Sunflower Santorini Hotel

The nicest part was the small pool area with loungers. I also appreciated that Gregory eventually offered me a more modern room, though by then it was too late. I’d already asked to leave early after paying upfront, and had twice been put in an old, unrefurbished room despite booking direct after being promised a better room and service. I was travelling alone and paying over €90 a night, which felt far too much for what I got. At €45, I could accept the condition. At €90, I couldn’t. This was my second stay. I came back in early September 2022, when I struggled to find accommodation under €100 a night because the cheaper places were booked. I remembered the property had once been affiliated with the world’s largest tour operator, which squeezed their margins and left them offering the bare basics. This time I booked directly. The property is on the edge of the main kamari resort, and from outside it looks derelict, almost closed. The rooms I was moved between were outdated and bare, and the cleaning didn’t feel good. Everything seemed so old that I found myself obsessively washing my hands after touching things. There was a mean-spirited feel to the stay. My double room had a large terrace, but they removed the second chair, leaving one cheap plastic chair for me. They put it on the adjoining empty room’s terrace, so that one had three chairs and nobody staying there. They also took away the extra towels. There was nothing in the kitchenette to wash a cup or plate, and when I asked for washing liquid, a sponge, and a tea towel, I was told to buy them. In 30 days in Greece that year, everyone else had provided those basics. The bathroom looked like it was from the 70s, which I can live with, but not at today’s prices. I left the island early. It was booked out, yet this place had many empty rooms, and I can only assume its very optimistic prices left them vacant. Gregory, the co-owner, told me he has many repeat guests who book direct for half price and get the updated rooms. That would explain the positive reviews. These owners are, in my estimation, past retirement age, and want a share of the rising prices the island commands without making the needed service improvements or modernizing. I can’t teach them anything, as they’ve been around longer than me, but I can’t recommend the place. After the proprietor’s response: Dear Gregory, I understand much of your defence, as we discussed it at length at the time. You’re right that I commented on the electronic devices and the lack of basic provisions. I did say I wouldn’t use the TV and would prefer basic things for the small kitchen. I meant washing liquid, a sponge, and a cloth or small towel to use the kitchen area. A hairdryer too, very basic stuff. You’re right that I struggled to find a room under €100, but only because places were sold out during the busiest August on record. You’re falling behind the service level expected at these rising prices. I appreciate your costs are increasing, but as you admitted to me, returning guests booking direct pay half price and receive updated rooms, while new guests pay the new rate for very outdated accommodation. I said that if you want to keep up with the island and the wealth of the travellers who visit, you need to provide a matching level of comfort and service. On this stay, you didn’t, so this review is based on my experience with you.

I’ve been coming here for 14 years. It’s a beautiful, friendly island, and the hotel is an old, treasured place. Gregg & Siderous are thoughtful and welcoming. Worth every penny.

Even in September, this is a really pleasant place to relax, with a pool and sunbeds. The room was small but comfortable, with a fridge, little kitchen, and lovely private terrace. The people were kind and always available.

Practical, nice place and good value for Santorini. It’s short on even small touches of luxury, though, like a shower curtain or branded soap.