1864 The Sea Captain's House

1864 The Sea Captain's House, Santorini: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis in Oia

Nestled in the breathtaking village of Oia, Santorini, 1864 The Sea Captain's House stands as a distinguished retreat, recognized with One Michelin Key for its unique character and exceptional hospitality. This boutique hotel, with its rich history and stunning caldera views, consistently garners enthusiastic praise from guests seeking an unforgettable Aegean experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests for 1864 The Sea Captain's House is overwhelmingly positive, often described as "heavenly" and "exceptional". With high ratings across the board for location, cleanliness, staff, and comfort, guests frequently highlight it as one of the best places they have ever stayed. The sentiment is one of profound satisfaction, emphasizing a blend of luxury, privacy, and authentic Santorini charm.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features of this property:

• Unbeatable Location & Views: Situated at the peak of the Caldera in Oia, the hotel offers unparalleled, postcard-perfect views of the Aegean Sea, the volcano, and the famous Oia sunset. Many remark that tourists gather directly outside their rooms to capture photos of the very views guests enjoy privately.
• Exceptional Service: The personalized and attentive service, particularly from the manager, Takis, receives continuous acclaim. Guests appreciate his knowledge and excellent recommendations, contributing to a truly outstanding holiday experience.
• Unique Design & Privacy: The villa's historical architecture, being one of the few structures to survive an earthquake in the 1950s, offers a sense of sleeping in a museum. Despite being in the heart of Oia, the property manages to feel private and secluded.
• Delicious Breakfast: The American-style breakfast, served daily on private terraces or the common courtyard, is frequently lauded as "outstanding" and "out of this world delicious".

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at 1864 The Sea Captain's House are primarily suites, each offering a distinct blend of Santorini's minimal aesthetic with Renaissance and even baroque influences. Rooms are fitted with elegant four-poster beds and feature antique woodwork and gilded mirrors, creating a luxurious yet characterful ambiance. A significant highlight is that every suite includes a private terrace with direct sea and caldera views. Many suites also come equipped with jacuzzis, contributing to an idealized, luxe version of Oian village life. Modern amenities such as air conditioning, free WiFi, espresso machines, and complimentary minibars are standard, alongside spacious marble-clad bathrooms featuring Bulgari toiletries. The Cave Suite, a renovated and luxurious space, is noted for its traditional arc ceiling and generous size, offering king and queen beds, multiple marble bathrooms, and a deep soaking tub.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience largely centers around the highly praised breakfast. An American-style breakfast is served daily until late (9:00 AM to noon) either in the Captain's House courtyard or on guests' private terraces, allowing for an intimate and scenic start to the day. Guests consistently describe the breakfast as delicious, outstanding, and a highlight of their stay, with the staff accommodating dietary needs such as food allergies. While the property itself doesn't feature a full-service restaurant for other meals, numerous restaurants and cafés are conveniently located within 66 feet.

5. Service & Staff

The service at 1864 The Sea Captain's House is a recurring theme of commendation. The staff, especially the manager Takis, is consistently described as exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Guests appreciate the personal touch, which includes unique services like a donkey escort for luggage upon arrival, making them feel like royalty. The multilingual staff ensures a smooth and welcoming experience for international visitors. The Michelin Key selection itself notes that the "service always exceeds guests' expectations".

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a "perfect spot in Oia," situated at the top of the inner crescent and offering unparalleled views. It is located towards the end of Oia, near the "sunset castle," and just under the main pathway that crosses the village. Key attractions like the Santorini Caldera and Oia Blue Dome Church Viewpoint are within steps, and Ammoudi Beach is approximately 220 steps away. While the central location provides easy access to everything Oia has to offer, including restaurants and cafes, guests should be aware that the property does not have elevators, and navigating Oia generally involves many stairs. Transportation to and from Santorini Airport (11 miles) and Athinios Port (12 miles) can be arranged by the hotel for a surcharge.

7. Value & Pricing

While 1864 The Sea Captain's House offers a luxurious and highly-rated experience, this comes at a premium. Approximate prices for a 1-night stay in early 2026 show average weeknight rates around $376 USD and weekend night rates around $374 USD. Prices can fluctuate significantly with seasonality, with August and October typically being the cheapest months and June the most expensive. An additional charge of 50 Euro per person per night applies for more than two guests in the Captain's Suite and Cave Suite. Given the exceptional location, personalized service, and unique accommodation, many guests consider the experience well worth the cost.

8. Common Complaints

Finding significant or recurring complaints for 1864 The Sea Captain's House in recent reviews is challenging, with the overwhelming sentiment being positive. However, a very old forum post from 2005 did suggest that the proximity to Oia's pedestrian walkways might lead to noise during busy months. While more recent reviews celebrate the central and vibrant location, the lack of elevators and the inherent topography of Oia with its many stairs are practical considerations for some travelers. The property also has a policy of not allowing children under 12 due to safety precautions, which could be a limitation for families with younger children.

Sources

1. fnl-guide.com
2. michelin.com
3. michelin.com
4. hotels.com
5. expedia.com
6. booking.com
7. meetsantorini.com
8. Current time information in Notio Egeo, GR.
9. sea-captains-house.com
10. kayak.com