Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites, Santorini

4.5 (23 reviews) · Standard
Charming cliffside hotel with caldera views, complimentary rooftop breakfast, romantic suites, and family-friendly amenities

Overview

Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites greets guests with the quintessential Santorini charm, offering views of the Aegean Sea from its perch in Firostefani. Visitors will find themselves within a serene setting, yet conveniently close to the central square of the village and a short drive from the lively town of Fira. Accommodations offer airy, Cycladic-inspired rooms with tile flooring, white walls with blue hues, and balconies perfect for enjoying the iconic caldera vistas. At the hotel's highly rated continental breakfast, guests can indulge in a delightful morning meal on the rooftop veranda or the privacy of their own room, complemented by views and an authentic taste of the island.

Kimkim's Take

Pros
  • Guest rooms offer incredible views of the Aegean Sea, and you'll be just a short walk from the village's central square.
  • The hotel's location in Firostefani is a 20-minute hike to the bustling capital of Fira.
  • Each morning, you can savor a complimentary continental breakfast with a variety of fresh, local foods on the rooftop veranda or in your room.
  • The rooms are fairly spacious, with tile flooring and a traditional Cycladic aesthetic.
Cons
  • Some previous guests noted a light sewage smell.
  • The hotel doesn't have a pool or spa on-site.
  • The hotel has no restaurant, and a set breakfast menu means the hotel can't accommodate dietary restrictions.

Authenticity

Reflecting the traditional Cycladic aesthetic, Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites embraces Santorini's iconic white limestone walls and blue accents. While it doesn't have a long history, the property's design and decor pay homage to the local culture. The rooms maintain this authentic charm with their curved lines and blue hues in textiles and painted doors, ensuring you feel the spirit of the island during your stay.

Location

Located in the village of Firostefani, Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites is just a five-minute walk from the village's central square and offers a peaceful retreat from the more bustling capital of Fira, which is a 7-minute drive or a 20-minute hike away. The hotel is perched on a cliff, offering views of the Aegean Sea from the rooftop and room balconies. With its proximity to the trail connecting Fira with Oia, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the island's landscapes and attractions.

Rooms & Bathrooms

At  Blue Dolphins Apartments & Suites, light and airy rooms feature tile flooring and a cave-like ambience characteristic of Santorini's architecture. The rooms come in various categories, including Standard Double Rooms with caldera and sea views, Romantic Suites offering spacious layouts and private balconies overlooking the Aegean, and Family Suites accommodating up to four guests. For a memorable experience, the Honeymoon Suite includes a Jacuzzi on a private terrace, allowing you to soak in the views in luxury. The en suite bathrooms have modern amenities, though some may have limited counter space.

Amenities

The hotel doesn't have a pool or spa, but there's a tour desk, luggage storage, and a shuttle service for an added fee. The hotel isn't wheelchair-friendly or suitable for those with limited mobility. Pets are allowed to stay upon request.

Family-Friendliness

While not particularly family-friendly—there are no child-oriented amenities here—Blue Dolphins welcomes children. Cribs are free, and extra beds (for older children) are available for an added fee. The property isn't suited to strollers.

Other Highlights

Though Blue Dolphins doesn't have a restaurant, the hotel's complimentary continental breakfast is a favorite among past guests. Served on the whitewashed rooftop veranda overlooking the caldera, Santorini volcano, the Aegean Sea, and the village of Firostefani, the breakfast spread features fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, homemade cakes and jams, eggs, cheese, cold cuts, fresh bread, juices, coffee, and more. 

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +30 2286023173
Hotel address icon P.O. Box 534
Free wifi
Free parking
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Stunning Views

Many reviewers praised the hotel's stunning views, particularly from private and shared balconies. Guests enjoyed watching cruise ships, the beautiful white buildings with blue roofs, and the ocean view. (12 mentions)

Lisa
“Our room was very spacious and had a balcony with a stunning view.”  — Lisa C.
Felice
“Hotel is absolutely beautiful overlooking the sea and all the white buildings on the hill.”  — Felice Z.
Judy
“We loved sitting on our balcony watching cruise ships and seeing the beautiful white with blue roof buildings of Santorini!”  — Judy R.
Friendly and Helpful Staff

The staff, including individuals like Christina and Nikki, were frequently mentioned for their courteous and helpful nature. They provided excellent recommendations, helped with luggage, and organized activities like massages, sailing, and snorkeling tours. (11 mentions)

James
“But I have to acknowledge the staff being very courteous and approachable. Very helpful.”  — James N.
E
“Christina and Nikki were amazing support and gave great recommendations for our stay.”  — Elisa S.
Lisa
“The staff was helpful and friendly.”  — Lisa C.
Convenient Location

The hotel's location was appreciated for being close to shops and restaurants in Fira. Guests found it easy to walk to various attractions and enjoyed the proximity to the main walkway. (6 mentions)

Douglas
“Close to most things”  — Douglas D.
Lisa
“Great location, walking distance to shops and restaurants in Fira.”  — Lisa C.
Felice
“Very close to main walkway to walk to shops and restaurants with amazing views.”  — Felice Z.
Delicious Breakfast Experience

The breakfast received high praise for being delicious, with local foods and fruits. It was often served directly to the room or on the patio, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while taking in the views. (6 mentions)

E
“the breakfast on the patio can’t be beat. Delicious and local foods and fruits.”  — Elisa S.
Cassidy
“We also absolutely loved our breakfast tray each morning.”  — Cassidy J.
Cassidy
“We also loved that we could choose the exact time we wanted our breakfast delivered and that we could eat out on the balcony and soak in the views each morning.”  — Cassidy J.

