Afroditi Venus Beach Hotel & Spa

This hotel appeals primarily to couples for its solid list of features catering to adults. Families are welcome, but kid-friendly amenities are limited. The hotel has an older feel, particularly in the lobby and standard rooms, but guests like the friendly atmosphere and lovely grounds. The lobby is spacious and bright featuring aquamarine accent walls adorned with large paintings, but the blocky white couches and bright red ottomans could use an update. A wall with built-in shelves provides reading material, and there’s a TV corner with a few sofas. Outside, the atmosphere is more alluring with chic furnishings at the ocean-view restaurant and bar, plus plenty of palm trees and flower boxes, trellises dripping with bright bougainvillea, and stone walls adding to the charm. 

Afroditi Venus Beach Hotel & Spa is on the eastern coast of Santorini, on the beach of Kamari. The front of the hotel sits on a quiet street with a car rental and tavern next door. There’s a large, free parking lot less than a minute from the front door, and a public bus stops a two-minute walk away. The back of the hotel opens onto a popular pedestrian shopping street with clothing and gift stores next door. There are also plenty of restaurants and a variety of shops within a few minutes’ walk. It is a 15-minute walk, or a four-minute drive, to an outdoor movie theater with a pleasant atmosphere. From the hotel, it is a 17-minute drive to Fira, the capital city of Santorini known for its gorgeous sunset views of the caldera. Santorini Airport is an 11-minute drive from the hotel, and the port is 22 minutes away. 

Rooms are simply decorated, most in neutral tones and light-blue accents, with streamlined light-wood furniture -- some painted partly black. Others have a neutral color scheme with a few pops of bright orange in the linens. Rooms have a double bed or two twins, a wardrobe, desk, and chair, as well as a furnished balcony or (sometimes shared) terrace. Additional amenities include a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and a free safe. Upgrades include options for a sitting area (sometimes separated by a curtain), queen- or king-size beds, two-bed/two-bath rooms, and outdoor whirlpools. Bathroom decor varies from white tile with dark grout, to pleasant neutral tones or eye-popping blue and green combinations. All bathrooms have small, curved-glass-doored showers. Hairdryers are provided, as are free soap, shower gel, and shampoo.

Facilities are plentiful and of good quality, though there's no gym on-site. Highlights are the three outdoor pools with a relaxing atmosphere and comfortable, padded loungers. The main pool is a medium size and has a bar with snacks and drinks, plus a whirlpool nearby. Another tiny pool is tucked in a courtyard between buildings, as is a small wading pool for young children. The pebbly beach is just across the public walkway and has free sunbeds with umbrellas for guests. The full-service spa is a pleasant spot with another pool and whirlpool, plus a steam room and treatment areas. 

The main buffet restaurant serves a free breakfast and dinner for those with the half-board meal plan. The a la carte beach restaurant and bar has a lovely, casual atmosphere with its outdoor setting, combination of couches and chairs, and flowering trees growing between tables. A contemporary design, beautiful ocean view, and well-reviewed food make it a romantic spot. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but it can be slow.