Aigialos
The Aigialos isn't so much a hotel as a collection of 16 luxury traditional houses, from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are plenty of steps to negotiate, making it a bit like a town within a town, here in a quiet corner of Fira – away from the action but close enough to walk to it. Almost all rooms have balconies or terraces with views of the caldera, and the rooms have all been individually remodelled using local volcanic stone. They range from Standard, Senior and Superior rooms, to Exclusive and Honeymoon suites, and the Voreas house with two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a private veranda. Superb understated luxury.
Katikies Hotel
If you want comfort and luxury but in Oia rather than Fira, then it is hard to beat the Katikies, which is a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It's perched above the caldera, and one of its two pools has a fantastic cliff-edge setting. There's an open-air jacuzzi, library, bar, and choice of restaurants, with a range of rooms and suites, a massage parlor, private dining, and all rooms come with a mini wine-cellar.
Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort
We've stayed in a few Radisson Blu hotels around the world and always been really impressed by their quality. This 5-star resort is right by Kamari Beach, has a bus stop nearby if you want to go exploring without the hassle of driving, and is only a 10-minute drive from both the airport and from Ancient Thira. It has 103 rooms, suites, and villas, and a spa, and for drinking and dining there's a choice between an Italian restaurant, a trattoria, a wine bar, and a pool bar.
Tsitouras Collection
This rivals the Aigialos as one of the best places to stay in Fira, although the luxury Tsitouras Collection is a short walk outside the town center. There are five totally private villas, built around the 1780 mansion that forms the core of the place. There are fabulous caldera views and all rooms have TVs, DVDs, CD players, a library, a complimentary wet bar, safe and direct-dial phone. There's a superb a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you can consult with the chef and have a private 6-course meal, if you like.
Hotel Keti
The delightful Keti is one of the best of the cheap hotels on Santorini, and certainly the best budget bargain if you want a caldera view. There are only 7 rooms, which all have a balcony with that fantastic view. The rooms are simple but very comfortable with tiled floors and light walls. They all have a TV, fridge, safe, phone, air-conditioning and a shower room with toilet.
Loizos Apartments
The Loizos is a good-value choice in Fira, close to the town center and with a range of rooms, studios, superior studios, and apartments, all with bathroom, balcony or patio, phone, fridge, TV, air-conditioning and daily maid service. The hotel also has a pool, wi-fi, breakfast room (extra charge), and an airport or port transfer service. The room rates are really hard to beat.
Pelican Hotel
Not far from the busy center of Fira, the 18-room Pelican is simple but excellent value, even in high season. An all-day breakfast is included, and there's free wi-fi too. The rooms are simply done but most are spacious, clean and tastefully decorated. All have TVs, fridges, phones, air conditioning, safe, and a private bathroom, and some have balconies overlooking the garden (try and book one of these if you can.)
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