San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu
Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => San Stefanos news and views => Topic started by: Tredegar Boy on July 18, 2012, 12:59:24 AM
-
Returned home from San Stef at 2.30pm yesterday to wind and rain at Bristol airport - what a shock after the 2 hottest weeks we've ever experienced in San Stef. Phew.
Every morning the mercury in the Fedra Mare was showing low 30's in the shade. The pool was like a warm bath. It was hot and too hot to do anything (I did try to walk over to Arrilas last Saturday - what a mistake that was - lucky to make it back). Anyway a quick review.
I thought the resort was reasonably busy for the time of year. The beach especially seemed busy with the Waves, Mistral and Manthos doing well at lunchtime. The food was the best its ever been with the worst meal getting a "good" rating. Special mention for the Little Prince, Olympia and Manthos which were all excellent everytime.
Prices I thought were slightly down overall from last year. We paid between 35e and 48e for 3 2 course meals with 1 litre of house white and 2 pepsi's. That's not bad. The supermarkets were different with English stuff costing a lot more. Bring you're own coffee and tea bags would be wise. Beer was good value wherever you went.
Didn't see anyone in the Chinese during the first week then it seemed to go crazy with nearly a full house on the middle-Sunday of our trip - quite a surprise. Never spoke to anyone who had eaten there though and it is closed during the winter.
The locals are all concerned about the increase in taxes. It seems the government are taxing every breathe. From those I spoke to they wish they'ed never joined the damn Euro. I wouldn't argue with that. The exchange rate got better as the holiday went on and was at 1.25 on Sunday last. So if you aren't planning to go this year try and make it, your money will go far.
Final word on the Fedra Mare. What a place and what great hosts/company Hari and Dimi are. Already booked for next year.
P.s had the pleasure of meeting Waspman and his lady wife - lovely people.
Hope you find this useful. Yammas.
-
Forgot to mention those damn mozzies. God they are bad this year. Despite following all the usual rules, sprays, tablets in rooms ect etc my son and wife were taken to the cleaners. I myself had 4 prominent bites on my balding head which was lovely......not. Whatever you do take as many precautions as you can including long dresses for the ladies which seem to be very fashionable this year and effective (wife didn't get bit after we bought her some in Margerita's - nice as well).
-
Thanks for that Tredegar Boy. Love reading reports on our favourite holiday resort. Can't wait for our turn end of August. Has the Olympia menu changed from last year at all? This is one of our all time favourite places to eat at night. Glad you had excellenr weather as well. Just a shame you have to come back to the rubbish British Summer
-
We got back today and must echo Tredegar Boys report.
All meals good some great!! - - - and well priced, Great meals at Fantasea, Nafsika, Beachcomber Bistro, Little Prince and a special mention for Olympia this year.
I loved their version of the Chicken Kiev - best ever!!
We also went to three BBQ's at Ozzie Oils - Kerry fantastic - BBQ food excellent!
Party night at Tereza's BBQ was the evening of the holiday, v/close Joint runner up withg Ozzie Oils, was Romanza's BBQ evening.
Romanza had an impromptu singer turn up, (usually in Athens), totally brilliant singer! - - - very well know in Greece - - lucky us!!
Chinese averaged 6-8 people when we passed by. We did not eat there as too many other places we wanted to go to!
The Chinese looked good and I asked a diner sitting near the front, - - he said it was quote "FAB".
Mozzies were biting well - not me as usual - I have no Idea why they never bite me!!
Por Tony Yorens was bitten 15 times on just one arm - plus all over him.
He found a cure - - put Balsamic on the bites - as per the girl in the ice-crean parlour's advice, & the bites disappeared in 3 days!!
-
Thanks for the mozzie advice boys . armed to the teeth and ready for the little sneaky rascals ... maybe the winds will scare em away for a few weeks now ... have to try balsamic advice .. thats the only thing that bothers me ,, the afterburn .. ... we found that boots soltan aftersun , or baby oil with aloe vera keeps em at bay pretty well . may just be a luck thing tho !! 3 days to prepare for battle .. might take a horsefly over in a match box and leave him guard our room !!!
on a serious note ,does anyone think that mite be a plan ,,, SPIDERS ... to tackle the mozzies ?????
-
Thanks for that re Olympia and Teresa as well Tony. Mozzie repelent all in hand and Roy is still on the marmite. In all our years of going he has never had one bite. Not from the mozzies anyway lol!!!!!!!! :D ;D ::)
-
I love the Olympia. I had my best meal there last year. Can't wait to go there again.
Enjoyed reading your quick review, makes me more anxious to get there!!
I have to smother myself in Jungle Formula and put the machines in the rooms , or else the little beggars eat me to death.
Even Malc got bitten last year and they usually ignore him.
That reminds me, I'd better get on Ebay and order my replacement No-Bite tablets for my plug in.
Only 6 weeks Friday!!
-
Got home at midnight last night.
We had a fantastic couple of weeks staying at Nafsika. The food, as always, was excellent: I've heard some people say that half-board you get small portions - well, I had to ask O Spiros on many occasions for smaller portions, and anybody who wants more than that probably eats with a shovel. Wonderful moussaka, with the lightest bechamel imaginable - superb fish, and Spiros introduced us to something I've never really had before: Greek soups. These are light and delicious - not the thicker northern European variety designed for winter, but more like a consome - the bean soup was was a joy. Personally, I don't like French onion soup much - it's like eating burnt slugs - but the Greek onion soup is sweet and delicate.
