Laokasti Villas

Full of traditional Greek charm, Laokasti Villas are all whitewashed walls, turquoise blue woodwork, and palm and olive trees. Steps off the main road lead through a courtyard with shaded seating areas for the restaurant, into the traditional lobby, with an exposed-beam ceiling and hand-carved wood furniture. The restaurant has a cozy taverna feel, with dark wood furniture, plus plenty of seating outside in the front courtyard and on the rooftop terrace (with great views out to sea). A paved path weaves between the charming blue-shuttered villas down to the tranquil pool area with a shaded poolside bar and views out to the ocean. The hotel attracts couples traveling through the region, most of whom are looking to spend less than at hotels with caldera views. Families also pass through as some rooms have extra lofted sleeping areas. 

Laokasti Villas are located on the edge of Oia, Santorini's second largest town, which is famous for its spectacular caldera views over the Aegean Sea. Unfortunately, while some part of the hotel have sea views, they are to the east, and not of the caldera. There's a good selection of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants along the path into town. It's a 10-minute walk into central Oia, and a 15-minute walk to the historic Byzantine Castle Ruins. The island's capital, Fira, is a 20-minute journey away by car. A popular hiking trail winds along a coastal mountain path between Fira and Oia, taking about three hours at a gentle pace. Baxedes Beach is a 10-minute drive, or it's about 40-minutes to the south coast resorts. Follow the 200-steps down the cliff to Ammoudi, where travelers swim in the deep water off the wharf. The bus station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel and there are buses to Baxedes and Fira, where you can pick up buses connecting to the rest of the main villages -- and to Athinios port which links Athens on the mainland. Santorini Airport is a 30-minute drive from the villas. 

The spacious rooms at Laokasti Villas have a simple charm typical of the Mediterranean region, decorated in traditional white with sea-blue shuttered windows and dark wood furniture. Local artwork is hung on the walls, and Grecian patterns on the bedspreads, giving it all a pieced-together, homey look. All rooms have air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe Suites have a separate living area, which can also be set-up as two bedrooms and the larger maisonettes have a mezzanine bedroom in the loft. Rooms all feature small kitchenettes with stovetops, fridges, kettles and coffeemakers plus tableware. Each also includes a terrace or balcony, and while sea views are advertised, keep in mind these aren't of the caldera and many are only partial. The small bathrooms have a rustic look. Some are done in white, others with a natural red clay, and all include stall showers, modern fixtures, and a basic selection of toiletries.

Perhaps Loakasti Villas' best feature is its quiet pool area, which has lovely views out to sea and a shaded poolside bar with seating. Loungers and parasols are arranged around the pool and there's a hot tub, sauna, and shower. The hotel's humble restaurant serves an excellent Greek menu full of fresh ingredients, plus a wine list from local wineries and a buffet breakfast with hot and cold options. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, including a rooftop terrace. There's a PC and printer in the lobby, and other services include in-room massage treatments on request, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. One of the more unusual (and welcome) extras is the on-site parking.