Hermes Hotel

The hotel's charming, family-owned atmosphere and traditional island-style architecture, complemented by its beautifully maintained gardens and pool areas, create a memorable and peaceful oasis for visitors. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional cleanliness throughout the property, the friendly and attentive staff, and the excellent breakfast buffet as key elements contributing to a positive stay. Its convenient location near the beach and local amenities further enhances the appeal, fostering a relaxing ambiance that many appreciate. This makes the hotel particularly well-suited for couples seeking a tranquil escape, families looking for a comfortable base near the beach, and sightseers who desire a quiet retreat after exploring the island. To enhance your experience, guests often suggest being aware that the jacuzzi water is typically not heated, especially outside peak season, and that Wi-Fi can be inconsistent in some rooms, so having personal data as a backup might be beneficial.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts two swimming pools, including a main pool and a smaller, quieter one, with ample sunbeds available for relaxation. Many rooms feature a balcony, providing a private outdoor space. While the air conditioning generally functions well, some older units may not cool as effectively, and it typically requires the room key to operate. A fridge is provided in most rooms for convenience. The hotel also offers a bar area and a restaurant, with an outdoor bar by the pool. A lounge and changing rooms with showers and hairdryers are available, which guests appreciate for use after checkout. However, some guests note that the gym facilities are limited, occasionally requiring a key for access, and some equipment may be broken or the area not consistently clean. Many guests also mention the absence of tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, describing them as spotless, fresh, and well-maintained, with fresh towels provided daily. The comfortable beds are frequently highlighted for ensuring a restful night's sleep, and many rooms are noted for being spacious. While some bathrooms are described as modern and well-appointed, a recurring theme is that many are dated, with small shower areas, shower curtains that can be inconvenient, and occasional issues with bad smells or mold in sealant seams. Shower pressure can also be erratic, fluctuating between cold and scalding. Noise levels are a concern for some, with mentions of plane noise due to airport proximity, thin walls, and sounds from corridors or non-guests using the pool area. Mosquitoes are also a notable issue in some rooms, impacting comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet receives widespread acclaim, described as excellent, amazing, and delicious, offering a varied selection of fresh local bakery items, fruits, Greek yogurt, and multiple drink options. Most guests find the food quality at the hotel's restaurant to be very good, with many enjoying dinner there due to its delicious offerings and reasonable pricing. The bar also serves tasty snacks and good cocktails. However, some guests suggest that the hot breakfast selection could be improved, and the quality of coffee from the DIY machine is occasionally criticized. A few guests also noted that some pastries could be dry, and there were isolated reports of slow service at the bar or even stray animals in the dining area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, situated just a few minutes' walk from Kamari beach and its bustling promenade, which is lined with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Guests appreciate the walking distance to a nearby supermarket and the bus stop, providing easy access to Fira and Oia. Its proximity to the airport is convenient for arrivals and departures, typically a 10-minute drive. While the location offers a quiet oasis away from the main crowds, some guests note that the close proximity to the airport means occasional plane noise can be heard. Additionally, it's worth noting that Kamari beach is volcanic and stony, which some guests found required specific footwear.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The reception staff are particularly commended for their informative assistance and efficiency, including accommodating early check-ins and arranging transfers. Housekeeping is described as efficient, maintaining high standards of cleanliness with daily room refreshing. The restaurant and bar staff are also noted for their polite and accommodating service. Many guests appreciate the family-run atmosphere, which contributes to a personalized and warm experience. However, there was an isolated report of an unfriendly bar waiter, and some guests expressed disappointment when non-guests, particularly children, were allowed to use the pool area, leading to increased noise.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain practical aspects during their stay. It is a common practice in Santorini, and thus at the hotel, that toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet. The air conditioning system typically requires the room key to be inserted for operation, meaning rooms cannot be pre-cooled before arrival. While the hotel generally maintains high standards, there was a specific instance where a guest experienced significant inconvenience due to the hotel closing early for maintenance, leading to issues with refund processing through third-party booking platforms. The hotel provides olive oil-based amenities in the rooms, a thoughtful local touch.