Iliovasilema Suites

Whitewashed facade on rounded, cave-style buildings cascading down the volcanic cliff fits in perfectly with the Cycladic-style architecture in Imerovigli. With its high location -- 350-meters above sea level -- Iliovasilema Suites is easier to access than other hotels in the area (fewer stairs to navigate). The small touches of exceptional service: welcome bottle of wine, breakfast delivered to each room's private terrace, private hot tubs and plunge pools, and elegant decor throughout add to the overall upscale atmosphere of the hotel. Throw in numerous sun terraces with the most spectacular views of the caldera, rocks, and the sea (not to mention the breathtaking sunsets), and it's no surprise that this hotel is particularly popular for romantic getaways and honeymoons -- with the occasional wedding on the property.

Imerovigli is a slightly quieter Santorini village when compared to Fira and Oia -- though neither are too far way to experience the busier Santorini villages. The Fira village is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while the Oia village is a 20-minute drive. The hotel is situated on the highest point of the cliff-face, making it is easy to find and much easier to access than other hotels in Imerovigli -- fewer steep stairs to navigate. This location also comes with the added bonus of nearby parking, as well as a few restaurants within a short walking distance. It's about a 20-minute drive to Santorini Airport and a 30-minute drive to the island's main port.

The hotel's 19 air-conditioned rooms and suites have a pleasant, upscale vibe, with Cycladic decor of white walls, pastel colors and simple, classy furnishings. A free welcome bottle of wine is a nice perk. All rooms come with safes, flat-screen TVs, minibars, bathrobes, tea/coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms all have open layouts. Separate sleeping and living areas feature a small coffee table and sofa, as well as private or semi-private terraces with stunning sea views. The more luxurious suites include hot tubs and/or private plunge pools. The considerably sized bathrooms feature large stall showers, hairdryers, and free toiletries. It's important to note that some rooms have less privacy than others -- some include only a semi-private terrace and others are located next to a foot path with passers-by further reducing privacy.

While the features may seem limited for a four-pearl hotel, these are mostly normal by Santorini standards. The outdoor pool is adequately sized, and includes a few surrounding lounge chairs. The hotel offers a free continental breakfast -- served on each room's private terrace. However, the free spread is limited to a grilled sandwich, croissants, and Greek yogurt, and additional items incur a charge. There's a snack bar on the terrace, serving cocktails, drinks, and light dishes. Room service is also available. The lacking fitness center isn't too surprising for Santorini standards, however the lack of spa treatments is a noticeable shortfall. The hotel is available for travel agency services, including organization of car and bike rentals, tour bookings, cruises, and transfers. Weddings can be arranged here. A welcome treat is the nearby street parking, a rare occurrence in Santorini. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, but the signal can be patchy, especially in the rooms.