Blue Dolphins Hotels & Villas, Santorini

Pros

• Rooms and suites are relatively spacious and offer incredible views over the Aegean Sea and Santorini's caldera.
• You'll enjoy a quieter setting in the village of Firostefani, just a 20-minute walk from the island capital of Fira.
• A complimentary continental breakfast is served on the rooftop veranda or in your room.

Cons

• Some previous guests noted a smell from the rooms' pipes and drains.
• The hotel is accessed via over 50 steps, so this isn't a good fit for anyone with limited mobility or those traveling with lots of luggage.
• There's no pool or spa on-site, but the Honeymoon suite has a private Jacuzzi. 
• The hotel has no restaurant, and a set breakfast menu means dietary restrictions can't be accommodated.

Authenticity

Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites embraces Santorini's classic aesthetic of white limestone walls and blue accents throughout its nine unique rooms and suites (each named for a Greek island). This is a small, boutique property, so you won't find amenities like a pool or restaurant, but its tucked-away location in quieter Firostefani and frankly spectacular views over the caldera and the coast make it a nice bolthole for those looking for a more authentic, locally owned slice of Santorini.

Location

Located in the village of Firostefani, you're a 5-minute walk from the village's central square (though you should be prepared for a climb and lots of steep stairways). The island capital of Fira is an easy 7-minute drive or a 20-minute walk away, and the hotel's position along the trail connecting Fira with Oia allows you to explore much of the island's landscapes and attractions on foot. The airport is reachable in 15 minutes by car, and the main ferry port of Athinios is a 25-minute drive south. Parking is free but limited.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The nine rooms all channel Cycladic simplicity, with whitewashed walls, painted accents, and tile floors. Options include compact Standard Double units with sea views, Romantic suites with private balconies, and a two-bedroom Family suite. Choose the Honeymoon suite for a private terrace complete with a large Jacuzzi, or book the Canava Cave House to sleep up to five guests (though the latter is darker and doesn't have the same sea views). The brushed concrete bathrooms are newly renovated, and all rooms have air-conditioning, free WiFi, and handy water refilling stations. 

Amenities

The hotel's complimentary continental breakfast is served on your own private terrace or on the rooftop veranda overlooking the caldera. The simple spread usually features fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, pastries, eggs, cheese, cold cuts, juices, and more. The hotel doesn't have a pool or spa, but there's a tour desk, luggage storage, and a shuttle service for an added fee. Lots of narrow paths and stairs mean the hotel isn't wheelchair-friendly or suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

While not particularly family-friendly—there are no child-oriented amenities here—Blue Dolphins welcomes children. The number of steps may be an issue for younger kids, but cribs are free, and extra beds (for older children) are available for an added fee. The Family suite sleeps four across two bedrooms, complete with a private terrace. Pets are allowed to stay upon request.