Homeric Poems

This intimate luxury property is quiet, and attracts the type of guests who want to relax on a sea-view terrace with a glass of wine or a great book. Modern life feels a million miles away, but the amenities are decidedly 21st century and service is first-class. Every guest is treated to a welcome drink, and snacks are available all day long. The winding exterior corridors and stairways give the hotel an otherworldly feeling, but the picturesque shutters, whitewash, arches, pebbled courtyards, and nautical accents are quintessential Santorini. Sunsets here are particularly magical. The cliffside property is steep, with lots of steps, but views are excellent from just about everywhere (including every room terrace). Children under 12 are not allowed, and guests are mostly couples on a romantic getaway. 

Homeric Poems Studios is built into the side of a cliff overlooking the Aegean, at the village of Firostefani. The quiet location a bit removed from the restaurants and bustle in Santorini’s capital, Fira, is part of the appeal for many, but those who do want to dine out in Fira can walk there in 10 minutes. The Museum of Prehistoric Thira is a 15-minute stroll. Guests can reach Nomikos Conference Center in five minutes on foot. The bus station is two minutes away on foot, and the airport is a 20-minute drive. The Old Port, which is for cruise ships, is typically accessed by donkey, cable car, or on foot in about 15 minutes -- though walking is tricky here. Guests from other Greek islands tend to arrive at Athinios Port, a 20-minute drive away. Perissa Beach and Kamari Beach are both 25 to 30 minutes away by car. The Bronze Age archeological site at Akrotiri is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. There's no parking at the hotel itself, but guests can use the free parking lot nearby. 

Guest rooms at the Homeric Poems Studios are individually designed and decorated, each named after mythical figures from Homer’s poetry. All rooms are air-conditioned, soundproofed, and have furnished terraces with beautiful sea views. They also all have kitchenettes with mini-fridges, two-burner stovetops, coffee/tea facilities, tableware, and utensils; snacks and mini liquor bottles are for sale. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and laptop safes. Bathrooms are mosaic-tiled or natural stone, with walk-in shower stalls; some have romantic spa tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Housekeeping takes care of the rooms twice a day, and there is turndown service.

Beds are comfortable, with memory foam mattresses; some rooms have canopy beds, and others have cozy built-ins. Note that some rooms only have a single double bed instead of a king-size bed. The three Honeymoon Suites have king-size beds and marble bathrooms with hot tubs. Grand Suites, the top category, have private plunge pools on their balconies, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, and ceilings lit by miniature fiber-optic stars. Some rooms -- particularly “Helen” -- get noise from the pool bar and are less private than others. Connecting rooms are available upon request.

The hotel has five levels, and there are no elevators. Guests with mobility issues may want to stay elsewhere or request a room with easier access. Rooms at the top are closest to the pedestrian street, while those lower down the cliff are closer to the pool.

Homeric Poems Studios features a sophisticated outdoor infinity pool. The deck overlooks the Aegean Sea, and guests can recline on one of the comfortable cushioned loungers and gaze across the water. The pool bar (which doubles as the restaurant area) is stunningly simple, with white walls, turquoise accents, and Lucite chairs. Breakfast is cooked to order and served on guests' private terraces; it's not included in the price, at it is at the nearby Tsitouras Collection Hotel. Lunch or dinner can be served in the bar or on guest room terraces. The menu features traditional Greek delicacies prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and gets high marks from guests. In-room spa services are available, including massages, facials, and body and beauty treatments (fees apply). The hotel offers round-trip shuttle services to the airport and ferry terminal (for a fee). Wedding services are available.  No pets, even service animals, are allowed, and this is a smoke-free property.