perivolas hotel oia santorinim, Oia santorini greece hotels

Perivolas hotel suites Oia Santorini reviews

Santorini: Perivolas: "Perfect Honeymoon Hotel!"

My husband and I booked a Junior Suite for 5 nights in mid-August and were thrilled with our entire stay...what a perfect way to start a honeymoon! Our room was cozy and comfortable and the staff welcoming. The view is out of this world! We ate breakfast and lunch at the hotel every day and were very pleased with the food and service. Breakfast is simple but satisfying with several options (cereal, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, yogurt, cheese, breads, etc) and lunch was amazing...we looked forward to our lunches by the pool every day.

We were nervous having read some negative reviews on Trip Advisor but coming from two seasoned American travellers who are used to 4-5 star hotels, we were very impressed with eveything Perivolas had to offer. The cats were not a problem at all and there was plenty of room at the pool. If you want a more private space at the pool, simply place your towels on your chairs in the morning on your way to breakfast. But even if you can't snag a private pool spot, there are more than enough chairs for guests.

The rooms are simple and true to their "cave-like" description but very cool and chic. If you are looking for modern conveniences like TVs and stereos, perhaps this isn't the place for you but there is a computer in the lobby area for guest use and newspapers are delivered to the rooms daily.

Enjoy your stay...we wish we stayed there for our entire honeymoon! Instead we moved on to the Blue Palace on Crete which we do not recommend.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Don't listen to negativity about Perivolas!!"

As we were deciding where to stay for our honeymoon in Greece, we went back and forth a few times looking at the reviews on this site, trying to decide whether it was worth the money to stay at Perivolas. We were already renting a 49 foot sailboat with skipper for the first week of our honeymoon, so it seemed like a lot to add on. We have NO regrets whatsover. We spent five nights in a Superior Suite, but I swear it felt like we got two weeks worth of relaxing and just enjoying being together in a very, very special place.

We did NOTHING but stare at the wind on the caldera, read, take a dip in the pool, lie in the sun, read again, take a nap, hang out in the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, swim again...and it was WONDERFUL. I usually get crazy bored sitting by a pool, but it was just so perfect! We ordered Campari Oranges and a Greek appetizer platter every day, which became sort of a joke because we always ordered the same thing...but it was so good! Later, the other guests would see the drinks going by and started ordering them too. We kept saying to ourselves that we should rent a car and drive around the island, but we couldn't bring outselves to leave the hotel.

I DO understand where people are coming from with the negative reviews, IF their expectation is slick-high-gloss-marble-and-gold-Four-Seasons-luxury. Perivolas is not that!! It IS a state of mind. It is low-key luxury with a very well thought out sense of what actually MAKES people comfortable and relaxed, not what merely LOOKS luxurious.

The service is excellent...but very unobtrusive. I read a review where someone was complaining that you have to take your tray back after breakfast. You don't have to take it back!!!! if you just leave it on the table, as soon as they see you are done, the staff will appear and remove it. We were amazed that this was even the case with a mug of coffee or small plate...they would notice you have it and come get it when you put it down. I was happy that the breakfast was "cafeteria" style (although "cafeteria" is a VERY strong word... it is a nice, well stocked, very nicely laid out "buffet" with fabulous yogurt and cheeses, fruit, a toaster if you want to heat your bread, excellent coffee) because you can use a tray (if you want) to carry your food out to any terrace you wish to eat breakfast on, which I thought was a sign of flexibility and thoughtfulness, not a bad thing!

There was also a complaint that there weren't waiters hanging around the pool watching to see if you turned your head to order. I LIKED that there wasn't a feeling of waitstaff hovering around waiting for you to order. For me, that would actually take away from the feeling of solitude and relaxation. There is a very high ratio of staff to guests, so your needs are met immediately, but nobody is hovering. Again, Perivolas has a sense of what GIVES you ACTUAL comfort rather than the PERCEPTION of comfort.

The fact that it was such a special experience gave rise to a real feel of comraderie amongst the guests. It does take a day or so to get into the groove, though. You could really feel the difference everytime someone new arrived...and then after a day or two, they would take on the tempo and the feel of the place.

