Nostos Apartments

The Nostos Apartments has a traditional Greek style -- the complex of white buildings is built into a cliffside and reached via multiple sets of stone stairs. A tiny, all-white reception area, where guests receive a free welcome drink, is decorated with a pair of plexiglass chairs and has a window that looks directly on the sea. As for interior common areas, there's just the breakfast restaurant, a charming space with lots of natural light and bright-red-cushioned chairs amidst otherwise white decor. The small, wood-trimmed pool has stunning views of the caldera and a small terrace is lined with olive green-cushioned lounge chairs surrounded by glass panels. The small patios in front of each apartment also invite lounging, and are stylishly furnished with white umbrellas, and wooden loungers and directors' chairs with white cushions. There’s a romantic vibe here that’s more low-key than the more expensive neighboring properties, and couples make up most of the clientele. 

The hotel sits among several other cliffside properties in Oia, on Santorini’s northern tip. Take note that the stone steps that lead to the property will not be easy to navigate for those with mobility issues. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the main pedestrian street in Oia, filled with restaurants, shops, and galleries, though the property remains somewhat secluded. There’s a small supermarket near the base of the steps that provide access the hotel. A bus that runs to Fira stops a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Attractions outside of Oia include the Sigalas Winery, which is a five-minute drive or 30-minute walk. It’s a 20-minute drive to Fira’s Old Port and a 30-minute drive to the Santorini Airport

The eight air-conditioned apartments, created from traditional buildings, include Studios, One-Bedroom Apartments, and Junior Suites with two separate bedrooms. All have caldera views from the rooms and patios, which feature cushioned lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas. The cave-style rooms have chic white-on-white decor and are more contemporary than many small hotels in Oia, and can include dusty-blue linens and throw pillows on the beds, modern white furniture and lucite chairs, and small white built-in sofa-beds with handsome navy piping. Bathrooms have wooden vanities with stylish flat sinks, narrow stall showers with glass shields, built-in hairdryers, and Korres bath products. All rooms have small kitchenettes with chic round sinks, mini-fridges, hot plates, coffeemakers, and kettles. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, and slippers. Lower rooms have more private patios, but require navigating more stairs to reach than higher-floor rooms.

The hotel serves a free buffet breakfast that includes eggs and cereals in a small room with views of the sea. Simple snacks, including sandwiches and salads, are available throughout the day. Staff is on hand to carry luggage up the many stairs upon arrival and departure. A wooden-edged pool is perched over the caldera, with cushioned lounge chairs lined up against a glass wall with sea views. There's bar service by the pool as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The staff can arrange for local boat tours.