Stayed in Athens a few days then took a ferry to Santorini. Spyros (owner of hotel) picked us up at the port (which is at the bottom of a winding cliff)-- if we hadn't arranged for him to pick us up, i'm not sure how we would have gotten to the hotel. When we arrived at the Boathouse our room wasn't ready but Diane (Spyros' wife) brought us 2 glasses of white wine and we waited by the pool (not so bad!).

Kamari Beach is the less expensive (yet beautiful) part of the island and we loved it. The hotel is situated on a black-sand beach and there are plenty of places to eat/go out on the beach strip. During the day we relaxed by the pool at the Boathouse or at the beach.

Complimentary breakfast was nice - nothing too heavy and it was a great way to start the day. We had dinner at the hotel's restaurant one night-- nice setting (and service) but the food wasn't so great.

We also rented a dune buggy (4-wheeled go-cart type vehicle) for 2 days to get around the island and got to see the typical white houses on the cliffs in Ia (the famous part of Santorini). We stuck around one night to watch the sunset-- absolutely beautiful.

We couldn't have wanted more from Santorini!

My partner and I stayed here from 25th September 2007 for 2 weeks! We had an absolutely amazing time!

We booked directly with the hotel - they got back to us straight away so we could book our flights! When we arrived Spryos picked us up from the airport, literally a 5-10 minute drive to the hotel from the airport. The room was great, all that we needed! Breakfast was continental consisting of bacon, bread, fruit, cereals and fruit juice - it was really nice!!

The weather was fantastic no rain at all - we were slightly worried that the weather would be as bad as it was in the UK, but very hot and sunny everyday!!!

We had fantastic nights sat at the bar with Spryos (Hope you enjoyed your baked beans Spryos!! haha!), learning about the island, the volcano and cooking (Thanks for the book!). We met some fantastic people, we spent most nights at the pool bar with Spyros and other guest, laughing and chatting!

Angie the receptionist advised us to hire a car as that was the best way to get round, so we hired a car - it was an experience! It was hairy to say the least - I was the passenger and was scared to death on some of the bends and the sheer drops on the cliffs!! Especially on the way up to Ancient Thira - don't know how anyone could get the bus up there!! By far we found the best way to get around was on a quad bike, the passenger seating position was so much better I didnt feel like I was going to fall down every cliff!! We saw so much of the island on teh quad bike you could really go "off the beaten track" (my other halfs favourite saying!!) and find some fantastic restaurants hidden away! Another must see is the monastery the view from up there is amazing!!!

We ate at the Almeira on several occasions and the food was always fantastic - try the grouper fillet I dont like fish but this was lovely!!!

Will definately be going again - the sooner the better - Spryos reserve 14B for us!!! Absolutely fantastic hotel staff very helpful and friendly.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Santorini I strongly advise you visit the Boathouse. My friend and I traveled from Canada to Athens with a stop in Santorini in October of 2007. I contacted the Boathouse via email initially for information and recieved an instant response as to the ferry to the Island and a price list. Upon arrival in Fira we were graciously greeted at the port in Fira by the owner who drove us directly to the hotel (at no cost) and gave us a very informative overview of what to do and see while there. We checked into our room which was clean and amazing. Even though we did not stay directly in the main city of Fira we travelled there each day as the bus stop was 50 meters away and easy to take. A taxi in the evening was 10 Euros in case you miss the bus(we did). After the first night in Kamari my friend and I decided to return next September and plan to stay again but for 2 weeks, and the only place to stay is the Boathouse!!! A MUST VISIT!!!!!! Shelly and Heather (Canada)

The Boathouse was perfect for the start of our first five days in beautiful Santorini. If you like the beach - this is your hotel. We had a room with a balcony and a sea view. We could literally hear the waves crashing on the beach. (bring your water shoes for the rocky beach) Spyros picked up us a the airport and he made it clear that whatever we needed we just needed to ask. Spyros was very enteraining and served drinks at the bar everynight. Everyone gathered around the pool bar for drinks - singles, couples, everyone.
It was a great place to meet the other guests. Very social. The pool was clean and very nice. The price of this hotel included the breakfast. The breakfast was great. Eggs, bacon, bread, fresh fruit, etc. You can't beat it. The Boathouse has a restaurant called Almira which was two doors down. Very delicious food. Very recommended.
Everything you need is close by. Car rental, mini markets, restaurants, Ancient Thira, the airport is close by, the bus system is a few blocks away. This hotel is fantastic. Hey Spyros!!

Lori and Daniel, Canada