Greece › Santorini › Hotels › Grace Hotel Review
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: On the caldera in Imerovigli
• Map
• Hotel website: aubergeresorts.com/gracehotel
• Hotel phone: +30 2286 021300
• Check prices for Grace Santorini
The view of the caldera, Skaros Rock, and Oia in the distance from the pool at Grace Hotel in Imerovigli – The best luxury hotel in Santorini.
Hotel Review
Grace Hotel – Elegant hotel with an award-winning restaurant and champagne lounge, well-appointed rooms, and breathtaking views from the largest infinity pool on the caldera.
A sophisticated hotel offering bespoke experiences, Grace customizes guests’ amenities to taste, from room scent to pillow type, plus guests personally meet the chef to go over food preferences. Many suites include private, heated plunge pools, while all offer special perks, such as iPads, flat irons, and twice-daily maid service, including turndown service with different goodies every night. Dining and drinks are incredible every day, whether at the restaurant, champagne lounge, or poolside. Expansive caldera views are available throughout the hotel, with Skaros Rock front and center, and looking out to Akrotiri, the volcanoes, Thirassia Island, and Oia.
See Also
Grace Hotel Santorini – Location
- Area: Absolutely gorgeous location in the heart of Imerovigli village, with amazing dining and attractions all within a couple of minutes from the hotel. Imerovigli sits at the highest elevation on the caldera, and the views are stellar throughout the hotel and from most of the restaurants here.
- How to Get There: The hotel sits above the caldera in the center of Imerovigli village, not far off the main road connecting Fira and Oia, making it easy to reach by bus, taxi, or rental car. It is approximately 8km from the Santorini Airport to Grace Santorini, and 12km from the ferry port.
There are always buses waiting at the ferry port for every ferry arrival, as well as buses departing hourly from Santorini Airport. There are no direct buses from the port or airport to Imerovigli; buses from both locations go to Fira, where you must then board a different bus to Imerovigli – the entire trip from the port or airport to Imerovigli will take around an hour and cost about €5 in total. Tickets are purchased on the bus, in cash only. The bus stop in Imerovigli is 8 minutes from Grace Hotel on foot, and the walk from the bus stop to the hotel is mostly flat or downhill, and easy to navigate with light luggage – though it can be tricky to find for first-timers.Taxis are also available from the port or airport, though there are only about 25 taxis in total serving the whole island, so there can be a long wait; schedule ahead to avoid this (I use and recommend Welcome Pickups). Taxis on Santorini are not metered, so be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting out. A taxi from the airport to Grace Hotel should be about €25 to €30, and a taxi from the ferry port to Grace Hotel around €30.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, we recommend renting a car either at the airport on arrival or in Fira. The road from the ferry port is steep and narrow, with many tricky switchbacks, large trucks, and buses. Leave that for the locals to navigate. We strongly recommend reserving a vehicle in advance, especially if you require automatic transmission. There is free parking a short walk from the hotel, near the Imerovigli Basketball Court, and another parking lot near the bus station. Imerovigli has the hardest-to-find parking in Santorini, so you may have to circle around a couple of times to find a spot.
- Handy to: The Oia-Fira Hiking Trail, Anastasi Church, Skaros Rock.
Map of Grace Santorini Hotel
Grace Hotel Santorini – The Basics
- Ages: This is an adults-only hotel, and guests must be at least 14 years old to stay here, with the exception of the villa, which is for all ages. Guests tend to be couples on a romantic getaway.
- Beach: The nearest beach is Exo Gialos, a quiet, black sand beach with intriguing wind-sculpted cliffs at its southern end. The best beach bar and restaurant is East Breeze, just a few meters from the cliffs. The north end has a small harbor, and another great beach bar and restaurant called Yalos. From the hotel, it’s a short 5 km drive to the north end, or 7 km to the south end, where the cliffs are.
- View: Exceptional caldera and sunset views throughout the hotel, centered on Skaros Rock.
- Kitchen: The villa includes a fully-equipped and stocked kitchen with a private chef available on request.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Most rooms, suites, and the villa have private, heated, outdoor plunge pools. Those include the Deluxe Room with Plunge Pool, Junior Suite with Plunge Pool, Honeymoon Suite, Superior Suite, and VIP Suite. The VIP Suite has the largest terrace, while the Grace Suite has a second, indoor plunge pool and steam room. The Villa features an indoor jacuzzi and steam room in addition to its outdoor, heated swimming pool, larger than the plunge pools at the suites.
