Caldera, Fira, Greece
Walkable location on the quieter edge of Fira
Cave-style rooms and suites with individual decor and some Aegean Sea views
Free tasty breakfast served in rooftop lounge overlooking the Caldera
Lovely swimming pool set in charming courtyard
Rooftop terrace with loungers and sunset Caldera views
Heated whirlpool on a terrace
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Baggage assistance available
Lounge is really just a breakfast area, no full food service
No traditional reception area
Not all rooms have views
Some bland rooms
Lava Suites & Lounge has a misleading name, as the lounge is actually just a rooftop area where breakfast (and occasionally drinks during high season) are served. Otherwise, the mid-range boutique offers a convenient and quiet location right around the corner from the Jewelry Market drag of Fira Town, plus it has gorgeous Caldera and church views. Sure, you'll see all the usual whitewashed walls here, but the multi-level property also has a storybook look with romantic shaded nooks, rock walls, tons of greenery, and water features. Nine individually decorated cave-style rooms range from simple with few frills to an over-the-top Master Suite with a private whirlpool. A rooftop terrace, small swimming pool, and heated whirlpool round out the features. For something in the center of Fira and with chicer rooms, check rates at Aroma Suites Hotel.
Scene
Storybook-like grounds and Caldera views, but mostly empty
We arrived at Lava Suites & Lounge just after breakfast and found, well, nobody. There wasn't a single guest using the pool, rooftop terrace, or lounge. Since there isn't a dedicated reception desk, we eventually found a housekeeper who radioed the manager. Most guests here are international couples (kids are allowed but rarely visit) who use the romantic boutique hotel as a place to sleep and eat breakfast before exploring the island all day. Though the small property is built with the island's traditional whitewashed architecture, it deviates from the norm with rock walls, floral climbing thats creep out of terra-cotta planters, and secluded nooks with water features. Lava Suites faces the caldera, but isn't built directly into the cliff, so it has fewer stairs than neighboring properties. A gorgeous blue-domed church adds to the stunning Aegean Sea views.
Location
On the edge of Fira Town, in front of a pedestrian promenade and the Caldera
Lava Suites has a convenient and walkable location that makes it easy to get to restaurants, shops, and the Santorini Cable Car by foot, but is slightly removed from the crush of shops and hordes of tourists just around the corner. The pedestrian promenade that runs in front of the hotel and along the beautiful Caldera, eventually leads to the village of Oia (about a two-hour walk). Fira, and it's jewelry markets, gyro shops, and boutique stores, are just a three-minute walk from the hotel. Santorini Thira Airport is about a 20-minute drive.
Rooms
Cave-style rooms with individual designs
Each of the nine cave-style rooms here are distinctly designed and offer different amenities, layouts, and views. The Executive Double includes a living room and kitchenette, a bathroom with an open cave-style shower on the lower level (right next to the living room), and an open plan loft bedroom with a double wrought-iron bed. Furnishings are classic in taste and a large white wardrobe serves as the closet. The Master Suite has a gorgeous, private deck with a whirlpool tub and pair of wicker chairs overlooking the Caldera. The Suite is naturally lit by large windows and includes cement built-in benches and bed. A small kitchenette provides a sink and mini-fridge. Wi-Fi is free in all the units.
Features
Served breakfast, small pool, and rooftop whirlpool terrace
Features at the Lava Suites & Lounge are quite limited since this is a small boutique hotel with a central location. Guests are served a varied breakfast that includes hot and cold Greek and international items. The menu changes daily and can be included with room rates. Breakfast is served in the Lounge, which is really just a gorgeous bright white rooftop terrace with built-in seating and epic Caldera views. There's a small bar up here, but it's only open in the high season or used for private events. No other meal service is provided.
A small swimming pool is set in a lovely courtyard. For Caldera views and warmer water, guests can access the communal whirlpool tub on a rooftop terrace. The hotel is dotted with sitting areas where guests can enjoy views and find quiet. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Staff can arrange with luggage assistance and booking tours.