I just returned from a visit to Santorini (Oia), where I split my time, choosing to stay 2 nights at the Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel, and then another 2 nights at another hotel further down the road (nice to get different vantage points etc etc). I pretty much only have positive things to say about this hotel, and I would return in a heartbeat. First, as it is a SLH member, I was able to book it via Hyatt and used points--which was a GREAT deal IMO. I didn't receive an upgrade the first night (which worked out fine because I actually loved the classic room we got; it had a 2-story bathroom with a spiral staircase in it?! Unreal!), but the second night, they were able to move us to another room which was a major upgrade (to the river pool suite--so cool!). They were very closeby and had their staff move our bags, so it was a breeze going from one to the other. I had emailed in advance and mentioned it was our anniversary, so not sure if that had to do with it or it was my Hyatt status, but either way, I appreciated it. Because of Oia's unique topography, seemingly each room (at every hotel!) is unique, and I would love to return and try other rooms! At first it was a little confusing because there's the Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel (where we booked), but then 'nextdoor' is the "Canaves Suites" which is overall the same hotel (that's where the spa/gym are etc), but because of the layout of the cliffside and other hotels directly next to Canaves, it was confusing how to get there (you have to totally exit the hotel, walk on the main road for like 3 minutes, and then head back down into the other hotel. We got the hang of it by the time we had to leave LOL. Besides the confusing layout though, it is great having access to the spa/gym--my husband and I got a couples massage and it was one of the best massages I've ever had. Also such a cool design being in a cave. The other benefit was being able to access more pools--even though I was staying technically at the Boutique hotel, I was able to use the pool/lounge chairs at the Suites (and order food/drinks there etc.) Location-wise, I think Canaves is great; right in Oia, an easy/short walk from the main shopping/dining area. You do NOT get a direct sunset view from this hotel, though you do get a pretty caldera view and the sky is still pretty and colorful even without the direct sunset view. (I knew this ahead of time, which is why I booked 2 nights at another hotel that would have a sunset view.) Other things worth mentioning that I really appreciated: -super friendly reception staff (I'd been in touch with them prior to arrival and they were very sweet and always greeted us by name and again, upgraded us which was awesome) -we got a "coupon" to bring to the nearby local jewelry store to pickup a complementary necklace--it's nothing fancy, but it is a really nice memento to bring home this necklace with a gold coin showing the cliffs of Santorini! A really nice idea and great souvenir. -delicious complementary breakfast! The hotel is rather small so there isn't room for a buffet, but the a la carte menu felt "all you can eat" because we really could order as much as we wanted from it, and everything was delicious. Loved the bread basket and the crepes and the egg white omelet with asparagus. -welcome drink was very nice! We don't drink alcohol so they made us an iced tea mocktail of sorts which was very refreshing -Petra restaurant (in the Suites) hotel 'nextdoor' was one of the best meals of our entire Greece trip! -turndown service was great, and appreciated the complementary water and snacks and bedtime treats! -great poolside lounge chairs/towel/drink service -let us into our room before the official check-in time on our first day because it was already ready I can really only think of 2 negatives from our stay, and they're minor: 1. Our private car pickup at the ferry port was late, which I wasn't thrilled about, especially when you're paying top dollar for a pre-arranged private ride (as opposed to winging it and getting a cheaper taxi on the spot). I totally get that traffic there is crazy (there's only 1 long and winding road to get to the port area), but considering they do these pickups daily and are well aware of the roads and traffic, I was definitely a bit annoyed at this. It's stressful arriving in a new, unfamiliar place and then having to scramble to call the hotel to find out where the car is! I was hoping they'd comp (or partially comp) the ride, but that was not offered unfortunately. 2. The water in the pools was not warm...to be fair, I was there in May so this is not peak summertime temps. I was so excited by the private pool we had our second night, and by all the other beautiful pools around the hotel (both Suites and Boutique), but every single one I tried was too cold to thoroughly enjoy, so that was a bit disappointing. I wish they were heated, at least until maybe June or so when temps really start to increase and you actually want the pool to be cold! All in all, I loved this property and really appreciated being able to go on Hyatt points. Would definitely return in the future! …
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.