- Parking: There is free parking in front of the hotel, which is often full. The main parking area in Imerovigli is near the Basketball Court, and there is a small lot near Sunbird Rent-A-Car; both of these are free lots. Imerovigli has the hardest-to-find parking in Santorini, so you may have to circle around a couple of times to find a spot.
- Extras: Everlasting memories (Polaroid photo on arrival, and a memory box to keep Santorini mementos), weddings and events, complimentary yoga and pilates classes, personalized in-room amenities [pillow menu, fragrance selection, food preferences, monogrammed robes (for additional fee)], complimentary yoga and pilates classes, twice daily maid service, different turndown service nightly (chocolates and brandy, popcorn and movies, tea and delicacies, etc.), 24-hour reception, 24-hour room service.
- When to Book: The hotel is open from mid-April to November 1. Reserve at least 4 months in advance (6 months is better) for stays during high season from June through September, and about 2 months in advance for the low and shoulder seasons.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +30 22860 21300
- Email: san.reservations@aubergeresorts.com • san.concierge@aubergeresorts.com
- Website: aubergeresorts.com/gracehotel
Grace Hotel Santorini – Amenities
- Pool: The largest infinity pool in the caldera, with gorgeous views of Skaros Rock, Thirassia, the volcano, and of each tip of the island itself.
- Spa: No spa, but in-room spa treatments are available.
- Fitness Center: Small but well-equipped gym with cardio machines, free weights, and state-of-the-art cable machines. Complimentary yoga and pilates classes are available daily.
- For Disabled Guests: This is a caldera hotel with lots of steps and no elevator. Many of the smaller suites have loft bedrooms. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- For Families: This is mostly an adults-only hotel, and guests must be at least 14 years old to stay in the rooms and suites, though The Villa is available for guests of all ages. It is not recommended for very young children due to the number of stairs in the hotel.
- Activities: Grace offers exclusive Bespoke Experiences that center on wellness, wine, photography, culture, and caldera cruises. Additionally, their dedicated team of concierges can arrange private helicopter tours, island excursions, dive tours, and much more.
- Other Facilities: Chapel, boutique, wedding, and event spaces.
Grace Hotel Santorini – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: Varoulko is Grace’s signature restaurant; the chef, Lefteris Lazarou, was the first in Greece to earn a Michelin star. Offering exquisite sea-view dining, Varoulko is open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, and for snacks and cocktails at their pool bar. The menu features inspired Mediterranean flavors with a focus on seafood (though meat, vegetarian, and vegan options are possible). The atmosphere during lunch or at the pool bar is casual, while dinner service is an elegant fine dining experience. The restaurant is open to the public, so reservations are highly recommended. Lunch is served until 6:00 p.m., and dinner is served until 11:00 p.m. • $$$$.
- Lounge/Bar: 363 Bar has recently been named the Best Hotel Bar in Europe, and is an especially popular spot for sunset cocktails. With a wide array of bubbles, local wines, and superb cocktails, this lounge is a favorite of guests and locals alike. Do not miss their signature Grace Cocktail. Open from 4:00 p.m. until midnight.
- Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is served every morning at Varoulko from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Breakfast is a decadent 5-course affair featuring local products and superior recipes. The set menu changes every day, and can be tailored to guests’ preferences. Guests may order something entirely different than the set meal, if they prefer, at no additional charge.
- Room Service: Available 24 hours.
Grace Hotel Santorini – Rooms
- Room Types: Deluxe Room • Deluxe Room with Plunge Pool • Junior Suite • Junior Suite with Plunge Pool • Honeymoon Suite • Superior Suite • VIP Suite • Grace Suite • The Villa
- Smoking Rooms: The hotel does not allow smoking in any of their room categories. It is allowed on the private outdoor terraces and in the outdoor common areas.
- Best Room: The Grace Suite is the highest suite category, perfect for couples. It is the most private of their suites and features an outdoor plunge pool with panoramic caldera views, and an indoor plunge pool with sunset views. The suite features a king-sized bed, an open-plan layout, a steam room, and a 2-person shower.
