Hotel 28

Hotel 28 is extremely well-rated by guests for the friendly, intimate atmosphere created by staff. As an adult-only boutique, the hotel attracts couples looking for a peaceful getaway, and most guests feel that it delivers with simple but lovely surroundings and outstanding service. Inside and out, many structures are made of concrete -- from patios and walkways to the front desk, pool bar, and bench seating throughout. Even in guest rooms, the nightstands and platform under the mattress are concrete. Wood furniture lightens this dense feature, as does whimsical, elegant artwork such as clusters of metallic butterflies, a school of fish seemingly swimming across a lobby wall, and a series of wooden crates functioning as floating bookshelves. In the breakfast room, a mosaic of concentric circles adds an interesting touch. All around the grounds, trees and beautiful flowers soften the design and create a peaceful feel. 

Hotel 28 is in Kamari, a beach town on the eastern coast of Santorini. The hotel is a six-minute walk from the beach, and a 10-minute walk from the popular beachfront promenade where there are many restaurants and shops. From the hotel, it is an eight-minute walk to an open-air theater where guests can catch a movie in a pleasant atmosphere. A public bus stop is a two-minute walk away, and there is free private parking at the hotel for those with a car. It is a 13-minute drive to parking for Ancient Thera, an archaeological site in the mountains above Kamari with incredible views, if the mountainous walk isn’t a deterrent. The capital city of Fira is a 13-minute drive away, and worth a trip for the views of the caldera. Santorini Airport is an eight-minute drive from the hotel, and the port is 20 minutes away.

Neutral-tone rooms are clean and simple, though the minimalist design of other areas leans toward spartan here. Two twin beds are pushed together for a double with a concrete headboard that cutely houses white pebbles. The concrete desk holds a small flat-screen TV, while a wooden wardrobe provides hanging space. The only decorations are butterflies floating on the wall above the bed, as found in other areas around the hotel. Furnished balconies and terraces face either the mountains or pool. All rooms have a minibar, iPod docking station, and a hairdryer. Bathrooms are tiny with a glass shower stall and toilet; many are so small that sinks are moved to the bedrooms. Due to the construction of the hotel, noise travels easily, and some guests find their nights disturbed when others are loud. 

The free breakfast is well-reviewed for its variety and quality. It is served buffet-style in a simple room, or outside on a terrace with a view of a tree-filled courtyard and the pool. The pool area is appealing, with a whirlpool built into one end and floating beanbags pillows rather than the typical plastic floats. It is surrounded by cushioned daybeds for two, set on concrete or wooden palettes. Some are under a trellis for shade, while others are in the full sun. A pool bar offers drinks and tasty light meals during the day. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Additional services are available from a sister hotel, which is a 15-minute walk away. On their section of beach, free sunbeds with meal service are available to Hotel 28 guests. Their spa and fitness areas are also accessible.