Hi everyone! This is my first post, but I've spent a LOT of time reading through all your great advice to other people's questions. I'm planning a trip to the Greek Islands in late August (Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos) and I've narrowed down my Santorini hotel picks to two places. I'd love to get some of your expert advice on which one I can choose (mainly so I can stop obsessing over this!).

I'm down to Sunny Villas in Imerovigli and Ira Hotel in Firostefani.

We know Santorini is totally packed in August, which is why we're avoiding Fira and Oia for accommodation. We obviously are looking for a great view, some common space by the pool to hang out, and clean, comfortable rooms. Both these places seem to fit all those things but I can't seem to bite the bullet and pick one.

Any advice? Thanks everyone!

If you are avoiding Oia and Fira then look at this web site. This place is two km outside of Fira so not too busy. I have not been here but I have been searching for good hotels without all the action and just found this one. It is two Km from Fira with all the views but none of the hustle and bustle.
http://www.travel-guide-greece.com/H...fly-Villas.asp

Wow, Stanbr, this looks amazing. I just booked us for July at the Hotel Alexander Villa in Imerovigli and got a great deal through Venere.com. I think we're going to be very happy being in the middle of Oia and Fira for the same reasons as ephillips described...a little quieter with lots of options close by.

Thanks for sharing!

I am looking at going to greece next year - PLEASE report back on your hotels and your trip in general!

Thanks!

Actually, it says 1.5 km from Fira on the site, so that's just about a mile away, which is good.

If you're going in late August, perhaps Oia won't be as packed as you think, as the Europeans return home to get ready to back to work and school. Oia is a charming village--completely walkable, lovely restaurants and shops. A number of years ago I stayed at a memorable hotel, PERIVOLAS, that was built into old wine cellars on the side of a cliff. Steps connect everything (there were only 14 rooms) and it had an exquisite infinity pool. Perivolas had been on the cover of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. It was divine!

Note: I was completely put off by the Greek beach scene--hundreds of plastic chaises lined up to be rented out to warm bodies. You couldn't just put a towel down and have your own space in the sand. Be forewarned.

Dear Summer,
I stayed at the Hotel de Grands Hommes in Paris a few years ago--and I have a cautionary note: the hotel looks out on a large boulevard/plaza in front of the Pantheon--and local motorcyclists and drivers race around this at top speed and very loud noise levels at all hours of the night. I couldn't sleep in my room on the street (even with ear plugs)--and they couldn't move me to a courtyard room for another day.

The rooms are slathered in toile--very pretty decor--but unless you could sleep through the Grand Prix, you may want to insist on a courtyard room. Enjoy the view--from outside the hotel. Also, it was several blocks to get to the Metro or RER--not as convenient as other hotels in Paris.

Sorry, above post was for a different question--and I can't delete it!