- For Families: Most rooms and suites at Grace are for adults only (ages 14 and up). The one exception is their luxurious Villa, which is open to guests of all ages. The Villa can be arranged as a 1 or 2-bedroom unit, and features an outdoor, heated swimming pool, 2-level sun terraces, an outdoor fireplace, and gazebo, with panoramic caldera views throughout. It also boasts its own private spa with an indoor jacuzzi, steam room, and treatment room as well as a fully-equipped, fully-stocked kitchen with an optional private chef.
Grace Hotel Santorini – Local Transport
- Walking: The hotel is located in the center of Imerovigli, above the caldera, and on the Oia-Fira hiking trail, with the village’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions all within a 5-minute walk. The nightlife and shopping in Fira, just a 30-minute walk south.
- Bus: The nearest bus is in Imerovigli village, near Sunbird car rental, an 8-minute walk from the hotel. Buses that stop here go north to Oia and south to Fira. A transfer in Fira is required if heading to the airport, port, or beaches. Tickets are bought on board, and range from €1.80 to €2.50 per person in the daytime, depending on the route. Night buses (12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.) run less frequently and cost a little more, from €2.30 to €3.10. Buses can get very crowded, especially during the high season, so much so that they often fill to capacity and are unable to take on more passengers. There are only 23 public buses serving the island.
- Taxis: The nearest taxi stand is at Stathmos Taxi, all the way down in Fira, so not very practical. Plus, there is often a wait as there are only 25 taxis serving the entire island. Book taxis in advance to avoid waiting. The average rate from Imerovigli to Fira is roughly €10, and from Imerovigli to the airport or port is around €25 to €35.
- Scooters/Motorcycles: Scooters are the main mode of transportation for the locals, but if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, it can be very dangerous. The roads here are zigzagging, hilly, narrow, and have sheer drop-offs with no guardrails and no street lights in most areas. Lots of dirt roads and potholes.
- ATVs/Quads: ATVs are a fun and popular mode of transportation with tourists, but for the locals stuck driving behind them, they move too slowly and hold up traffic in an area where getting around is already a hassle. For those who don’t ride quads regularly (i.e. most people), they can be dangerous at high speeds and on turns. Crashing your ATV is a sure-fire way to ruin your vacation.
Grace Hotel Santorini – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants
- The Athenian House: Elegant fine dining with spectacular sunset views. Contemporary and imaginative Greek dishes incorporate modern gastronomic techniques and locally-sourced ingredients. Most of all, they’re delicious. (Google maps shows a 3-minute walk but it’s actually next door.)
- La Maison: Contemporary, Greek fine dining with sweeping caldera views. Food, wine, and service are all phenomenal.
- Avocado: Traditional Greek menu, charming space, super friendly staff. Cycladic recipes and a fantastic selection of Santorinian wines.
- Anogi: Al fresco dining with local specialties and classic Greek dishes. Rich flavors and large portions, so come hungry.
- Le Moustache: Elevated Greek and Mediterranean dining and excellent cocktails with panoramic sunset views over the caldera.
- Vezené: Mediterranean-Asian fusion with spectacular sunset views and a romantic ambiance. Stupidly expensive, but everything on the menu is absolute perfection.
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- Buddha Bar Beach: Upscale cocktail bar, restaurant, and shisha lounge with views over Skaros Rock to the caldera. Pricey but on point.
- Volkan on the Rocks: Great brewpub in Firostefani with amazing views and an outdoor cinema.
Best Nearby Cafes
- Hlios Bakery: Good coffee, basic pastries, and deli sandwiches. Not exceptional, but they’re cheap and they deliver (cash only for deliveries).
- To Briki: Fantastic café, the best place to try traditional Greek coffee. Breakfasts are superb and the sunset views are gorgeous.
Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops
- Pegasus Boutique: Next to the hotel of the same name, this little boutique offers clothing, shoes, swimwear, and accessories by Greek designers.
- Under a Fig Tree: Upscale boutique featuring Greek-designed fashion, accessories, and swimwear right on the Oia-Fira trail.
Nearby Attractions
- Oia-Fira Hiking Trail: One of the top attractions on the island is this scenic 10.5 km hiking trail connecting Oia and Fira. A mix of sidewalk, cobblestones, and dirt trail, this route boasts gorgeous vistas the entire way. Hiking northwest, the full length of the path from the hotel to Oia Castle takes from 2 to 4 hours; heading south to the trail’s end in Fira, near Keti Hotel, takes about 30-40 minutes. Add about an hour for a detour at Skaros Rock either way. 2-minute walk from the hotel.
