Armeni Village Rooms & Suites

The traditional white-washed exterior and the cliff-top setting here scream: Santorini. While its architecture is beautiful, it's overshadowed by the stunning panoramic views -- with terraces overlooking the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The guest rooms are housed in traditional cave-style structures, with homey Aegean-inspired decor. Each room has either a shared or private outdoor terrace where guests can have their breakfast. The swimming pool and hot tub both overlook the sea, though there are the only shared spaces at the hotel. In other words, don't come here expecting a buzzing social scene. With a relaxing and romantic ambience, Armeni Village Rooms & Suites is mostly frequented by couples of all ages. Given its cliffside setting, though, expect plenty of stairs. 

Armeni Village is located near central Oia, with beautiful views overlooking the caldera and Aegean Sea. The hotel's high location provides great sunset views, although it does tend to get a bit windy. The surrounding area is packed with other hotels, tourist shops, and high-end restaurants. It's an easy five-minute walk to the center of the picturesque town of Oia for shopping, art, dining, and drinking options. The Ammoudi port can be reached walking down 300 steps from the hotel to the sea (about a 10-minute walk) -- it's a popular spot for a swim (though there's no beach), and from here, small boats can be booked that go to the island of Thirassia. There's not much more in terms of tourist sites in Oia, aside from the Maritime Museum, which is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. It's a 30-minute drive to the Santorini Airport, and the hotel can arrange a transfer service.

Typical to traditional Santorini architecture, the 15 guest rooms and suites have cave-like layouts, with Aegean-inspired decor and homey touches. The softly furnished interiors feature a lot of white with brightly colored accents, like throw pillows and crafty wooden art on the walls. Trellis panels add an even more rural element to the style, though the furniture and decor in some Superior Rooms and Suites is sleeker, with handsome wooden paneling and pops of chic gray. The 15 rooms vary in size, and Family Rooms can hold up to four people. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, free Wi-Fi, safes, and electric kettles. Without a doubt, the highlight are the terraces with caldera views, though not all are private. The sizable bathrooms are modern, but simple, with large walk-in showers. Toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers are provided, and some suites have their own hot tubs. 

Features are few here, and most guests either simply relax by the pool or explore the island during their stay. The hotel provides a free continental breakfast that's served directly to the rooms' terraces at a time predetermined by guests. Otherwise, the swimming pool and outdoor hot tub are the only other extras, and both are adequately sized, with beautiful panoramic views of the sea. Keep in mind that at capacity there may not be enough sun loungers. Pool and beach towels are both free to use. There is no poolside bar or restaurant. The hotel offers a concierge service that can help with booking car/bike rentals, sailing excursions, helicopter and Learjet services, and airport transfers. Massages, beauty treatments, and hairdressing are available upon request (for a fee). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.