I have finally narrowed my search for the perfect vacation to Santorini,and more specifically decided on either Fira or Imerovigli. I'll be there solo, I'm a 32 year old male (who needs a vacation from my cell phone), be there for 3-5 days beginning Sept 23 and I'm looking for some proximity to the shops, restaurants and nightlife. I don't mind spending $250-300 per night for the perfect view and a great staff, but of course would love the same for less.
Thanks so much in advance for your responses.
Jason

As usual I'll recommend The Loucas, right on the edge of Fira within steps of all the activity, yet facing straight out (and down) into the caldera so you would think while on your terrace that you're miles from anywhere (and from your cellphone). Nice staff and we discovered a better restaurant than the couple of well known very highly recommended ones we tried. You can splurge for one of their most deluxe rooms and still stay within your budget.

http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/s...lucas/home.htm

The Aressana is in the centre of Fira, a good 4 star hotel.
THere is also the Katikies which belongs to the small luxury hotels chain.

http://www.aressana.gr/

http://www.katikies.com/


Also the Heliotopos in Imerovigli is very good. http://hotel.heliotopos.net/

"the same for less?"

www.hotelketi.gr

Way, way below your budget. It has great views and rooms dug back into the hillside in the "classic" style. No pool, no restaurant, no bar, so if those are priorities this is not the hotel for you.

Great staff? I dunno. They were pleasant and took care of my check-in and out efficiently and quickly.

To be honest I've never really cared about clerks, concierge, etc. at a hotel. I do enough planning that I'm not going to count on them to get the dinner reservation I really want. I have it long before I get to the hotel.

Jason, I returned yesterday from a Santorini and Paros vacation. Instead of reserving a room in advance of our Santorini visit, we arrived early one morning and found a place. Since it is no longer high season, we were able to negotiate a deal at a sweet place for E180, which goes for E420 in high season (at Dana Villas, which was spectacular). I saw the Loucas Hotel when I was there and it is in a good location in the middle of the city. I am a 33 y.o. single male and the nightlife is pretty good - I'm sure you'll find yourself at Murphy's. Either of the places you mention are fine, with Imerovigli a bit further out. And, if you are willing to spend 250-300 US, you'll get a nice place. Anyway, my point to this post is that you may want to consider the option to find a place when you get there - you can negotiate, and you can look at what you are getting.

I'll second the votes for Loucas...we (4 single girls) stayed there in July (yes, my trip report remains MIA...it will come!!!) and we loved it. Perfect location for nightlife, but when you're in your room or on your balcony looking over the caldera you'd otherwise not realize you were right in town. Wouldn't go for one of the high-end resorts if I was heading there solo, for fear of being surrounded by honeymooners. Loucas was perfect. Good luck!

You guys rock. I've decided to try to get a room at Loucas on Saturday the 24th just to have a place to stay when I get off the plane. If I like it, I'll stay, but I think I'll go with Dopplehouse's advice about walking around and negotiating a bit (Maybe Porto Fira or Dana Villas???). Thanks so much for all your info and free to give more. J

By the way, I'd strongly suggest at the Loucas you opt for the more expensive option which includes transfer to and from the airport or ferry docks. It's more than a taxi ride -- they'll also handle your luggage and getting up and down all the stairs to your room. The driving street is not right by the entrance to the hotel. Our guy took us on a shortcut through a restaurant.

Hey Jason...look no further than the Santorini Palace...a white behemoth, great pool, and quiet..yet a short walk to the action spots of Fira...get a room with large, and I mean large balcony overlooking the valley...place looks expensive, but it isn't..rates are in the $120 vicinity for a single. Look up the internet spread at www.santorinipalacehotel.gr

Enjoy!

Stu

We just got back from our stay at the Porto Fira Suites. This place was heaven. One of our favorite hotels in the world!