Aspa Villas

A light-blue gate welcomes guests to this simple, traditional property, where the receptionist and owner are Santorini natives who immediately create a welcoming vibe noted by many guests. Guests are handed maps on arrival in the small reception area, housed in a grey stone building with traditional whitewashed walls. The light-blue railings and window shutters lend a cozy atmosphere to the property, which winds its way up above the vivid-blue sea. The main gathering space is a patio overlooking the caldera, with tables and lounge chairs, along with some bright orange cushions and light-blue and dark-wood furniture here and there. A small, rectangular pool is ringed by a narrow patio, and nearby is a small, round hot tub covered by a glass-roofed pergola. The hotel is accommodating to both couples and families, though some rooms are reserved for adults only. 

The hotel sits on the busy main street leading to central Oia, a bit removed from the area crowded by tour groups. It’s a five-minute walk to the eastern edge of the pedestrian walkway and about 20 minutes on foot to the west end of Oia. The hotel sits right in front of a bus stop, and the bus that runs throughout the island, including its main city, Fira. There’s also a car rental place across the street and a supermarket within walking distance. Attractions outside of Oia include the Sigalas Winery, which is a three-minute drive or 20-minute walk. It’s a 20-minute drive to Fira’s Old Port and a 30-minute drive to the Santorini Airport. Free parking is available within a short walk. 

The seven air-conditioned rooms are a mix of basic studios and traditional cave-style apartments that are separated from the main premises. Some rooms feel more modern, though decor overall is simple: white walls, tile floors, iron beds, plain or striped bedspreads, and simple wooden furniture. In some rooms, the beds are set against beautiful dark-stone accent walls. All units have kitchenettes with toasters, hot plates, coffee/tea makers, mini-fridges, dishes, cups, and flatware. Each kitchen comes stocked with a bottle of wine, bottled water, and some staples, including bread, coffee/tea, and juice. Bathroom style varies. Units like the First Standard Studio we visited are a bit dated, with tan tiling, small corner showers, and a bit of dirty grout.  However, the Traditional Exclusive room that we saw had a gray, urban-chic bathroom with a glazed concrete effect that's far more stylish. Note that guests have to switch on the hot water before showering. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, safes, and irons and ironing boards plus private furnished patios; some units face the east side of the village and some overlook the sea, while others have caldera views. Rooms along the main street level pick up some traffic noise, while rooms closer to the pedestrian path are quieter. Some rooms don't allow children. The Traditional Exclusive Cave Studio has an indoor hot tub. 

Aspa Villas doesn't provide a full breakfast, but mini-fridges in each room are filled with basic breakfast items, including bread, cake, and juice, plus coffee and tea. There is a small, rectangular outdoor pool as well as a hot tub with a few lounge chairs and umbrellas -- beach towels are available for free. A common terrace has more lounge chairs, as well as tables and umbrellas, and overlooks the caldera. The staff can provide input on local restaurants and excursions. Transportation upon arrival and departure can be arranged for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and there's also a small lending library. A PC computer is available in the lobby.