- Agios Georgios Church: Small white church on a platform over the caldera, marking the start of the trail to Skaros Rock. Gorgeous, panoramic views from here.
- Anastasi Church: The most picturesque, blue-domed church in Imerovigli offers gorgeous caldera views overlooking Skaros Rock. Popular for weddings and photo shoots.
- Imerovigli Basketball Court: Not an attraction, but good to know. This is the main parking area in Imerovigli.
- Skaros Rock: Impressive volcanic rock formation housing the ruins of a medieval castle and town, dating to 1207. The monastery at its base, Panagia Theoskepasti, is the only part of Skaros that is still active.
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Jimmy’s Market Cava: Market and deli with a great selection (especially the wines) plus great coffee and breakfast sandwiches (more consistent and better quality breakfasts than Hlios, but they don’t deliver).
Grace Santorini – The Hotel
Outside Grace Santorini, facing southwest toward the volcanoes and Akrotiri at the far tip of Santorini. Grace is arranged vertically over several levels as seen here, down the side of the caldera.
The stairs at the entrance connect all of the floors. Like most hotels in the caldera, there is no elevator. This view faces east toward Skaros Rock and Thirassia Island.
View of Skaros Rock from the bottom floor of Grace Santorini, with the volcanoes and Thirassia Island in the back. The trail to Skaros passes by the lower level of the hotel. There is one Junior Suite at the lower level nearest to the trail, making it the least private room onsite, but with a truly spectacular view regardless.
The chapel is near here, reserved for Greek Orthodox weddings.
Santoro Restaurant sits on a higher level. This is the interior seating area.
Lunch here is more casual than dinner, but still well-presented with extraordinary flavors.
Santoro’s outdoor dining terrace is one floor down from the infinity pool, and offers sweeping caldera views.
Grace’s infinity pool is the largest in the caldera.
There are plenty of sun loungers around the unheated pool. Since most suites have private pools, the main pool is usually quiet. In the back right, the Pool Bar (run by Santoro) is visible. Oia village is in the center (all the white buildings), and Thirassia Island is partially visible on the left.
Another floor up is the award-winning 363 Champagne Lounge, with stellar cocktails and an extensive menu of champagne and wine.
The bar’s outdoor terrace is the most popular seating area for sunset views.
The rooms, suites, and villa offer bespoke amenities and special touches. Each room comes with a memory box to store mementos of Santorini, and create everlasting memories.
The mini-bars are well-stocked with local, Santorinian products.
This is a Superior Suite. Like the rest of the hotel, the décor is understated and elegant.
This is one of the mid-range suites. Like all rooms and suites, it features a king-sized bed.
The suite features traditional, Cycladic design, such as its rounded ceiling. All rooms are unique, and built to suite the caldera’s unique geography.
The marble bathroom features a spacious vanity and a glass shower.
The Superior Suite’s terrace features a plunge pool and an al fresco dining table for 2.
The plunge pool overlooks the caldera, and boasts gorgeous, panoramic views.
View towards Oia from the Superior Suite’s terrace. Check rates and availability: Grace Santorini Hotel
Read More
The Suites, Location, and View at Santorini Grace Hotel
Note: These photos and captions are from an old review but I thought I’d leave them up as they might still be interesting and helpful for some readers.
The view from Santorini Grace looking west towards Skaros Rock and Thirassia (the island in the distance). To the north (right) is Oia at the tip of Santorini.
All rooms have been refurbished for summer of 2016. This is a Junior Suite.
The bed in the Junior Suite.
Large beautiful bathrooms.
Private deck with views of the caldera, sunset, and Oia in the distance.
The plunge pools are exactly what they sound like: small pools but not hot tubs.
Two neighboring suites at Grace Santorini. Like most Santorini hotels along the caldera there’s some privacy but don’t be expecting total seclusion.
View from a private deck.
The view of Skaros Rock from inside a suite with private plunge pool on the deck. The Deluxe Double Room with Plunge Pool is the cheapest room with a private pool. If cost isn’t a concern then splurge on the Grace One Bedroom Suite with Plunge Pool. Photo: flickr/JohnM
Beds in Greece are often hard and uncomfortable (for most, I actually love hard beds). But not at Grace, where the beds are super comfy.