Every day at sunset we would go to the jacuzzi and others would join us and compare notes on restaurants and the day's activities. People were laughing because every day we just stayed at the hotel, except for dinner...but in the end, they said that we had been smart to skip the daytime explorations and just relax at the hotel.

I also disagree with a prior review that said Perivolas is for older people (over 50). While it is certainly not a backpacking-type crowd, the majority of people we met were honeymooners in their late 20's or early 30's and they were all thrilled with the place. We had a great time with them and there was a very friendly, lively atmosphere amongst the guests. At the same time, Perivolas is set up so that you can have your private space...lots of little terraces tucked away with a couple of (very comfortable) deck chairs on them.

The walk into Ia is really, really beautiful and not difficult or far. Of course you can't wear 4 inch stilletos, but on what surface CAN you wear 4 inch stilletos except marble and concrete?

The food at the hotel itself is excellent and we found it very romantic to grab one of the isolated terraces (any of which you could eat on) and watch the lights of Ia sparkle in the night.

The cats? Whatever. There were only a couple and they were easily shooable. They WILL go in your room if given a chance, so you just close the door and window when you leave. If you are deathly allergic or have an irrational hatred of cats, you will have trouble all over Greece. Perivolas does not have a randomly high cat count or anything. We experienced kitty visitors at every meal we ate in Greece, including 1800. 1800 is a fabulous restaurant, by the way, although don't miss Ambrosia either....it has a gorgeous view, wonderful service and great food.

Maybe Perivolas is not for everyone, but if you want a really memorable, one-of-a-kind experience rather than one of those hotel experiences that is luxurious but all sort of fade into each other, book it!!

Santorini: Perivolas: "Honeymoon at Perivolas"

After months of preparation and going through many websites of different hotels in Santorini, I booked Perivolas for 4 nights from 1st - 5th Oct. Both myself and my husband had a wonderful time. The view was just like the Perivolas website. The service was very good overall. Even though we were in a house right next to their reception, there was hardly any noise. Perivolas has a small gym and I used it every morning before breakfast. The breakfast was very nice esp that they serve till 11.30am which you don't need to rush to get up to breakfast. The pool has breathtaking view, its quite small, but its layout and the way they position the deck chairs gave some privacy to the guests. The location of Perivolas was a 15 minutes walk to Oia (the main village with many restaurants) and its refreshing to walk down for dinner.
I sneaked down to Katikies (which I wanted to book but was full) as we returned the hire car in Oia. The pool area was just like a normal hotel pool with many people lying on the deck chairs. The receptionist knew that I am not a hotel guest, she said with unfriendly tone, "Its private here!" I found that quite insulting, as if I were some cheap tourists who couldnt afford to stay there. (Perivolas is more expensive in fact!!!) I just thought thanks god I weren't their guests. I think they must get lots of odd visitors to make the receptionist so rude, as their location is right in the middle of the village.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Takes my breath away just thinking about it..."

Perivolas was our splurge spot for the last two nights of our honeymoon. And yes it was expensive, but it was an experience unlike any i've had.... I had read many reviews on it so i had high expectations and they were all met and exceeded....one thing that i didn't expect, but actually loved, was how perivolas was a good 5-10 minute walk to the center of Oia. Hence the property was so quiet and so serene...the only thing you could hear was water or wind or the water swishing when someone got into the infinity pool. I would not have wanted to stay at one of the places in town - eventhough the architecture was so serene in those spots (like katikes or Oia Mare etc.), the bustle of the people walking the narrow streets and the buses hauling the cruise ship passengers to Oia would have taken away from the serenity. Perivolas really was quiet and was one of the most secluded spots in Oia.
Infinity pool was as good as the pictures, and to my surprise it was FRESH water! it was a perfectly refreshing temperature. We stayed in House #8 and loved our little cave w/ semi private balcony and very comfortable bed and window seat. loved it.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Magical!"

