Imerovigli 84 700 Greece, Imerovigli, Greece | (888) 399-9863
Cliff-top hotel with stunning Aegean Sea and caldera views
Peaceful setting, in the quiet village of Imerovigli -- central and easy to access
Upscale, cave-style suites with terraces, minibars, and air-conditioning
Some rooms include in-room hot tubs and/or private plunge pools
Outdoor pool and snack bar
Free continental breakfast served on private terrace
Free welcome bottle of wine
Free Wi-Fi available throughout
Parking available near the hotel -- very rare in Santorini
Wedding services available
Some rooms have limited privacy
Free breakfast is simple and there's a charge for additional items
No spa or fitness center
Patchy Wi-Fi in areas
Iliovasilema Suites is an upscale hotel set on the highest point of the caldera cliff face in the quiet Santorini village of Imerovigli. The hotel's whitewashed exterior and cobblestone pathway blend in perfectly with the Cycladic architecture of the island. The 19 rooms and suites are designed to resemble caves built into the cliff face. They feature modern decor and luxury touches -- some have private hot tubs and plunge pools, and all provide exceptional sea views. The snack bar, outdoor pool, sun terrace, welcome bottle of wine, and simple breakfasts delivered to private terraces all contribute to the upscale atmosphere. Travelers might want to compare rates with the nearby Andromeda Villas, which has a larger pool and full restaurant.
Scene
Cycladic-style, cliff-top hotel with exceptional sea panoramas
Whitewashed facade on rounded, cave-style buildings cascading down the volcanic cliff fits in perfectly with the Cycladic-style architecture in Imerovigli. With its high location -- 350-meters above sea level -- Iliovasilema Suites is easier to access than other hotels in the area (fewer stairs to navigate). The small touches of exceptional service: welcome bottle of wine, breakfast delivered to each room's private terrace, private hot tubs and plunge pools, and elegant decor throughout add to the overall upscale atmosphere of the hotel. Throw in numerous sun terraces with the most spectacular views of the caldera, rocks, and the sea (not to mention the breathtaking sunsets), and it's no surprise that this hotel is particularly popular for romantic getaways and honeymoons -- with the occasional wedding on the property.
Location
Peaceful setting in Imerovigli village -- high-up, easy to access location
Imerovigli is a slightly quieter Santorini village when compared to Fira and Oia -- though neither are too far way to experience the busier Santorini villages. The Fira village is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while the Oia village is a 20-minute drive. The hotel is situated on the highest point of the cliff-face, making it is easy to find and much easier to access than other hotels in Imerovigli -- fewer steep stairs to navigate. This location also comes with the added bonus of nearby parking, as well as a few restaurants within a short walking distance. It's about a 20-minute drive to Santorini Airport and a 30-minute drive to the island's main port.
Rooms
Cave-style rooms and suites include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars; some rooms feature hot tubs and private plunge pools
The hotel's 19 air-conditioned rooms and suites have a pleasant, upscale vibe, with Cycladic decor of white walls, pastel colors and simple, classy furnishings. A free welcome bottle of wine is a nice perk. All rooms come with safes, flat-screen TVs, minibars, bathrobes, tea/coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms all have open layouts. Separate sleeping and living areas feature a small coffee table and sofa, as well as private or semi-private terraces with stunning sea views. The more luxurious suites include hot tubs and/or private plunge pools. The considerably sized bathrooms feature large stall showers, hairdryers, and free toiletries. It's important to note that some rooms have less privacy than others -- some include only a semi-private terrace and others are located next to a foot path with passers-by further reducing privacy.
Features
Outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, and a snack bar
While the features may seem limited for a four-pearl hotel, these are mostly normal by Santorini standards. The outdoor pool is adequately sized, and includes a few surrounding lounge chairs. The hotel offers a free continental breakfast -- served on each room's private terrace. However, the free spread is limited to a grilled sandwich, croissants, and Greek yogurt, and additional items incur a charge. There's a snack bar on the terrace, serving cocktails, drinks, and light dishes. Room service is also available. The lacking fitness center isn't too surprising for Santorini standards, however the lack of spa treatments is a noticeable shortfall. The hotel is available for travel agency services, including organization of car and bike rentals, tour bookings, cruises, and transfers. Weddings can be arranged here. A welcome treat is the nearby street parking, a rare occurrence in Santorini. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, but the signal can be patchy, especially in the rooms.