Pillow Menu – Oh yeah!
The private villa at Grace Santorini. Attached to the hotel but just set off on its own a little bit. Private pool and jacuzzi, private spa (with steam bath), full kitchen, and 2 bedrooms each with king beds. Grace is adults-only but all ages are allowed in the villa.
Grace does have a lot of stairs (over 200 from most rooms to the town square up above). Hotel staff will help with luggage. If you need a luxury hotel with an elevator (but still great views) look at Canaves and Katikies in Oia.
The pool, bar, and restaurants with more seating inside. (Oia is visible in the distance.) It’s open to non-guests and has tables spread around the huge pool with wonderful views of the caldera and sunset.
The brand new lounge/bar at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Honeymoon Suite at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Grace Suite at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Junior Suite with Private Plunge Pool at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Junior Suite (no pool) at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Private Villa at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Superior Suite at Santorini Grace.
Layout of VIP Suite at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Deluxe Room with Plunge Pool at Santorini Grace.
Layout of Deluxe Room (no pool) at Santorini Grace. The least expensive room at Grace but still beautiful with great views.
The stairs in front of Grace leading to Skaros Rock.
At the end of those stairs you encounter this little church which is very popular for wedding photos.
View looking out at Skaros Rock. Little church is just to the right.
Grace from above. Hotels in Imerovigli have the best sunset views on Santorini. It does change depending on the time of year but generally the sun will set in the gap between Thirassia (on the left) and Oia (on the right). While Oia is known for its sunsets very few hotels there have sunset views. The white buildings visible on the tip are actually looking back into the caldera and do not get a direct view of the sun setting into the sea.
View of Grace from the south (looking north towards Oia). If you look closely you can see the stairs that lead past Grace and towards the little church.
Similar view as above but here you can see the pools at Tholos (bottom) and Astra (top) just beyond Grace.
Similar view but a little farther north and the entrance to Grace just ahead (the small set of stairs). This is the footpath that runs from Fira to Imerovigli and then on to Oia. Astra, Tholos, Kapari, and Sophia Suites are all in the clump of buildings visible. Annio Furnished Flats is the white complex with dark blue trim just to the right.
Continue walking on the path and in 10 minutes you’re out of Imerovigli and walking north to Oia.Visible ahead are the hotels West East Suites, Rocabella Hotel & Spa, and Santorini Princess. You can then see a hill and then another clump of white buildings – these are San Antonio Suites and Aenaon Villas.
The view looking back towards Skaros Rock and Imerovigli from (roughly) the hill I mention above.
That path leads all the way to Oia (walking it is one of the highlights of a trip to Santorini). Here’s a view from Oia looking back at Imerovigli. You can just make out Skaros Rock.
Now let’s go south from Imerovigli. Here’s a view of Skaros Rock from Firostefani – the closest village to Imerovigli as you go south and about a 10 minute walk from Grace. Part of the volcano is visible to the left. Thirassia island is in the center of the photo and Oia a bit to the right.
A little farther south. The View of Imerovigli from the Belvedere and Homeric Poems hotels in Firostefani.
And then a little farther south. This is in the stretch between Firostefani and Fira. This is the same footpath that will eventually pass Grace and lead to Oia.
A 20 minute walk south of Imerovigli and you get to Fira, the largest town on Santorini. Imerovigli and Skaros Rock are visible as is Oia in the far distance (to the left).
Avocado restaurant in Imerovigli. It’s up in the main part of Imerovigli and doesn’t have views, but the food is absolutely incredible. Avocado is open for lunch and dinner.
Kapari Hotel also has a great restaurant (specializing in local food). You can see the pool at the Grace private villa in the distance.
The view of the volcano from the private jacuzzi (honeymoon suite) at Sophia Suites. Once again, the pool at the Grace private villa is visible.
Astra Suites is almost as luxurious as Grace. A good alternative if Grace is fully booked (which often happens).
Tholos Resort – wonderful hotel with great views. Not as expensive as Grace or Astra.
Absolute Bliss has incredible views (and perhaps the best sunset views on Santorini). The private patios have more privacy than many units at Grace or Astra. That said, it does lack some of the magic and character of the other hotels. The owners are super-friendly and helpful.
