Parodos Eikostis Martiou, Fira, Greece
Right in the heart of Fira Town, but in a private and isolated area away from the chaos
Extremely spacious rooms with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor spaces
Outdoor pool and sun deck with loungers
Daily breakfast included in room rates; served in a garden or rooms
Snack menu and drinks served in the garden or by the pool
Small spa with private treatment rooms, steam room, and sauna
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Nearby parking
No Caldera views
Not all rooms are in the historical mansion building
The Aria Lito Mansion is a refined and elegant upscale boutique hotel in the heart of (but still removed from) Fira's shopping and restaurant scene. It's an excellent choice for anyone who doesn't mind giving up Caldera views for more space. Most of the 16 spacious guest rooms are inside the historical pink mansion main building and include flat-screen TVs and minibars. Lovely features include an outdoor pool, free breakfast, all-day snack menu, and small spa with a sauna and steam room. For travelers who want to wake up overlooking the Caldera, check rates at the nearby Lava Suites & Lounge.
Scene
Pink historic mansion and lovely grounds
The Aria Lito Mansion was originally built in the '50s and is one of the most spacious and private hotels in Fira Town. The original pink mansion building is surrounded by an elegant stone terrace set with shaded furnished areas and sun loungers. There are distant views of the Aegean Sea (though not the cliff Caldera side) and the streets below. Breakfast is served in a small garden area. Lemonade and cookies are provided in the period lobby, which is decorated with carved wooden furniture and antiques. Kids are allowed here, but most of the guests are international couples on vacation. The overall vibe is quiet and upscale, with the majority of guests exploring the island after breakfast.
Location
Just off the promenade in the heart of Fira Town
Aria Lito Mansion has one of the most convenient and private locations in Fira Town. Very few hotels offer the space and quiet that Aria Lito has, while still being within less than a minute to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The hotel's back gate leads directly (via a velvet rope) to the pedestrian promenade lined with souvenir shops that winds along the Caldera. Further afield, it's a 25-minute drive to Oia. Santo Wines Winery is about a 20-minute drive. Expect a 15-minute drive to Thira Airport.
Rooms
Spacious rooms with period details and modern touches
The best rooms at the hotel are located inside the mansion building from the 1950s. These rooms have some period details like hand-painted ceilings and tall windows, along with modern comforts such as minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Some of these rooms have enough space for a dining area and small sink in the kitchenette. A few rooms are built outside of the mansion, and while still quite nice, these rooms are slightly darker and share a terrace. Bathrooms offer a mix of showers or tubs, along with vanities and toiletries. Views either overlook the hotel's garden terrace and/or the distant Aegean Sea.
Features
Free breakfast, all-day snack menu, and outdoor pool
Features at Aria Lito Mansion are more upscale and spacious than most of its neighboring competitors. Rates include a free daily continental breakfast that's either served in a furnished garden or directly to guest rooms. An all-day snacks and drinks menu is then offer by the pool or in the garden. The rectangular-shaped outdoor pool includes a spacious pool deck lined with sun loungers and potted plants; the space overlooks the neighborhood and Aegean Sea in the distance. Steps lead down to a tranquil spa with private treatment rooms, showers, sauna, and steam room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Like most hotels in Fira, the Aria Lito doesn't have a private parking lot. Nearby parking is available for free in a public lot.