This was a special trip for us as we were there to finally have our wedding day; 3rd date lucky due to covid...! We were there in September, and having visited Santorini twice before (one trip being when we got engaged back in 2018!) we knew exactly which area we wanted to be in which was Firostefani. It is on the Caldera based between easy walking distance of Fira and Imerovigli but also close proximity to drive to Perissa Beach and famous Oia. The view made this boutique hotel what it was in my opinion and one that will always be my favourite!
Location 10/10: Location is 10/10 for me in Santorini. Firostefani is a much quieter area than the likes of busy Fira with lots of cruise ships in and out and Oia known for it's blue and white domes and sunset views. What you have to except though is lots and lots of steps in these areas to get down to the hotels to see THAT view! We spent the first couple of nights of our trip on Perissa Beach where we loved the laid back atmosphere and that it was quiet (I will review where we stayed in a future blog post!).
Room 7/10: We booked a Superior Suite with Caldera View which was absolutely huge and perfect as we had so much luggage with us due to the wedding! For me, the view was everything and we were so lucky to have that to wake up to every morning. The bed was so big and so comfy! There were quite a few things for me though that let the room down; no air conditioning in the lounge area of the suite which for the morning of the wedding and a lot of people it was disappointing. We were there for 8 nights and the storage wasn't great and there were minimal hangers. We had other rooms in our booking and apart from ours the rest were very outdated and not in keeping with the rest of the hotel. Housekeeping also everyday would turn off our aircon and our hot water.... I would have rated less than a 7 but for the size of the room, balcony and the view that's why I didn't!
Dining 6/10: Breakfast was a very basic buffet, everything we needed and it was fine but very average compared to other hotels of this price hence the 6/10 rating! However what I would recommend on the island though and is 10/10 is a few of our favourites. Galini Cafe in Firostefani which is great for brunch, lunch or a sunset drunk. Posideon restaurant on Perissa Beach is the best traditional Greek food. Volkan on the Rocks in Fira is great for lunch, tapas bites and for sunset drinks. Melitini is one we loved in the centre of Oia for wonderful greek tapas on a gorgeous small terrace. Then there is PK Cocktail Bar for sunset drinks in Fira which is a great atmosphere. I would recommend making reservations in advance for dinner and especially for PK Cocktail Bar!
Value for money 7/10: At £340 a night I felt it was very expensive for what it was but kept it at a 7 because you pay for location and the view! This was inclusive of breakfast!
Extras: family and baby friendly however I wouldn't recommend this area given all the steps! I recommend doing a sunset catamaran tour with Santorini Sailing, we did this with all our wedding guests and it was wonderful. I would also recommend going to Santos Winery where you can soak up the view and do wine tasting!
THE GETAWAY GUIDE FEELING 7/10: I know I have gone on about it but the feeling was all driven by the view and without this I would have given it less out of 10!! I would say that we had a wonderful time as it was our wedding week but there were all the little touches that let it down for me vs. other hotels we have stayed at in Santorini!