Santorini's Hidden Gem: Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort - Unbelievable Views!
Santorini's Secret Weapon: Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort - Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Volcano (and the Wi-Fi)
Okay, so let's be real. Santorini is the place. Like, Instagram-bait paradise. Everyone and their grandmother (literally, I think I saw one) is snapping pics of those iconic white-washed buildings. But finding a truly hidden gem? That's the real challenge. And that's where the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort comes in. Seriously, this place… it's a game changer.
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- Keywords: Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Santorini, hotel review, Greece, luxury hotel, accessible hotel, spa, pool with a view, caldera view, vacation, travel, hidden gem, accessible travel, WiFi, spa, fitness, dining.
- Meta Description: Forget the crowds! Experience the magic of Santorini at the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort. Unforgettable views, luxurious amenities, and a surprisingly accessible experience. Read my honest, sometimes messy, review!
The Vibe: "Whoa, I Need a Drink (and a Nap)"
First impressions? Unbelievable Views! Yep, they're not kidding. Waking up to the caldera view is… well, it's a religious experience, frankly. It's that "pinch-me-I'm-dreaming" kind of beautiful that makes you forget you spent the last 12 hours crammed in a plane. (Pro-tip: book a room with a view. Duh). The design is modern, sleek, and feels… breezy. Like the architects actually understood what "vacation" means.
Accessibility: A Pleasant Surprise (and a Few Quibbles)
Listen, I'm not traveling with a wheelchair, but I did notice the efforts put into accessibility. Ramps? Check. Elevators? Check. And the staff? Super helpful. (More on that in a sec). The elevator access was excellent. The wheelchair accessible entrances and pathways showed real thoughtfulness. This isn’t just tokenism; a genuine effort to make the resort welcoming for everyone. But, and there's always a "but," sometimes navigating the resort with uneven surfaces or slight inclines could be a bit of a workout. Just a heads up. Overall though, it's much better than many places in Greece.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (and Smarter Than the Maskless Tourists)
Feeling safe is paramount these days. The Radisson Blu excelled here. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? ✅ Staff trained in safety protocol? ✅ Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and anti-viral cleaning products? ✅ Yep, they've got it down. I'm not going to lie, I felt a little smug watching some of the maskless tourists awkwardly try to navigate the local shops. Room sanitization opt-out available. I wasn't quite brave enough, but appreciate the option for those who feel safe enough. Hygiene certification? Absolutely. The staff's rigorous approach was reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Hello, Calories
Okay, let's be honest. This is where it gets really interesting. The restaurants are top-notch. The A la carte in restaurant options were stellar - and I could try the restaurant, and their food options. There's a poolside bar, which is a must. Picture this: sun setting over the caldera, cocktail in hand, perfect temperature… Bliss. They also offer alternative meal arrangement and Asian cuisine in the restaurant. The breakfast [buffet] was… overwhelming, in the best possible way. I'm talking every kind of bread imaginable, fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order… basically, a breakfast enthusiast's dream. I highly recommend the Asian breakfast. There was even a salad in the restaurant. I'm a sucker for salads. The restaurants were also great; great coffee/tea in the restaurant and desserts in restaurant. My favorite was a soup in the restaurant. They provide bottle of water and a Happy hour, so you're always refreshed.
One quirk though: The Happy Hour cocktails were strong. Like, "calling a taxi back to your room" strong. But hey, no complaints here. It’s a vacation, right? The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver more than once. Hungover? Need a late-night snack? They've got you covered. Breakfast takeaway service was also convenient.
Room Features & Amenities: My Personal Fortress of Comfort
The rooms? Ah, my little haven. Air conditioning saved me from the afternoon heat. My room had a window that opens! (a rarity in many hotels). I'm obsessed with blackout curtains – essential for sleeping in after too many cocktails. The bathrobes were ridiculously comfortable, and the complimentary tea and coffee were a nice touch. And let's not forget my personal favorite: free Wi-Fi! Not just in the public areas (which has the best service, btw), but Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! Internet access – wireless was a Godsend. Internet access – LAN also available.
Okay, I lied. My real favorite was the extra-long bed. I’m 6’4”, and finally, FINALLY, I didn’t have to sleep curled up like a shrimp. Also, they had a bathtub, ideal for soaking away the day's explorations.
