Caldera, Akrotiri 84700 Greece, Akrotiri, Greece
Private and peaceful location on the southern end of Santorini with views of Oia and Fira
10-minute drive from Red Beach
Lovely Suites, some with private pools and uninterrupted Caldera views
Free breakfast includes pastries and eggs; served to rooms
Communal outdoor pool and whirlpool with gorgeous sea views and large sundeck
Pool bar for cocktails and local food
Free private parking in a lot (rare for Santorini)
About as far as you can get from Fira and Oia (pro for some)
Some Suites have old-fashioned decor and/or limited views
Maison Des Lys is an excellent upscale pick for families and couples who require space, privacy, and easy access to Red Beach over proximity to Fira and Oia. The 21 suites range from limited views and slightly dated decor to including amenities like lofts, whirlpools, plunge pools, and epic Aegean Sea views. A made-to-order breakfast is delivered to rooms in the morning, and drinks and light fare are available from the pool bar throughout the day. The communal pool (one of the largest in Santorini) is a show stopper and there are uninterrupted views across the Caldera. Parking (a rarity) and Wi-Fi are both free. For those who want to be closer to the tourist action in Fira, check rates at Astro Palace Hotel and Suites, but expect an uphill walk and no Caldera views.
Scene
Peace and quiet with Caldera views and plenty of space
Maison Des Lys is centered around a large main building with interesting for Santorini architecture that includes a winding white exterior staircase, rock exteriors, and huge windows for views of the Aegean Sea clear across to the sheer Caldera cliffs that hold the villages of Fira and Oia. Thanks to the hotel's secluded location, there's ample space for outdoor gardens, water features with palm trees, and a huge outdoor pool. Stairs and hills aren't an issue here, which is rare on the island. The lobby looks a bit old fashioned, with low ceilings supported by peach-painted columns and striped living room furniture. Guests are a mix of families and couples, who either spend their time by the quiet pool or off property exploring.
Location
On the Southern end of Santorini, 10 minutes from Red Beach
A car (or ATV) is almost mandatory at Maison Des Lys, since the hotel has a secluded location at the top of Akrotiri Village at the southern end of Santorini. There's little within immediate walking distance other than private homes and boutique hotels. It's about a 10-minute drive to Red Beach, a few restaurants, and mini-markets in Akrotiri. Venetsanos Winery is about a 15-minute drive. Further afield, Fira is about a 22-minute drive and it's a 45-minute drive to Oia on winding roads. Plan on about a 20-minute drive to Santorini International Airport. Most guests specifically choose this hotel for quiet and views of the Caldera across the Aegean Sea.
Rooms
Variety of Suites with varying features and amenities
It's important to look closely at Suite types here before booking a room, as there's a huge range of features and amenities between the 21 Suites (each named after a flower or herb) available. The Junior Suites (sleep up to three) are the most recently remodeled and have more modern decor, but some of them are at the back of the property and don't have great water views. The Magnolia Suite is the largest Suite and it has a private pool, flat-screen TV, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a mini-fridge, and directly faces the Caldera from a private patio. Some of the Suites look a bit dated with heavy wood furnishings, floral bedspreads, and wood wall panels. Bathrooms range from gorgeous cave-style spaces with huge tubs in front of corner windows (in the Catrin Suite) to more dated whirlpool tubs and step-in glass showers (in the Magnolia Suite).
Features
Large outdoor pool, pool bar, free delivered breakfast, and free parking
Maison Des Lys has upscale amenities that cater to leisure travelers. The isolated location provides ample space for a huge outdoor pool and sun deck with sun loungers facing the Caldera cliffs. There's a built-in whirlpool feature and a large kids' pool off to the side. The pool bar stays open all day and offers a selection of drinks, Santorini wines, and excellent food. Free breakfast is ordered the night before and served in the Suites, which is an upscale touch. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Another unusual Santorini perk is free parking in a large, gated lot.