Ira Hotel & Spa - Adults Only

This hotel is celebrated for its breathtaking caldera views, offering guests stunning panoramas of the volcanic landscape and sunsets from various points across the property, including rooms, balconies, and the pool area. It is particularly well-suited for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic and quiet escape, as well as sightseers and relaxation seekers who appreciate a tranquil setting with easy access to exploration. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable beds, and generally attentive service. While some rooms are noted for being spacious, others are described as cozy. The hotel's prime location on the cliffside provides both spectacular scenery and convenient access to nearby towns. To make the most of your stay, be prepared for many steps due to the hotel's unique multi-level design on the cliffs, and consider visiting during off-peak season for a more peaceful experience, though some facilities may be limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience, most notably a swimming pool that boasts stunning caldera views, providing a picturesque spot for relaxation. Many guests appreciate the availability of a hot tub in select rooms, adding a touch of luxury to their stay. Free Wi-Fi is provided, allowing guests to stay connected, though some have noted occasional inconsistencies with the internet access. The property also features pleasant lounge areas perfect for unwinding and capturing memorable photographs. A spa is available on-site, offering relaxing massage services, though it is important to note that access to certain spa facilities may incur an additional charge. Some guests have mentioned the swimming pool can be small or cold, especially during off-peak seasons, and that a dedicated pool bar is not always operational, requiring guests to flag down staff for service. Other minor issues reported include non-functioning minifridges and the absence of an iron or ironing board in rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel for its overall cleanliness and the comfort of its accommodations. Many rooms are described as beautiful, modern, and recently renovated, often featuring a unique cave-style aesthetic. Guests frequently praise the comfortable beds and the impressive, often huge showers or walk-in showers. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed; while some guests found their rooms spacious, others reported them to be small or cramped, with some specific instances of dirty rooms or smelly bathrooms. Recurring issues include a lack of adequate towel racks, slippery bathroom floors, and shower placement that can lead to water splashing. Furthermore, several guests experienced frustrating water shut-offs or a lack of hot water, and occasional power outages, which impacted their stay. Some unique room designs also feature low ceilings or showers without doors, which guests found inconvenient.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, is quite mixed. Most guests appreciate the delicious and fresh breakfast offerings, often highlighting the breakfast pastries and good coffee. A variety of juices is also typically available. Some guests found the breakfast to be satisfying and well-prepared, with attentive service. However, a significant number of guests expressed disappointment, describing the breakfast as a major letdown due to its limited variety and being identical each day. It is often a fixed menu breakfast rather than a buffet, with additional items incurring an extra cost. The breakfast is served in a windowless room, which some found less appealing given the hotel's stunning views. While some reviews praise the food quality at the hotel's restaurant for dinner, others have found the food to be overpriced or of low quality in specific instances, leading to varied opinions on the overall dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a stunning location on the cliffside, offering great views and a peaceful atmosphere in Firostefani, which many guests prefer for its tranquility compared to busier areas. It is considered a central location, providing easy walking distance to Fira (approximately 10-15 minutes) and Imerovigli, making it convenient for exploring the island's main attractions and dining options. Guests appreciate being able to walk to nearby restaurants and shops, and the proximity to landmarks like Skaros Rock. However, due to its unique cliffside architecture, the hotel requires many staircases and many steps everywhere, including within rooms, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or seniors. While parking is available, it is often unpaved and not private, and can sometimes be difficult to find, requiring guests to park slightly further away.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff and service is highly polarized. Many guests consistently praise the friendly staff and great service, highlighting their attentiveness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Specific mentions include quick check-in processes, welcoming smiles, and staff going above and beyond to make stays special, such as arranging transfers and excursions. Many describe the service as professional and courteous, with staff being responsive to requests and providing excellent customer service. However, a significant number of reviews report extremely negative experiences, citing unhelpful, aggressive, or rude employees, and abusive treatment from management. Some guests felt staff were unsympathetic regarding booking errors or cancellations, describing policies as predatory and management as hostile or lacking empathy. Issues like being understaffed or staff being difficult to locate, particularly during off-season, were also noted, alongside accusations of personal belongings being tampered with.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific policies and practical considerations. The hotel operates with non-refundable rates, which has led to significant frustration for some guests who faced unforeseen circumstances requiring cancellations, as the hotel often maintains a strict stance on these bookings. A notable point is the one room key policy, where removing the key from its slot also deactivates the air conditioning, leading to warm rooms upon return. Some guests have also reported that tap water is not safe to drink and that complementary bottled water is not provided, which can be an unexpected inconvenience. The hotel has a strict no child policy and a no guests policy for pool and balcony areas, which has caused issues for some travelers. During off-peak season, guests should anticipate that many local businesses and some hotel facilities may be closed. Additionally, while hotel transfers are available, they are typically a paid service.