Hi again,
I have a few more options that we are thinking about:
Golden sunset villas ( balcony overlooking caldera and sunset )
Olympic villas ( apartment on caldera side )
Hotel thireas ( balcony facing caldera )
Villa Ilias ( caldera view )
what are your thoughts?
which would you prefer?
We like nice, comfortable rooms with a great view and own balcony. At first, I did want a pool but now am not too worried.
Doesn't really matter where hotel is, as we will get a car for a couple of the days.
We will be staying for 5 nigths.
Thanks
Donna

Lordy-
depends on if you want to stay close to the city (walking distance from everything) or a bit further out.
My husband and I stayed at the volcano view villas, and although it had a breathtaking view of the caldera, it was a 5-10 minute drive to the city (not a big deal for you since you have a car) We stayed in one of their upgraded rooms because the basic room was not that impressive. Every room has a great view though!! and many pools and even a restaurant here, so you don't have to worry about breakfast. If I had to do it again, I prefer to stay closer to the city, but it will be noiser in some parts at night. But everything is at your fingertips. If there is a pool I think you will be pleased. Most beaches are a good 15-20 minute ride from the Thira

Thanks for your thoughts. Is it easy to get around if you hire a car?
Any other suggestions or thoughts on the above acccommodation would be appreciated.
Thanks
Donna

Any ideas??????
Donna

you can certainly get a taxi, however as you may already know, they do not have fare machines in their car (they simply tell you a price when you arrive at your destination). The way they knew you were a tourist is at the end of your taxi ride you would ask "how much?" Locals already know the fare prices so they just hand the taxi drive 3 or 4 Euro and get out. Everytime I asked for the short 5 minute ride to the city, i was charged 5 Euro. When I did not ask a few times and just handed the guy 3 or 4 Euro, he said nothing and assumed that was what others charge me in the past...or i had been to the island many times and KNEW the rates. The hotel will call a cab for you, but it isn't as if you can simply hail one outside. One you are in thira, it is easy to pick up a taxi.

See if this link helps you with hotels. I would stay away from 2 star, or even three, unless it is absolutely necessary. Some two star hotels are quiet scary. Most 4 stars end up being more than adequate but don't expect to be blow away. Many hotels are carved into the mountain, so you can imagine that...

These two hotels are supposed to be fanstastic, but if they are located in firostefani (which i think one might be) then it will be a bit further out of the city.

****santorini princess
****tsitouras colection

I am sorry i do not know too much about the hotels you have chosen but they all seem pretty far out there. My personal recommendation is stay as close to or in Fira as possible and take a ride to the beaches. You will change which beaches you to go possibly daily, so there is no point to try and stay near just one beach. Bus leave from the center of fira daily, and go to almost all major beaches. I believe when i was there they were charging 1 euro each way for a ride to the beach, but that was in 2004.
Good Luck!

Sorry I forgot to post the link. My husband and I passed this hotel many times and said how perfect its location one. I was going to try and stay there if we went again, it seem to get great reviews
http://www.santorini.gr-santorini.com/hotels/atlantis/

one more thing to note about atlantis hotel.

Daily Rates are in Euro & include taxes, services & Breakfast which is served 24 hours.

However, some double room have 2 single bed accomdations, so ask for a double bed if you prefer..