The hype
Guests are blown away by the location and staff friendliness but frequently disappointed by the 'tired' condition of the rooms.
Andromeda Villas
$150-350/ night
Book this if You want the million-dollar Santorini caldera view without the $1,000/night price tag, and you don't mind slightly dated decor.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable sunset views from almost every corner of the property
- Rare elevator access that cuts down (but doesn't eliminate) the cliffside stair workout
- Located in Imerovigli, the 'Balcony of Santorini,' which is far quieter than Fira or Oia
Quick Take: A mid-range hotel wearing a luxury disguise—the views are world-class, but the bathrooms and furniture are showing their age.
Reviewed by @chasefortravel: I stayed in this suite and the sunset views were unreal. You literally have the whole caldera right in front of you without the crowds. Sitting on that edge watching the sun dip into the Aegean was the highlight of my trip. Totally worth the splurge.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Many travelers book for the 'private pool' suites only to find the water tepid or the heater broken.
- Your primary goal is a killer sunset photo from your own balcony
- You are physically fit enough for stairs but appreciate an elevator assist
- You want to be near the best restaurants (Anogi, Skaros Fish Tavern) without needing a taxi
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable, though missed spots under beds are occasionally reported.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. Grout can be discolored, and drain smells are a persistent complaint in cave-style bathrooms.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Peeling paint on terraces and worn furniture are common sights.
- Linens & towels: Clean but basic. Don't expect plush, high-thread-count luxury sheets.
- Odors & scents: Musty/damp smells in cave rooms are the main olfactory offender.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Foot traffic on shared terraces passing by room windows
- Wind noise (common on the caldera edge)
- Staff activity near service areas (especially for rooms like #10)
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Climate Crisis Resilience Tax' increased in 2025; expect to pay ~€7-10 per night extra at check-in.
- Breakfast is often NOT included in the base rate; it costs ~€14/person and reviews are mixed.
- Porters are available to help with luggage—absolutely use them.
What to pack
- Grippy shoes for the slippery volcanic stone steps
- Earplugs for the wind and walkway noise
- A light jacket for the caldera breeze, even in summer evenings
Room Genie
Best picks
- VIP Suites for the best chance of a working heated plunge pool
- Upper-level rooms for slightly better privacy and less foot traffic overhead
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Rooms (most dated/tired)
- Ground floor rooms near the pool bar (noise and zero privacy)
- Cave rooms if you have asthma or sensitivity to damp smells
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and kindly request a room on an upper level, away from the main walkway and staff service areas, to ensure privacy. Please also confirm the plunge pool heater is functional prior to arrival.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
The large main pool is NOT heated and can be very cold. Only specific suites have private heated plunge pools/Jacuzzis.
Are there a lot of stairs?
Yes. While there is an elevator connecting the reception, pool, and restaurant levels, you will still encounter steps to reach individual rooms.
Is breakfast included?
Not always. Check your specific booking rate. If not, it's a buffet for approx €14, but many guests prefer local bakeries.
Is it private?
Not really. The terraced architecture means people on upper levels can see down to lower balconies, and walkways often pass right by room windows.
Can I park there?
There is no private garage. You must use public parking nearby (street or small lots), which fills up fast in peak season.
Is it good for families?
It accommodates families (some suites sleep 4-5), but the steep cliffs and lack of kid-centric amenities make it better suited for older children or couples.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The elevator is a godsend, but it can be slow or out of service—don't rely on it 100%.
- ✨
Room 119 (Honeymoon Suite) has a reputation for being beautiful but has had complaints about drain smells.
- ✨
Don't pay for the hotel transfer if you can help it; the local bus stop is just a 5-7 minute walk away (though tough with heavy bags).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'private' Jacuzzis often take hours to heat up—turn yours on immediately upon arrival.
💡The wifi signal struggles to penetrate the thick volcanic walls of the cave rooms.
💡You can hear the donkeys/mules on the path below if you're on the lower levels.
💡The 'pool bar' food is surprisingly decent, especially the club sandwich, if you don't want to hike back up to the village.
💡Wind gusts here can be strong enough to knock over drinks on your terrace—secure your belongings.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Andromeda Villas is located and what's nearby.