Need a less expensive hotel? Kasimatis Suites is not as luxurious but has some large suites, wonderful views, and a nice pool. It’s also one of the more kid-friendly places in Imerovigli (those are my 2 boys getting ready to jump in the pool.) Oia is visible to the right. Thirassia to the left. Kasimatis is a good option for last minute bookings.
One final look at Grace, Skaros Rock, the volcano, and the far southern tip of Santorini (and the village of Akrotiri) in the far distance.
Menu at Santorini Grace
Lunch menu at Grace Santorini.
Dinner menu at Grace Santorini. Check rates and availability: Grace Santorini Hotel
Good Hotels near Grace Santorini
If Grace is fully booked (as often happens), all of these hotels have incredible views and are within a 5 minute walk of Grace.
- Astra Suites • (Hotel phone: +30 2286 024763)
- Tholos Resort • (Hotel phone: +30 2286 022618)
- Sophia Suites • (Hotel phone: +30 2286 021181)
- Absolute Bliss • (Hotel phone: +30 2286 021310)
- Kasimatis Studios • (Hotel phone: +30 2286 028848)
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Is the romance package worth the additional $400-$600 per night?
It’s fun, but no, I don’t think so.
Hi Dave,
I’m planning to go to Santorini for the end of September. I know it’s really late in booking hotels and the costs are not cheap booking this late.
Do you have any hotel recommendation on such short notice?
Specifically, not really. You’ll just have to search Booking.com and see what’s available – there’ll certainly be some fine choices left though maybe not your first or second picks.
Hi Dave,
I’m looking to book Grace Hotel for a honeymoon in May but I’m seeing that the whole month is unavailable. Is the hotel closed then? Have the rooms just not become available yet? Is it already fully booked? And if not when should I check back to book? Thanks!
Rooms have not become available yet. I recommend checking back in late August. They should be listed by September for sure.
Hey Dave,
Planning a visit April 30 – May 6th looking to stay at Grace, Astra, Mystique or Canaves. Will the weather be nice enough for a suite/room pool or is it a bit of a waste this early in the year?
Vanessa
The small plunge pools/hot tubs should be heated and will be great for the cool nights in early May.
Hi Dave,
My husband and I would like to stay in Santorini for 4 nights. Where would you suggest we stayed? The views, the pool and the service must be impeccable. Where do you suggest we look and what would your three choices be. I’d stayed in the past but this is my husband’s first visit and I want to WOW him.
Thanks so much in advance.
Mrs Slocum
Look at Grace, Katikies, and Cavo Tagoo (brand new so everything is fresh and new).
Hi Dave,
My husband and I just got married and we are planning to stay at the Grace in July. There is very limited availability and the rooms we are choosing between are the Honeymoon Suite (of which there are 3) and the VIP Suite. The cost difference is significant so before booking the VIP we want to make sure that it will be worth it. We do consider that this is a once in a lifetime trip so we don’t mind the expense but wish we could find out how the views differ? Are the honeymoon suites those few at the bottom of the hotel or are they dispersed throughout? Is the VIP suite much nicer inside? Is there a difference in terms of privacy? We don’t want to miss the opportunity to have the best view and experience in Santorini so if there really is a difference, we would love to know what it is so we can make the right decision for us.
We have done much research, have seen the floor plans and watched your video, but we cannot quite determine where the honeymoon suites are located? I believe we can see where the VIP suite is. We figure that we will spend time at the hotel pool in the mornings and the watch the sunset from our private balcony. My husband is photographer and we plan to take many photos.
Thank you,
Nina
The VIP suite does have more privacy than the honeymoon suites and is a little more luxurious – the biggest difference is the size of the terrace (68 vs 15 sq. m.). I believe 2 of the 3 honeymoon suites are at the bottom/northern side of the hotel, just above the chapel. The 3rd is up two levels, also on the northern side of the hotel.
My husband and I are planning to visit in June. Based on your descriptions of each town, Imerovigli sounds like the best town for us. We would love to stay at Grace or Astra, but booking.com says nothing is available for our dates. Your recommendation of when to book said 6-10 months in advance, so am I looking too early or is everything truly already booked? Do you know if that is the case for other hotels in the area as well? What is your advice on waiting to book until then? I would hate to wait until then and then have trouble finding any availability at all.
