Astra Suites

Astra Suites, a Michelin Key Selected property in Santorini, Greece, consistently garners exceptional reviews for its breathtaking caldera views, impeccable service, and luxurious accommodations. Nestled in the tranquil village of Imerovigli, it offers a sophisticated escape with a strong emphasis on personalized guest experiences.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Astra Suites holds an impressive overall rating, with guests consistently expressing high satisfaction. Agoda.com shows an overall rating of 9.6, with staff performance rated at an outstanding 9.8. Similarly, Booking.com reviews also rate it exceptionally high at 9.7. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests describing their stays as "world-class," "breathtaking," and "a dream." Many consider it a "jewel of Greece" and express a strong desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Astra Suites for several standout features:

• Stunning Caldera Views and Sunsets: The panoramic views of the caldera, Aegean Sea, and the renowned Santorini sunsets are a primary draw, described as "breathtaking" and "incredible" from nearly every vantage point, including private balconies and the infinity pool.
• Exceptional Service: The hospitality and attentiveness of the staff are frequently highlighted as outstanding, with guests noting their responsiveness, friendliness, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.
• Luxurious Design & Comfort: The suites are praised for their beautifully appointed, spacious, and welcoming design, often featuring high ceilings, artistic ornaments, and ample cushions. Many rooms boast private outdoor terraces, balconies, jetted tubs, or even private pools.
• Intimate and Quiet Atmosphere: Located in Imerovigli, the hotel offers a serene escape away from the crowds of Fira and Oia, providing a perfect romantic setting.

3. Room Quality

Astra Suites offers a range of meticulously designed suites and a villa, each crafted for luxury and comfort. Rooms typically feature traditional Santorini-style architecture with arched ceilings, windows with shutters, and colorful tiled floors, providing a unique character. Amenities include air conditioning, plush bathrobes, daily newspapers, flat-screen TVs with in-house movies, hairdryers, and well-stocked minibars with daily complimentary bottled water. Deluxe Suites may include a Nespresso machine and Bulgari bath products. Many suites provide private outdoor spaces like balconies or terraces with memorable sea views. Options include Deluxe Indoor Pool Suites, Astra Infinity Pool Suites, and Astra Suites with Open Air Jetted Tubs, offering varying levels of luxury and privacy. Some rooms have loft bedrooms, which might not be suitable for taller guests.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Astra Suites is highly regarded, with a focus on quality and fresh ingredients.

• Breakfast: A complimentary à la carte breakfast is a major highlight, served daily to guests' rooms or on their private balconies at a chosen time. The extensive menu includes freshly baked pastries, homemade jams, freshly squeezed juices (often noted as exceptional), traditional Greek offerings, meats, cheeses, and excellent coffee.
• On-site Restaurant (V Senses): The hotel features an on-site gourmet restaurant, V Senses, offering creative Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, open for dinner. Guests describe it as romantic and delicious, with stunning caldera views. Private candlelight dinners can also be arranged on suite balconies.
• Pool Bar: The infinity pool has a bar serving tailor-made and signature cocktails, local wines, and light bites and snacks throughout the day.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Astra Suites is consistently praised as extraordinary and a key reason for the hotel's high ratings. Guests frequently highlight the staff's warmth, hospitality, attentiveness, and dedication. They are described as well-informed, well-trained, responsive, and friendly, going "above and beyond" to ensure every guest's needs are met. The concierge team is particularly noted for their helpfulness in arranging tours, excursions, reservations, and transportation. Luggage assistance by bellboys and accommodation of special requests are also common positive remarks.

6. Location & Accessibility

Astra Suites is ideally situated in Imerovigli, a picturesque and tranquil village positioned at the highest point of Santorini's caldera, offering unparalleled views.

• Neighborhood: Imerovigli is known for its quiet charm, making it a perfect retreat from the more bustling towns of Fira and Oia, yet still along the caldera.
• Attractions: The mesmerizing Skaros rock formation is just a stone's throw away, providing a stunning backdrop and a popular hiking spot. The hotel is located on the Oia-Fira hiking trail.
• Transport: Fira is approximately 2 km away (a 30-minute walk south), while Santorini Airport is about 8 km (5 miles) and the port 10 km (6 miles) distant. There's a municipal parking lot nearby for guests. While taxis are limited on the island, the hotel can arrange transfers. Bus stops are a short walk away, offering connections to major villages and beaches, though buses can get crowded during high season.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury experience, Astra Suites is often seen as offering exceptional value for money, especially given the unparalleled comfort, service, and breathtaking views. The average price per room is around $624, although this can vary significantly based on the suite type and season. Guests on honeymoons have found it to be a relatively quiet, beautiful hotel with a view that fits their budget, especially when opting for a studio suite. Rates include the elaborate à la carte breakfast.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points have been mentioned by guests:

• Check-in Speed: Occasionally, the check-in process may be slow, though staff are noted as friendly and dedicated to ensuring a smooth arrival.
• Accessibility for Mobility Issues: As a caldera hotel with many steps and no elevator, it may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues. Some smaller suites also feature loft bedrooms.
• Seasonality: Astra Suites typically closes for the winter season, from November 1st to March 31st.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. astrasuites.com
5. thegenxtravels.com
6. wheree.com
7. mrandmrssmith.com
8. apassionandapassport.com
9. santorinidave.com
10. youtube.com
11. expedia.com