Evgenia Villas & Suites is popular with families and groups because suites sleep up to four people and there are few steep steps with which to contend (unlike on the caldera). The Cycladic style of architecture means whitewashed walls, stone steps, and blue accents -- when we arrived we spotted a bridal photoshoot on the steps leading to the second story. The boutique is sophisticated with a gorgeous pool and modern sun loungers. Potted succulents and cacti add doses of color. The renovated bar is hip and features a white bar counter and Mid-century modern touches in the stools and lighting. Fresh fruit is usually displayed on a tiered stand. The lobby is tiny, but bright with blue doors and windows. 

Hotel rates are cheaper on the Eastern side of Santorini because the Aegean Sea is in the distance and none of the hotels have views of the caldera and the sunset. The Evgenia Villa & Suites is within a 10-minute walk of Fira's caldera and its abundance of shops, restaurants, and yes -- the famous views of the water and hillsides clustered with blue domed buildings. The hotel is built off of a quiet stone paved street in a mostly residential neighborhood, and it's about a two-minute walk to a mini-market and the Folklore Museum. Fira's central bus station and a strip of casual restaurants are about a five-minute walk. Farther afield, it's about a 30-minute drive or bus ride north to Oia. Santorini Airport is about a 10-minute drive. 

Rooms and suites at Evgenia Villas & Suites (don't be fooled by the name, they don't offer private villas) have been updated and refreshed with a minimalist Cycladic style and modern features. The brightly lit rooms have laminate wood floors, whitewashed walls, and blue and white furniture and curtains. Features include a small flat-screen TV, kettles, free Wi-Fi, and refrigerated minibars. Superior Suites can sleep four people and face the distant Aegean Sea. Tiled bathrooms usually have a bowl sink on a small vanity and a step-in shower with tiled walls. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Furnished balconies vary in size and overlook the swimming pool or the parking lot, some have distant views of the Aegean Sea. 

Features are shared with the adjacent sister property (San Marino Suites), so the breakfast room and pool can get crowded -- especially in high season. The pool itself is surrounded on three sides by modern sun loungers, and European dance music softly plays on hidden speakers. The adjacent bar is open all day for cocktails and beer, but doesn't provide waiter service or serve food. This is also where breakfast is served (for a fee). The cold spread includes fresh fruit, spinach pie, croissants, small sandwiches, cakes, cereals, and coffee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Friendly staff is on hand to suggest tours and provide directions. There's free parking down the street in an abandoned movie theater, but the lot isn't paved and was lined with garbage and debris during our visit. It might be better to arrange for airport/ferry transportation with the hotel and skip a car.