My experience with this property took place in:

September, 2006

What a magical place. To those reviewers who are critical...please! You are in a foreign country and in a different culture. Sure experiences will vary but you must go with the flow -- steps and all! (This is Santorini after all.) Perivolas for my husband and me (who frequent small luxury hotels around the world) was very special. It epitomized the Greek experience -- simple yet refined on many levels, and rich in sensual experiences. The grounds are beautiful and the pool spectacular. Everything was well-maintained and the service very attentive and courteous. The sunsets were spectacular -- as were the sunrises. The town of Oia was a nice 10 minute stroll away. Restaurant options abounded. And the hotel provides complimentary pick up an drop off service to the airport. Most definitely not for children but the perfect getaway to recharge and reconnect -- on many levels. We'd return in a heartbeat!

Santorini: Perivolas: "Amazing, but not if you like steps"

My experience with this property took place in:

August, 2006

My wife and I just stayed there for our honeymoon, and we had a fantastic time. The pool and view is incredible. The service was very good, and the staff friendly.

It was kind of weird living in a cave type of dwelling, but it was very charming

The food was ok, but the town is a 10 minute walk, and they have lot's of restaurants.

The only thing to be concerned about is that the whole hotel is built into a cliff, so there are steps everywhere.

My wife slipped in the room since the bathroom had steps coming out of it, and the surface was wet.

Overall, I would highly recommend if you were with a significant other.

I would not bring children there, or go as a single person.

Santorini: Perivolas: "I was in heaven"

We just returned from a week at the Perivolas. All of the resorts are buiIt on the cliffside so you will not avoid steps and walking. The view of the sea is like a dream. The sunsets are beautiful. People in town and at the resorts often stop what they are doing to watch the sunset. There are no TV's and no Radios at Perivolas. If you want action you can walk to Oia for the evening with its restaurants, shops etc. The airport is about a 45-60 min. drive so I would suggest you arrange transportation there and back ahead of time. Through the resort is probably the best way. The breakfast is usually the same each day. It includes: boiled eggs, cold meats, several good cereals, pastry, toast, home made apple pie, fabulous greek yogurt, honey and nuts for the yogurt, fruits, fresh orange juice, coffee etc. I may have missed a few items. The pool does not flow over the edge down to the sea as it looks. The sea is far below and the boats look like toys. The pool has a white grid around it and constantly overflows into the grid. The water is replaced continually. You can look at the sea below from the pool's edge. We had a junior room with a king bed, bathroom, kitchenette with sink, small fridge, hotplate and dishes etc. and a lounge area with wall seats & cushions. It was fine. We cut costs by purchasing simple food for dinner and lunch in the town at the markets or at the store on the road above. The houses were cleaned twice a day. I hated to leave, my spouse was restless by day 5. Bev

Santorini: Perivolas: "We Didn't Want to Leave!"

My wife and I stayed here during the third and final leg of our European honeymoon. Once we arrived at the hotel and checked in to our room, we knew right away that this was a very special hotel and that we were not going to want to leave at the end of the week! We booked a junior suite (actually a cave) that had a bedroom/sitting area, small kitchen area which had a sink, small stovetop and small refrigerator and a smallish bathroom. The view from the rooms could not be beat - we were a couple hundred feet above the caldera with views of the cruise ships and private yachts going back and forth from the open Aegean and into Fira. Our room had a private terrace with both chaise lounges and a small table and chair set for our breakfasts and lunches overlooking the caldera. Hotel has a small infinity pool and also an infinity hottub which was especially nice to get into around 10:00-11:00pm after long, leisurly dinners. I especially liked the fresh mango sorbet served poolside around 4:00pm. We found the restaurants in Oia to be a little too touristy for our tastes (especially Ambrosia and 1800 Restaurant). We highly recommend either staying at the hotel and having a very quiet, romantic dinner or going down to the dock area in Oia and having a wonderfully fresh seafood dinner right on the water at any of the restaurants that line it. We ate at Dimitri's at the suggestion of Madja (the Perivolas owner) which is the last restaurant at the end of the docks. We thought that Dimitri's was hands-down the best dinner we had during our stay in Santorini (so good, in fact, that we ate there twice!). Think freshly-caught swordfish, grilled octopus with lemon-butter and fried zucchini with a nice local white wine. Getting around by car is very easy (I recommend a SmartCar for about 50 Euros a day) and we also used the bus which goes from Oia to Fira for 1 Euro each which you can't beat. Toured pretty much most of the island in one day (from Oia to Red Beach) with our SmartCar but unfortunately and to our surprise Akritiri was closed due to an accident last year. But getting back to the hotel, the staff was very friendly and helpful (Kelly in particular) and daily maid/turn-down service was all impeccable. Breakfasts were relatively fresh and good with a basic selection of pastries, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt/cereal and fresh fruit in a buffet in the restaurant area. We found that after a few days of eating the same thing the breakfast started to get a little tired (I would recommend revolving some different items into the breakfast each morning to keep the selection interesting). One of the areas of the hotel that people haven't really mentioned in their reviews and is probably one of the best parts is the smallish spa and gym areas. I enjoyed their white marble steam room and also the sauna which looked as if it was brand-new (which it might have been). The multiple-head showers to cool off after a steam was very refreshing (again they looked brand-new) and their bath products were very good. I didn't spend any time in the gym which was very well outfitted but did use their massage room where we had his-and-her massages. All-in-all, we found the hotel and island in general to be absolutely wonderful and would definitely stay here again probably for an anniversary trip.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Escape from the World"

