Sunday 19 September 2010

DREAM ISLAND HOTEL IN SANTORINI

Those of us, who travel a lot, know that when you enter a hotel, it is going to be the place where you are going to be for the next hours, days... but you are fully aware that it is not home. A hotel is, after all, a hotel. However, when I entered the Dream Island, I never thought I was at home either, but believe me... I wanted to stay and live there.

Santorini is a very busy island. Traffic, tourist ... everywhere. The Dream Island is, as the name says, a dream island. Quiet, rest, peace... is what you feel there.

The hotel is like a little village, surrounding a lovely swimming pool, and overlooking a non famous church with a blue dome... Yet, you are only a minute away from the main road from Oia to F
ira, and within 3 minutes walk from Fira Centre. The cable care to the caldera boats is 5 minutes away on foot.

The first good experience comes when you are picked up from the airport or the ferry boat. It is actually the owner of this family hotel who comes. You don't need to look for a taxi or a bus that takes you anywhere. They come and pick you up. The hotel reception is huge and they are really nice. They give you all sorts of information and as guests normally are there for a short time, they make sure you are aware of the excursions available, especially, the one that takes you swimming to different beaches and the Volcano.

The room we got was rather small, but we were told so when we booked it, so there is no complain about it. Still, it was very tastefully decorated. Apparently, it was done by the mother of the family, who seems to be crazy about decoration. The bathroom was very modern too and full of good quality toiletries.

I was concerned that at night, with the swimmingpool being so close, it would be noisy. On the contrary, peacefull during the day, peacefull at night.

The swimming pool was, without any doubt, one of the best things. The weather was hot and... it was a nice way to cool down. We were lucky that when we used it, we were alone. There were deck chairs around it, with plenty of shade or sun, so as to decide where you want to be.

Breakfast is housed in the cellar. Also, beautifully decorated and with plenty of readymade things. Water Melon seemed to be the fruit available at the time and it was well worth having it. Yoghurt, outstanding, and some little croissants stuffed with chocolate... impressive. All in all, it was good.

The dreadful time to check out came, and as ours was in the evening, we asked about having a shower and changing clothes... As with everything in the hotel, there was no problem. Nice shower and we were taken to the airport. Clearly, the best hotel from all my stay and would definitely, love to go back...
It would help if it got slightly cheaper... but then again, it seems it is fully booked during the summer...

DREAM ISLAND HOTEL
Fira (Santorini) Greece
Tel: +30 22860 24122
Fax: +30 22860 23922
E-mail:
info@dreamislandhotel.gr