Eikostis Pemptis Martiou, Fira, Greece
Within 10-minutes walking distance from Fira
Elegant rooms and suites; some with private pools and sea views
On-site eatery serves lunch and dinner
Large outdoor pool with a sundeck and pool bar
On-site spa is large and includes an indoor pool
Freebies such as breakfast, Wi-Fi, and private parking
Small fitness center
Laptops and iPads available for guests' use
No beach
Uphill walk to Fira may be difficult for some
Tiny private pools have little privacy as they are directly next to one another
Wi-Fi connection can be unpredictable
Staff controls turning room hot tubs on and off
Astro Palace Hotel & Suites is not quite the five-star property it bills itself as, but it is a solid value for an upscale resort located just about a 10-minute, semi-uphill walk from the bustling center of Fira with its plethora of restaurants, shops, and beaches. The property has an esteemed on-site spa with a serene vibe and indoor whirlpool, plus a sauna. The restaurant Pleiades earns kudos for lunch and dinner, but past guests have complained about the quality of free breakfasts. Wi-Fi and parking are free and guests can borrow iPads. Rooms and suites have cool architectural details like loft spaces and small private pools, but lack the traditional Cyclades style found on the rest of the island and some feature single beds pushed together. It may be worth comparing rates at Lilium Villas Santorini, a hotel with stylish modern flair and many of the same facilities.
Scene
Quiet and luxurious three-story hotel
Since Astro Palace Hotel & Suites isn't built on the popular caldera-facing side of Santorini, it's not as crowded with tourists. The hotel is elegantly decorated, but lacks the Cyclades architecture that helps make Santorini postcard worthy. Instead, the exterior has a rock wall and curved window cutouts framed by blue bars. Inside, white busts of Greek goddesses flank the lobby entrance. The lobby holds two clusters of orange upholstered sofas in front of dark wooden coffee tables. Matching Greek-style murals line two walls. Cassiopeia Spa is a style standout with blue neon lights, rock walls, and a mosaic tiled pool. Shells and candles add to the serene ambiance.
Location
A bit of an uphill walk to the tourist center and only a quick drive away from airport
The Astro Palace is located in Fira town, but it's still a five to 10-minute walk up a semi-steep hill (most of the island is up a semi-steep hill) to get to the bustling tourist center, with its great views of the caldera. The hotel is about an eight-minute drive from Santorini airport and close to an area port as well. Note that Santorini doesn't name its streets, so finding your hotel may prove difficult. The neighborhood around the hotel is quiet and slightly isolated with views of the Aegean Sea in the distance.
Rooms
Rooms and suites with balconies and patios (but maybe skip the private pool upgrade)
Rooms and suites inside the Astro Palace range from basic Double Rooms to Executive Suites with private pools. Each has a balcony or patio with the Aegean Sea in the distance, along with a satellite LCD TV and minibar. Before you upgrade to a room with a private pool or hot tub, note that the tiny pools are located directly next to one another and staff must be notified to turn hot tubs on and off. The Astro Suite is divided into a two-story loft with a sleeper sofa on the first floor and two twin beds pushed together on the loft level. Light wood floors and orange accents give the rooms a contemporary feel.
Features
A calm spa and outdoor pool, plus guests can borrow laptops and iPads
The features at Astro Palace Hotel & Suites are designed with luxury in mind. Cassiopeia Spa includes a large indoor whirlpool and dry sauna, plus treatment rooms for massages and facials. On-site eatery Pleiades serves lunch and dinner with wine while the pool bar does refreshments and snacks throughout the day. A free breakfast buffet gets mixed reviews. Parking and Wi-Fi are welcomed freebies and guests can borrow iPads or laptops to use at the hotel. The outdoor swimming pool is decently sized with plenty of sun loungers to go around. There’s a small children's pool that doesn't get much use directly next to the adult pool.