Our stay at the Aplai Dome Hotel in Santorini was marked by the exceptional kindness of its staff, particularly Esperanza, who surprised us with her perfect Spanish. The breakfast team mirrored this warmth, further enhancing our stay.
However, the room rate of $320 USD per night raised our expectations for amenities and services, some of which were unfortunately not met. Firstly, the absence of a luggage service was noticeable, leaving us to manage our luggage to our rooms.
In-room, we noticed the lack of bedside reading lights, a standard amenity in many establishments. Additional inconveniences included the lack of complimentary beverages in the mini-fridge, and only one room key provided. Returning late, we found the need to send a WhatsApp message for someone to unlock the door, another minor yet noticeable inconvenience.
While such elements might be overlooked in a budget accommodation, they are less acceptable in a higher-priced establishment, particularly one located in a tourist hotspot like Santorini. Hence, despite the warm hospitality extended by the commendable staff, our overall rating for Aplai Dome is a measured three stars. While the hotel has a strong foundation in its attentive and friendly staff, there are evident areas of improvement that need to be addressed to justify the current room rates and enhance the overall guest experience.