Altana Traditional Houses

Dear travelers/readers and dear reviewer, We appreciate your consideration of the following information as the review clashes on various points with the practical reality of operations and standards of Altana and also importantly contains location inaccuracies. Regarding the interior jacuzzi of our Honeymoon Suite: Very importantly the water of all interior jacuzzis provided in the relevant room types at Altana is always renewed totally with the departure of each party at the end of their stay apart from being cleaned every day during the guests stay by trained staff. The water is cleaned and processed with bromium and not chlorine as stated. Bromium is odourless and tested dermatologicaly as well as regarding indoor humidity waporization. There are high health and safety standards applied at Altana and bromium is especially used in indoor pools and jacuzzis for its effectiveness and safety along with chemical tests and controls. These are very important processes. Under no circumstances would the water not be renewed or the jacuzzis not be emptied and refilled with every new arrival after the personal use of previous guests. It is also of the highest importance that the safest and hygienic environment is offered to all our guests. (Also the treatments and processes explained above and the premium service provided by the indoor jacuzzi along with these are partly justifying the higher prices that correspond to these respective room types, like the Honeymoon Suite, apart from the other amenities and services that are taken into account in pricing). Finally, it is highly unlikely that any member of staff would ever state that the jacuzzi water is not changed apart from once a week and would not explain these processes to the guests especially if approached and asked about it. Also, it would be understandably very highly unlikely that any person would accept to use an indoor jacuzzi if they believed that the standard of the amenity was not acceptable or if the water looked unsatisfactory. It would be also expected that guests would approach management in such a case and would bring up the matter directly, which did not happen. Hence unfortunately, unless a name or position is provided of the member of staff who might have failed to give exact information on the abovementioned water processing or who failed to at least send guests to/introduce the appropriate member of staff, we have the inclination to not accept the comment made in the review regarding water renewal and processing as there are high standard procedures set which do not correspond at all to the described situation. Regarding room size, the Honeymoon Suite is not just a studio. Its location, two balconies with panoramic views of literally the whole island and even surrounding islands, its distinctive architecture and open plan arrangement including the interior jacuzzi with very large windows around it that povide the above views also from the interior of the Suite make this a very special space. Regarding the shower, that is the usual amenity in the majority of bathrooms in most hotels in Greece let alone on the island or even most island destinations in the Mediterranean. There are rooms however that offer a bathtub as there is a variety of different room types to be selected by interested parties and prospective guests and for this reason, the specifications of each room are clearly stated. As is very strongly stated that there is a no TV policy at Altana as we pomote total relaxation and tranquility, by offering a calm, alternative and romantic atmosphere and environment, the spectacular views of the Caldera and services such as a library, massage and yoga treatments and seminars allowing guests to dive into the magic of Santorini or relax in different ways. We feel that TV does not allow this kind of environment nor the opportunity to explore this diversity. However, for entertainment and informational as well as communication purposes we are offering since 2006 a free internet service for all guests with laptop computers povided on request and wireless services. Finally, regarding our location, any map of the island very clearly shows that Imerovigli (where we are situated) is barely 2km from the capital of the island Fira, a 25 minute walk maximum. Also, any guide can confim that there are over 6 restaurants in the area which are reachable by foot with the closest to the hotel being literally less than a minute away walking distance. And activities like walking around the ruins of the old castle on the rock Skaros, or visiting the local monasteries and churches are just outside your door. Apart from the wonderful views and sunsets and the options of abovementioned services at the hotel, there are car rental and excursion services available through the hotel that allow guests to also explore further than Imerovigli. All this is information is available through the orientation povided to all guests. As a synopsis of the above we remain sceptical on how the above might have all been unsatisfactory options for our guests and in this case negative reviewers and why they would not get in touch with management regarding any issue. Hence we are only in a position to welcome either a response on their side or even a closer look at Altana. Thank you.

Dear readers/travelers, Thank you for your interest in Altana and for your time taken to read the information posted by us in this response. There is sadly a sincere doubt that the reviewer in this case might have indeed spent time at Altana, based on the following grounds: It is ImpossiblE that any first class / category hotel (4 stars +) that respects its guests and its 27 years of exceptional operation not to offer cleaning services. It is ImpossiblE that any guest at Altana would under any circumstances have experienced such a situation and to claim that is as much unacceptable as it is highly unlikely; we do both respect our guests and our 27 years of successful operation. We are proud to have been and continue to be reviewed, checked and approved for our standing and quality by the Greek Tourism Authority and to abide by and fully comply with all rules and regulations of exceptional quality in providing services. Regarding the validity of the name and the possibly implied and unclear questioning of the standard of our VIP Suite, the reviewer has regretfully not provided any reasons or justification or clear statement regarding his/her disagreement with it. However, the architecture, size, interiors and amenities-antique and modern funishings- artwork-fabrics-interior jacuzzi-high quality/premium toiletries, bathrobes etc., location, views, services available along with its high demand and high level of appreciation by and enjoyment /satisfaction of our guests all provide clear indicators and statements. So does our commitment to always evolve and to aim to and succed in always higher quality. So do our associates and guests from all over the world. As for an iced coffee without ice, beyond that refreshment not being ever served (anywhere and deffinately not through our bar or room service) as described by the reviewer since ice is one of its most important components that make it appealing (we would obviously want this refreshment to be appealing and enjoyable for our guests as anyone would-hence we are offering it) and apart from it being very imaginative as a negative remark, it is also dissapointingly needless to further discuss its invalidity. This response is open and welcoming to replies and any enquiries regarding any of the above. Thank you again for taking the time to read our response.

Dear readers/travellers, thank you for taking the time to read our response. Unfortunately we are in a position to question the validity of this review of Altana. No details are offered as to how the reviewer has come to the conclusion that not all of the apartments at Altana are worth their rate/or paying value. In regards to the location of Altana and the lack of a pedestrian community, the review is rather misleading. It is made obvious by the geographic location of Altana within the traditional settlement of Imerovigli, by established guidebooks and the majority of guest reviews of Altana, that several options in regards to entertainment, cultural, archaeological,historical, and fitness activities as well as wine & dinning are within a short reach of the hotel and within a walking distance. All of which can be found on a beautifully picturesque walkway. In the area of Imerovigli alone, a guest may find at least 6 restaurants offering lunch and dinner. The area has 3 small Super Markets, a lovely bakery, a variety of gift shops and a jewelery store. Altana is at the very center of the caldera in Imerovigli and surrounded by the above, making them reachable by a short walk ranging anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. It is unlikely that, even a guest who decided not to leave the area fell short of options. In addition, Altana is proud to own within its premises one of the most popular preserved cafe-bars, on that same walkway, offering exquisite drinks, finger-food, a great variety of coffee, a rich selection of hot and refreshing ice-teas, freshly squeezed fruit juices and fresh salads and snacks prepared with the hotel's own handpicked bio products from the Altana farm on the island. Imerovigli is popular as an area preffered for accommodation due to it's quiet surroundings and because of its traditional and relaxing ambiance. It is not a commercial area and that is its appeal for travelers who want to discover an authentic experience of Santorini and its magical views. At the same time Altana is located only 20 minutes away on foot from the capital town of the island called Fira, making it ideal for a short stroll to the bustling town and its concentration of museums, galleries, shopping, fine dinning and nightlife! Travelers interested in the area, with a very basic amount of research will sadly, easily recognize our doubts on the validity of this review.