Aubrey Owens
It’s good to book as early as possibly but yes, you’re a little too early. Take a look on Booking in late August or early September – that’s when they should post rooms for summer. You shouldn’t have any trouble getting a suite at that time (unless you’re booking the Grace Villa which is always a little bit up for chance).
Hi Dave, I’m looking into staying at Grace in June. Ideally would love a plunge pool, but see that some rooms have a Jacuzzi inside too? is that just the Grace Suite? Also, one room shows to have a hammam… are all the showers like that or only the room that specifies it? Thanks so much!
Jaime
Grace is one of the more distinguished choices for a caldera view hotel on Santorini. There is a wide array of accommodation options available and it would be too hard to describe them all here. Rather, look at their accommodation options on their website. Rooms and suites range from Deluxe Room with no pool or Jacuzzi, but an outside seating area right up to The Villa which is the ultimate in luxury with two bedrooms and 400 sq m of your own private space.
Detailed floor plans on the site above show the configuration of the rooms and no two ultimately mirror each other in entirety. Junior suites have a plunge pool and outdoor sitting area plus a lounge and bedroom. Superior suites offer Jacuzzi pool and hammam plus a generous amount of floor space. The Grace suite you mention has an indoor Jacuzzi as well as a plunge pool. Showers overall are very spacious in all categories of rooms. So, in reality, lots of available room/suite combinations to choose from.
Worth mentioning is the fact that the rooms are exceptionally well-appointed overall and pay attention to even the smallest detail – including pillow and perfume menus to match your mood and senses perfectly. Another nice touch is the provision of portable Bang & Olufsen blue tooth speakers so that you can connect your music collection from your tablet or phone and take it to where you want it. Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, and CD players (for what they are worth) are also laid on as part of the extensive set of guest facilities.
Finally, the Santoro restaurant makes a special effort in the presentation of its haut-cuisine dishes and is dining in true style especially in evening as you watch the sun set over the sea. All in all, The Grace is an excellent choice with plenty of options to select from.
Could you please advise which hot should we stay with our guests? We are getting married in LeCiel in October. We were looking at Rocabella, Princess Spa Hotel and Dana Villas. All of them look great and have good reviews. It’s such a difficult decision.
Many thanks in Advance
Zoriana
All are very nice hotels – the Princess being the most luxurious but all have great views. Rocabella and Princess are a short walk from Le Ciel. Dana Villas is walking distance but for a wedding you’ll be dependent on a taxi. Dana has many more restaurants nearby. Rocabella and Princess have few stairs to access your room. Dana will require a good climb every time you leave your hotel.
Do you know what hotel the Kardashians stayed at while on Santorini?
They stayed at the Volcano View Hotel – which I wrote about here. Great place but not much around it and you can feel a little isolated there. (Unlike Grace which has lots within an easy walk and good shopping and nightlife if you do the 15 minute walk to Fira – or 5 minute taxi ride.)
Hi Dave, I’m visiting Santorini next year in September for a friend’s wedding. The wedding venue is in Pyrgos. Can you recommend anywhere to stay which is close-ish to Pyrgos? We were hoping to stay somewhere with the views of the caldera.
Thanks!
Good hotels near Pyrgos with a caldera view are Lilium Villas, Petit Palace, and Volcano View Hotel. All are about a 5 minute drive to Pyrgos (but not really walkable).
Hi Dave,
We’re planning to go to Santorini in early June. What’s the weather going to be like in the month of June? Is there any other islands besides Santorini that you would recommend for us? We like the beach, good food, shopping, sight seeing. What would you recommend to do, and where to go in those places. My friend said that Mykonos is very nice too. Do you think the Mystique hotel is nice?
Please advise.
Thanks.
Tina
June typically has great weather. Sunny, warm, and the big crowds haven’t arrived yet. The water can still be a little chilly for swimming but warms quickly throughout the month. Mykonos, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Milos, Folegandros are all wonderful islands a short ferry ride from Santorini (Mykonos is the farthest away and takes about 2.5 hours). Mystique is in Oia, not Imerovigli like Grace. It’s a luxurious Starwood hotel with incredible caldera views. The pool is much smaller than Grace and it doesn’t have sunset views.
What are the prices like for drinks and dinner at the Grace Hotel? Also what is your opinion of the Petra Honeymoon hotel?
Jennie Choi
Drinks at Grace: 14€-18€ for cocktails, 8€ for beer, 9€-11€ for glass of wine, bottles start at €30 and they have a wonderful Assyrtico for €38.