The room was soundproof. Seriously, I couldn’t hear a thing from outside. It's what makes you feel like being in a separate world altogether.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Gym Jitters
Listen. You're in Santorini. You're going to want to, you know, do things. But the Radisson Blu also makes it easy to just… be. The Pool with a view is obviously a highlight. Lounging by the pool, with a cocktail in hand and the caldera stretching out before you, is pure bliss.
I tried the spa. Let's just say the massage was… amazing. They’ve got all the usual suspects: a sauna, a steamroom, body scrub, and body wrap. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
I bravely ventured into the fitness center. Let's be real, I'm not a gym bunny. But it had everything you’d expect: gym/fitness. Felt good to get a workout in, before hitting the bar.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Could Need (and Some You Didn't Know You Did)
The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. I mean really friendly. They went above and beyond. The concierge was a lifesaver for booking tours and restaurants, and the daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. The 24-hour front desk was super helpful. Luggage storage was also available. The dry cleaning and laundry service were on-point – came in very handy when I spilled red wine down my white linen shirt (oops!). The resort also offers currency exchange and cash withdrawal.
Getting Around: Chauffeur Me, Please?
Airport transfer was a breeze - a must after a long flight. They have car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], and taxi service.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (Maybe)
While I don't have kids, I saw a babysitting service. It seemed pretty kid-friendly. Kids meal seemed okay.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and My Emotional Rollercoaster
Okay, let's get real. No place is perfect. Here's the messy truth:
The Wi-Fi: The Wi-Fi was generally good, but it occasionally dropped out. Not the end of the world, but worth noting if you're glued to your laptop.
The Prices: Santorini is expensive. The Radisson Blu is a luxury hotel. Expect to pay for it. The invoice provided was a bit hefty, but hey, you get what you pay for, right?
The Crowds (Outside the Resort): As mentioned, Santorini is popular. Get ready for packed streets and Instagram-obsessed tourists. The Radisson Blu provided a sanctuary from the chaos.
My Emotional Reaction: I was stressed. I was relaxed. I was happy. I was worried I’d never leave. This place got into my soul.
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Look, the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can truly unwind, soak in the beauty of Santorini, and generally feel like you've stumbled upon a little slice of paradise. The combination of stunning views, luxurious amenities, excellent service, and a genuine commitment to accessibility makes it a true gem. Plus, the Wi-Fi never failed to upload my selfies, so… win-win!
Final Words: Book it. Pack
Hollywood Glamour Awaits: Your Dream Stay at Super 8 by Wyndham!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned brochure trip. This is my potential Santorini meltdown… I mean, adventure… at the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort. Let's see if I survive this Greek island dream!
Day 1: Arrival and the "Holy S, That's Beautiful" Moment (Plus Jet Lag Fury!)*
- 10:00 AM (ish, because, you know, flights): Land at Santorini Airport. Already sweating, both from the Greek sun and the lingering fear of lost luggage. Please, Zeus, let my suitcase survive. It's holding my good walking sandals.
- 11:00 AM: Settle into the Radisson Blu. Oh. My. God. The lobby… the views… This is where I mentally delete all the "realistic budget" spreadsheets I made and start planning how I can possibly buy this place. Okay, deep breaths. Checking in… praying my room isn't next to the elevator.
- 12:00 PM: Room reveal! Whew, elevator avoidance accomplished. Balcony: CHECK. Infinity pool practically begging me to jump in. Oh, but first… unpacking. This could take all day.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the resort. Okay, this is where things could go south fast. I'm starving. The menu is a delightful jumble of exotic words I don't understand. I'm going to order… something I think I'll like. Fingers crossed it's not octopus. (I'm traumatized from a childhood encounter with a rogue calamari ring.)
