Santorini's Secret Hideaway: Unbelievable Petri Suites Await!
Santorini's Secret Hideaway: Petri Suites - Okay, Let's Be Real, It's Almost Paradise! (But the View…)
Alright, folks, let's get down to brass tacks. You're dreaming of Santorini, that iconic island where the sunsets are allegedly legendary and your Instagram feed is about to explode with likes. And, like me, you're probably scrolling, judging, and desperately hoping not to end up in some dingy, overpriced closet disguised as a suite. Well, buckle up, because I've just wrestled with the whole Santorini booking beast and landed, thankfully, at Santorini's Secret Hideaway, specifically the Petri Suites. And I'm here to give you the real deal, the good, the (very minor) bad, and the utterly breathtaking.
(SEO Keywords: Santorini hotel, Santorini suites, Santorini luxury, Petri Suites, Santorini view, accessible hotel Santorini, Santorini spa, Santorini pool, Santorini romantic getaway, Santorini honeymoon)
First Impressions (and the View That Makes You Forget Everything Else)
The name, "Secret Hideaway," isn't kidding, because it is a bit hidden. Which, honestly, is part of the charm. You're not right in the thick of the mega-tourist-mob. You're nestled in a quieter spot, but trust me, the central location is still amazing, like a 10-15 minutes journey by car (or taxi) to Fira. The real kicker? The view. Oh, the view. It's the money shot, the reason you actually booked this trip. Seriously, the caldera, the sunsets… I sat on that terrace (more on that later) with my jaw basically on the floor for a good hour. Forget the bad news, the flight delays, the existential dread – that view melts it all away. Pure, unadulterated, "are-you-kidding-me?" beauty.
Let's Talk Accessibility, Because It Matters (and Isn't Always Easy)
(Accessibility, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests)
Okay, real talk. I'm not using a wheelchair, but I'm always mindful of accessibility because it's important! And sadly, Santorini isn't exactly known for its flat surfaces. I asked around. The hotel does advertise facilities for disabled guests, and Elevator is available.. That said, it's Santorini, so be prepared for some steps (what else?). I think the best option is still to call the hotel to inquire more about the accessibility of the suites.
(This makes me realize I completely forgot to ask the reception about it… Note to self: always ask!)
Inside the Petri Suite: More Than Just the View (But the View…)
(Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens)
The rooms themselves? Pretty damn good. The Petri Suites are spacious, clean (emphasis here!), and designed with that classic Cycladic vibe: white walls, bright pops of color, and that minimalist-chic aesthetic. Everythinh is in the room is new, as well. I loved the little touches: the bathrobes, the slippers, the free bottled water (vital, trust me). There's free Wi-Fi and a decent Internet connection (a lifesaver for streaming, especially during the late afternoon sun-induced naps). The air conditioning was a godsend during the heat of the day, and the blackout curtains were perfect for catching some Zzz's when the sun was setting. And again, let's be real. All the other stuff is secondary to the terrace, which is where you’ll spend 80% of your time.
Wi-Fi? Yes! Internet? Yes! (And Did I Mention the View?)
(Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi for special events)
OK, the Wi-Fi is solid. I needed to keep up with emails (the joys of remote work!), stream a movie, and, of course, post a million Instagram stories. It all worked seamlessly. Good for the 'Gram, good for work, good for life!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Sunset Obsession
(Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant)
The breakfast (which is included) is a buffet that has a wide range of options. There are also restaurants and a poolside bar for drinks. Room service is also available 24 hours just in case the food becomes too overwhelming.
That Terrace (Again!): Sunset Glory, Even with a Slightly Overpriced Cocktail
Look, I'm going to harp on the terrace. It's part of the experience! Watching the sunset – the colors exploding across the caldera, the lights of the towns twinkling below – it's just pure magic. I spent hours there, nursing a cocktail (they could be a little pricier than expected, but hey, you're in Santorini!). It's the perfect spot to chill, sip wine, and pretend you live a life of endless luxury.
