My husband and I young 60/70's are planning to spend a week in Santorini in early September 2011. We are seeking a comfortable hotel or apartment under 170euro a night that has a double bed that isnt against the wall. My husband has had a recent hip operation so heaps and heaps of stairs to the room 2 or 3 times a day is a problem. About 20 or so is fine if they arent steep and cut into the cliff. He managed Chinque Terre, Positano and Taormina in 2010 without any problems. I was just careful about choosing accomadation carefully. I know that Santorini has lots of stairs and when we are exploring during the day that is fine as we just sit and have a coffee and people watch if he gets tired. It is mainly at night after dinner when we return home tired that he has a problem. I have looked at Olbia but think that we would enjoy staying closer to Fira at Firostefani. I have read and read and read the reviews and sent off a few emails but they either come back with rates over 200euro or say there are 50 or so stairs. Any help with this really appreciated.
Janderra
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
I really hate to be discouraging but avoid stairs in Santorini is nearly impossible. It is either or down and very little is level - even the streets in town. Probably should consider another island. Mykonos, for example, is much flater. Good luck.
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3149 posts
There is no village on Santorini named Olbia, I think you must mean Oia. The Ellinon Thea in Firostefani has a double room w/bed away from the wall and no stairs for €170/night. http://www.ellinonthea.gr In Fira take a look at Aroma Suites. http://www.santoriniweb.com/Aroma-Suites.htm
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3400 posts
Kay I have seen your previous posts. Did you check Sunset Hotel in Firostephani?
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
The oddly-named Best Western Museum Spa hotel is only about 10 steps up from the main pedestrian street in Oia, and it is a decent place to stay. For maximum flatness but considerably less charm, you'd probably want to stay at one of the beach towns on the eastern shore, such as Kamari. On the other hand, if your husband could handle Positano, Santorini should be a piece of cake.
Posted by
OP
Buderim, Qld, Australia
26 posts
Hi I did consider the Sunset Hotel in Firostefani but wondered if there was something better, I will look at it again. also looked at the Aroma Suites as they have an elevator, and I thought I may have found our place, however they are very very expensive, and the reviews on the hotel are very average for the price they are charging. We originally thought we would stay in Fira but so many people advise that it is crowded, noisy and at night mainly empty and expensive that I have gradually been swayed away. I will look at the websites of the hotels you suggest and thank you all for your advice. I know that my husband will be able to manage Santorini if we take things at our own pace, we love slow travel and take some day trips away from Fira. He handled Positano and the hills and the stairs fine. He walked the 40 stairs to the beach and back again almost every day and then the 20 stairs to our b & b ( but they werent steep)> it just takes some planning of our days and careful selection of the hotel. I know that maybe there will be some areas or streets that we may not be able to go down, but that wont stop us enjoying the thrill of being there, the views, and soaking up the character of the island.
I have also been told the same thing about Mykonos and that we shoudnt go, but I am not one to give us. If anyone has a suggestion for hotels ins Mykonos please help. Thanks