Firostefani 847 00 Greece, Firostefani, Greece | (888) 399-9863
Spectacular sea and caldera views from terraces and rooms
Quiet Firostefani location near restaurants, with Fira nearby
Bus stop outside runs to Fira and Oia
Lovely, spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, AC, and outdoor spaces
Apartments and Suites have seating areas and whirlpools
Caldera-facing outdoor pool with hot tub and loungers
Room-delivered breakfasts include omelets, fresh cakes, and juices
In-room massages, vehicle rentals, and excursions available (at a fee)
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Entry-level rooms share balconies and have limited views
Many steps throughout; not for the mobility-impaired
Kitchenettes not equipped for cooking (no stoves, ovens, or microwaves)
No bar, restaurant, or gym
Guests find the pool a bit cold
Wi-Fi is patchy in some rooms
The upper-middle-range Agnadema Apartments is a small, 10-room property perched atop Fira, in the small village of Firostefani, offering those famous sea views. Chic rooms have traditional Cycladic decor, modern comforts, and balconies, although entry-level ones are shared and have less-stellar vistas. Removed from crowds, the place is quiet, which is ideal for gazing at the humbling caldera from terraces around the outdoor pool. Limited features here don't include a bar or restaurant, however breakfasts are delivered to rooms, and Firostefani's offerings are a few minutes away on foot (via many steep steps). Views are less magical at The Splendour Resort, but a pool bar and restaurant give it more of a hotel feel.
Scene
Traditional, tranquil property with stunning caldera views
Santorini is famous for its cliff-pressed architecture and stunning caldera vistas, and views here don't disappoint. They're magnificent from terraces in many rooms, plus loungers around the (slightly chilly) outdoor pool afford panoramas. The only real obstacles here are the property's many steps and slopes, although this is common throughout Santorini. Stucco whites outside take on marbled aspects in the lobby's soft white tones, where sofas feel sparse and cuboid gray book holders add some character. Mostly traveling as couples or groups of friends, guests are here for the views, so limited common spaces aren't much of an issue, and nearby eateries compensate for the lack of a restaurant. Quality breakfasts are particularly appreciated, as are free candied fruits handed out at sunset, when caldera-gazing by the pool is popular. You'll see the odd family, but a romantic air here is best-suited to adults.
Location
Clifftop setting, with steps leading to Firostefani, and Fira nearby
Firostefani is a picturesque village above the busier town of Fira. While the hotel is central to Firostefani's small tavernas and bars, the hotel feels peacefully removed. That's likely due to the many steps separating it from the village, and while they add charm, they're not suitable for the mobility-impaired. A 13-minute walk away, lively Fira is packed with boutiques, restaurants, and museums, including the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. A handy bus stops outside the hotel and runs to Fira, as well as Oia (famous for its sunsets). Beaches are best reached from Fira's central bus station, although guests often hire quad bikes or cars. Santorini Airport is a 15-minute drive.
Rooms
Comfortable rooms with traditional decor and outdoor spaces
Bright rooms are outfitted in traditional Cycladic-white walls, furniture, and sheer drapes, with muted grays in bed runners and throw pillows. Some have grotto feels from arches and exposed stone, and others have charming wrought-iron canopied beds. Apartments and Suites -- some split-level -- have dining areas and kitchenettes, but they aren't suited to cooking, as they lack stoves, ovens, and microwaves. Standard amenities include phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, and kettles for tea- and coffee-making, plus mini-fridges, safes, and AC. Shared balconies in Budget Double Rooms turn private in other room categories. Terraces in split-level rooms open onto the pool, while Suites have private outdoor whirlpools. These have indoor counterparts in Suite bathrooms, with shower/tub combos in others. All have toiletries, slippers, and robes. Apartments sleep six thanks to pullout beds, and Two- bedroom Apartments can sleep eight and have a second bathroom. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. In-room Wi-Fi is free, but it can be weak.
Features
Room-delivered breakfasts, and outdoor pool and hot tub with sensational views
Limited features here center around the hotel's greatest asset, the view. At a fee and delivered to room balconies, breakfasts offer fresh eggs, continental breads and pastries, Greek cakes, yogurts, and fruit. Tea, coffee, and fresh-squeezed juices come standard. No other meals or drinks are offered, although free treats are served poolside at sunset. On the small side, but reasonable for Santorini, the outdoor pool is surrounded by a limited array of loungers, all facing the caldera. Pool temperatures can be chilly, and the hot tub's freestanding setup isn't the classiest, but guests are here for the majestic view. Staff can organize excursions, sailing trips, and vehicle rentals, plus the 24-hour front desk securely stores luggage after check-out. In-room massages are available for a fee. No on-site parking is offered, but a free parking lot is a four-minute walk. Wi-Fi is free throughout.