0.7 Miles from City Center, Oia 84702 Greece, Oia, Greece | 30 2286 071070
Picturesque Amoudi Bay views with steep stairs down to the water
Located in walking distance to Oia’s shops, restaurants, and castle
Cozy, intimate rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges; many have kitchenettes
Rooms open to balconies or terraces with stunning Aegean views
Small but stunning plunge pool overlooking the sea with lounge chairs
Free breakfast of Mediterranean fare served poolside
Airport transfers, boat trips, and rental car assistance
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Luggage storage available
Nearby public parking
Like most Santorini hotels, steep stairs are on the property
No full restaurant on-site for lunch or dinner
Breakfast doesn't wow guests
The 14-room Oia Mare Villas is an upscale hotel perched above the picturesque Amoudi Bay at the top of steep stairs that wind down to waterfront restaurants. A small plunge pool with a grotto feature is surrounded by lounge chairs facing panoramic sea views. Complimentary Mediterranean breakfast is served on a terrace also overlooking the Aegean. Cozy, mostly white rooms have charming cave-style designs, kitchenettes in many, and wooden double doors that open onto terraces or balconies with sea views. For couples, Honeymoon Suites offer hot tubs. Donkey rides are available uphill, but this location isn’t ideal for those with limited mobility who may prefer the Pezoules, located closer to the water.
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Scene
Whitewashed four-pearl hotel with stairs that lead to Amoudi Bay
Oia Mare Villas is the quintessential all-white Cycladic hotel with exposed stone accents on patios and a blue plunge pool that stands out from afar. Harbor boat traffic can be seen from tiered balconies and terraces on the property. Intrepid tourists walk down to the water via a long series of (sometimes uneven) stairs with donkeys carrying returning travelers uphill. The hotel’s interior furnishings are simple and up-to-date, having been renovated in 2014. Despite the crowds of tourists, the property is peaceful and delivers gorgeous sunset vistas, living up to Oia’s reputation. Mostly couples seeking a quiet romantic retreat stay here, but rooms that suit solo guests are also available. This property isn't the best fit for families as the plunge pool is on the small side and the extensive stone stairs aren't suited to children playing.
Location
Located high on the caldera rim, overlooking Amoudi Bay
Perched high above Amoudi Bay, this hotel enjoys a quiet setting with uninterrupted sunset views of the Aegean, the caldera, and Thirasia. The downside of this elevated location means that it’s a steep walk to the waterfront seafood restaurants and harbor with chartered boat trips. To get to the water travelers must navigate a long, winding staircase -- that's uneven in several places -- and may pose a challenge for those with limited mobility. The trip takes approximately 10-minutes, depending on speed and agility. However, donkey rides are available for the trip back up the cliff. (They cost around five Euros and cut the walking time in half.) The Byzantine Castle Ruins are a short two-minute walk from the hotel, and a few souvenir shops are on the cliff. Katharos Beach is a lengthy 23-minute walk or three-minute drive away. Driving to the Sigalas Winery takes 10 minutes. Transfers to the Santorini Airport, which is 30 minutes away, can be arranged through the front desk.
Rooms
Cozy, cave-style rooms with whitewashed furniture and balconies or terraces with sea views
The hotel offers 14 comfortably furnished rooms with arched Cycladic designs, whitewashed furniture, and wooden double doors that open onto terraces or balconies, facing the Aegean. Small Single Cave Rooms and Cave Standard Studios -- with mini-fridges and electric kettles -- are suitable for solo travelers (space is limited). One- and two-bedroom suites and studios have living rooms and kitchenettes that offer wet bars and two-burner stovetops. Two-bedrooms also have two bathrooms. Free fruit and wine are offered in the ultra romantic Honeymoon Cave Suites with hot tubs on terraces and private entrances. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free bottled water, pool towels, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, daily housekeeping, slippers, and safes. Bathrooms have cave-like showers, modern vessel sinks, and hairdryers.
Features
Plunge pool and sundecks with sea views, free breakfast buffet, guest services, and free parking
In comparison to other Santorini hotels, the Oia Mare Villas’ pool isn’t large, but its turquoise color nonetheless stands outs against the monotone cliffside landscape. Lounge chairs sit facing the sea on the deck of the pool, which has a grotto feature and a snack bar that serves a free Mediterranean buffet breakfast. Wooden folding chairs and tables both in the shade and on the sunny terrace provide a dining spot, and takeaway breakfast can be packed for guests who check out early. A lower sundeck offers more cushioned lounge chairs and gorgeous sunset views. The front desk can arrange boat tours or car rentals on request. Public parking is available near the hotel at no additional cost. And Wi-Fi is free throughout.
