We, a family group of 4, stayed at 5 different hotels in Greece for our holiday. All but one were excellent and provided everything expected of a 3–5-star hotel. The last one, the Ira Hotel and Spa located in Santorini is rated as a 4-star hotel. We disagree with this evaluation and suggest that it should be rated as 2-star at best.
The property is very modern and visually appealing cascading down the cliffs on the side of the caldera which consequently requires many staircases. The concern which faced us on registration was the absence of a functioning restaurant and bar. This was unique among the hotels we stayed in on our vacation and had several consequences. It meant that a pleasant lounge and excellent swimming pool, both with stunning views, were barely used by guests in our experience. We were told by the hotel staff that since they had chosen not to open their restaurant and bar, we were not able to have a glass of cool white wine in any public space on the property and in particular in the afternoons which were very warm. We could only drink alcohol in our rooms which made us feel like children being disciplined solely to saving the hotel the costs involved of operation their restaurant and bar. They explained that otherwise they would be in contravention of the laws.