Museo Grand Hotel

The hotel is beautiful and right in the heart of Oia. Staff were great about arranging dinner bookings and excursions, and breakfast on our balcony was lovely. The two-star rating is misleading. Reception isn't open from 8am to 10pm.

The hotel itself was pleasant in some ways: our room was clean, breakfast was good each morning, and the location is right on Oia's walking strip. But we wouldn't stay again because of the service. We expected an outdoor seating area or balcony and didn't have one. During our five nights, whenever we tried to sit by the pool, a man said the chairs were reserved and hinted we should leave because he didn't think we were guests. We never got to use it. We had arranged with DoDisturb.gr, which we understood to manage Museo Grand, by phone and email for a welcome despite our 3:00 AM flight arrival. The airport shuttle was waiting on time. At the hotel, though, the driver couldn't reach anyone to check us in. He eventually said he had someone on the phone, then left us alone in an Oia walkway at 3:30 AM. We tried every way to reach Museo Grand and even called Expedia's 24-hour line. A Museo Grand employee showed up around 5:45 AM, apparently returning from a night out, and we got into a room around 6:30. The next day, Nia at the desk was very kind and apologetic. She said we'd get the first night's cost back and the hotel would try to make it up to us. Since it was our honeymoon, my husband suggested a romantic dinner. Before our last night we asked what had been arranged. It was a set-menu meal of fried seabass at the restaurant across the walkway. When we asked if we could choose something else, the man at the desk was appalled and argued with my husband that we might run up a big bill. He said we were in the wrong and should watch what we said, and the conversation got heated. We skipped the meal and ate at Flora instead, which we highly recommend. It may have been the best meal of our trip, even without a sunset view. After we left, we contacted Museo Grand Hotel and Do Disturb about the refund. First they claimed it had been paid in cash immediately, which wasn't true. Then they said it would take about seven business days. We arrived September 6 and left September 10. Back in Canada on the 17th, we contacted them again and heard nothing. After several more attempts over the next week, we went through Expedia. Fourteen business days after the incident, Expedia was great and gave us a full refund for that night.

Breakfast by the pool was a lovely touch, and the whole stay was pleasant. Museo Grand Hotel is in a great spot, with recently renovated rooms that are clean, trendy, and nicely decorated with whitewashed floors. Our room was a good size. I mentioned in conversation that the bathroom felt a bit small, and Alkis listened and moved us to a better room with a balcony and a much nicer bathroom. The staff, especially Alkis, were accommodating and focused on guests. He speaks French, English, and Greek, recommended two excellent restaurants, suggested a bus trip to Fira, and arranged our airport transfers. I'll stay again. Thanks to everyone at Museo Hotel, and to Alkis for making the trip memorable.

The pool became a calm little retreat when the cruise crowds filled Oia. The hotel itself is lovely, right in the center and a handy base for getting around. Everyone was great, especially Thassos, who kept things running smoothly, and Nico at the bar, who was friendly and made a perfect drink. A great spot to relax and enjoy Santorini.