Anassa Deluxe Suites

The hotel feels like a well-designed home, which is part of its perennial appeal for visitors since opening in 2008. Its facade and decor feature soothing beiges and light greens that are different from the usual whites and blues found throughout Santorini -- a fact that may please or disappoint guests, depending on what they are expecting. The lobby has a small sitting area with orange couches and glass-topped coffee tables, as well as a small bar. There’s also an outdoor bar area filled with woven grey chairs surrounding small wooden tables and a breakfast room that spills out onto a landscaped patio. The pool area has a relaxing vibe, with soft music often playing. The property attracts couples and families alike, but has a low-key vibe that keeps the party scene away.

On Santorini’s east coast, in the middle of bustling Kamari, there's plenty to see and do in the immediate area. Bars and restaurants are within a one- to two-minute walk in any direction, and the hotel sits right next to a mini-golf course. It’s a two-minute walk to the pebbly, black-sand Kamari Beach, where lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. The bus to Fira stops near the hotel and the trip there will take about 20 minutes on the bus or a 15-minute drive -- from there, stunning views of the island's caldera are available. The Akrotiri archeological site is a 25-minute drive away. It's a 20-minute drive to the ferry terminal at Athinios, and the Santorini Airport is a 10-minute drive. 

The 17 rooms include Studios, larger Deluxe Rooms, Suites with separate sitting areas, plus a two-level Maisonette (which has a second lofted bedroom) and a Master Suite with two full bedrooms on two levels. Despite the differences in layout -- and subtle changes in the color schemes -- all have a homey, cottage-inspired look. Expect to see lots of sand tones, mint greens, and sea blues along with wrought-iron bed frames, quilt-like bedspreads on beds, and a mix of wood- and linoleum-veneer furniture with simple lines. Generic abstract art hangs on the wall, giving no clue as to the Greek-Isles location, which may please some guests and disappoint others. The rooms are clean and spacious and all have private balconies and kitchenettes with mini-fridges, small electric ranges, kettles, plates, and crockery. Rooms also include small flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are spacious, with modern vessels sinks and jetted shower/tub combos.

Despite its small stature and humble three-pearl rating, this hotel offers several nice features, many of which are well-liked by guests. The buffet breakfast is a hit, and is served in a sunny, modern breakfast room with an outdoor patio. There's a diverse selection of items, including Greek yogurt, eggs, breads, and cheeses. There's also a bar that serves drinks and snacks. The hotel has a compact pool surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs and a separate shallow area that's attached to the main pool for children. A small, clean gym has several modern cardio machines plus a few weight machines as well as free weights and exercise balls -- it's a nice, quality addition for a hotel in this category. There's also a small sauna. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and most guests park on the streets in front of the hotel without a problem.