Hotel Matina

This laid-back hotel offers guests a quiet, family-like home base, convenient to popular tourist activities but set away from the bustle. Guests rave about the welcoming hospitality and spot-on recommendations offered by the family of owners. The hotel has lovely grounds -- the great variety of tall trees, cascading bougainvillea, and potted plants pop against the whitewashed facade and stone pathways. The lobby is a multipurpose space with a homey atmosphere, as well as a daybed and sofas draped with blankets clustered around a television. An adjacent breakfast area has wooden tables topped with white tablecloths, while a pretty outdoor terrace has wicker seating surrounded by greenery. The tranquil, inviting atmosphere attract couples, families, and frequent wedding parties.

This hotel is set a short walk away from busy tourist areas in Kamari, a coastal town in eastern Santorini. From the hotel, it is a five-minute walk to the famous bland-sand Kamari Beach and popular shopping promenade with many restaurants, markets, and bars. It's also a 12-minute walk to an open-air movie theater. For those with a car, Ancient Thera and its beautiful views are a nine-minute drive from the hotel. There is a bus stop in front of the hotel with service to Fira, Santorini’s capital city; it's a 15-minute trip by car, and a must-see for the stunning caldera views at sunset. Santorini Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and the port is 21 minutes away.

Rooms have a simple design and the same homey vibe found throughout the property. Decor is primarily white, as is typical for the island, and some have light-blue accents and hints of a nautical theme in curtains or a piece of artwork. Balconies and terraces are furnished, with a sense of privacy from a partial wall or screen of flowers and trees. Rooms have either a double bed or two twins, while Triple Rooms add another single bed; some have netting for bug-free sleep. All rooms have a small flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and a safe that comes with a daily fee. Apartment-style options with separate bedrooms or kitchenettes are also available. Compact bathrooms have tiny shower stalls, in addition to a hairdryer and free soap, shampoo, and bath gel. 

This hotel has limited amenities -- no dinner service, kid-centric facilities, or gym -- but those on offer are appealing. The pool is a lovely spot, set on a walled-off terrace with trees and flowers to one side and mountain views on the other. The stone patio has plenty of wicker sunbeds and adjustable lounge chairs, all with beige umbrellas. A pool bar serving drinks and snacks is tucked neatly in one corner, nestled under a thick spray of bougainvillea. 

The free breakfast offerings are good quality, though items are similar each day. The indoor breakfast area is a nice spot with warm lighting and linen-covered tables decorated with candles and fresh flowers. Outdoor breakfast seating has the feel of a secret garden, with branches and flowers dripping down from above and creating a shady screen from the pool area beyond. Transportation to and from the airport is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and guests find the connection strong.