My husband and I are trying to a plan a week in september in Santorini for my 50th birthday. We are trying to decide where to stay. Hotel vs Villa? and what part of the island? beaches..great view... food...entertainment...are our requirements...looking for some great suggestions...what will the weather be like after Sept 17th?

Do you want to stay on the beach (eastern side) or do you want to stay in a place with a caldera view (western side)?

Do you want easy access to restaurants and nightlife, or do you want peace and quiet? What is your budget?

We were there first week in October, 2005; had some wind but otherwise the weather was lovely with clear skies. We spent a week in Imerovigli, but I would stay in Oia if I was to return.

We would like to stay in a place with a caldera view...peace and quiet but not to far from the restarants and night life...we have not been away for awhile and would like to do it nice...how much should we expect to spend for realy nice place? We have decided to stay in Oia..

Hi

The weather in the second half of September is lovely - low to mid 20s. The big plus is that crowds have thinned. The beaches on Santorini are not as good as the other islands. I think choosing accommodation with caldera views is a wise choice. I stayed at Firostefani which was awesome but there is also rave reviews for Oia so if you state your budget (in euro) you will get heaps of assistance. I would do a search of this forum as there is much written on Oia accommodation choices. If still unsure I would do a seperate post for this specific question. Again you need to state your budget otherwise "how long is a piece of string?"

Our Budget-we are planning upto $800 a night? We definetly are beach people...so would a different location be a better choice?

Hi

Don't get me wrong, the beaches on Santorini are fine. Beautiful water and unusual and unique sand (black volcanic). I just preferred the ones on Mykonos and Paros. Santorini's big plus is the caldera views. I think you should still definitely stick to your plan to go to Santorini if you want the "complete package". In view of you budget I haven't stay there but you may want to stay at Volcano view Villas - http://www.volcanoviewvillas.com. They often get mentioned in this forum.

I check out the volcano villas and I would love to stay there but the price is 800 euro's so unfortunately I think we need to continue looking. Does anyone know if there is room to haggle the price down? Any other suggestion for hotel?

Try this link:
http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/santorin/home.htm.

There are many hotel postings that you can do comparisons.

Stayed at the Pegasus Suites in Imerovigli in mid Sept. 2006. Beautiful caldera view and excellent view of the volcano island. It is very quiet and peaceful, yet only 1 KM from Fira.
A couple of restaurants are right next to the Pegasus.