Karterados Road, Fira, Greece
15-minute walk to Fira's caldera and easy walk to restaurants, the bus stop, and a grocery store
Super clean rooms are individually decorated with romantic touches
Free breakfast buffet includes hot items and a huge fruit plate
Outdoor swimming pool and sun deck
Cute courtyard with whimsical elements
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free parking (not common in Fira)
On-site owners are friendly and helpful
Some of the rooms might be too frilly for some tastes
No full restaurant or bar
No caldera or ocean views
Some small bathrooms
The three-pearl Dahlia & Jasmine Collection by Angel Studios manages to hit the sweet spots of low rates, a convenient Fira Town location, and lovely rooms. The owners are cousins who live at the hotel and have obviously put their feminine touch in to decorating the 12 clean rooms (named after flowers) and whimsical courtyard garden. Features include a free hot breakfast buffet (with a fresh fruit plate served to your table), outdoor swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi and parking. Though there are excellent restaurants and a grocery store nearby, the major downside is that it takes about 15 minutes on a busy road to walk to the caldera in Fira. For something with caldera views and a boutique vibe, Hotel Keti offers cave-style rooms and much higher prices.
Scene
Two-story boutique hotel with whimsical touches
Angel Studios is owned by two Greek cousins and it's obvious they've put a ton of time and attention into their boutique hotel. The beige-colored structure is decorated with painted arches and surrounded by well-tended maturing olive trees. A small courtyard offers a whimsical place to relax among garden gnomes, a water fountain, and palm trees. A chair swing and wicker seating provide places to sit. The other side of the hotel grounds hold a bell-shaped swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. Though the location isn't on the caldera in Fira, it does have more space and privacy than anything you'll find on the cliff. The owners live on-site and are available to offer dinner suggestions or book tours. Guests here range from families to honeymooners to singles, who spend most of their day exploring the island or lounging quietly by the pool. Note that while most hotels in Santorini close seasonally, Angel Studios has an exceptionally short season and is closed from the beginning of October to the end of May.
Location
In Fira Town near the bus stop and a grocery store
Finding the Angel Studios can be a bit of a headache, since there are two entrances and no sign. Look for the slightly rundown gas station Moto Bafi off the main road near the bus stop, and the hotel is the singular two-story building just down a small hill just behind it. For travelers who prefer to stay off-the-beaten path and away from the crowds, the location is ideal. Katerina's Restaurant, the bus stop, a coffee shop, local bakeries, and a grocery store are all within a five-minute walk. But for those who want to spend all their time in Fira and Oia, it might be better to book on the caldera.
Rooms
Individually decorated rooms with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs
Each of the 12 rooms at Angel Studios are individually decorated and named after flowers and herbs. Most of the rooms tend toward a more romantic and (some might say) frilly look. Think: purple or pink canopies over the beds and vanity tables, bird-framed art, small hand-painted dressing tables, and lampshades with fringe. One exception to the design rule is the Edelweiss, which is done in a muted color palette and mostly dark wood furniture. The Edelweiss Room is lofted with an additional bed. All units come with free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, air-conditioning, and a small flat-screen TV. Bathrooms vary and some are quite small with shower cabins covered by clingy fabric curtains. The Violet bathroom is larger and looks recently renovated with contemporary fixtures that include a glass-enclosed shower with a fixed showerhead. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Some units have furnished balconies that are either semi-private or private and can overlook the pool or the courtyard.
Features
Free hot breakfast buffet, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and free parking
Features at Angel Studios are as lovely as the rooms and owners. Each morning guests are treated to a hot breakfast buffet that's set out in a small indoor dining room by the reception desk. The spread changes regularly and includes a variety of Greek and Western hot and cold items. On our visit, there were even chicken nuggets. Guests can dine indoors, but most choose to sit at a large table on the pool patio or in the courtyard. Staff serves each table a huge plate of freshly cut fruit, which is a nice touch. There's a bell-shaped (unheated) swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers; pool towels are self-serve. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A parking lot is available for those with cars or ATVs. The affable owners are generally on hand to offer restaurant suggestions and book tours.