Villa Manos

We booked this trip extremely last minute, so took a bit of a chance. We read the trip advisor reviews, which appear to be a fair reflection. Location: 16 mins approx from airport. Friendly reception from staff on arrival. Given opportunity to relax around pool whilst our room was prepared. The hotel is just off a main road, but is great for the local bus (just 50 metres away) to Fira or going in the opposite direction to Kamari. Only 2 Euros each way per person. Buses run until midnight. Hotel is a short 10 min walk into Kaderados village. Few restaurants and shops (inc petrol stations). We enjoyed a gyro in the village for tea one evening. Accommodation: No real issues. If we had to be really "picky", then the room was on the small side for our family of 4 (2 adults, plus two teens). Nevertheless, we managed and it is only for a week. Air conditioning was free and much appreciated. We got help from the staff to ensure it was on the lowest coldest setting. The room did not come with any plates, cups or cutlery or kettle, however, we managed to obtain some of these from reception who were extremely helpful. Facilities: the hotel has a pool, which is lovely and modern. We enjoyed this every day during our stay. Very refreshing an clean! The sunbeds were outstanding and comfortable. There was NEVER any issues with getting a sunbed. It is worth mentioning that the staff were very attentive around the pool and looking out for the H&S and welfare of its visitors. There was always someone watching and close by. There was a onsite restaurant / bar. We used this only a couple of times through choice as it was a little expensive for us, and we chose to go elsewhere for meals etc.. We did find that it was much cheaper to buy some food and drink at the local supermarket and keep these cold in the fridge in our room. There mis not any evening entertainment, which we knew upfront, nor are there any facilities around the hotel to keep you active (e.g. pool table, table tennis table etc), but again we knew this when we booked! We hired a car using one of the companies on the island. It is worth shopping around because the quote we had at reception was 50-70% more expensive than the quote we managed to obtain online ourselves. We paid about 100 Euros (plus damage waiver) for two days for a Kia Picanto. The company delivered the car to our hotel and picked up room the same location. Some of the driving in Santorini can be hectic on the small road, so you need to be careful. Staff: they were very welcoming and friendly. Always helpful when we had questions or needed any help. They couldn't do enough for us. We even received a little and unexpected farewell gift - a nice touch! Atmosphere: there was a relaxing and calm atmosphere around the hotel and pool. Everyone seemed respectful. Whilst there were occasional periods of excitement and activity in the pool from a few families/kids, these were brief and respectful to other guests. In the evenings, noise levels were very quiet. OVERALL - we had a fantastic trip to Santorini and the hotel played a big part in ensuring we can a comfortable stay. Would we recommend the hotel -yes! Would we stay again -yes! Was it value for money - Yes! Do we have any significant complaints - No! :)