Perivolas was a beautiful place, and from the first step in, you are treated terrifically, with welcome drinks and a friendly, attentive staff. I took my girlfriend here when she came from the US to visit me in England in order to get some relaxation and sun, and both were in supply. The view is known to be phenominal, and breakfast is virtually perfect - light but filling, and overlooking infinity.

The location is also ideal, with Oia a few minutes walk away, and Perivolas will arrange for taxis to take you anywhere else on the island, or tours, or anything you want. I do not suggest taking any meals there, however, more because you are cheating yourself of exploring terrific local places than any complaints with the food.

There are a few negatives which I am sure will be sorted out with time - responses to e-mails tend to be rather slow (one would expect next day at worst, this is not always the case), and the promised wireless internet connection is a bit iffy, not sure if the broadcast frequency is poorly chosen or if it simply weak.

The crowd also tends to be slightly older, which made socializing a bit more difficult (we are 23), as the only people under 30 tended to be there on honeymoon, which I suppose is a perfect choice.

These things aside, the 3 days I spent at Perivolas were pure magic, and I wouldn't stay anywhere else on Santorini.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Just divine..."

Beautiful place, great staff. Just lovely all round.

We stayed in one of the deluxe suites at Perivolas, it was just beautiful. Very roomy with a large spa bath, shower and sauna, lounge area and kitchenette. We received a pitcher of wine from the local wineries on arrival.

Yes, it’s expensive, but worth it!! There may be no fried eggs available for breakfast, but plenty of healthy options available: fruit salad, yoghurt, boiled eggs, lovely fresh bread, cereals, ham, cheese, pastries and cake. There is plenty of choice and makes a nice change to overeating at the buffet.

Yes, there are cats. They are gorgeous. They are by no means strays, they are clean and looked well cared for. They were certainly well fed while we were there. I bought cans of tuna to fed them and left a water bowl. They were definitely not a nuisance!

The pool is by no means huge, it is after all a boutique hotel and built on the side of a hill-slope. The staff are lovely and we were given complimentary mango ice-cream in a martini glass on the afternoon we spent by the pool and had normal poolside service. We had dinner at the hotel on two occasions - both times the food was great!

We found the staff very informative on local activities and recommendations and always helpful and plesant!

No, there are no TV’s in the villas, but look outside – who needs it? We didn’t even miss it!

June is a lovely time to go, without the peak season crowds! Highly recommended Hotel – we just loved it and would return in a heartbeat!

Santorini: Perivolas: "Must have been there at the same time as the previous reviewer"

Returned yesterday from one week at Perivolas and today am sorting out flights to return in September. Yes, the "house" was minimalist but a television would have been an intrusion. We found the staff absolutely delightful, always cheerful and nothing was too much trouble. We did have pool service - it was excellent. Our room was kept spotless and even the chair covers on the balcony were changed daily. We have stayed in some extremely posh luxury hotels around the world and if it's in-your-face-luxury you're looking for, then possibly Perivolas is not for you. However, it is a unique experience and certainly the only time we have stayed anywhere for one week but have felt like we've had a 2-week vacation. Absolutely perfect - and my husband is not a cat lover either!

