I read through the reviews of the Nikos Villas dating back as far as 2007.
As a world traveller (10 Years Airline Staff Member) I was a little sceptical about booking the Nikos Villa with my family. I must also state that I have 8 years of training staff in customer services at Europe’s leading number 1 airport.
Reading through the lines of many of the complaints I can see emotions combined with higher expectations. The fact that Nikos Villas has four stars is to be taken into consideration 4 Mediterranean stars. (Now come on guys, four Greek stars are definitely not to be compared with four United Emirate stars). Also reading the behaviour pattern of the owner Mr. Nikos I certainly thought it would not be the correct place for my family.
We had booked the Nikos Villas, Superior 4 star with breakfast for my family (wife and 15 year old daughter) due to the fact that it was recommended by a very good knowledgeable colleague that works for the tour operator that books the Nikos Villas on a regular basis and he personally gave me a guaranteed recommendation, even though I had read the pretty negative reviews in the trip advisors.
I e-mailed the Nikos Villas 2 days before arrival and asked that the management order a bunch of Red Roses for my wife’s birthday (on arrival day) along with a bottle of local white sparkling wine.

We arrived very punctual at the Nikos Villa complex with the tour operator’s transportation. As promised by the tour operator the service staff would be waiting at the side of the road to help with transporting the suitcases and baggage. (Don’t forget if one books a hotel on the edge of a mountain cliff one MUST expect a few hurdles and not
Complain that a small path leads to the hotel entrance). The fact that all guide books quote the magnificent island of Santorini that is reachable via Donkey, should be enough of a HINT that narrow roads, paths and winding rocky entrances are to be expected all over the island.
The young lady at the reception spoke a very pleasant and clear English, not as written in many of the reviews, meet and greeted my family. She very kindly guided us through the complex explaining everything we needed to know and very kindly answered all our questions. The superior room was that of what one could expect for a 4 (Greek) Star facility. All the amenities functioned well, the room was very traditionally decorated with traditional Greek furniture, pictures, a wonderful living room section with the ordered red roses and a bottle of local white sparkling wine (not like in previous reviews that someone said you could not trust Nikos words or even ordering a taxi).
The bathroom was immaculate with Nikos Villas, Soaps, shower caps, crisp white towels, foot mats. Basically everything you could imagine for a 4 (Greek Star Facility).

The main reason I have decided to write this review is due to the fact that I visited the islands of Greece 28 years ago on the Magic Bus from the United Kingdom and ferried across to all the islands. Back then the Islands had a different impression than today.
If you are looking for a clean and luxurious villa complex (United Emirate Luxury or the US Luxury that is offered in the United states) then you are in the wrong place!
If you are looking for a very clean and well managed facility with the most impressive views of the volcano and the village of Oia managed by local traditional Greek family with an international team of staff, then you are in the correct place.




The breakfast was a traditional European, cheeses, ham, salami, bread rolls, fresh orange juice, tea, coffee, and cereals. A very charming service staff member very politely every morning served the breakfast in the English language.. The breakfast choice was that of a European 4 star facility.

As the Nikos Villa is not a “Modern Sleek Boutique” as some one kindly listed (Jerico Travelers). I am fortunate enough to say that I can now afford a higher standard in travelling compared to 28 years ago in a magic bus, as some other reviews have shown the other reviews came from authors who have worked in top class hotels and they where not satisfied with the service. I can recommend that those travellers coming from the USA and UK should possibly read a book about Culture Shock before travelling through the Greek Islands (ISBN-13: 978-1558683594).

As I have been testing some of the worlds highest class hotels, restaurants and airports over the past 10 years in Europe to find that 90% of the discontent of most travellers is due to the lack of intercultural awareness.

If you hear a Greek manager shouting and being (Plain Rude) as pointed out in past reviews, you probably don’t understand that the Greek language allows a louder tone (like the Germans) and that the hands and facial expressions are totally different to the US or British.
After 7 days of splendid, ultra clean overnights in a Superior Villa apartment, with a pleasant view of the Volcano, looking down at a very clean pool (cleaned every morning).
The pool bar was manned daily as published in the brochure and at the reception.
The Sun beds has cushions (Nice white ones, with sun umbrellas)
The food and drinks served at the pool bar was priced at the average Santorini price range.
Low cost products are on sale in local supermarkets if needed. (low budget travellers)
The fact that cats run around the facility is an issue of its own on the Island of Santorini! Cats and dogs belong to the island. If you are against cats and friendly dogs running around stay at home! If you just ignore them they will eventually go away (like smokers).
To close this review with a clear oversight of the Nikos Villas in June 2011:
Impeccable Service
The cleanest facility one could expect (Superior) If you want to stay in cave style traditional house, I am sure the highest standard is difficult to keep as they are musty and clammy even in the highest class on the island, due to the hot and humid climate).
Value for money is definitely given.
Friendliness is Mediterranean style and respectful
The cleaning staff kept our room in a very clean state during our seven days and made sure that when we arrived home after a long day of hiking, sightseeing, shopping or whatsoever that our bedroom, bathroom and living room was impeccable.
I hope that this review has shed some light on the past comments of Nikos Villa in Oia.
When I left the facility this morning and read all the lovely comments hand written by guests from all over the world in various languages thanking the Nikos Villa’s team for their wonderful hospitality and excellent service just shows that things have definitely changed or where possibly over exaggerated by travellers with high expectations in a European, Mediterranean environment.