Spa & Wellness: Because You Deserve It (and Probably Need It)
(Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Ah, the spa. You're in Santorini. Do it. Treat yourself. I indulged in a massage – it was pure bliss. They have a swimming pool with a view, the classic Santorini infinity-pool-meets-caldera thing, which is pretty impressive.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Modern Traveler's Must-Haves
(Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)
Safety is key, right? The hotel gets it. They're on top of all the COVID-19 protocols: anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and all the other things you'd expect. It felt safe and clean, which is a massive relief.
Services & Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
(Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
The concierge was super helpful with booking tours and arranging transportation. Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless, which is a huge plus. There’s also the usual stuff: laundry, luggage storage, etc. etc.
The Minor Quirks (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist, People!)
- The Price Tag: It's Santorini. It's not cheap. Factor that in.
- The Wind: Santorini can be windy. Sometimes, it's welcome. Other times… less so.
Overall: Worth the Hype? Absolutely.
Santorini's Secret Hideaway, specifically the Petri Suites? They deliver on the promise. The view alone is worth the price of admission, and paired with the comfortable rooms, good service, and the overall vibe, it's a winner. It's not flawless (where is?), but it's a solid choice for a romantic getaway or a special trip.
**My
Escape to Paradise: Urban-Est Hotel, Goyang-si's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Santorini meltdown… I mean, trip. Specifically, the Petri Suites. Prepare yourselves, because this is gonna be less "polished itinerary" and more "diary of a slightly unhinged traveler."
The Petri Suite Santorini: Operation "Get Tan, Stay Sane (Maybe)" – A Real-Life Disasterpiece
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- Morning (8:00 AM - ish, who's counting?): Arrive at Santorini airport. Okay, so far, so good. Sun's shinin', a little breeze… almost idyllic. Baggage claim is a chaotic ballet of luggage and stressed-out tourists. Found my bag! Victory! (Small victories, people, small victories.)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Taxi to the Petri Suites. Google Maps estimated 20 minutes. Taxi driver? Let's just say he had a very enthusiastic driving style. We got there in 15 minutes, and I’m pretty sure he was channeling his inner rally driver. Arriving at the suites, the postcard-perfect views almost made me forget I nearly lost my breakfast (and possibly a limb). Check-in was smooth… relatively. Receptionist was charming, but my brain was still processing the road trip.
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Room check. I had booked the "Honeymoon Suite," expecting… well, something honeymooey. It was gorgeous. Seriously. The infinity pool was beckoning. The bougainvillea tumbling down the walls was Instagram-worthy. And the bed? Divine. This is where I started to unravel in the best possible way. I was basically a puddle of happy on the sofa. Then came the perfect iced coffee on the balcony. I’m not sure I'll ever be as happy as I was then.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Exploring Fira (the town). Initially, wanted lunch, but honestly, I’m still coming down from the sheer beauty of the hotel. Walked the cliffside path. Overwhelming. Stunning. And completely packed with people. My claustrophobia started to kick in. I did stop at a little cafe. One of those places that just smells of sunshine and olives. Had a gyro, which, let's be honest, was just okay. Too much salt. Probably didn't need the extra fries. Regret.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Spent an hour at the pool, it’s more crowded than I hoped, but somehow I found some time to soak in the sun and the view. Didn’t do much.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a recommended restaurant (according to everyone) in Fira. It was beautiful, they said. Romantic, they said. The food? Meh. Overpriced. The "romantic" lighting highlighted my laugh lines. I decided to order a bottle of wine, and then another bottle of wine. Oops. Walked back to the hotel in a slight haze. Felt amazing. Drank a bit more wine on my balcony, watching the sunset. Perfection.
