Alexander's Boutique Hotel of Oia

From its whitewashed exterior, stone walls draped in leafy vines, and stunning caldera views, this hotel is about as Santorini as it gets. The charming, family-run property doesn't have much in the way of common spaces, aside from a white-umbrellaed terrace that overlooks the deep blue sea. There are barbecues on the terrace for guest use, and staff can arrange for wine tastings with snacks or more formal dinners here, which are especially nice with the setting sun as backdrop. Guests mostly relax on the private and shared patios attached to the apartments, or head into town for the day. The hotel is geared toward couples, and while some rooms can accommodate families, the numerous stairs don’t make the hotel ideal for young children. 

Alexander’s is located in a quiet area outside of Oia’s main street, about a 10-minute walk to the town's restaurants and shops. A bus that runs to Fira stops a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Attractions outside of Oia include the Sigalas Winery, which is a five-minute drive or 25-minute walk from the hotel. It’s a 20-minute drive to Fira’s Old Port and a 30-minute drive to the Santorini Airport. Pori and Baxedes beaches, both popular options to take in the sun and surf, are within a five- to 15-minute drive of the hotel.

The 14 rooms include Cycladic cave-style apartments named after precious and semi-precious stones. All have en-suite bathrooms, except for the Windmill House, which is a one-bedroom unit split between two levels with an external private bathroom. Decor is traditional, with white walls, low vaulted ceilings, gold and yellow throw pillows, and dark hardwood antique furniture from the owner’s family. The rooms have kitchenettes with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and hot plates, as well as flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, and hairdryers. Rustic bathrooms have a mix of stall showers and shower/tub combos, though some have jetted, hand-built tubs and all include toiletries. Some apartments have private balconies, while others are shared, and all come with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, as well as striking caldera views -- there are also units with outdoor hot tubs and separate or multiple bedrooms. A few guests have reported hearing a bit of street noise in their rooms. 

A free breakfast, which includes eggs, cheese, meats, bread and pastries, yogurt, and fruit, along with coffee and tea, is served on guests’ patios each morning at a requested time. There’s an area outside with tables and chairs overlooking the caldera, though no on-site pool; guests are able to use the pool with poolside bar at a neighboring property. Staff can arrange for private catered events, wine tastings with snacks, and various island excursions, such as Volcano tours and boat charters. Manicures, pedicures, and hair styling are also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.