We (2 adults ) will be visiting Santorini in May 2016. Having trouble deciding on a place to stay in either Oia or Imerovigli - 4 nights. Definitely want a caldera view and would prefer a private terrace or balcony; restaurant on-site/nearby or kitchenette in room. Budget is <$200US/night.

Just overwhelmed at this point. So many state "sea view" - does that mean caldera view; whereas others specifically state "caldera view." I've tried so many different sites - TripAdvisor (which throws you to Booking.com); Fodors, Rick Steves, and I'm sure others, and am now confused.

I have "flagged" the following places and would like an opinion:

Spiliotica
Andromeda B&B
Azul
Tholos Resort
Remezzo - have sent an inquiry - probably too $$$ since prices aren't listed.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

If a hotel offers "sea view" it most likely isn't into the caldera. That's the magic word that they would never fail to exploit.

In Oia check Strogili Houses, Rimida Villas, Olympic Villas, Thea Studios, Golden Sunset Villas, Kima Villas, Old Oia Houses and Lucky Homes.

Remezzo villas in Imerovigli is listed in www.booking.com. http://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/remezzo.html The studios are around your budget. The site photos show only the tips from calderas and only from the pool side. If a room has a caldera view, the property would always want to highlight it. It is a selling point.

Imerovigli and Oia offer different view of the caldera. You can see it yourself by playing the the google street view. Imerovigli is more of a vacation village filled (only?) with rather modern accommodations. Oia feels more like an ancient village and comes with generally higher price tag. If you want to see those iconic blue domed mini churches you have seen in Greek Island promotion materials, you find them in Oia. The main part of Oia can get insanely crowded during the day when the cruise boats are in port, which is ... everyday.

Four days is a bit too long for Santorini. Take a day or two and add it elsewhere in Greece.

We stayed at Old Oia Houses and the apartment we had had a wonderful caldera view. I would recommend it. It is close to restaurants in fact the owner has one. If you ask for an apartment on the lower levels, you are away from the crowds.

We stayed at Old Oia Houses and the apartment we had had a wonderful caldera view. I would recommend it. It is close to restaurants in fact the owner has one. If you ask for an apartment on the lower levels, you are away from the crowds.

Thanks for the replies. Will check out the recommendations once the Christmas celebrations have abated.

Thank you for your input. I was able to book Old Oia Houses and am looking forward to our visit.