Day 2: Oia, Oceanside Meltdown & the Pursuit of a Perfect Sunset
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Slept in! Bliss. Woke up with a slight headache and the overwhelming feeling that I needed to get myself together. Needed a swim.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast (room service, obvs). Omelet was good, the coffee was good, the view was still amazing. My demons were temporarily held at bay. Then, the thought struck me. Oia. Famous for sunsets. I had to go. The pressure was on.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Bus to Oia. Nightmare. Seriously. Packed like sardines, sweating, and I swear, someone’s backpack was poking me the entire time. Arrived in Oia… and it was even more crowded than Fira. This place felt like a theme park.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wandered aimlessly. Attempted to find a quiet spot. Failed. Got pushed. Got jostled. Started to feel genuinely…unhappy. Found a tiny, almost-hidden restaurant with a view over the caldera. Ordered grilled octopus (which was delicious, finally!) and a glass of wine. Finally, felt better. It's amazing how good food can solve everything.
- Afternoon/Evening (6:00 PM - Sunset): The Great Sunset Hunt. Found a spot, somewhat. Tried to enjoy the sunset. It was crowded. The sunset? Stunning. The crowd? Horrific. People were literally climbing over each other to get a photo. I felt a sudden rush of… I don't even know, rage? Sadness? Frustration? Just felt everything. Took some pictures, felt obligated. Briefly considered pushing someone into the caldera. Decided against it. Watched the sunset, then fled.
- Evening (8:00 PM onwards): Found a random taverna, tried a glass of wine. Failed. Back at the hotel, tried to sit on the balcony. Felt sad. Ended up falling asleep in my clothes, dreaming of tranquil beaches and fewer people.
Day 3: The Myth of Volcano & Wine Tasting (Attempted Bliss)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Pool time. Needed to decompress after Oia. The sun's rays hit different.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Boat trip to the volcano and hot springs (booked the day before, finally getting around to it). The boat? Okay. The volcano? Interesting. The hot springs? Surprisingly… underwhelming. Felt more like warm slightly sulfuric water than a rejuvenating experience.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Wine tasting. Pre-booked a popular wine tour somewhere in the middle of the island. Felt like I needed to drink the pain away. The wineries were cute, the wine was decent. Got tipsy.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wine tasting continues. After, had a little bit of a ramble. Met an older couple, who was very nice. They had been traveling for years at this point. They gave me some insights.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner somewhere. At this stage, I'm just hungry, so I didn't think about the restaurant.
Day 4: The Last Day
- Morning (9:00 AM-11:00 AM): More pool time.
- Midday (11:00 AM-13:00 PM): Went to a little cafe, had a Greek salad.
- Afternoon (13:00 PM-15:00 PM): Packing. Trying to accept the end of my trip.
- Afternoon/Evening (15:00 PM onwards): taxi to the airport and wait for my flight.
Epilogue:
So, there you have it. My Santorini story. Is it the perfect vacation? Hell, no. It was too crowded, too expensive, some of it was just… too much. But you know what? I'm glad I went. In between the crowds and the meltdowns and the slightly disappointing sunsets, there was beauty. There were moments of pure joy, the ones that will stay with me. And there was the important opportunity to truly be on my own, and do what I needed to do on my own. Santorini, I think I love you (maybe).
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Okay, Okay, About Santorini's Petri Suites... Let's Do This (Messy Edition)
So, Petri Suites... Are They REALLY as Good as the Brochure Says? Because, Let's Be Honest, Brochures Lie.
Alright, Location, Location, Location! Where *Exactly* Are These Suites? Are We Talking Hiking Boots Required?
The Suites Themselves: What's the Vibe? Minimalistic Chic or Over-the-Top Boujee? (Because I'm on a Budget...kinda.)
The View. Everyone Talks About The View. Does It Live Up to the Hype? Does My Life Partner Get to take it?
Breakfast: Buffet or Room Service? Or is it "Grab a croissant from the corner store" kinda deal? (I NEED to know)
The Pool! Tell Me About the Pool! Because I'm Dreaming of Floating Around with an Aperol Spritz.
Any Hidden Fees? Hidden Catches? Because Travel Companies and Hotels are Always Trying to Get You, Aren't They?
What About the Staff? Are They Friendly? Helpful? Or Do They Pretend You Don't Exist?
Okay, Bottom Line: Would You Go Back? Would You Recommend It? Be Honest! (AndNomadic Stays
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