We stayed at El Greco for our honeymoon in August 2011. It's pretty much what we were expecting...beautiful pool, nice views of both sides of the island from the second level, and away from the hustle and bustle of the center of Fira, but easy access to that area. When we arrived, there was some confusion about the room we had booked - seemed like we were going to be downgraded, so front desk staff bumped us up to what we had been expecting. This is the best thing I can say about the front desk staff. Some of the fantastic aspects of our stay:
-resort is small, most rooms are situated around the pool with a little terrace and outdoor table.
-pools are big and beautiful, and there's a small, more private pool off to the side if you explore around the resort a bit
-food is very good
-bar staff is fantastic
-good breakfast buffet with plenty of tables and food
-fridge in room
-good a/c
-short (5-10 minute) walk to the center Fira, including a small grocery store
-cleaning staff was accommodating if you aren't ready for your room to be clean
-room is huge by Europe standards
-regular U.S. style tub with shower
-easy moto rental
Cons:
-front desk staff was generally rude most times we asked for anything
-pool gets crowded early (expected for high season, though), and guests leave towels on lounge chairs for long periods of time...seemed like people went off for hours but left stuff to claim their spot at the pool
-you cannot take towels out on excursions to beaches, boat rides, etc. I think they should be more flexible about that - when you're traveling overseas, you generally do not waste suitcase space with towels. If you purchase a towel, everyone knows you have to wash it before it absorbs...so there's a problem there!
-you cannot swim in the pool or use the hot tub at night (I guess this is the case with most resorts, it's just disappointing)
-"orange juice" at breakfast is more like "orange drink" from a mix, or Tang...not very good.
-lastly, and most importantly, we had a horrible smell coming from the water in our restroom. After several interactions with front desk staff that were less than favorable, we didn't want to ask about it, so we put up with it. The smell is difficult to describe...like backed up pipes with old water or something. You don't smell it as the water is being used (water is clean) but after the shower/sink is shut off. Seemed to have nothing to do with the toilet.
Overall, we'd return to this resort provided the front desk is aware we were return visitors and a guarantee that the smelly water wouldn't be a problem. We really liked the location of the hotel; because it's not right in the middle of Fira you can park your rented moto outside, and the walk to the center of town is quick and easy. I'd also caution anyone visiting to rent a 4-wheeler or ride the bus if you are not an experienced motorcycle or scooter rider. My husband has a motorcycle license in the U.S., and it was needed to rent to moto. Driving around Santorini is scary if you're not used to motorcycles!
The bar staff is also so friendly, they make you feel at home and joke around, but respect your privacy. Beautiful resort, worth the money, keeping in mind some of the cons I've provided.
Room Tip: Even rooms on the pool are quiet...not sure about the front of the resort where there are Caldera vi...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC