When I do travel research, I really get into it! While some people book the first hotel they see, I like to cross reference Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and also look on Google Maps to find the best deal! Today, I’ll be sharing a Santorini hotel guide featuring the best Oia hotels.
Why Stay in Oia
The two main areas that tourists stay in are Oia and Fira. Fira has more nightlife but is also very busy. Oia is popular for couples, honeymooners and those wanting to experience the famous Santorini sunset. There are some wonderful cliffside restaurants and many trendy boutiques.
The Criteria I Used to Select the Best Oia Hotels
I focused on finding hotels that provided good value, eye catching interiors, and also private outdoor space. Hotels in Oia are very expensive and if you have the money to spend, you can stay in the most luxurious room. But knowing that most of us can’t spend $1,000 per night, I tried to select the best value based on the cost. Unfortunately, Santorini and especially Oia is very expensive so there are few options less than $200 per night. I used a one night stay rate in mid week September to compare the pricing for all of these hotels. Traveling during July/August will mean your rate can be much higher.
Best for Groups
Katharos Villa
For groups of 4, the Katharos Villa is a really nice option if you enjoy private pools. Each unit comes with your own pool to enjoy against the gorgeous white buildings. The indoor furnishing is pretty basic but the bathroom is in the traditional cave style! It’s about a 15 minute walk into Oia though so it’s best if you want some serenity. The nightly rates are around $550 USD.
Book on: Tripadvisor, Booking.com
Aris Caves – Suite Patari
This Suite Patari at Aris Caves can accomodate 6 adults and run about $505 USD a night. What really caught my eye was the large private terrace with a private hot tub. The suite contains a living area with a kitchenette. It is right by the water so you’ll have unobstructed views. The location also can’t be beat as it’s smack in the middle of Oia! Their cheapest room type for 2 people is $285 USD and is actually quite beautiful too!
Book on: Tripadvisor, Booking.com
Best Splurge
Lava Caves
If you want to splurge, Santorini is the place to do it. With so many hotels over $1,000 per night, it’s hard to choose. I picked Lava Caves to be on this list because of the unique indoor-outdoor jacuzzi. I also love the history of the building as it was around in 1875 but has been completely renovated to create the luxurious Lava Caves. Located in Oia towards the left side, this hotel is in an excellent location! The beautiful room is available for $560 USD but almost all of September is booked out and the summer is booked solid!
Book on: Booking.com
Canaves Oia Epitome
Canaves is a popular luxurious hotel brand with several top rated properties and Epitome is one of their newest establishments! I can’t pick what’s my favorite thing about this hotel. There’s the infinity pool looking out over the famous Santorini sunset, the magazine chic interior design, and to top it off, private pools with each unit! This hotel is located to the west of Oia about a 10 minute walk away. These suites are $960 USD per night! For those honeymooners wanting to splurge, this is it!
Book on: Tripadvisor
Best Value
View Hotel by Secret
Brand new hotels are always great places to stay as they usually have lower rates to attract customers. Also, they’ll have brand new furnishing and amenities. View Hotel by Secret is about 10 minutes away from Oia in the district of Foinkia. The pool area is gorgeous with bamboo shades and wicker sun chairs. Rates are around $300 USD per night.
Book on: Tripadvisor, Booking.com
Kaleidoscope Cave Houses
What makes Santorini special is the cave houses so why not stay in one! The interior keeps the traditional cave feel but with clean and modern furnishing. You also have your own terrace to enjoy the sunset. There are two hotels in front of you but since it’s on a cliff, you’ll still have a pretty decent view. The nightly rate is around $420 USD for the One Bedroom Cave House with an Outdoor Hot Tub. Kaleidoscope Santorini is located in Oia towards the right side.
Book on: Tripadvisor, Booking.com
Aplai Dome
This is the hotel we actually originally booked to stay in for Santorini! But then we decided to be in the hustle and bustle of Fira as we’ll get to experience serenity and charm in Folegandros. Aplai Dome is just north of Oia and is about an 8 minute walk into town. This makes my list because it’s one of the most affordable options while still maintaining a modern decor. The furnishing is on the simple side but the overall ambience is very pleasant! You can book a stay for around $240 USD per night.
Book on : Tripadvisor, Booking.com
Best Save
Ether Santorini
The concept of hotel pricing on Oia is really quite skewed and I tried my best to find an affordable hotel on an absolute value. Ether Studios is honestly pretty lowly rated but it is the cheapest hotel AND relatively close to Oia’s city center. If you don’t mind minimal furnishing and a dated bathroom, you can stay in beautiful Oia for only $95 USD per night.
Book on: Tripadvisor, Booking.com
Laokasti Santorini
For the best bang for your buck, check out Laokasti Santorini. It is located just on the edge of Oia and offers unbeatable prices. The furnishing is very simple but the washrooms have the traditional cave shower which is amazing for their rate. Also, the hotel has a pool which is a nice amenity. This place is available for $140 USD per night and is my recommendation if you are on a budget!
Book on: Tripadvisor, Booking.com
Most Unique
Lioyerma Windmill Apartments
One of Santorini’s iconic landmarks is the windmills in Oia. Here’s your chance to actually stay in one! This hotel opened in 2015 and costs around $315 USD per night. Lioyerma Windmill Apartments has pretty basic furnishing but you’re paying for the unique experience of sleeping in a windmill! It is located in the western edge of Oia and is attached to a pool bar for the perfect spot to enjoy sunsets.
Book on their online website
I hope this guide was helpful in finding you a hotel in Oia!
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