Aegean View Hotel

Aegean View Hotel is a family-run boutique hotel set in the foothills of ancient Thira. The short (though steep) walk uphill to the hotel is worth the spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, which can be enjoyed from the guest rooms and outdoor common areas. Like most hotels on Santorini, the Aegean View has the typical picturesque white and blue facade. Inside however, dated furniture and decor aren't quite as appealing. The lobby is quaint with old-fashioned purple and beige sofas, large paintings of Santorini scenes, and tiled floors and reception desk. The outdoor spaces are the highlight here, including the verandas, balconies, swimming pool area, and outdoor pool bar/restaurant. Each features spots for guests to relax and take in the beautiful sea views. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Guests here are mostly leisure travelers, including a combination of couples, family-travelers, and group travelers.

Aegean View Hotel is situated on the foothills of ancient Thiraa, overlooking Kamari Beach and the Aegean Sea. Guests should be warned that it is a bit of steep walk to the hotel from the road, which may be an issue for some. While the road to the hotel is rather lonely, there are a handful of restaurants, shops, and cafes within a five-minute walk. It's also just a seven-minute walk (downhill) to the black-sand Kamari Beach, there are also more restaurants situated along the beachfront. The entrance and parking area of the town of ancient Thira is a 10-minute drive away. The center of Kamari is a 15-minute walk and the islands' capital, Fira, is 20 minutes by car. Expect a 40-minute drive to upscale Oia and its famous sunset Caldera views. There is a bus stop a five-minute walk from the hotel. The Athinios Port is a 20-minute drive and the Santorini International Airport is a 13-minute drive from the hotel.

The 24 studios and apartments at Aegean View Hotel are spacious and well-maintained. The decor is slightly outdated, though still acceptable. Expect tiled floors, lightly-painted walls, old-fashioned wooden furniture, and Greek-inspired painted artwork on the walls. The linens, curtains, and sofas look a bit fussy; particularly the frilly curtains over the beds. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi. Kitchenettes feature mini-fridges, burners, microwaves, sandwich-makers, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Some suites include a private outdoor hot tub, which overlooks the Aegean Sea. Bathrooms include either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with hairdryers and simple toiletries. Adjoining rooms are available for families and larger groups of travelers. Each room has a private furnished balcony and stunning sea views.

The highlight feature at Aegean View Hotel is by far the stunning views, though there are also a few other features that add to the popularity of this hotel. First, there's a free continental buffet breakfast with fresh vegetables and fruits, cheeses, breads, pastries, cereals, and yogurts (guests are also able to order special requests). Snacks, light meals, and various beverages are served at the pool bar/restaurant for lunch and dinner. There's an outdoor swimming pool with an adjacent shallow kids' pool, as well as a few surrounding sun loungers, deck chairs, and parasols. An outdoor shower and table tennis are also available. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are free. Additional features include an internet-connected computer, 24-hour reception, laundry (for a fee), motorbike/bicycle rental (for a fee), and babysitting services (for a fee).