Andromeda Villas

Packed into a classically Cycladic package, the Andromeda Villas are a humble option with simple style for those who don't mind being a bit removed from the most lively parts of Santorini. The small reception area is light and bright, with two sitting areas, its striped cushions and pale blue walls giving it a pleasant coastal style. An exposed brick archway opens out onto the pretty pool deck with superb views of the Aegean Sea beyond. The place is well-maintained and shared areas have a classic style, with paved paths winding between gleaming white walls and blue painted woodwork. The many framed cabana beds and wood pergolas add a dash of elegance, but this certainly isn't a luxury retreat (even if those caldera views may make you think otherwise). The hotel's lift makes it more accessible than many on Santorini's west coast, though it's worth noting there are still steps within the grounds. Guests tend to be couples of all ages and a few families. While this is a pleasant mid-range choice, keep in mind that overbookings and other front-desk concerns have been issues here. 

Andromeda Villas are located on the northern edge of the small village of Imerovigli, which has the benefit of terrific caldera views without the bustle of Oia or Fira. There are a handful of local restaurants within a five-minute walk and it's a 15-minute walk across to Skaros Rock -- one of the best scenic viewpoints on the island. Expect a 30-minute hike along the coastal trail to Fira, though the drive will only take about 10 minutes. The village also has a bus stop that's a five-minute walk away from the hotel, which links easily north to Oia and to Baxedes Beach, and south to Fira, where you can pick up connections to the south-coast beaches and to the airport and to the ferry. Most, if not all, of these journeys will take around 30 minutes by bus. However, it's only 15 minutes by car to the airport, though it can take up to 45 minutes to reach the ferry port by road. 

The Andromeda's 48 rooms have a traditional Cycladic style, with arched ceilings, tiled floors, and whitewashed walls, though the look is simple and homey. Expect to see flat-box furniture next to bright, generic prints on the walls, and a variety of striped and plaid fabrics everywhere, from the beds to the curtains. A variety of configurations include Classic Rooms, Suites, and Two-Bedroom Apartments. All have terraces with excellent views out over the caldera, and the spacious VIP Suites add outdoor hot tubs. Amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi come standard, and there are mini-fridges and kettles in all rooms. Some add wet bars, but no microwaves or stovetops. Most bathrooms have showers only, although some Junior Suites feature a large corner bathtub instead. They can look a little tired, though -- the bathrooms in the VIP Suites, in particular, don't really reflect their name tag. VIP Suites do add bathrobes and slippers. Hairdryers and toiletries come with all bathrooms.  

The deceptively large Andromeda Villas has added a spa to its features for 2017, offering a range of treatments, and it has a good size swimming pool for the area. The main pool deck has several wood-framed cabana beds and a shaded poolside bar/cafe which serves food throughout the day. Two small splash pools with more cabana beds are on a higher level in the hotel. There's a sunny breakfast room and a cozy restaurant hollowed into the mountainside, though the furniture is looking tired. The Mediterranean menu is created with fresh, local produce -- food gets good, but not great, reviews from previous guests. Room service is also available and there's a weekly Greek wine-tasting event for all guests. Weddings can be catered and -- unusual for the location -- the hotel also has a conference hall. There's a laundry service, and the front desk is open around-the-clock. The resort also has free Wi-Fi. Parking in the area can be tough, so be prepared.