Santorini: Perivolas: "Rustic luxury."

Perivolas is the unique combination of unpretentious and rustic, but also upscale and luxurious. Rooms are very minimalist traditional caves. No frills, but every detail from the single fresh flower to the calm lavendar color schemes is perfect. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the views from the patios are outstanding. We spent every sunset on our chaise lounge chairs on our patio watching the sunset. The infinity pool is incredible. There were days (October), we were the only ones there. The hot tub is great too. There are lots of little alcoves and balconies around the pool where you can find a few pool chairs and absorb the beauty of the setting in seeming total privacy. Staff is down to earth and nice. The luxury is very present, but subtle. No need goes unmet. We honeymooned there and absolutely loved everything about it. If you want polished upscale, then apparently Katikies is the place to be, but if you prefer rustic upscale with character, then Perivolas. Absolutely perfect. Paradise.

Santorini: Perivolas: "The best"
All the fabulous reviews are true. This is a trully special place, the views, the staff, the rooms, the pool, the location etc etc etc. In a life time of travel - its the best. Just don't stay for only a couple of nights. Stay for as long as possible you will have no regrets.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Amazing Place with OUTSTANDING views"

As most previous reviews write -- Perivolas is very special. We stayed in another part of the island for the first few nights in Santorini and when we finally got to Oia/Perivolas we realized what we had been missing. The hotel is gorgeous and the setting spectacular. The property is built into caves and at any given time you can look above you, below you and around you and see white dome shaped entrances to other rooms and suites. There is a gorgeous infinity pool as advertised on their site and a nice jacuzzi. The spa area is very good - with steam room, sauna, spacious dressing area and showers that spray out from the walls. The gym is positioned in such a way that you can run or cycle while looking out over the caldera and enjoying the passing boats and scenery.

We stayed in a one bedroom suite just below reception. We lived in a cave and loved it. The hotel does cost a lot but feels so luxurious that it makes it worth every penny. As one other reviewer mentioned this is not the Ritz. It's not some grotesquely large pre-manufactured luxury resort but rather a small chic boutique hotel with subtle luxuries. It's the best hotel in all of Santorini and probably all of the Greek Islands. The landscaping is beautiful. The staff are friendly and attentive. The setting is intimate and private. Perfect for honeymooners, perfect for couples, perfect for those that want to lavish themselves a bit.

Our room was very spacious -- we had a large comfortable bed and lots of sitting room. Small kitchenette was nice particularly in the late afternoon when I enjoyed having a cup of tea. There are no tvs in the room but you do have your own private patio with breathtaking views. No wonder this place is one of the most photographed places in the world ... it's beautiful.

Oia -- a short and really nice walk away is fantastic. It's sophisticated and nice. We ate at 1800 and Ambrosia -- two very different restaurants but both very good (expect to pay 150 euros for 2 entrees, bottle of wine, and dessert or appetizer). 1800 is in an old manor house and has more of an Italian villa feel to it ... Ambrosia is perched over the caldera with magnificent views --it's very small but cozy.

My husband and I loved every experience we had in Oia including the freak storm one evening -- it was very magical. We've put it on our list of places to return to -- there are so very few that we have found so worthwhile! If you want a magical experience stay in Oia and stay at Perivolas. I hope you enjoy your travels!

Santorini: Perivolas: "$650 per night but worth every single penny!!!"

We stayed at the Perivolas Traditional Houses for 3 nights and we loved it! The hotel location was very convenient, it was about a 15 minute walk to the town of Oia. The hotel grounds were beautiful and the staff were all pleasant and helpful. There is so much attention to detail, for example, the pool staff would rotate every lounge chair in the pool area as the sun rises and sets to make sure that the sun bathers are lined up with the sun for a perfect tan! All the rooms are original cave houses, which makes each room unique. The view from the room and the infinity pool was absolutely amazing. It was wonderful to just sit and enjoy the view every morning while having the buffet breakfast. This is probably the best hotel that we've ever stayed in!

