Antinea Suites Hotel & Spa

Couples find Antinea Hotel appealing for its romantic features and lovely outdoor spaces. Families do stay here, but the limited kid-friendly amenities mean the crowd tends to be more adult. This quiet hotel is built on a mountainside, which lends itself to incredible views, but hills and stairs may present difficulties to those with mobility issues or strollers. Ivory walls and stone accents are a departure from the typical whitewashed look of the area, but it sits well against the rocky mountain. Green trees and bushes line the property, while pops of bright flowers add color. The lobby is traditionally decorated with bright-blue walls, a mahogany front desk, and older wood furniture. The restaurant is furnished in a similar vein with white tablecloths, whereas the bar is a more casual affair with wicker chairs, red-cushioned couches, and photos of staff with guests around the liquor bottles. 

Antinea Hotel is in southeastern Santorini, on a winding, narrow road from Kamari up to Ancient Thera -- popular for its ancient ruins and stunning views. For those comfortable walking, there is a trail leading to the site just behind the hotel. From the property, it is a five-minute walk down the hill to the nearest bus stop, and a 10-minute walk to the black beach of Kamari. There are plenty of restaurants along the way, and more on the beach road, plus ample tourist-friendly shops. The capital city of Fira, and its iconic sunset views over the caldera, are a 16-minute drive from the hotel. Santorini Airport is a 10-minute drive away, and the port is 22 minutes. 

Rooms are generally spacious and comfortable, but a bit underwhelming with their neutral color scheme and wood furniture. Double beds have simple, ivory blankets and the wardrobe and desk are made of basic wood. Still, they're pleasant enough and all have furnished outdoor spaces -- many with incredible views to the ocean. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, air-conditioning, and a safe, while some add a kettle alongside coffee and tea and a sitting area. Other upgrades include options for rooms with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, indoor or outdoor whirlpools, and a private pool. Bathrooms have a nice design with large, glass-doored shower stalls and vessel sinks. Double sinks and rainfall showerheads are available upgrades. However, grout and tile in the shower shows its age. Free soap, lotion, shampoo, and shower gel are provided, as are a hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers. 

The main pool is small but in an appealing spot, nestled between buildings with the mountain as a backdrop. There are a few curtained daybeds for two and lounge chairs under umbrellas, plus tables near the pool bar. Tucked around a corner is a secluded outdoor whirlpool. The hotel’s position against the mountain does mean that the sun disappears from the pool by late afternoon, leaving sunbathers in the shade. A smaller pool with a few loungers offers a quieter, cozy spot for a dip. An appealing spa offers guests another option for relaxation with a whirlpool, sauna, and Turkish bath, plus body and facial treatments. 

The restaurant's primary decor is an ancient-style fresco behind the buffet tables, as the rest of the furnishings are in a white or cream color. Outdoor dining is more attractive purely for the stunning view it offers. Breakfast is free and consists of the typical continental fare plus hot dishes. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, as well. Wi-Fi is free, but guests report difficulty getting a consistently strong signal.