San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu

Last minute deal on the web last night sees us abandoning our planned ( and booked!) holiday to Cala Galdana in Menorca in favour of a cracking deal for the last two week in July at the Barras appts. We are self catering this time around and the switch to SS is part driven by the latest reports of sky high prices for both eating out  and the self catering  basics in Galdana. Prices seem so much better in SS, so much so we have took the hit by giving up our flights and a hefty accommodation deposit to divert  to San Stef. We have stayed at the Romanza on a previous visit,  this will be our first time at the Barras, we wondered if anyone had any news, views or advice especially on the self catering aspects,we imagine a 50 / 50 split between eating in and out, tight budget so any creative ideas welcome!!

Hi Loftyscot, you raise some interesting points regarding the free market approach which many property owners must consider when times are tough and the agents squeeze the margins. We went private at the Romanza saving about £200.It seems a % of rooms can be booked this way, however it appeared the vast majority of guests went through the agent as far as we could tell. I must admit we had not considered the reduced travelling costs our European neighbours may enjoy. Should more free markets open up I agree with your point that those who got there for less may heavily influence the accommodation market. On a personal level therefor, if the financial saving margins were reduced and were much nearer the brochure price, we may again resort to a package deal for the extra security this method brings. Sadly I believe this will mean less for the local owners. A final point, I wonder if all inclusive options may continue to gather pace around Europe? While not appealing to the more independent traveller they can offer incedible value for money especially to the family market. Should this growth continue I wonder how SS would be effected?

many thanks for that .....looking at egypt..!!!! LOL

Hi all, still enjoying the forum some weeks after our August trip to the Romanza. Its clear some people are still planning their trip etc.(not that we're jealous!!) We were wondering what peoples' experiences of late season trips were? Is mid Oct realistic re weather, facilities airport' flights etc? In Reality is it possible to travel beyond Oct?..... it's still got to be warmer than home?!

Just back from SS, had a smashing meal in Mythica, smart table,attentive service etc. Have to say however that the overall dining experience, due to the extra interest shown in our wellbeing and enjoyment, was found at Ozzie Oils. In our opinion the food is on a par, if not better, at Ozzies and the setting is far more interesting with nooks and crannies dotted around the garden setting.Have to say however, Mythica was often turning people away as all covers were booked solid on some nights.Most people we chatted to really rate the food there if not the atmosphere.

Hi Joan,Tonyco1,all, Only 5 days to go before we will be checking out all the latest menus around town! Listening to the rain fall on our rain soaked gazebo (again!) as we contemplate another damp BBQ here in sunny Nothumberland !  SS cant come soon enough!

Hi Iris G, like yourself we have found the forum really reassuring as we build up to our holidays. We have been to SS twice before, its the only time we have ever returned to the same place in all our years of travelling. We can only manage a week this year and we know we will have a great time at SS so we didn't take any risks with our precious week! Regarding dress codes, times etc we concur with the earlier  views, its such a relaxed and welcoming place whatever you decide will be fine by all concerned. However I would say that a lot of people do enjoy getting dressed up a little in the evening its a special place and its nice to see people dressed up for a night out.If I recall correctly ( others may clarify / disagree) most restaurants are busiest between 8 and 11. I dont recall too many places offering late night restaurant service. Many places are open late for drinks cocktails etc and other threads will clarify the type of entertainment on offer. Hope that helps I'm sure you will enjoy your time in SS