Perissa 84703 Greece, Perissa, Greece | (888) 399-9863
Across the pedestrian boardwalk from Perissa Beach
Surrounded by restaurants, souvenir shops, and small markets
Two outdoor swimming pools with whirlpools and sun decks; one pool is for adults
Free hot-and-cold breakfast buffet with Greek items
Pergola Restaurant serves seafood and Greek fare; half-board rates available
Variety of room types; some with lofts and ocean views
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free beach chairs in low season
Slightly dated overall aesthetic
Charge for beach chairs in high season; daily fees for towels
No private parking
Some rooms face public parking lots or are below ground
Some complaints about the breakfast quality
40-minute drive to Oia (pro for some)
Veggera Hotel is one of the few truly family-friendly hotels in Santorini. The mid-range hotel is located directly across a pedestrian street from the black pebbles of Perissa Beach and the hotel itself has few steps with which to contend. There are two large outdoor pools; one is just for adults. Pergola Restaurant and a mini-market are both owned by the hotel for easy access to food options. Seventy two guest rooms range from super simple and partially underground to lofted units with ocean-facing balconies. There are some notable downsides here. Beach chairs and pool towels cost extra, and the hotel's overall aesthetic is dated. Past guests have complained about the lackluster free breakfast. For something a little nicer and just as family-friendly, the Kamari Beach Hotel is an excellent beachfront choice and closer to the airport and Oia.
Scene
Peach Greek Revival lobby with ocean views
Veggera Hotel consists of several buildings clustered together on one property directly across the street from Perissa Beach. The lobby is housed in a peach Greek Revival building with white pillars flanking the entrance. Inside, there's an elegant, but dated lounge area set with mismatched settees and a hutch that displays a china collection. A small chandelier hangs from the ceiling and gauzy white curtains partially cover the windows. The family pool is just outside the lobby, and there are blocks of guest rooms tightly placed together in the back of the property, along with a second adult-only pool and whirlpool. Pergola Restaurant is beach-front and has a lovely outdoor seating area, but it's not entirely easy to see the water from the dining room, which is also on the old-fashioned side of decor scheme. Guests here are a mix of international families and couples looking for beach proximity.
Like many beach hotels in Santorini, Veggera Hotel closes from mid-November to around April.
Location
In Perissa, across the street from Perissa Beach
The beachfront road in front of Veggera Hotel is usually closed to traffic, which makes it excellent for strolling but slightly annoying for arrival by car (especially if you have lots of suitcases or beach gear). There is free public parking behind the hotel. Perissa Beach is a popular seaside village and lined with lower-end restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops, and mini-markets that sell beach gear and beer. It's safe and clean, but not as upscale as nearby Kamari, which is just a mile or so up the coast, but a 25-minute drive (thanks to Santorini's winding roads). Farther afield, it's about a 20-minute drive to Fira and 45 minutes to Oia.
Rooms
Mix of room types and styles, all slightly dated
Rooms really do vary at Veggera Hotel. The most affordable units are located just behind the family pool, and are partially underground, which means lack of views and light -- though there are furnished outdoor areas. The Family Rooms are more spacious and add a kitchen, plus a spacious furnished balcony with views of the ocean across the street. Maisonettes are lofted for additional privacy. All units include a small flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Decor varies slightly, but most rooms have a dated and simple look. Bold accent walls and throw cushions add a bit of color to the otherwise neutral decor scheme. Large bathrooms feature huge walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and hand-held shower wands. Wall-mounted hairdryers and a single bottle of liquid soap are provided. Views range from a public parking lot to the ocean across the street to the swimming pools.
Features
Beach access, two outdoor swimming pools, free breakfast, and Pergola Restaurant
Features and beach location are the two main reasons guests choose the Veggera Hotel. It's located right across the street from a beautiful and swimmable stretch of Perissa Beach. However, beach chairs cost extra per-person, per-day in high season (extra annoying when neighboring restaurants offer chairs for free to visitors who buy food). There are two outdoor swimming pools. The family pool is in front of the property and has a small island with an olive tree in the center. The adult-only pool is at the back of the hotel and is slightly quieter. Both pools are surrounded by sun loungers and have a whirlpool. Pool and beach towels cost extra daily.
Beach chairs are free in the low season. A breakfast buffet of hot and cold items is included in room rates, but some have complained that it's low quality food. The Greek lunch and dinner menus fare better at Pergola Restaurant, which offers an indoor dining room and a covered outdoor terrace with ocean views. Half-board rates are available. The hotel owns a neighboring mini-mart that sells pool toys, snacks, and cold drinks. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking isn't available, though there is a free public lot behind the hotel.