My husband and I are taking our daughter (age 17) to Greece this June as a graduation gift. In searching 'moderate-priced' hotels/houses with caldera views in Oia (less than 200 Euros per night), I came across the 'Canaves Oia Hotel' (very expensive) and the 'Canaves Houses' (much more reasonably priced). Are they part of the same establishment? If so, what is the difference (in views, room quality, etc.) and why the large price difference? I'm also looking at the Strogili Houses. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I had a look at the website. Canaves Houses are part of the same company but don't have a caldera view. Judging by the photos on the Canaves Houses website those rooms are in a different location than Canaves Oia. They look out in the opposite direction towards some islands in the distance. This is still a lovely view but not the same one that you would get at Canaves Oia. Because of their location the rooms at Canaves Houses are not cave houses but are all built above ground. They've either built a new structure or have remodelled something that was there already. I'm sure the quality is excellent.

Strogili is practically right next door to Canaves Oia. Some others in the same general price range as Strogili include Rimida Villas, Filotera Villas, Nostos Apartments, Chelidonia Villas, Golden Sunset Villas and Marizan Villas.

We stayed at Delfini in June 2009 and loved it. We booked a regular room with a caldera view and we were upgraded to a studio apartment with a terrace and a caldera view!

The room was spacious, clean, conveniently located, nicely decorated and had a refrigerator.

We were extremely happy here.

Laurie

There is a list of Oia Hotels here http://www.santorini-hotels.info/san...els-in-Oia.asp with information on room facilities, location, access and ratings. You will also find some photos of the hotels.

Thanks all for the very helpful information! I suspected as much with regard to Canaves Oia vs. Canaves Houses. I must say that the websites and booking sites are a little confusing: TripAdvisor shows the luxury Canaves Oia Hotel but the booking link to hotels.com brought up Canaves Houses.

Luxury and caves will have to wait (looming college costs!). If the rooms/apt are clean and large enough to fit the 3 of us, we're OK with simple and spartan. However, we want the fantastic caldera view! Right now, I'm focusing on Delphini (thanks, Laurie!) and Strogili. A Greek friend of mine stayed at Strogili in September 09 and love it too.

At Strogili, does anyone know if it's worth the extra cost (around 40E/n) to book the Traditional Apartments (3 Pax) vs. the Triple Studio? Thanks again!

Oh, by the way, when researching hotels in Athens, I discovered that the Athens Hilton is having a January sale (ends 31 Jan). You can book a room there through 2010 at half cost (148 Euros per night including taxes/fees AND breakfast). Their promo states that it's a weekend sale, but I was able to book for 23-24 June (a Wednesday and Thursday).

I'm new to this forum. Are you allowed to post FYI stuff or only questions? Everyone has been so helpful, I'd like to return the 'favor.'

Absolutely you are encouraged to post FYI stuff helpful to other travelers ... but people who are interested in Athens only, may not find your tip at the bottom of a thread about Santorini.
You might just post it again with a heading like "I found a June Bargain in Athens!" THAT will catch their eyes! Go right ahead, and thanks.

Moonlion-

The obvious difference is indoor space. 3 people in a standard studio might feel a little cramped.

Other affordable options I didn't mention before are Old Oia Houses, Villa Kallisti, Casa Sofia, Lauda Hotel and Fotinos Houses, all with a great view. There is a public access pool in Oia now, the Lioyerma Cafe/Pool in case you pick accomodations that don't have one.

http://www.lioyerma.gr

Thanks again, brotherleelove, I will check out these other hotels. Is there any one that stands out when compared to Strogili?

Sorry, it's difficult to make comparisons. In some ways they're all similar. They all have something to offer. I like Villa Kallisti for the price and because it's a traditional cavehouse. It's also in a quieter section of the village and you wouldn't have to contend with auto traffic like you will if you stay at Strogili.

Thanks, your suggestions are so helpful. Checked out Villa Kallisti and the cave villas don't have A/C. Do they stay fairly cool in summer?

In June, yes. Later on, not as much. They can get a bit humid inside as well, so that's something else to consider. It never really bothered me and I've spent two whole summers in cavehouses there.

I stayed at the Canaves in June, I booked it through hotelscombined.com and paid 146 usd a night, no breakfast. We were in a large cave house with 2 bathrooms, 1 bedroom, kitchen and living area and pvt terrace.

Thanks, Trish. Did your apt/terrace have a caldera (volcano)view?

We stayed at the Defini for 75 Euro per night in June 2009 and had a terrace with a caldera view and access to a private pool about a block away.

(We were upgraded from a standard room with a caldera view to a studio with a terrace with a caldera view)

The pool area also had gorgeous views of the caldera.

I know, it is so hard to choose a place to stay...

Laurie

I stayed in a 1-bdrm apartment (aka cave house) at Strogili in May of 2008 and it was very roomy and very nice. The terrace was quite large, with a fabulous view, and offered more privacy than the studios because it was on the bottom level - you have to walk down the stairs past the people in the studios to get to the apt at the bottom. (There are 2 apts on the lowest level, but I'm not sure if there are apts on other levels too.)

I think, given that you are traveling with your daughter, you might enjoy having more privacy with the separate bedroom than you would in a cramped studio, but only you can decide if the extra expense is "worth it." The Strogili pool area is also quite nice with a great caldera view too. I also enjoyed having breakfast brought to us on our terrace every morning at whatever time we wanted, which is included.

Thank you, Cheryllj - this is very helpful. I have submitted requests to both Strogili and Delphini based on the positive reviews from this forum. I agree that a 1-BR will be more comfortable than a studio for the 3 of us.

Sorry, I didn't get back sooner I have new baby who keeps me off the computer but yes we has a caldera view if you'd like I can email you pics of the room and view. Also parking was included and is located across the street. At that end of Oia you don't get the full sunset views you have to be down towards Esperas to get that. I'll probably be back in Oia this summer and who stay at Canaves again (if I could get that price) but they won't let the baby stay.
T

Thanks, Trish. I'd love to see the pics! Both Strogili and Delphini sound lovely and at reasonable prices.