Traveler Reviews

23 total ratings, 18 with reviews
4.5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.7
Location
4.7
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.5
Ruth
Ruth W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024
This room was the most spacious, with a big living area with three extra twin size beds, and a king size room, two bathrooms and a private searing area to our room was nice. The balcony wasn’t so “private” it should be called personal instead, as people can see us and we can see them. Read more

This room was the most spacious, with a big living area with three extra twin size beds, and a king size room, two bathrooms and a private searing area to our room was nice. The balcony wasn’t so “private” it should be called personal instead, as people can see us and we can see them.

Authenticity & Character
A cute place
Location
Just easy to get to and easy walk to the restaurants and shops.
Staff
Friendly, but at the end I asked multiple times about help with our luggage up the stairs, we didn’t get help lugging our heavy luggage up.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean
Stayed in October 2024
H
Howard W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2024
Beautiful hotel with amazing views of the harbor.
Very helpful and friendly staff. I would definitely recommend it, except it's not a good choice for anyone who has difficulty with steps.
Read more

Beautiful hotel with amazing views of the harbor.
Very helpful and friendly staff. I would definitely recommend it, except it's not a good choice for anyone who has difficulty with steps.

Authenticity & Character
Traditional Santorini character -everything painted white and built into the hillside. Lots of steps.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2024
Thomas
Thomas G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024
The view and breakfast! Read more

The view and breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2024
Douglas
Douglas D.
Oak Ridge, FL | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
Nice hotel. Great staff. Close to most things Read more

Nice hotel. Great staff. Close to most things

Authenticity & Character
Updated room and clean
Location
Close to most things
Staff
Very inviting and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Was overall clean. Had a unusual aroma coming out of the drains
Stayed in June 2024
Teresa
Teresa B.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jun 13, 2024

Place was clean and people were kind and helpful, however the bathroom smelled like sewage :(

Stayed in May 2024
Maryann
Maryann L.
North Druid Hills, GA | Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024
wonderful hotel, staff and views Read more

wonderful hotel, staff and views

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2024
Steve
Steve G.
Passaic, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 25, 2023
Nicely maintained, clans and roomy hotel with absolutely astonishing views! The breakfast was incredible and delivered directly to your room each morning by a friendly staff member. Read more

Nicely maintained, clans and roomy hotel with absolutely astonishing views! The breakfast was incredible and delivered directly to your room each morning by a friendly staff member.

Authenticity & Character
Postcard hotel nestled in the hillside of iconic Santorini.
Location
Not only is the view amazing, it's situated just a short walk to Fira along charming walkways.
Staff
John was great and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The entire property was spotlessly clean and the bed comfortable.
Stayed in November 2023
James
James N.
Sparks, NV | Reviewed on Nov 21, 2023
This was a tough one to review. The views were absolutely amazing, as was the morning breakfast served right outside your door. Our room (101), was loated next to a room with a common wall that was “paper-thin.” On the night of a major storm, they appeared to use this room as a secondary office to allow people whose flight was severely delayed to check-in. This went on to 23:00 hours, and we know this could you could literally hear every word. My wife had an unfortunate fall on the wet... Read more

This was a tough one to review. The views were absolutely amazing, as was the morning breakfast served right outside your door. Our room (101), was loated next to a room with a common wall that was “paper-thin.” On the night of a major storm, they appeared to use this room as a secondary office to allow people whose flight was severely delayed to check-in. This went on to 23:00 hours, and we know this could you could literally hear every word. My wife had an unfortunate fall on the wet stairs leading away from the common area in front of our room. Fortunately she only sustained a very nasty bruise. But I have to acknowledge the staff being very courteous and approachable. Very helpful. We did not tell the staff about the fall however.

Authenticity & Character
The character was in the decor.
Location
If you want views, this is the place.
Staff
Very kind, polite and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Insulate the was between 101 and 102! Cleanliness was not an issue.
Stayed in November 2023
E
Elisa S.
Haverhill, MA | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2023
Christina and Nikki were amazing support and gave great recommendations for our stay.
The hotel is clean and organized and the breakfast on the patio can’t be beat. Delicious and local foods and fruits.
Huge help with our luggage and getting us settled..book your stay at This location you will be highly satisfied.
Read more

Christina and Nikki were amazing support and gave great recommendations for our stay.
The hotel is clean and organized and the breakfast on the patio can’t be beat. Delicious and local foods and fruits.
Huge help with our luggage and getting us settled..book your stay at This location you will be highly satisfied.

Authenticity & Character
Location
On the trail to Oia!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2023
Lisa
Lisa C.
Carlsbad, CA | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023
Our room was very spacious and had a balcony with a stunning view. Loved the decor and style of this hotel. Clean and modern with that Santorini history and ambiance. The staff was helpful and friendly. Great location, walking distance to shops and restaurants in Fira. Highly recommend! Read more

Our room was very spacious and had a balcony with a stunning view. Loved the decor and style of this hotel. Clean and modern with that Santorini history and ambiance. The staff was helpful and friendly. Great location, walking distance to shops and restaurants in Fira. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2023

Like what you see?

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +30 2286023173
Hotel address icon P.O. Box 534
Free wifi
Free parking