Hotel Golden Star

Hotel Golden Star consists of a two-story beige building accented with white shutters and surrounded by a short stone wall. A pair of white lion statues flank the short flight of steps that leads to an outdoor patio set with blue director's chairs around tables and umbrellas. Inside, the reception desk is part of the breakfast room: a dated looking area with tile floors and light blue sponge painted walls. A small flat-screen TV hangs on the wall and there's a bar counter, but no bar stools. Painted maps and Santorini murals add a bit of interest. Outdoor areas are much more pleasant and the majority of guests (if they spend any time at the hotel other than to sleep) can be found by the large pool. The pool deck features large urns, palm trees, and distant views of the Aegean Sea (though on the opposite of the caldera, so no cliffs). All sorts of budget travelers stay here, from families to tour groups to gap year students. Note that the hotel closes from Mid-April to Mid-October. 

The hotel has an excellent location for those who don't mind a bit of walking to reach Fira's famous caldera. Golden Star is built on a short street, just off the main traffic road that leads to the nearby bus stop and base of the hill that leads up to the caldera. The traffic street has several cheap restaurants and mini-marts, while upscale dining and shopping is plentiful up on the caldera. It would take about a 10-minute walk to reach Fira's sunset views from the hotel. A visit to Oia would take about a three-hour walk along the caldera (a popular activity, but be warned that some sections are steep and unpaved) or a 25-minute car or bus ride. Further south, Santo Winery is about a 20-minute drive and it's 30 minutes to Red Beach. Fira's ferry port is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel and Santorini Airport is a 15-minute drive. Airport transfers are available through the hotel for a fee. This is one of the few hotels in Fira with a large and free parking lot. 

Unfortunately, the rooms are not a highlight and most guests use them for little more than sleeping and showering. Each unit is spacious and the largest sleeps six people. Decor varies, but expect simple wood furniture, bright accent walls, cheap bedding, and tile floors. Curtains hanging above the beds and Santorini wall art add some visual interest. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, pool towels, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and an empty mini-fridge. All units feature a furnished balcony or direct pool access. Bathrooms are the most bleak part of the rooms. They come with tiny step-in showers covered with clingy fabric curtains, small sinks, and wall-mounted hairdryers. 

Features are limited at Golden Star. Guests can opt to pay for a simple breakfast buffet that included hardboiled eggs, cheeses, juice, and coffee -- but for the price, there are better options up the street at the bakery. Cold drinks and alcohol are for sale in the breakfast room, but there isn't a proper bar counter and the bar sees little use. The outdoor pool is one of the largest in the area, and the sun deck is surrounded by lots of sun loungers. Airport and ferry transfers are available for a fee. Free parking is available in a private outdoor lot. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.