Traveler rating:

Santorini: Perivolas: "Perfect Honeymoon"
New York, New York Sep 15, 2005

My experience with this property took place in:

August, 2005

My husband and I stayed at Perivolas for the first four days of our honeymoon. It was the perfect way to start off our trip... except for the fact that it was a really tough act to follow! It is hard to put down on paper how special this place is. The view is unreal- it almost looks fake and all of our pictures look like postcards! We do a lot of traveling and have stayed at some of the finest hotels in the world but this one wins...hands down. The rooms are simple and different...in a good way. It is pretty cool to sleep in your own little cave- we loved it. The pool is spectacular. We never left during the day- we heard that the red beach and the black beach are great to visit, but we really felt like it was as good as it gets right where we were. The people who work at the hotel are very nice and accomodating. Town is a 15 minute walk and I recommend Ambrosia- delicious. I also recommend going to Fira to watch the sunset and have drinks or dinner. My husband and I are already talking about going back.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Brilliant Chill Out Venue"

Although slightly nervous about the cost of staying here, I can now say, without a shadow of a doubt, that it was worth every single penny.

The beautiful views are complemented by the wonderful sense of tranquility; it is the perfect place to go for a mental detox, as one previous reviewer put it.

Although everything is very simple, the care and attention to detail is perfect. The staff, although never hovering, always seem to be on hand should you need anything and are relaxed and friendly without being overly familiar.

If you have a passion for luxurious living and over-stuffed comfort, you may find the simplicity rather spartan, but I thought it a perfect tonic for city living.

Oia is the place to stay on Santorini if you want to relax, and having looked at the other places available when I was on the island I think I can safely say that, for me, the Perivolas is the place to stay.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Simply Beautiful"
Yes the hotel isn't cheap but it's worth the money. If you are looking for a romantic getaway there is no place more quiet and serene. The staff are wonderful and the accommodation fantastic. Santorini itself is the most distinctive and beautiful place i have been to so far!

Santorini: Perivolas: "mental detox"

This hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. Staff is very friendly and rooms are incredible. I toured almost every hotel on the island and found this one to be my favorite. If you decide not to stay here, my second favorite hotel was Katikies (closer to town). Perivolas has the most amazing infinity pool with a view of the ocean that will amaze you!!! Also, this hotel has great food! Highly recommeded for honeymooners!!

Santorini: Perivolas: "Gorgeous and Like a Dream"
Truly one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. My husband and I spent 4 amazing days here. Sunsets like you've never seen and a horizon pool that flows seamlessly into the ocean and sky. Staff was extremely helpful and the room was incredible. Tranquil, peaceful, calm...like a dream!

Santorini: Perivolas: "Romantic"
Perivolas is unbelievably romantic. It is a small property, but unusual as you stay in a cave house room. The pool gives you a wonderful view. The breakfasts were wonderful. The only drawback from when I was there (1997) was no air conditioning.

Santorini: Perivolas: "It's Totally Worth It - Living In A Cave Near The Caldera"
TDurekas,

I know the title may sound strange, the rooms are dug into the mountainside and the entire place only has about 15 rooms. It's very cool because the rooms have a small door with a window that opens out to a spectacular view of the Caldera (ocean); the ocean breeze was so nice that we actually slept in until 1 p.m. one day! This coming from someone that never sleeps past 7 a.m.

There is a small tavern down the hill from this sleepy part of the island. I would definitely get some kind of transportation, while it's remote it's very private, the food is excellent, the pool is an infinity design. You will happy you went.

It was a recommendation from a friend and I can't tell you how much we loved that vacation.

Santorini: Perivolas: "Heaven on earth" pappaville, naples, florida Oct 29, 2003
We dream of the day we're back in our "cave" at Perivolas. It was so peaceful, inviting, hospitable and romantic. Loved every minute!

Santorini: Perivolas: "Heaven" Joleene, Virginia Beach Virginia Jan 20, 2003
We loved this hotel . The setting is as close to heaven as I'll ever get, the hotel itself is classy and understated, beautifully decorated. The staff were friendly and efficient. We're going back this year. Pure heaven.