Santorini hotel question
 

My husband & are are going on a belated honeymoon to Greece in May, with a three-night stop in Santorini. I've sent messages to hotels about availability and have gotten a message that the Romeo & Juliet suite at Aspaki suites is available (in Oia), as is a two-person apartment at the Santorini Princess in Imerovigli. Both rooms are about 230 euros a night.
Both hotels look fantastic! Can anyone help me figure out the pros/cons of each or have any advice on which is better?
Thank you!

There are some significant differences between Imerovigli and Oia. Oia is considered the most romantic and timeless village on the island. Imerovigli is the quietest and because of its higher elevation has the most 'sweeping' views of the caldera and the sunset. But don't misunderstand: any hotel overlooking the caldera will have a spectacular view. The upside of Oia is that there are lots of excellent restaurants, shops and galleries there. The downside is that the nightlife is limited to a few quiet bars.

Imerovigli has very little to offer in the way of diversion, only very few shops and restaurants. It's mainly full of small hotels and private homes.

In my opinion Aspaki has the best location in Oia, sitting out by itself on a promontory with nothing close by to distract from the unobstructed caldera view. R&J is a cozy suite, a perfect romantic getaway spot, nothing in front of you but the sea. It's also just a short walk from the village square in the heart of Oia. There are lots of excellent restaurants very close by. You won't, however be able to see the sunset from Aspaki. The curvature of the end of the island blocks that aspect of the view.

Santorini Princess, although an excellent hotel, is isolated. It's not actually in the village of Imerovigli, but further out along the road towards Oia, meaning that to get anywhere you'll need to use the public transportation or have a rental car at your disposal. SP is about 2 miles from the main village of Fira, and there are two steep hills in between, so walking the road will be a real challenge, especially after a night of partying or a big meal.

Thanks much for the information and recommendations, Brotherleelove. We live just north of the city of Brotherly Love in Yardley, Pa.
We're leaning toward staying at the Santorini Princess, though both hotels look great (& Oia is more convenient.) The SP has a swimming pool, something we really like. It's also slightly cheaper (220 euros versus 240 euros/night) and is even 10% cheaper if you pay in cash.
I'm thinking we'll rely on cabs to get us to and from Oia/Fira... Do you think that's a safe bet, or should we seriously think about renting a car?
Thanks again -- your expertise on Santorini is immensely valuable!!

Taxis and buses between Fira and Oia will be passing by all day, no problem. Wait until you're there to decide about a car. There are local rental agencies everywhere with very good prices. Take along an International Driver's Permit. You can get them at your local AAA office. If you don't have one and get in an accident your insurance will be invalidated.

Thanks, Brotherleelove. Sounds like a good plan -- especially since we have a lot of other things to plan out before we arrive in Greece. Right now, we're finding flights from Athens to Santorini for about 70 euros per person. Do you think the price on those will drop before late May?
Best,
Kelly

I tend to think not.

I just want some clearification about the AAA suggestion when drivng in Greece-do we need a international permit to rent a car in Greece? Please let me know as we plan to do a lot of driving on our trip and would hate to get to greece and have not done all our homework on rentals/insurance-thanks

Greek law requires the IDP, although there is some question whether or not EU members need it. The rental agencies will gladly rent to you and probably won't ask for it, but if you get into an accident and don't have it you will be in trouble with the local police and it's very likely that your insurance coverage will be invalidated. They cost around USD $20 at AAA.