The Grace Auberge
Etched into the caldera with otherworldly views of Skaros Rock and the wine-dark sea, the Grace Hotel by Auberge in Santorini exemplifies luxury hotel hospitality.
Our Grade: 93.5/100
Service: 10/10
Location: 9/10
Rooms: 8.5/10
Amenities: 8.5/10
Aesthetic: 9/10
Vibe: 10/10
Food & Beverage: 10/10
Value: 10/10
A few days into our stay, my wife and I were the first to arrive at the Grace Hotel’s 363 Bar, the Santorini sister of Athens’ Baba Au Rum, a perennial Top 50 Bar in the World. I ordered the Spicy Baba, and my wife had the Pearl Fisher. Both were very good. But our bartender wasn’t satisfied with very good. He asked us to describe the best drink we’ve ever had. I told him that my wife and I eloped in Central Park several years ago, and that on our wedding night we stumbled into a tiki bar where we had an unforgettable purple “Commodore Daiquiri”. The bartender’s eyes lit up. “I can do that, and I can make it better”. He disappeared. Minutes later he came back with ingredients. Oozing with confidence, the mad scientist recreated a cherished memory of ours. And yes, his daiquiri was better.
For us, this story illustrates what makes the Grace Hotel stand out in a sea of luxury offerings in Santorini and beyond. Before, during and after our 4-night stay, the staff exceeded expectations. Pre-arrival the concierge was informative, reliable and accommodating. They assisted us in booking several incredible experiences, like a private 5-hour catamaran sunset cruise, and they made sure that our accommodation requests were acknowledged. On arrival, the front of house check-in staff welcomed us like old friends. George and Sylvia at the pool were friendly, attentive, funny and absolute stars at making you feel special. A masterclass in hospitality!
Located in Imerovigli, and only a short hike from Skaros Rock, a prominent Aegean landmark created by volcanic activity seventy thousand years ago, the property offers some of the best views in Santorini. The beautiful panoramas of the caldera are so nice that you will occasionally see tour groups from the infinity pool. While you may be looking for a more private experience, to its credit, the Grace’s location offers a far more relaxing and secluded environment when compared to the overwhelming crowds of Oia. However, it is important to note that many of the off-property excursions are a decent drive away. While we loved our private sunset catamaran, the drive to and from the experience was not short. We ended up cancelling a private horseback ride to avoid this drive. It should also be pointed out that the hotel does not permit guests under the age of 14.
We stayed in unit 34, a deluxe room with a private plunge pool for around $1,500/night. As requested, our unit was on a higher level and away from the walking path. One floor above the pool, we had a perfect view of Skaros Rock and incredible sunsets. Décor inside the room was minimalistic. Strong water pressure in the shower. Welcome amenities included a chilled bottle of Deutz Rose, and the nightly gifts were a nice touch. We didn’t use the plunge pool very often, opting to instead enjoy the infinity pool. While I might not go as far as some in calling it the most beautiful pool in the world, Grace’s infinity pool is jaw-dropping. While I enjoyed daily swims, the pool was chilly in the height of summer. Much to my wife’s chagrin, while relaxing at the pool staring at Skaros Rock, I began to wonder whether I could climb to the top of the famous landmark. I’m sure there is a trick to it or a path I couldn’t see, but when you find yourself on vacation rock climbing on the side of a mountain pushing 40, I had to gracefully (pun intended) concede.
We were pleasantly surprised by the food and beverage offerings at the Grace Hotel. We recommend that you take advantage of the daily “Champagne Breakfast”. The menu changes daily and the sparkling wine flows. Before leaving breakfast, George would always ask if we wanted another glass “for the middle” to share. Speaking of wine, the wine tasting with our sommelier was another highlight of our stay. Engaging and effortlessly likeable, the Som also created a fantastic wine pairing for us later in the trip at Varoulko, the Grace’s gourmet restaurant. The meal was at a Michelin recommended level, and it was easily our favorite dinner in Santorini.
In the end, the Grace Hotel by Auberge in Santorini provided us with wonderful memories and top-tier service. We can see why this hotel is a fixture on best of the best lists for Greece every year. Would we come again? Let’s just say that we recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Santorini, and we wouldn’t hesitate to book it again next time we visit. The Grace was for us, like Homer said, “that star of the waning summer who beyond all stars rises bathed in the ocean stream to glitter in brilliance.”
Thank you to everyone at the Grace Hotel!
