Kamariou Mesarias, Fira, Greece
Exceptionally good caldera and Aegean Sea views
Walkable location in Fira, near restaurants, boutiques, and the cable cars
Cave-style rooms with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and excellent caldera views
Free daily breakfast with hot items
Large and deep outdoor swimming pool with caldera views
All-day Greek restaurant overlooks the caldera
Crystal Cocktail Bar is lively and popular
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Dated room decor and some maintenance issues
Complaints of low quality breakfast
Wi-Fi isn't reliable, especially in rooms
Super steep stairs throughout the hotel (common on the caldera)
The three-and-a-half-pearl Loucas Hotel was built in the 1930s and is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels on Santorini, with some of the best views of the caldera. It's also one of the few properties in Fira that's open year-round, though both the Greek restaurant, Aris, and Crystal Cocktail Bar close in the winter. Most guests love the views and the easily walkable location (via steps) to restaurants, jewelry stores, and the cable cars. Less popular are the free daily breakfast and though the 30 cave-style rooms all have caldera views, the decor is bland and past guests have complained about maintenance issues and slow Wi-Fi. For something with way more style (but no caldera views) and a better free breakfast, check rates at San Marino Suites.
Scene
Traditional Santorini architecture on the caldera
Guests enter Loucas Hotel through a signed gate that leads to steps straight down the caldera. The property is spread out on different levels broken up by steep steps and terraces, that are built directly into the cliff for some of the best views in Santorini. It was originally built in the 1930s. The low-ceilinged lobby doesn't have any windows, but it does offer a built-in sofa topped with gray and white cushions. Just adjacent to the lobby is a large terrace covered with succulents, white wood furniture, and pink cushions. Children are allowed here, but the vast majority of guests are couples and honeymooners. Like most caldera properties, the steep steps and cliff drops can be a problem for little kids or those with mobility issues.
Location
In the heart of Fira's caldera
Thanks to Loucas Hotel's long history (originally built in the 1930s) it got dibs on some of the best property in Fira. The hotel is built directly into the cliff, facing the Aegean Sea and the island's famous sunsets. It's just a one-minute walk up the stairs and around the corner to everything that Fira has to offer: boutique shops, jewelry stores, souvenirs, high end restaurants, casual restaurants, and the cable cars that lead down to the port. Further afield, it's about a 20-minute drive to the village of Oia. Plan on about a 20-minute drive to Santorini Airport and Red Beach, in opposite directions. Note that cars cannot access Fira's caldera, so guests either park in the huge public lot at the bottom of the hill and walk or arrive via shuttle and walk. Staff can assist with carrying luggage. Note that Loucas Hotel is one of the few Fira properties that stays open all winter long, though the bar and restaurant do close -- and we doubt you'll want to use the outdoor swimming pool in the cold.
Rooms
Bland rooms with dramatic views
The cave-style rooms are mostly bland, but they do have one saving grace: incredible caldera views from furnished outdoor spaces. Back inside, the color scheme is muted and furnishings are mostly of the built-in variety found across the island. White walls, beige tiled floors, and simple bed linens are pretty forgettable. Some rooms add lipstick-red armchairs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free spotty Wi-Fi. Bathrooms vary, and can include jetted bathtubs and double sinks. Toiletries and hose-style hairdryers are provided. Past guests have complained about maintenance issues.
Features
Free hot breakfast, large swimming pool, and Greek restaurant
Features seem nice on paper, but past guests have complained about the execution. A free morning breakfast with hot items like scrambled eggs and Greek pastries is served, but the quality seems to be hit or miss. Aris Restaurant offers exceptional caldera views and a solid menu of Greek favorites. Crystal Cocktail Bar has an extensive liquor list and specialty drinks, plus amazing sunset views -- it's one of the most popular bars in Fira. Note that the restaurant and bar are closed in the winter. A large and deep swimming pool overlooks the caldera and the pool deck has a handful of sun loungers for relaxing. Wi-Fi is technically free throughout the property, but the signal is weak. Like most Fira caldera hotels, parking isn't available. Staff is on hand to assist guests with luggage.