My husband and I stayed here in June 2009. I chose this one because it was only 93 euros but the rooms had caldera/volcano view. Initially when we arrived we were very disappointed with the hotel as the view was partially obstructed by electrical wires, and because the pool was the smallest I had ever seen (seriously, more like the size of a large hottub). But in the end we were satisfied and had a nice stay. It included breakfast (served on your balcony, you had to put in an order and give them 15 minutes to bring it to you) and had internet access (although it only worked outside, not in the room). We paid for a studio but were given a larger room (which I think they call an apartment) and it was very spacious, although the bathroom was still tiny. It had a really comfortable single size futon and a mini kitchen with dishes. The bed was really hard.

It's worth nothing that our terrace (with view) was semi-private. Nobody else was allowed to sit there on our chairs, but it was attached to the rest of the hotel's public terrace so it's not like having a private balcony. Many other hotels are like this, only the more expensive have private balconies cliff side.

There were a few chairs next to the pool with a nice view (although obstructed by wires). On one day we really wanted to use the pool as we spent the whole day at the hotel but couldn't as there were 2 other people in it (it's so small that you don't want to go in at the same time as strangers) and the few chairs were taken. But the other 2 days there was nobody in the pool when we used it.

I always start my European reviews with…Don’t take Travelers Checks to Europe they will be a nightmare to cash and if you do find someone to cash them (good luck) they will charge you a small fortune. The Efterpi Hotel is in a great location on the caldera, the views down to the water, across to the volcano and the sunsets are to die for. The hotel is very clean and Taki (Hotel manager) is great, he is so helpful. Along with the 2 cleaning staff whose names slip my mind. The breakfast is good even though it can get monotonous after a few days (we were there for 5 nights) The hotel is an easy 10-15min walk to Thira (downhill), the walk back is a bit tougher as it is up hill. But you will do it as the views are breath taking and you must do it day and night. The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel cost 20 euro including a 2 euro tip, but it is the quickest and easiest way to get there. The only complaint I have about Efterpi is the bloody power lines in front of the hotel which in certain views just get in the way. There is a mini mart just around the corner from the hotel which selld all types of things along with the most important WATER and reasonably priced, not as cheap as a super market but far cheaper than the touristy shops. Behind the hotel and on the main street is bus stop which can take you anywhere on the island along with all the cheaper eateries which are away from the caldera so no views. You will have read in many reviews that if you go back a couple of streets from the main drags things are cheaper, well in Santorini this is a given, anything on the caldera with views is super expensive and the food is not necessarily that great. My suggestion is to eat away from the caldera and then buy an ice cream and walk or sit by the caldera admiring the views and sunset. It will work out much cheaper and I guarantee you will have a much nicer and more traditional Greek meal. Getting around on Santorini is basically by bus, taxi (very expensive) or hire scooter or car. We hired a car as there were 4 of us and it is much safer. In my opinion you need a car as the island is very long and there are many places to see (Red Beach, Kamari Beach (aka Black Beach, Oia, lighthouse, ), Perissa Beach…nb all these beach charge for deck chairs and umbrellas ranging from 6-12 Euro per set of 1 umbrella and 2 deck chairs). There is also the lighthouse at one end of the island and Oia at the other, sure you can get around by bus but it takes forever. We hired our car from Cars 4 U corny name but really good price 142 euro including insurance for 5days (ask for George he is the owner), and he drove us to the airport on the last day saving us 20euro. When driving around the island make sure you stop at the remote restaurants to experience real Greek home made food, it is magnificent and way cheaper than in the touristy places. You also have to go to Moni Profitou Illia which is the highest point on the island and has panoramic views of the entire island. Oia is the place to go and see the sunset, get there early cause the vantage points fill quickly. This is a must see, don’t miss it you will be amazed by its beauty (we missed it the first time we went). Dining is very expensive in Oia unless again you move away from the caldera and the views. Oia also has some very exclusive shopping and the streets with all the shops are just beautiful. You also need to go down to the port via the cable car and I recommend coming up on the donkeys (if you can handle the smell ..), don’t do it the other way. We were in Santorini 21 years ago and to say it has changed is an under statement, Santorini is much more commercialised now so for me it wasn’t as enjoyable as the first time (I was most likely star struck the first time, as I am sure you will be) but that is not say it is not one of the most beautiful places on earth, our teenage daughters thought so. It is definitely a honeymoon island as most of the people here are couples.

We have just returned from Efterpi in Santorini from 28th Aug to 11th Sept.
Most people seemed to use Efterpi for 2 to 7 nights.
First impressions are not good but then you see other places and talk to others staying in Firostefani and it is relative.
Spoke to a couple at Chromata who were getting married that week and their first room offer was so bad they stayed in another hotel for the first night!

Our first room offer was too small and would give a cat brain damage.
Second offer ideal with adequate space for clothes and small terrace for sunbathing.
Every apartment spotlessly clean with towels changed every day, tidied, bed made, floor mopped every day without fail.

Manager decent bloke 2 staff that do the cleaning and bringing of breakfast excellent workers (brother / sister)

Breakfast bread, cakes, tea / coffee, eggs hard boiled, biscuits, jam, honey, cheese & ham toastie, brought to you within 10 minutes or less, every one of the 14 days we stayed.

Position wise, perfect for visiting OIA via the bus 1.2 euro or 10 min walk to Fira road or 20 min walk cobbled scenic coast route.

Kamari via 1.2 euro to Fira and bus change at the bus station.
Views excellent with sunsets over Thrassia but in September full view of the sun down to the horizon.

The beds are brick based with wooden lats supporting a hard mattress with foam pillows, identical to all our Greek holidays.
Managed to purchase a feather pillow from shop in Fira for about £8.

On the whole We would recommend this Hotel complex for position, view and comfort after first checking your offered studio apartment.

I have seen people say you can do better for the money but you could spend a lot of time for slight improvements.

You pay for the most amazing view.
Sitting in the balcony and watching the sunset in the caldera is a unique experience.
Getting to the hotel is not easy, bus from port to Fira and as it was impossible to get a taxi, we had to get another bus to Firostefani and then walk aprox 50 m going up the hill and then going down many steps.
The room is very nice, but roof is quite low so be prepared to hit your head many times!
Bathroom is small.
Breakfast is served in your room by the owner and is quite good.

In summary, you pay too much just for the view, but I think that all hotels with Caldera view are as costly as this one.