Hi snowberries, july, oriental_b,
nope, didn't travel by catamran.
I booked a free n easy pkg that incl. accomodation and ferry tickets. can't remember how much it was, perhaps about $2.5-$2.8k per pax?
here's where i stayed:
. Santorini - Santorini Image (S$240 per room/night. incl. breakfast. You've to take a cab to the town of Fira, not exactly very convenient. but pretty decent accomodation - very quiet)
. Oia - Museum Hotel (90 euro per nite. it's situated right in the small village of Oia where it's flanked by shops, shops and more shops. the room is quite small, and very basic. budget accomodation)
. Mykonos - Akrogial Hotel (incl. breakfast, can't remember what's the rate. it's next to the beach and there're quite a few hotels next to it. the food at the hotel next to it is pretty good. you've to take a bus from there to town. quiet place)
. Athens - Stanley Hotel (S$240 per room/night. incl. breakfast. the subway station is located juz next to it.)
july, i'm not too sure if u should take the risk by looking for lodgings when u're there. when i was there in late april, early may, it was juz before the touristy season BUT there're still quite a number of tourists (koreans, japanese, hongkongers and europeans). but it's not super packed. perhaps u can try.
some people book their accomodation directly through greek tour operators which is supposed to be cheaper. you can also purchse your ferry tickets there too.
i've to look for my photos, if i can find it, will share with u guys.
u can also chk out my earlier msg that i posted in july last year.
hope u'll find the above info useful.