Best Value Hotels in Santorini

The Majestic Hotel is a bit of an anomaly among the numerous, cozy boutiques so abundant in Santorini. It's big, modern, and lacking a certain charm, but does provide a seriously extensive list of facilities -- three pools, two restaurants, and a spa. It's definitely more family-friendly than most too, and rooms are luxurious with impressive amenities.

Lilium Villas Santorini is a medium-sized luxury boutique property facing the caldera side of the Aegean Sea on the island of Santorini. Prices can be high but breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and a shuttle service to the town of Fira are included. There's a gorgeous swimming pool with a nearby kid's pool that doesn't get much use and an on-site spa, but no fitness center. The rooms are spacious and airy but not as stunning as the well-designed restaurant and lounge area. Sunset views of the caldera are a major selling point, though you'll need a car or shuttle service to explore the rest of the island as the hotel is off the beaten path.

A lovely boutique property, Pezoules is set into Oia's lower caldera cliffs, giving guests sweeping views of the Aegean. With only six rooms -- many designed in a cave-like style -- it is a small, quiet, and personal property ideal for couples. Rooms mimic the hotel's chic blend of traditional architecture and minimalism and feature ergonomic Dimstel mattresses. Slim on the features but with more than the nearby Aris Caves, this property has a small infinity pool with an even smaller deck and a tiny pool bar serving snacks and drinks. The experience is best suited for travelers who want to explore the surrounding area but come back to a quiet room, and overall this is a gorgeous property with upscale rooms and an authentic Greek island vibe.

Astro Palace Hotel & Suites is not quite the five-star property it bills itself as, but it is a solid value for an upscale resort located just about a 10-minute, semi-uphill walk from the bustling center of Fira with its plethora of restaurants, shops, and beaches. The property has an esteemed on-site spa with a serene vibe and indoor whirlpool, plus a sauna. The restaurant Pleiades earns kudos for lunch and dinner, but past guests have complained about the quality of free breakfasts. Wi-Fi and parking are free and guests can borrow iPads. Rooms and suites have cool architectural details like loft spaces and small private pools, but lack the traditional Cyclades style found on the rest of the island and some feature single beds pushed together.

What differentiates four-pearl Rocabella Deluxe Suites & Spa Santorini from most of the other luxury properties on the island is that it has four swimming pools, a full spa, and two restaurants; most hotels in this price range have just one pool and restaurant, and spas are even more rare. However, three of the pools (including the one with an infinity edge) are narrow. Views of the Aegean Sea can be admired from beds and balconies in the spacious rooms. Rocabella is located on the picture-perfect Caldera side of the Aegean Sea, off the beaten path between Fira and Oia. Some find it isolating while others appreciate the escape from crowds.

Santorini is world famous for Cyclades-style hotels built on sheer cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. The upper-middle-range Blue Dolphins Traditional Apartments fits that bill with lovely views of the water from the rooftop deck and many of the airy guest rooms. Breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are free, but you won't find a swimming pool, restaurant, or fitness center here. Rooms range from standard -- without a guaranteed view of the water and somewhat bland decor -- to a tricked out private villa separate from the hotel.

The 41-room mid-range Smaragdi is located just a few hundred feet from the volcanic pebbles of Perivolos Beach, one of Santorini's finest. With bright and cheery garden grounds, it has a family-friendly vibe. There’s no on-site restaurant, but all of the spacious rooms have kitchenettes, and there’s a poolside snack bar and barbecue area. There's a children's playground, and it's also hard to beat for anyone on a budget looking for a quiet, self-catered stay in Perrisa. However, room decor is bland and the more budget-friendly room options have cramped spaces and old tube TVs.

This budget boutique hotel has under 20 rooms and is a great base for people wanting to spend their days on Kamari’s black sand beach. Chez Sophie’s edge-of-town location and lack of proper restaurant may not float everyone’s boat, but being located just off the beach is hard to beat. Interior space is minimal, which can lead to a cramped feeling, especially during peak season. The small outdoor pool and delicious breakfast are two highlights.

Antonia Hotel Santorini is a family-owned budget property. The east-facing hotel doesn't have any of Santorini's world famous sea views, but a location on a quiet street just a couple minutes’ walk from Fira's main square makes up for it. Standard rooms and studios with full kitchens and balconies are available, though past guests have noted that triple rooms can feel cramped for three people. There isn't an on-site restaurant, but coffee and wine are free. Two small outdoor pools, free Wi-Fi, and nearby parking are nice perks for this price point, as is the free shuttle to the airport or port.