Chez Sophie Rooms & Suites

Chez Sophie has a design slightly reminiscent of the area’s traditional architecture, and upon arrival, guests are greeted with a red and charcoal stoned wall surrounding the hotel. The building’s exterior is painted a warm-toned taupe with outlines of white. Marble stairs lead to a tiled veranda and a built-in archway is adorned with an anchor, the first hint of a slightly nautical theme throughout the property. The sand and stone scheme is complemented by accents of natural wood and occasional pops of green from garden plants. Inside, the reception is marked by a white-washed brick desk, and the lobby has marble tile floors and leather furniture, with a few tables and chairs comprising the breakfast room and bar. It all feels a bit cramped, especially during the overlap of breakfast and checkout hours, but it mostly works.

Chez Sophie is located on the edge of Kamari Village, away from the main buzz of town, but within minutes by foot from the village’s black sand beaches. Nestled off the street behind a stone wall and simple sign, some people have had trouble finding the hotel -- including us! Since typical island attractions are anywhere from 20-50 minutes away by car, the hotel’s not ideal for anyone aiming to do a lot of sightseeing, but it does have a prime location for a quiet Santorini beach holiday.

The rooms at Chez Sophie’s are basic and dated, with motel-style bedding, tube TVs, and simple wood furniture. The decor doesn’t affect room comfort, but seems out of place when compared to the rest of the hotel. It should also be noted that some beds are paired singles and not doubles. All rooms come with satellite TV, AC, mini-fridges, semi-private verandas with either mountain or sea views, and contemporary, spotless bathrooms.

Chez Sophie’s main feature is its proximity to the beach and the noted exemplary hospitality of its owners. An immaculately clean, bean-shaped pool occupies the back of the property, but there are otherwise minimal places to lounge. While there’s no on-site restaurant, outside eateries are nearby. The hotel also offers a deluxe continental breakfast (for a fee) that can be eaten on the semi-private verandas. The lobby bar is small and is best used as a base for taking cocktails outside and admiring the view. Free Wi-Fi is available and free public parking is just down the road.