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The "holy crap, this IS Santorini" moment. I'm wandering, and I'm just… stunned. The white-washed buildings cascading down the cliffs! The sapphire sea! I'm going to embarrass myself taking way too many pictures. Every single angle feels like a postcard. This is where I have my first official "pinch me" moment. And then, jet lag hits. Hard. I think I accidentally napped in the sun. Bad move.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pool time! Finally. Slip into infinity pool, drink my overpriced cocktail. I'm feeling great until I realize I forgot sunscreen on my legs. Oops. Staring at my soon to be sunburnt legs.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. More exotic words, more blind ordering. This time I know I want to eat fresh seafood. Praying I made a good choice. The sunset is starting to turn into this ridiculously Instagrammable thing so hard to find a good spot to photograph it, and still enjoy it!
- 9:00 PM: Crash land in bed. The day is a blur of beauty, food, and almost-sunburn. My brain is mush.
Day 2: Volcanic Adventures and the "Almost Died on a Quad Bike" Incident (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I'm still operating on Greek time (aka late). Attempting to decipher the yogurt situation. Is this the plain one? Don't want sour.
- 10:00 AM: Ferry to the Volcanic Islands! This is supposed to be amazing. I’m thinking I want to feel the heat, see the landscape. I'm secretly hoping for a little Indiana Jones moment. Maybe find a lost treasure? Probably not.
- 11:00 AM: Hike to the caldera. Oh my aching quads. This is hard. The terrain is challenging, and I'm pretty sure I'm sweating pure, unadulterated salt. But the view from the top? Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a quick lunch, I need to relax before getting ready to explore the city.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring Fira. Wandering the narrow streets, dodging tourists, and attempting to haggle for a souvenir I'll probably never use. The shops! The colors! The sheer volume of people! I am in a constant state of “I should buy that…no, I don’t need that…maybe I do…”.
- 5:00 PM: Quad bike adventure! (Maybe?) I’m torn. Part of me wants to be adventurous. The other part? Well, the other part remembers my total lack of coordination. I'll let you know if I survive. If I do survive, I’ll tell you all the details. I've seen these things flip over on YouTube. Wish me luck!
- 7:00 PM: Pre-dinner cocktails. Celebrate my continued existence (hopefully). Find a bar with a view. Sip something strong. Desperately hoping the sunset is as spectacular.
- 9:00 PM: Dinner in Fira. More food, more people, more deliciousness (fingers crossed). Maybe I will try the moussaka, that’s what they say you must eat.
Day 3: Beach Day! And the Great Sunset Dilemma
- 10:00 AM: Sleep in! Finally! My body is screaming for rest.
- 11:00 AM: Breakfast. More yogurt investigation. Success this time.
- 12:00 PM: Beach time! Head to Perissa Beach. Black sand! Sun! Waves! I want to swim in the sea, and then suddenly, I realize I don’t know how to swim.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch, get some gyros- I need a quick bite.
- 3:00 PM: Beach relaxation, people watching, and working on my tan line. This is heaven. Until the sand gets everywhere.
- 5:00 PM: The Great Sunset Dilemma. Where to witness the sunset? Oia? Fira? The hotel? The pressure is ON. I've heard the crowds in Oia are insane. Maybe I'll just stay put. Can I even be bothered?
- 7:00 PM: I decide to join the crowd in Oia. Find a spot. Wait. It's a crush of people packed into a tiny space. It's hot, it's sweaty, and I am questioning all my life choices.
- 8:00 PM: And then… the sunset. Holy moly. All the stress, the crushing crowds, it's gone, vanished. The sky explodes with color, and I'm speechless. The light, the sheer beauty of it… This is why I came.
- 9:00 PM: Dinner. (Need to refuel after that emotional roller coaster.)
- 11:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Now that I'm in my room, I think I'll be staying in for the night.
Day 4: Departure and the "Goodbye, Santorini" Blues
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I still can't decide what my "go-to" order is.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. I'm going to buy another suitcase to bring all my souvenirs home. It will take a while to do it all over again.
- 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Now I go to the shop and decide the first item I see. I need to find something unique.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel. One last delicious meal. Making a quick decision on what I should order, since I am in a rush.
- 1:00 PM: Say goodbye to the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort. It was amazing while it lasted.
- 2:00 PM: Head to the airport. Saying goodbye to the place, and already feeling those post-vacation blues.
- 3:00 PM: Flight home.
- (Hopefully) The rest of the day: Dreaming of Santorini, and planning my return. And who knows? Maybe next time I'll actually learn how to swim.
