Oia or Imerovigli?

Has anyone stayed at Laokasti Villas or Vallais Villas in Santorini recently? I'm trying to make a final decision for our stay in September. Recommendations for hotel under$175 USD.

I have known the family that owns and operates the Laokasti Villas for 20 years. I was given a tour of the property this last May. Spiros, the patriarch, has done a fantastic job building his hotel. The colors are stunning. Each villa is beautiful and completely equipped to make your stay hassle-free.

I will say that the one obvious difference between Laokasti and Vallais is the view. Laokasti does NOT have a view of the caldera. The view from Laokasti is also a lovely sea view but it looks out past Baxedes Beach to some distant islands and the sunset from a different vantage point at the end of the island.

Laokasti has a swimming pool, and it appears that Vallais does not.

Laokasti is in the most beautiful and romantic village of Oia. Vallais is in Imerovigli which is much closer to Fira where all the shopping and nightlife is going on.

Marinos, Spiros' son, runs the restaurant. Sharif, the chef at the restaurant, is a rare find.

If you choose Laokasti be sure to tell everyone that Lee Marks says hello.

To Brotherleelove,
Thanks for ALL the wonderful informtion you post. We have reserved at Laokasti Villas...decided based on your insider information, and don't mind that we're not going to have the caldera view...we will enjoy this as we tour the island. From the Laokasti Villas, is it easy for us to get around via bus, or would you recommend renting a car? We are definitely the touring sort, and NOT the sitting by the pool sort. By the way, Laokasti VILLAS say to give you regards!

I'm sure you won't be disappointed with Laokasti.

As for seeing the rest of the island, you can catch the bus right out in front of Laokasti that will take you to Imerovigli, Firostephani and finally to Fira. From the bus square in Fira you can get buses to the rest of the island. The bus system on Santorini is very efficient, and the buses are for the most part new and comfortable. Renting a car is also a good option if you want total freedom, and Laokasti has its own parking lot for your convenience. If you choose to do this, wait until you get there to find your car, you'll get a better deal. There are several rental agencies right in Oia, and you'll have your pick. You might even be able to bargain a bit and get a Extra good deal. Expect to pay somewhere around 20 Euro/day for a small car, perhaps less for a full week.

Have a great time, I wish I was going too!

Brotherleelove,
Thanks for the car rental information. We're also staying in Chania for 6 days.
Should be wait to rent a car there, as well? We're flying Aegean from Athens to Heraklion. (This before our stay in Santorini...we'll take the ferry there then on to Paros, before heading back to Athens)
As a former travel agent, I certainly appreciate all the expertise you offer.
Fodor's should put you on their payroll!

Yes, I'd recommend waiting until you get to Crete to book your car, for the same reasons.

Thinking about it, why not stop at Paros before Crete, then you won't have to backtrack to get to Athens? Depending on what day you travel, there's an express boat that runs between these islands (http://www.greekislands.gr/hfd/) from Mykonos to Heraklion on Crete, so it would be possible to catch a fast boat to Crete after Paros. There's a fast boat from Chania to Athens/Piraeus (same website) but it arrives at 01:45, not the most convenient time to be getting into Athens. There's also a slower car ferry from Chania to Athens/Piraeus that departs at 09:00 and arrives at 17:30.

I just reread your last posting and realized I hadn't seen that you're flying to Crete. Obviously my suggestions don't apply. Oh well.....

To Brotherleelove,

We have just returned from Oia and Laokasti Villas. Spiros and Son say HELLO! Thank you for your recommendation. You were right on all counts. One evening we strolled the streets in Oia looking for a good, authentic Greek Restaurant...we found most restaurants in Oia geared for the tourist trade. Frustrated we returned to Laokasti and had a wonderful meal, prepared with obvious pride by the chef.
Although we made reservations for the next evening at a highly recommended restaurant in Fira (Selene), we opted again to eat at Laokasti, and were not disappointed. A definite must for those seeking more than a view! Thanks again for all of your help on this and other issues.

I'm so glad that your experience of Laokasti was as good as you describe. I predict more good things for that family and their endeavors. Thanks for passing on the greetings from Spiros and Marinos, two of my favorite people in Oia.