If there’s a hotel that will make the most seasoned traveler of the Greek Isles return to Santorini, it’s Auberge’s Grace Hotel. We would go as far as to say Grace Santorini accomplishes the feat of making you forget there are tourists on the famed isle. Even as in insider in the travel industry, I struggled on where to stay in Santorini. I normally would not have traveled to such a touristy place, but my companion had never been to the isle. And it’s a disservice, in my opinion, for first time visitors to Greece to miss Santorini. Also, the Greeks look at Santorini as one of their national treasures. Like when you have a caldera, which is a large volcanic crater, from 1600 BC as your backdrop, that qualifies as special.
So alas I set out on my odyssey to find a place that was at my level of luxury expectations. I’m not going to sugar coat it; 95% of the hotels in Santorini are “luxury” for Santorini. However the Grace Santorini is the one that for me, hit the right notes.
Atmosphere
By virtue of its location in Imerovigli that has no scene, Grace Santorini was for me a chance to take in the rare authenticity that the island has to offer. In Imerovigli, it’s just a few other hotels and no restaurant scene. The touristy areas of Oia and and Fira where the cruise ships drop off by the thousands don’t make it to Imerovigli. It’s like your own oasis to stay at Grace Santorini. That means you get what you come to the Greek Islands for, which is the serenity, stunning views and a slower pace of life. This is where you can really appreciate the beauty of the Greek Islands. Of course you will want to shop and eat at the trendy restaurants, but that’s a world away 15 minutes by car.
The Grace hotel is perched on the cliffs of the town Imerovigli at the highest point on the caldera rim. So right off the bat, you have some of the best views, if not the best, in Santorini. Add in the ruins of an old Venetian castle, Skaros Rock, directly in front of the hotel, and it’s like a mic drop. From this vantage point, you have yourself the place to watch those famed sunsets that make Santorini a destination.
A Note on the Location
The location of Grace Santorini is both its advantage as well as a consideration. The cliffside of Imerovigli, where Grace Santorini is located, is a pedestrian zone only reached by foot. Of course when you arrive the team figures out all your luggage and logistics so for the easily mobile, it’s a breeze. You have nothing to worry about other than discovering what feels like a true Greek village on the short walk to the hotel. This is a place where the views do the talking when you arrive. And while there are the seps of the traditional cave hotels, it’s all so elegantly constructed and updated that it is a pleasure, versus a slog, to meander the cliffside location of the hotel.
The one caveat worth noting is the property is built into a cliff face, which means stairs — many of them, often steep. It is not a property for anyone who finds this challenging, and it is worth knowing before you arrive rather than after. This challenge of stairs is a consideration for almost every single hotel in Santorini. I know that my elderly parents would struggle with the stone steps and stairs in general everywhere in Santorini. This is something to consider when you’re planning a trip.
Rooms
With just 23 suites and villas that cascade down the cliff face in signature Cycladic white, the Grace Santorini has hands down the most luxurious rooms in town. The construction of the hotel honors the “cave” style that Santorini is known for. But in lieu of being in a windowless room (hence the cave style), Grace Santorini modifies rooms to bring in windows that leverage those views. The stone that encases the rooms also is made to feel warm with the decor and modern, luxurious baths. This is not an easy feat, as most other hotels in Santorini fail to bridge that gap between cave and luxury. However the Grace Santorini architects knew what they were doing when it came to creating a luxury experience in the rooms that honored the traditional architecture of the island.
There’s a new three-bedroom villa that opened up this season, which is perfect for those who want privacy. I would say that if any celebs were on isle that are at the A-list level, this is where they would stay. The villa sits within the hotel, but yet feels like its own experience with a full kitchen and living area. Where Grace Santorini is the most luxurious hotel on the island, this is the most luxurious accommodation.
Food + Beverage
Breakfast is as much a cultural activity where you can take in those views for hours. Dishes are healthy and beautifully presented dishes like the Greek yogurt with local honey and Cretan-style pancakes. The breakfast is simple, but really that’s all you need with the quality of the ingredients.The 363 Bar, the outdoor cocktail bar at the summit of the property is the spot for sunsets. This is where you realize all you need in life isthe best hotel in Santorini and a martini.
Dinner is where they flex their Michelin muscles. Varoulko Santorini is helmed by Michelin-awarded chef Lefteris Lazarou and is where the culinary ambition of Grace becomes clear. The menu brings Greek and Mediterranean flavors through a modern lens. The signature squid with pesto Genovese and the crayfish tartare with fresh basil and yuzu are just a few of the flexes on the dinner menu.
Service
This is where Grace separates itself most clearly from the competition. The team operates with a warmth and attentiveness that feels genuine rather than scripted. This is the distinction that matters enormously when you’re grading on an international ultra-luxury scale. Thoughtful welcome touches, evening gifts to rooms, and really a place where everybody knows your name. It’s like Grace Santorini found the right formula for the polish of Swiss hoteliers and the warmth of the Greek welcome.
Overall: 8.8/10
Easily the best hotel in Santorini and one of less than a dozen in Greece that meets an international standard of ultra luxury.
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FAQs
Q: Where is Grace Hotel, Auberge Collection located?
A: Grace Hotel is located in Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece — perched at the highest point on the caldera rim, above Fira and removed from the crowds of Oia. The address is Imerovigli, Santorini 847 00, Greece.
Q: What makes Grace Hotel different from other Santorini hotels?
A: Grace is one of Santorini’s smallest luxury properties at just 23 suites and villas. The combination of its Imerovigli clifftop position, Michelin-awarded dining at Varoulko Santorini, private heated plunge pools in nearly every room, and a service culture that consistently outperforms expectations makes it the most complete luxury offering on the island.
Q: What should guests know before booking Grace Hotel Santorini?
A: The property is built into a steep cliff face, which means navigating multiple levels of stairs throughout your stay. This is worth factoring in for guests with mobility considerations. The hotel is closed seasonally, generally from late October through mid-April. Rooms with private heated plunge pools are available across most categories and are worth the upgrade. The infinity suites represent the highest expression of what the property offers.
