FENIX COLLECTION — Hotel in Municipality of Thira

Having spent time researching and reading about numerous hotels in Perissa we opted for the Fenix based on recent reviews and the obvious attraction of the pool. If you are unsure in selecting this hotel and have a realistic understanding of Greece this hotel will not disappoint. The only reason we have given this 4* and not 5* and probably being a little unfair was the standard of cleaning of the rooms, yes towels were changed daily and bins emptied but not sure the room was ever swept or the bed made let alone changed during our stay. Moan over.|The rooms were fairly standard for greek hotels but the beds were comfortable, the ac, cooling, a safety deposit box available and space provided for hanging clothes, some draw space may have been useful though. The shower was always hot in fact at times a bit more cold water would have been beneficial. |The gem of the hotel though as I'm sure you are aware was the pool. Large crescent shape like the Island, with the main section ranging from 2 to 3m in depth, ideal for diving and swimming with the section to the North gradually rising to the stepped access for ease of access. When we stayed, second week of August there was never more than 10 people in the pool making it seem like our own private pool. There is also a small external jacuzzi and child's pool to the side of the main pool. The pool bar is open all day into the evening, which we found served good drinks and the food was good for lunches, sharing a club sandwich and fries was more than adequate. Sunbeds can be hard to find but if none free ask the staff or sit by the pool bar.|As others have mentioned the staff at Fenix are there to help, please speak with them and they more than willing to exchange pleasantries, to assist with questions, and to share recommendations wherever they can. All installed in them from the owner who is on hand the majority of the time to greet you and wish you a good day, as well as wishing you a safe journey home on your departure.|Perissa itself, offers more than enough tavernas for at least one a night for your holiday and probably about the same number of bars. Note however the bars are of more the gentle nature with occasional live music. All of which depending on your mood offer something for most occasions. The supermarket and bakery are two minutes away as is the nearest bus stop, opposite of which is a side road which we used to walk down to the beach, approx 10minute walk. The beach is quite a granular black sand and a little unusual but you get used to it. Entry to the beach can be over the smooth rocks however nearer Perivolos there are no rocks so we preferred the beach there. |Being the tourists we are, we utilised the public buses to visit Oia, during a day and Fira, one evening for the sunset. A more economic method of travel than the taxis which seemed over priced. And finally found the land train a good day trip where at the top end of its route is a harbour and a fantastic sandy beach.|We had a great stay and would recommend Santarini, Perissa and the Fenix...

Just back from a wonderful time here with my teenage daughter and her boyfriend. We had a triple room on the ground floor at the rear of the hotel which gave a fabulous mountain view from our good sized terrace, accessed through double doors from the bedroom. ||The bedroom and bathroom are very basic. Concrete double and single bed bases and headboards, the double having two mattresses and several pillows, both which were lovely, very comfortable. The walls are rough and appeared stained in parts which I wasn't too sure of initially, but most importantly, the room was cleaned everyday by the friendly maids who provided fresh bedding and towels.||Clothes storage space is an alcove with a rail covered by a net curtain. Also in this alcove is a safety deposit box which can be used for 15 euros a week, and a small fridge, but no kettle.||There are plenty power points and lighting. Good air conditioning unit, and a hairdryer in the bedroom attached to the wall. There is a small TV, which we never used, so can't comment on.||The bathroom, again was basic but practical. There is a monsoon shower head and also a hand held. Both were rusty and pitted, and the walls again appeared stained. A bit of paint and updated fittings would have definitely bumped my review to a 5.||The pool is the gem of the Fenix, absolutely beautiful. I won't go on to describe this, but it is one of the loveliest pools and outdoor areas that I've visited, worth 5 stars on its own.||Breakfast is basic but plenty, and the chargeable pool bar snacks are good. These can be added to your room so you don't need to take cash around the pool. Around 8 - 12 euros for pizza, toasties, burgers and chips, but I was surprised to find out that a bowl of ice cream is 9 euros. There is a fantastic 24 hour bakery a short walk down the very busy road, which sells a good selection of cakes and ice creams as well as baked goods. Just be careful on the road, once out of the hotel gate, you have about 1 or 2 feet before you're on the road which is very fast and busy. ||Staff are all very friendly and keen to make sure that you have a pleasurable stay, especially the youngest lad and the oldest man. (I'm rubbish at remembering names).||The only other things to talk about is cats and mozzies. The cats/kittens are very friendly and a little bit timid but will seek you out and look at you pleadingly whilst your eating. They're so very cute and no bother. ||I'm usually bitten to near death by the dreaded mosquitoes and it spoils my holiday so much so that I don't go out on a night, but there were none! I sat on my terrace on the balmy nights with my tipple watching the beautiful sunsets and stars, it was absolute bliss.||Thank you Fenix for a very...

Arrived early hours of morning. Deposited by the side of a busy road with our cases. The main gate was locked, and our hearts sank. We found a side gate that was thankfully open and where we could escape from the traffic. The reception desk was manned by Manos, who was very helpful and showed us to our rooms, which were clean, airy, and mercifully, had air con. Our room was at the back of the hotel, and I was aware of the noise from the road. Our teenagers' room was at the front of the hotel, but the noise didn't seem to bother them, so that was good! The following morning, I opened the curtains and was blown away by the view of the mountain. It was beautiful. We could see the edge of the pool, but the sun loungers we could see were already reserved with towels, so we wondered what the situation there would be like after breakfast, which was 8.30am till 10am. Breakfast was lovely and buffet style. Something for everyone. There is also a poolside menu which was good. The pizzas were perfect.

I have to say that the pool was amazing, especially compared to some of the others that we spotted at other hotels on our travels in Santorini. There were 5 in our party and we always found enough sunloungers without having to resort to the rude practice of putting out towels before we intended using them. The pool is open until sunset, so time around the pool in the evening after a sweltering bus trip was most welcome. There is a supermarket a couple of minutes walk away aswell as a lovely bakery which does tea and coffee if you are missing your caffeine kick later on in the day! There were bars about 5 min walk away, but the main beachfront was about 15 min walk away. There are plenty of places to eat there, but we especially enjoyed Perivolos Fish Restaurant and Acropolis. We attended a couple of plate smashing greek nights along the front which were a novelty too.

The local bus stop is a few minutes walk away and run every 20/30 mins, but be aware that if they are full, they just sail past. We waited an hour and a half in the baking heat, which was less than ideal. It was then standing room only. The bus fare to Fira was 2.20 euros each way.

If we were to go back to Perissa, we would 100% return to this hotel. I would say, though, that I would not chance the walk along the roadside with...