Blue Dolphins Santorini — Hotel in Municipality of Thira

After booking this place on booking.com, we communicated with them regarding arranging a Christmas dinner at the hotel. They were very prompt and efficient in replying. ||There is ample free parking in 2 spaces next to the road. From the parking you need to go down the hill through stairs to go to the hotel.||We were given room number 110 which was the first room from the entrance which was very good because we had to travel least with the luggage.||While checking in and checking out there was nobody to help us with the luggage. And to reach the hotel you have to deal with at least 40 steps! And since we had good amount of luggage, we really struggled with this. I would advise people to arrange with the hotel beforehand regarding arrival time specially if you have luggage.||Special mention to the house keeping ladies who were the only ones present when we arrived and they were just cleaning our room at that time. They welcomed us and told us there is no formality of checking in and just gave us the room once they finished cleaning. I checked in much later in the evening when the manager arrived.||Our room had the best terrace with the most amazing view of the Caldera. Alas, we couldn't enjoy it to the fullest as it was raining for the 2 days we were there. You had to take a flight of stairs from the room to reach the terrace which had a table and a bed. ||So, this property is all about stairs and therefore not recommended for maybe elderly people who find it difficult to maneuver them. ||The breakfast was delivered to our room and it was awesome. So much more than what we could eat. But, more importantly full of variety and good quality stuff. For the last day since we were checking out early in the morning, they gave us packed breakfast the previous night.||A dehumidifier was provided in the main bedroom.||We had two very friendly cats visiting us most of the times and we named them 'cookie' and 'oreo'! Cookie also came to say goodbye to us all the way up till the parking above.||The room was huge like a cave in the form of a hallway divided in 2 parts with main bedroom in one and 2 single beds and living room in the other bigger side. Sometimes it would get a big stuffy inside the room. Also, one of the toilets emitted a little bit of foul smell when we left it...

Sorry but not sorry!

We booked two nights stay here, and I actually booked Mill Houses Suite for another 2 nights, so Mill houses first then we transferred to Blue Dolphins, the reason behind this is I saw pictures on 2 places and I want to try both places! They are not too far away from each other, so why not?

We checked out at Mill house, then carried our luggages to Blue Dolphins , the hotel location is so hidden and down the hill, and the worst thing is... I DID NOT get notification that they were doing renovation until we arrived the reception office. We were being told the room for us is NOT READY!!!! I was sooooo fed up because we walked for 15 mins up and down hill with our heavy luggage from one hotel to here!!! Should've emailed me about this so we don't have to move around(I told them that I came from Mill house) Good thing is we got a chance to try another hotel which is an upgrade because they found us a hidden gem --- Dana Villas. (If you google this place you will see my review on that place)

Back to Blue Dolphins, after staying in Dana for one night, it made me feel even worse for BD. The room still smell the paint!!! I went to the reception office and asked if they have any diffuser or candle to get rid of the paint smell, but they said they do not have, oh well!

Amenities are so limited, no slippers, no body lotion, no travel size shower set. Room is clean(it just renovated with the paint smell, so of course). I honestly didn't take any pictures of the room because it's nothing special or unique. Sorry! View is nice, accordingly to the receptionist, they gave us the top room with the best view. Service is good, at least they try to make up the inconvenience that they cause. The drinks in the fridge is on the house.

Overall experiences by view, room amenities and price between BD, Mill houses and Dana. Dana is definitely the best, then...

I stayed here recently with my wife and 2 kids (8 and 10) and we absolutely loved it here. We stayed in the family suite with caldera view which has stunning views of Fira and the volcano. There was a separate room and full bathroom for the kids and the room was very pretty and super clean. The hotel also provided a lot of additional toiletries like lotions, toothbrush and paste, and a bottle of wine and refreshments. The staff were amazing. They were friendly and proactive in reaching out to make sure we were comfortable as well as to suggest things to do and excursions. The location in Firostefani is great but it is about a 30 minute walk to bus station in Fira. It is right on the edge of Firostefani and therefore right next to Imerovigli and Skaros Rock. The hotel also provides private taxi's/transfers so very convenient if you don't mind spending a bit more to avoid the wait/walk for the bus. Balcony comfortably fits four to eat breakfast with the incredible view. A few things I knew before I booked this place but want to share as disclaimers: There is no pool (pool located at sister hotel 15 minute drive away) but I was totally fine w/o the pool. Hotel serves breakfast but does not have a restaurant that operates throughout the day or for dinner. This was also not a concern for me since there are unlimited restaurant options on the Island. This was my favorite accommodation during my entire stay in Greece which included two stints in Athens and 4 days in Naxos. ...