Theoxenia Boutique Hotel

Theoxenia bills itself as a boutique hotel, and though it does only have nine rooms and a helpful staff, it's more akin to a budget property. That's not necessarily a bad thing and the hotel is well maintained and clean. The small lobby area (on the second floor) is really just the entrance and a narrow hallway with a reception desk and some seating and potted plants. Guests spend more time up on the rooftop terrace that's set with a communal whirlpool, tables, chairs, and cushioned benches -- some guests choose to eat breakfast here. The terrace directly overlooks the bustling Fira street below, but there are distant views of the caldera and Oia that are especially nice at sunset. Almost everyone who stays here is on vacation, and the hotel allows kids. This is one of the few hotels in Fira that stays open year-round. 

Theoxenia is built above a row of souvenir, jewelry, and clothing shops in the jewelry market section of Fira. The street in front of the hotel is just for pedestrians, but it can get extremely crowded in high season. Within a five-minute walk from the hotel's front steps you'll find boutique stores, jewelry shops, gelato stands, casual restaurants, high end Greek tavernas, and the cable cars that lead down to the ferry port. The actual caldera is about a one-minute walk from the hotel. The central bus station is about a six-minute walk downhill from Theoxenia, and the bus takes passengers to Oia in about 30 minutes. Many people trek from Fira to Oia (about three hours) and though the hike is gorgeous, it is unpaved and steep in sections. Expect about a 15-minute drive to Santorini International Airport. 

There are nine rooms and most are slightly different in terms of location, layout, and views. Each is simply decorated (but completely clean and well-maintained) with wooden furniture, white walls, and tiled floors. Beds either have a wrought iron or wooden headboard and frame; sometimes twin beds are pushed together to make a double bed. Standard Rooms are the most affordable and these have a daybed-style couch, furnished balcony overlooking the street, air-conditioning, mini-bar, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and safe. The closets hold irons, ironing boards, kettles, safes, slippers, and robes. Nice bathrooms either have showers or shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Superior Rooms offer more space (some can sleep four people) and views of the distant caldera from their furnished outdoor spaces. However, some of these rooms lead out on to the communal rooftop so they aren't entirely private. 

The location is the main draw here, and the hotel doesn't have a lot of extra space for features. Guests can pay extra for a continental breakfast delivered to the rooms or rooftop terrace. The selection includes pastries, toast, fruit, coffee, and juice. There's a communal whirlpool on the roof terrace, but the water isn't heated so it's only usable in the hottest months. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Staff is available to assist with tour bookings, directions, and restaurant suggestions. Guests get free access to the pool, gym, and parking at nearby Aressana Spa Hotel and Suites.