We communicated very well before, and during our stay. Chris was very hospitable - upon arriving, we were encouraged to relax and enjoy the premises. While not in a scenic area, a 5 minute walk takes us to a supermarket and small cafes, and the bus station, which is essential for getting around if you don't rent a vehicle (we didn't). A further 5 minutes and you are over the 'cusp' and enjoying the caldera view from the main Fira square. The rooms are comfy and spacious, and we enjoyed some complementary wine and fruit, which made us feel especially welcome. Transportation to/from the port or airport easily arranged, and Chris at the front desk was always there when needed.
We used the buses to go to the Acrotiri site, Pyrgos, and Oiea, all of which were terrific walking destinations. The bus system is comically erratic - just visit the station kiosk once to get some idea of the schedules, which are not well documented. (Be prepared to dodge these big repurposed tour buses when they arrive/depart.) We were lucky with the temperate May/June weather, but be prepared for heat in the summer months, with little shade on the island. In short, Altea is a great value for a budget traveler.