The Boathouse Hotel

The Boathouse Hotel is a modest, family-run property with a laid-back vibe and friendly service. The building is on the coastal road along Kamari’s popular beach scene, and offers a great value for the price. It has the iconic Cycladic look -- a white, blocky building with blue trim -- and flowers and trees help to create a lovely, relaxing atmosphere. The lobby is a simple affair, with ivory tile floors and walls, and accents in shades of blue. Furniture is basic, including a work desk for reception and a daybed with a throw, plus many vases and curios adorning the space. As its name suggests, maritime decorations fill the space. Couples are drawn here for affordable rooms with easy access to Kamari’s sites and best eateries, though larger suites attract families as well. 

This hotel sits on the northern end of Kamari’s coastline on the Greek island of Santorini. The area is mostly hotels, but there are several good restaurants and a supermarket within a three-minute walk. A three-minute walk down the beach brings guests to Kamari’s main drag where there’s a long string of restaurants and shops, plus access to a lively nightlife at one of many bars in the area. The open-air cinema is a nice spot to catch an evening movie, a 13-minute walk from the hotel. It is a seven-minute walk to the nearest bus stop. 

It is a 15-minute drive to the parking area for Ancient Thera, and then a 15-minute walk up the cliffside, but the mountaintop ruins and spectacular view are considered worth the trip. A 20-minute drive from the hotel is Fira, the capital city of Santorini and another must-see spot for its spectacular views of the caldera, particularly at sunset. Santorini Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and the port is 25 minutes away. 

Rooms are modestly decorated with beige walls and tile floors and a couple of sailboat paintings on the walls. The wood headboards, desks, and nightstands are traditional, but well cared for, and there are either large wardrobes or built-in closets, depending on the room. Exposed stone walls and niches with stone borders add interest to the spaces. Each room has a furnished balcony or terrace, some of which have sea views. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and safes, but no TVs. Kettles can be provided on request. Upgrades include options for suites with sitting areas or adjoining rooms with private gardens. Bathrooms are tasteful and modern, featuring vessel sinks, spacious walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and free toiletries consisting of soap and shower gel. Unfortunately, free WI-Fi does not reach all rooms.

This simple hotel adds appeal with a few nice extras for the price. A delicious free breakfast buffet is available poolside at pleasant tables under straw umbrellas, but there is no restaurant on-site for lunch or dinner. Fortunately, man excellent restaurants are nearby. The pool is large, set on a terra-cotta patio and surrounded by palm trees and wood loungers covered in taupe linens. In the afternoon and evening, the breakfast area becomes the pool bar. The adjacent pebbly beach is uncluttered with beach chairs or umbrellas, which provides a lovely view, but lacks a place to sunbathe in front of the waves. Wi-Fi is free in common areas and some rooms.