Santorini is expensive. It just is. There’s no point denying it. It’s expensive because it’s rare. We think it may be the most romantic place on the planet. The only reason we don’t declare it so emphatically is because we have not seen every place on the planet. Such beauty and serenity comes at a premium.

#1. ASTRA SUITES – IMEROVIGLI
Our number one favorite hotel on Santorini is lovely in every way but certainly not extravagant. Still, you’ll pay from over $400 to almost $600 a night for the studio rooms we recommend, depending on the season. For Santorini, that’s a fair price.

We loooooooooove this place. Clinging to the side of the caldera, you get jaw-dropping views from most every corner. Every inch of the place is immaculate. Guest rooms are large. The pool is large, relative to most on the island. Service is outstanding and delivered with genuine warmth. Breakfast is served each morning on your private terrace, perhaps the best feature of the overall superb accommodation package. And the food is excellent.

One thing to keep in mind about this or any property on the rim – lots of stairs.

Imerovigli is quieter than Fira or Oia but still offers plenty of restaurants. It sits higher up than Oia or Fira, in a particularly view-friendly position. Walk about 10 minutes to bustling Firastefani and another 10 minutes to Fira.

dining on the edge of the caldera, Astra Suites, Santorini, Greece

Astra Suites, studio room, Santorini, Greece

Astra Suites, studio room, Santorini, Greece

Astra Suites, studio room terrace, Santorini, Greece

#2. ARESSANA SPA HOTEL & SUITES – FIRA
For a slightly more budget property (approximately $200-$400 per night, depending on the season) this is our number one pick. Plus, it’s one of the few Santorini hotels that accepts children under 13.

Aressana is just across the road from the caldera rim, so, although the views are not as immediate as they are at rim-side properties, they are within easy reach. Right next door is the cable car that travels from the rim to the beach, 1,000 feet below. The location just on the edge of Fira’s town core makes it a bit quieter than it would be right in the center but still just a few minutes walk from all Fira has to offer, including a bus stop for easy access to the whole island.

The contemporary interior design is chic but the atmosphere is very laid back. Guests are greeted like old friends and served with sincere warmth and pleasure. Guest rooms are on the small side but spotless and comfortable, as are all public areas (we wish they’d cool it with the muzak though).

The food is very good and the pool area is enchanting.

Aressana is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a group with very high standards.

Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites, lobby, Santorini, Greece

Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites, Santorini, Greece

Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites, Santorini, Greece

To read more about Santorini island, click here.