walking, perhaps more with luggage. Wheeled luggage might be easier but there is no smooth sidewalk it'll be bumpy. I suppose you can flag down a taxi entering Oia on the way to pick someone up IF they will stop. They might think you're trying to catch a ride out of the village instead of into it. They shouldn't charge more than 5 euro for such a short ride, but who knows? Maybe Ikies can help you with this.

You asked, so YES, I think you're obsessing to the point of vapor-locking your brain. You have overthought this process into the realm of OCD. Choose one hotel you can comfortably afford and move on, for crying out loud!

haha I know...it's mostly becaused I'm an accountant who stares at his computer screen 10 hours a day and I'm always looking for a reason to surf the internet... :)

I will only do 1 hotel and stick with it....I emailed Aspaki to see if they could give me the October rate (staying 3 last 3 nights of september) and if so, I will bit the bullet and splurge with Endless Blue.....will likely only do Santorini once...might as well do it in style.... ;)

will be a good start...Endless Blue for 3 nights...then Mykonos Grand!

Endless Blue and "boatman" at Ikies are roughly the same price....did you get a chance to see both of them in person brotherleelove? from the pictures, the balcony of endless blue looks unbeatable...but boatman seems to have a better jacuzzi and the great free breakfast....

what do you do for breakfast at aspaki, can you still get it on your deck for a price? if so, costly?

Interesting coincidence.....Not 5 minutes ago I was on the phone with the owner of Aspaki, who is a good friend of mine. He mentioned that he is considering offering a discount for a stay of 3 nights or longer as long as you book through his website and don't use a travel agent, so when you contact him be sure to ask about this, although I request that you don't mention me.

In my opinion Aspaki has the most spectacular location in Oia. I don't say this because the owner is a friend, but because it's true.

I've seen every Art Maisons' Aspaki/Oia Castle suites and they're all great. You won't be sorry you've chosen Endless Blue. I've never had a close look at the rooms at Ikies. From everything I've heard and read they're on a par with Aspaki and Oia Castle, just different decor-wise.

As for breakfast, there are lots of little cafes and restaurants all around Aspaki. Aspaki does not offer delivery of breakfast at any price unless their policy has changed. If that's important to you maybe you can make a deal with one of the restaurants that open for breakfast, although I have no idea if any of them will agree to this. My gut says no but it never hurts to ask. Perhaps the concierge can help you arrange this. There's a locked gate at the entrance to Aspaki so you'll have to go outside to receive your delivery. This isn't as impractical as you might think because the entry door to Endless Blue is within easy earshot of that gate.

You can second-guess yourself until the cows come home about your final decision and you're still not going to put all your doubts to rest. You're trying to apply typical Western detail-oriented planning and research to a decision that is emotional, based on ideals, not on the myriad of facts and figures that occupy your everyday life. Beyond a certain point it's going to be a leap of faith. Jump in, already, the water's fine!

We stayed at Aspaki the last 3 days of September,08 and the owner was kind enough to met me halfway btween the high and low rate. If you want to save some money..rent the Romeo and Juliet Suite at Aspaki vs. Endless Blue. It's 100E less a night and still has the wow factor. While the balconey is smaller.. R&J is on the lower level and has a huge "common" area that will be yours alone. We spent 90% of our time in that area outside. It is a fantatic place in a great spot in Oia..you will love it!!! PS The weather was grteat at that time..but bring a jacket once the sun goes down.

Of course, I finally take a decision and Endless Blue is booked!!!!

Ourjetboat, thanks for the advice, I emailed to see if RJ is available.

Did you get a chance to see Deep Blue? I believe its available.

I might go to Ikies-Boatman if RJ not available....Ikies has a pool and breakfast on the patio is nice....however the patios at Ikies dont even look close to being as nice as Endless Blue...

Did you use the pool at Askaki (i.e. 10 min walk...)if you have pictures, please email to [email protected]

thanks!

Let's say Aspaki or Ikies does not workout...i.e. rooms I want are booked....what would be a third alternative with a room quality similar to Endless Blue for under $400 EUR a night?

Brotherlove....I was reading the Fodors paper guidebook and saw you were quoted in it... impressive :)

Check with Kirini, Perivolas Villas, Mystique, Andronis Suites, Canaves Oia and Katikies Hotel.