Panorama Boutique Hotel

Not to be confused with the sister Panorama Studios farther down the cliff, the entrance to the Panorama Boutique Hotel is through a pastel pink facade that leads to a simple, modern reception area. The hotel's 15 rooms are spread over four floors that cascade down the side of the cliff face into which the property is embedded. All levels are reachable by a single elevator or a series of steep staircases that pass through stunning sea-view terraces and small courtyards. While the structure of the building means there's little in the way of common space, the superb cocktail lounge bar and pool area -- which is shared with its sister property -- provides a great place to unwind and soak up the stunning Santorini caldera. 

The hotel is located on a pebbled pedestrian street in the center of Fira -- Santorini's capital and bustling tourist hub. It's position not only means easy walking distance to the wealth of the town's restaurants, boutiques, and galleries but also panoramic vistas of the iconic caldera from almost every terrace. While guests can't drive up to the property, the nearest road with cars is a short stroll away and involves minimal stairs. From here Santorini Airport is about a 15-minute drive, while the main port is about 25 minutes away by car.

The hotel's 15 air-conditioned rooms are all fresh and bright, with simple contemporary styling and modern minimalist furnishings. All rooms open onto small furnished balconies and superb views over the Aegean sea and volcano. Amenities include tea- and coffee-making equipment, flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms tend to be on the small side, though they include designer toiletries and robes and slippers -- suites also have jetted tubs with room enough for two. 

The hotel's rooftop lounge serves a particularly good buffet breakfast consisting of Greek specialties and a range of cooked items -- all accompanied by stunning views (breakfast is included in the room rate). In the evening the space becomes a bar where guests can enjoy the superb sunsets over cocktails -- it's also open to non-guests. The pool is large for the area, though it's shared with Panorama Studios, and the small surrounding terrace can get cramped. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.