Meals at Grace: €35 and up.
Petra Honeymoon is wonderful though rooms do have a wide range of qualities so it’s hard to generalize. Petra doesn’t have a direct sunset view like all the rooms at Grace.
Hi Dave
I am getting married at Le Ciel Imerovigli in October.
We have between 50 and 60 guests joining us. I would like a recommendation for the best area to stay with reasonably priced villas / hotels for the guests. Central location would be good as they aren’t the quietest bunch!!
Thanks in advance
Karla Berry
A great option close to Le Ciel is Santorini’s Balcony. Great views and not crazy expensive. I took this picture on a walk just a little while back. This is Santorini’s Balcony and the path off to the left leads to Le Ciel in about a 3 minute walk. (The restaurants of Imerovigli are a 7 or 8 minute walk in the other direction.)
If that doesn’t work Gizis is also close and is cheaper than most hotels in this area (though still pretty darn nice).
Dave,
Any hotel that will take a small dog (2kg)? Plan on visiting in October.
Many: Cavo Tagoo, Kirini, Charisma Suites, to name a few.
My wife and I are planning on a trip to Santorini. We can’t seem to decide which hotel to go with and was wondering if you could help us out by sharing your insight into these hotels: Iconic, Astra, Kapari, and Grace. All have very good reviews but wondering why Grace (which is our top choice at the moment) is only at #14 in TripAdvisor’s ranking.
Thanks!
Dennis
All of those are great hotels but Grace is just a little bit nicer (and recently renovated too) so I’d recommend it. The rankings on Tripadvisor are a joke.
Thanks so much Dave! My wife and I have booked our room at Grace. Yep, we’ve read too that Grace has just recently been renovated so we’re looking forward to that. We’ve informed the hotel in our booking that we were referred by santorinidave.com. Thanks again!
Your Blog is absolutely amazing!!! I can’t wait to go to Santorini and I am reading all your brilliant tips! Thanks.
I am traveling on budget, as going all around Europe. Do you know if I could go for drinks and food to any of the hotel with Infinity Pool? I would love to use facilities and buy the pass for one day. Do you have any tips for me?
Also what’s the best budget/view restaurant?
Thank you Dave. You Rock!!!!!
Emily
You can access hotels that have restaurants and eat there (Grace, for example, has a very good restaurant and non-guests are welcome to eat there) but no, you can’t use the pool at any hotel. Pools and facilities are only for guests. Naoussa restaurant in Fira has great views and very good food. I wouldn’t call it budget, but if you got a moussaka and a glass of house wine I bet it would come in under 15€.
We are looking to get married in Santorini next year and plan to come out this June to check things out, any ideas or tips on places, areas. Probably only be small party of family and friends but would like to keep everyone close by if possible. By the way your site is amazing and really shows the place off, we have been to many islands in Greece but this looks as if it tops the lot.
Please advise.
Excited is not the word ??
Melanie / Paul
Grace is obviously great for a Santorini wedding (but you’ll need to book over a year in advance). Aspaki and Andronis (both in Oia) are two others that come to mind – but there are many. It’s good you’re doing a research trip as it’s such a personal decision. Just walk around Oia and Imerovigli and pop your head in at any hotel along the caldera that looks beautiful (they pretty much all do) and ask about hosting a wedding/reception.
Grace looks wonderful and looking forward to visiting it – my parents will be staying there in early July. My boyfriend and I (late 20s) will be in Santorini for 3 nights and would love someplace a short walk from Grace. It doesn’t have to have a view (as I’m sure we’ll be spending plenty of time at Grace with my parents) but want it to be nice, central, and maybe a small pool. Any suggestions for a budget hotel in Imerovigli?
Merovigliosso is a friendly and inexpensive hotel about a 5 minute climb from Grace. It’s in the flat “town” part of Imerovigli and the bus top and several good restaurants and 2 markets are within a short walk. It has a small pool. Rooms range from simple and clean (the studios) to pretty spiffy (superior apartment). The photos on the website give the impression that the hotel has great views but in reality it’s separated from the cliff and views by a small road/cul-de-sac (which doubles as a parking lot). The Superior Apartment does have a patio on it’s upper floor with nice views but for the most part consider this a no-view hotel. The owner is super friendly and great for island info.