Sunflower ApartHotel

This was my second stay, after visiting Santorini in early September 2022, when I struggled to find a place under €100 a night. There were cheaper options, but they were booked up. I knew from my previous visit that the property had been affiliated with the world’s largest tour operator, though it no longer is, and that the operator squeezed its margins to provide the bare basics. After our last conversation, I booked directly this time because I was promised a better room and service. That didn’t happen, and as a solo traveller I felt €90+ a night was too much. The property sits on the outskirts of the main Kamari resort. The small pool and loungers are nice, but the rooms, and I had to move from one to another, were so outdated and bare bones that the price made me feel robbed. From outside, the premises looked derelict and closed down. I didn’t feel the cleaning was good. Everything was so old that I found myself obsessively washing my hands after touching things indoors. Talking with Gregory, the co-owner, confirmed I’d been given an old, unrefurbished room twice. Only after I complained a second time and asked to leave early, having paid up front and booked directly, was I offered a more modern room. By then it was too late. It’s sad to put guests in old rooms when better ones are sitting empty, especially when they’ve booked direct. There was a mean-spirited feel to the stay. The large, nice terrace came with my double room, though I was travelling alone, but they took away the second chair and left me with one cheap plastic one. They put the other chair on the terrace of an empty adjoining room, which then had three chairs and no guest. They also removed the extra towels. There was nothing in the kitchenette to wash a cup or plate, and when I asked for washing-up 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. I can live with a bathroom from the 70s, but not at today’s prices. I left the island early because of the mean spirit of this place. The island was booked out, but this property had many empty rooms. I can only assume the optimistic prices left them unoccupied. Gregory told me he has many repeat visitors who book direct and get rooms at half price. That explains the positive reviews. At €45 a night, I’d be okay with the state of the place, but at €90 I’m not. In my estimation, the owners are past retirement age and want a share of the higher prices the island commands without making the service and modernization changes those prices call for. I can’t teach them anything, as they’ve been around longer than me, but I certainly don’t recommend the place. Edit after the proprietor’s response: Dear Gregory, I understand a lot of your defence, as we discussed it at length at the time. You’re right that I commented on the electronic devices supplied instead of basic provisions. I did say I wouldn’t use the TV and would prefer basic things for the small kitchen. By that I meant washing-up liquid, a sponge and a cloth or small towel to use the kitchen, as well as a hairdryer. Very basic stuff. You’re right that I struggled to find a room under €100, but that was because they were sold out during the busiest August on record. You’re falling behind the service levels that justify the increasing prices. I understand your costs have risen, but as you admitted, your returning guests pay half when they book direct, and they’re given updated rooms while new guests get very dated accommodation at the higher price. I said that if you want to keep up with the island and the wealth of its visitors, you need to offer more comfort and service to match. That wasn’t what I experienced on this stay, and that’s what my review is based on.

I’ve been coming here for 14 years. It’s a friendly, beautiful island and worth every penny. Gregg & Siderous are thoughtful and welcoming, and The Sunflower in Kamari is an old, treasured hotel.

A really nice place, even in September. There’s a pool, sunbeds and plenty of chances to relax. The room was small but comfortable, with a fridge, little kitchen and lovely private terrace. The people were kind and always available.

The rooms are basic, which makes sense for the price, but the service more than makes up for it. The staff were really helpful and friendly, and the location is good.