Afroessa Hotel

Renovated in 1998 on the foundation of an early 18th-century winery, Afroessa Hotel’s style sets it apart from most other properties in the Imerovigli area. Five levels flow down the hillside facing the Aegean Sea, giving visitors splendid views of the area’s caldera. This design makes the hotel feel very spacious, as guests have multiple levels to occupy and places to wander. While still representing traditional Cycladic architecture and its stark white facades, the Afroessa’s design incorporates more stone walls, walkways, and accents, and introduces a warmer color palette through muted peach exteriors, painted stairs, tiled floors, and natural wood furniture.

The hotel is beautifully crafted and decorated in the outdoor pool and bar areas, with both a traditional and contemporary feel. However, the lack of a restaurant, limited reception hours, and tiny, cluttered reception desk don’t seem to match up to the hotel’s outdoor style concepts or its four-star designation.

Off a pedestrian-only road, running down the hillside on the lower tip of the caldera’s crescent, Afroessa Hotel shares its rocky volcano views of the Aegean Sea with tons of neighboring hotels. (Some are so close you can watch guests swimming in other property pools.) Luckily, this doesn’t impact Afroessa’s quietness or spectacular sunset views. Farmland may be at the hotel's back, but rest assured that the bustling capital of Fira is only a bit more than a mile down the “old path.” In town, guests have a handful of topnotch restaurants to choose from and shops to browse. While most of the area’s attractions can be reached within 10-15 minutes by car, it’s a short walk to the steps leading to Skaros Rock and a scenic two-hour hike along the “old path” to Oia.

Careful to preserve some of its historic elements, many of the 10 studio-style suites feature exposed stone walls and alcoves used in the original site's wine production. Tiles cover the floors while walls reflect typical Cycladic architecture and include traditional-style beds and bedside tables built into the foundation. The decor varies from room to room, but guests can expect thoughtful artwork and curios on display. Most bathrooms have stone pebble walls but no shower curtains, and the tile grout in both the bathrooms and rooms has seen better days. Most rooms have stone balconies -- some much more spacious than others -- with at least a table and chairs and uninterrupted views of the caldera and sea. They're entirely private, however, as they front a public path. Spaces higher up have fewer stairs as the property is built down the hill. Those seeking more privacy should ask for a room away from the pool.

All rooms have kitchenettes with mini-fridges, kettles, sinks, microwaves, and tableware.

The hotel’s most notable features are its historical roots and the stunning views afforded by its location. Unfortunately, the outdoor pool is a bit small and doesn’t provide many shaded lounging areas, although there are several lounge chairs on hand for sunning. There are two bars on-site, one outdoor and one indoor/outdoor, and room and breakfast service are available despite the lack of a proper hotel restaurant. Also missing, in comparison to similar hotels in the area, is a free breakfast and 24-hour reception. Guests can book activities and excursions through the tours desk, send faxes, and rent cars or bikes on-site. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and pool towels are available as well.