I am planning our 10 year anniversary to Greece for next year. Starting early. We will most likely go for 7 days, since that is all we can really leave our children for. We are flying from Germany, so we won't be dealing with a huge time change or 24 hours of traveling. We might be able to do 8 days. Anyways, we are leaning towards 5-6 days in Santorini, and end with 2-3 days in Athens. We have never been to Greece before, but know we will hit major ports on a cruise in 2 years.

We chose Santorini b/c of all the reviews of it being the must-see island for the first time traveler. Our priorities or romance, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, relaxation. From all the pictures, it looks like Santorini is the place to go. I am a sucker for beautiful water color, more turqouise, but it still looks beautiful.

I have then narrowed it down to staying in our close to Oia, since I would like to have nearby restaurants/scenery, shopping in walking distance. But, I do want privacy. I am a bit afraid of the prices though. With the dollar being so weak, this is definitely going to be a trip that we splurge! Is there another island just as beautiful but less?

So, now I am trying to narrow down the accommodations. If anyone has stayed in any of these, or has good recommendations, I would appreciate it!

The first place is the Oia Castle hotel, particularly the Volcano suite. It is the cheapest of all the places, but the decor is more our taste. I love that is has the sunset/caldera view, and it has one of my top priorities, a veranda with a jacuzzi. I also want a place with a pool, which this hotel does not have, but we have use of one 5 minutes away, which is fine with me. The rate is 380 Euro a night, which is still steep, but still a couple hundred Euro cheaper than other places with a view, pool, veranda, and jacuzzi. My biggest concern is privacy, which looks like will be a huge problem. I want to enjoy the sunset with my hubby in the jacuzzi, but not with a crowd. I know they will be watching the sunset themselves, but who knows!

Another option is the Endless Blue suit at Aspaki, owned by the same man. More expensive, but looks like more privacy. But, this is a much farther walk to the pool.

The 3rd option is actually farther from Oia, but comes with amazing reviews. It is called the Anastasis Apartments inbetween Fira and Oia. It has the infinity pool - check, some suites with the private veranda and jacuzzi - check, view - check, but quite isolated. As far as the view, I would love to have part of Oia be in the view. The colorful tops, churches, white villas, etc. It seems with the Anastasis, your view is the open water right in front of you. But, the price is much better.

So, to narrow all my "wants" down, we want something unique, but private, with a veranda and jacuzzi, pool, or close pool use, and preferably in walking distance of Oia, but not where we are part of the tourist seen, aka, look at the couple making out in their hot tub!!!

O.k, I need to add Ikies to the list! Looks like they have everything I am looking for. Maybe they will cut me a deal on 7 nights if we go longer??? We don't mind being there 7 nights, b/c probably 3 days will be spent sleeping, swimming, and relaxing. We don't get much of that!

How are the hotels for price negotiating?

Although those seeking a view of the sunset congregate above and below the Oia Castle, the Volcano Suite terrace is above the heads of those below on the steps leading down to Amoudi Bay so they will not be able to stare at you on your balcony in the jacuzzi. No one above you can see your balcony. You should know, however, that the view of the caldera is very limited from this hotel. These rooms face westward out into the open sea and to the sunset, but only a small portion of the western edge of the caldera is visible because of the fact that the hotel is built into the west side of a ridge that blocks most of the caldera view which is on the east side of that same ridge.

Aspaki, on the other hand, has an unparallelled view of the caldera, the open water and most of Oia village as well as the other clifftop villages off in the distance. Endless Blue is spectacular for the view, the decor and its position in the village. There is no sunset view from this hotel, I hope you knew that. What you get instead is the pleasure of watching all the colors change on the whitewashed buildings and in the sky as the sun's rays reflect off your surroundings. For me this is a much more appealing view overall, and it lasts all day, not just a short time in the evening.

As for proximity to the pool, the Lioyerma Cafe/Pool, Oia is small and you'll only be 10 minutes' walk away if you stay at Aspaki.

Anastasis has an excellent reputation and the views are some of the best, but you should know that you will be far-removed from all but a few shops and restaurants. That's the tradeoff if you stay there. It's actually a litle bit north of Imerovigli on the way to Oia. You'll need access to a rental car or you'll be taking taxis and buses everywhere, meaning your movements won't be on your own terms.

Ikies is another excellent choice. It's located in a quiet area outside the village and the views are as good as they get. You'll have about a 20-25 minute walk to reach the village square. If you like a particular room that's more expensive than you want to pay contact them and ask if they will offer a discount for a week's stay. I'm guessing you'll get it. The same might even apply to Aspaki and Oia Castle.

Thank you!!!!!!!! I am curious how much the rates will increase for next year?? It is too soon to book, but I have already contacted both owners to see when is the soonest I could book. That helps me narrow it down to Ikies and Aspaki. I do like that you have more service at Ikeas, since Aspaki seems to be more self-catering. Sometimes, it is nice to be a bit pampered. Thank you for your input!!

But Endless Blue just seems....simply amazing. Breathtaking.

Sorry, I don't have any idea about rate increases.

Remember the scene from 'Titanic' when they're leaning out over the bow of the ship? That's what the balcony of Endless Blue feels like.