Residence Suites

Like most hotels in Santorini, there are many narrow and winding stairs that lead to Residence Suites. This mid-range hotel features a gleaming whitewashed facade, fitting in perfectly at the top of the cliff face of Oia village. Decor includes mostly white and neutral colors throughout, with simple and modern furnishings -- though some rooms are a bit worn and dated. The 19 guest rooms are spread across various levels of the property, with more steep and sometimes slippery stairs leading to the lower rooms. Porters are available to assist with carrying luggage. The small swimming pool and hot tub are located on the sun terrace near the top of the property with beautiful caldera views -- and it's the best place to access the Wi-Fi. Most of the guests here are couples, though some of the larger suites and kitchenettes do appeal to families. 

The hotel is located on the top of a cliff face in the center of Oia: the picturesque Santorini village dotted with blue domed churches. Situated in a residential area just off the main tourist stretch, Residence Suites has a slightly quieter location compared to some of the other hotels in the village, and with views that are just as good. While the sunset can't be viewed from the hotel, it's just a two-minute walk to the famous Oia sunset spot. It's then about a five-minute walk to Oia village proper which includes the bus stop, as well as many shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. The beach is a 10-minute walk away. It's a 12-minute walk to the Santorini Yachting Club. The Santorini Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. 

The 19 suites feature Cycladic cave-style architecture and though most have stylish and modern furniture, others are slightly dated and in need of an upgrade. Decor is traditional with white walls, low vaulted ceilings, neutral colors, and simple, modern artwork. All rooms are equipped with kitchenettes with mini-fridges and sinks. TVs (not all flat-screen), air-conditioning, safes, tea/coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi (though the signal's not great in the rooms) are also standard. Depending on the room layout, there are separate sleeping and living room areas; some feature a private hot tub on the terrace. The bathrooms are basic and adequately sized with a stall shower covered by a shower curtain. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Each room has a furnished terrace (either private or shared) with breathtaking sea views. Suites are spread across various levels, with some requiring treks up and down more steps than others. Some suites have beautiful sunrise views for early risers. 

The free buffet breakfast -- served every morning on the sun terrace overlooking the sea -- includes a basic spread of cereal, ham, eggs, jam, orange juice, and fruit. There is no on-site bar or restaurant available -- though the fully equipped kitchenettes with mini-fridges and sinks in each room means guests can self-cater to some extent. While small, the swimming pool gets the job done given the number of rooms in the hotel. There isn't a lot of room for many sun loungers. The hot tub is quite small, and there's no surrounding seating available. There is a full travel agency on-site, and agents assist with booking car and bike rentals, airport transfers, scuba diving, sea kayaking, restaurant and shopping recommendations, and in-room massages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but the signal isn't great in the rooms.