Our balcony looked out over the islands and the sunset. Big change from staying in the heart of the village looking at Jerry James. In fact we hardly ever made it into the main bit of the village itself. It's so peaceful in the old village - the sea's 25 yards away, there's no battle of the tribute singers, who are spreading through the new part of the village like a plague of sonic rats, no frogs - just the sound of the sea. Utter bliss!
The staff at Nafsika are wonderful - Christos, Stephanos, Kleopatra, and Vassilis, who has moved from Zorba's to Nafsika (saving me the cost of a dinner at Zorbas, since Gillie could ogle him every day for nothing.) Could not have wished for better service. And, of course, Spiros is a fount of knowledge on a vast range of subjects. Theodora and George returned safely from the USA, where George had successful surgery, and Theodora took over the kitchen again within seconds of touching down.
Met many forum members - Waspman, Tony Cox (first time meeting - had some good jolly meals!) - Alan and Carol, Lesley (thanks for a fab barbecue!), and it was really a delight to meet Diane and Tony (dibully) and particularly wonderful to see Diane getting stronger every day as she recovered from a recent operation. And many more new and old friends.
One of the laziest, most relaxing holidays we've ever had. Wish we could go back tomorrow.
Saving the really exciting news until last - Natasha and Irina turned up for supper one night!!!! They were staying in a villa up towards Arillas. I have pictures - and will post them when I get them off the camera.
Can't possibly recommend Nafsika too highly. Want to get back ASAP!
-
Thanks for that report Jimbo, really looking forward to our first visit to the Nafsika.
-
I think I may have to visit the Nafsika for a meal one evening, sounds wonderful! 3 weeks and 3 days to go.... :D
-
Nafsika moussaka is the best I've had, can't recommend it enough.
-
Couple of other things about Nafsika. I've been going to Greece since just after the fall of Troy, and Greek pillows in all my experience are a bit like a chunk of the Elgin Marbles in a pillow case. Not so at Nafsika - two soft fluffy pillows! Real pillows! The sort you can snuggle your head into, or gently bash into a friendly shape. Joy!
Also the pool is lovely - big, with flowering shrubs around, and a little corner like a bower that's shady and cool. I spent several hours there writing (old fashioned writing with a pen - remember that?). It was never remotely crowded.
We fell in love with original part of the village this year. The older Greece, with mod-cons - including being able to flush the paper down the loo! Pillows, pool, paper... Wow.
Got back to Corfiot weather. Brilliant. Had a company meeting in the garden of a local wine bar. It was seriously hot (currently 82 F in Hull) and the poor dears were like pale ghosts, whereas I was bronzed and Adonis-like (who's he kidding? - ED).
Can I go back, now? Please!!!!
-
Not interested in hearing about hotels, food, new/old friends......wheres those pics of Natasha!!??
-
God - you're so impatient, Gav!
I was going to do a pretty web page for this, but as you're so eager, here's a quick pic (Natasha on the left, me in the middle, and Irina on the right):
http://www.melissiapps.co.uk/jim/BILD0251.JPG (http://www.melissiapps.co.uk/jim/BILD0251.JPG)
-
Where's the Thomson rep she lusts after?!
Cant wait till she pops up on here with her 'review'!!
-
God - you're so impatient, Gav!
I was going to do a pretty web page for this, but as you're so eager, here's a quick pic (Natasha on the left, me in the middle, and Irina on the right):
http://www.melissiapps.co.uk/jim/BILD0251.JPG (http://www.melissiapps.co.uk/jim/BILD0251.JPG)
Give us the lowdown on Natasha and Irina, who are they? I know I take the p--- out of them occasionally PM me if necessary.
-
Heh, heh, Bimbo yoo young rascal. My girls have chnaged a liittle.
Very pleasd you made it to Hotel Fisanka, - old Albanian word for 'sex mad babe-fest'.
Love toy you all,
-
jules,what does roy do with the marmite????? intrigued! ???
-
Give us the lowdown on Natasha and Irina, who are they?
They're a very intelligent pair of independent-minded Ukrainian women who live together in a turbulent but passionate relationship. Natasha is a poet, amongst other things, and Irina is an academic at the University of Kiev. Irina's English is excellent. They enjoy the forum, but don't post as much as they used to because they've been very busy. They say that Boris is a fictional character, but they enjoy the fun. Lovely people.
-
Sounds like you had a great holiday Jimbo. Has Gillie got her Large Hydron Collider out to discover a 3 week bargain at the end of season?
-
Actually, it's Large Hadron Collider - the most complex and successful machine ever built - but, yes, she has deployed it to examine the collision debris in the Thomsonian Ag Stef Domain, and we await results with interest. Occasionally, Thomsonian events occur in which very small particles of cost pop up - these are called NB,BN (No Brainer, Book Now) events. The pages of Nature, Scientific American, and New Scientist were filled with the remarkable "Three Weeks For £380 And Then £30 Off" anomaly last autumn. Of course, Gillie has a science degree (like Spiros at Nafsika) and is well-equipped to analyse the data and spot a five sigma event. Me - I'm just a quiet Secondary Modern boy who stays out of the limelight, sits back, and wonders at the brilliance of spotting must-have deals.
-
Looking forward to seeing you both at another Ari BBQ at ours you know the location and so many thanks for the spices so well received we have many curry nights planned for the winter veg slowly slowly harvested from garden & going into the freezer, xxx
-
Glad you had a great holiday Jimbo, thanks for the updates.
Just wondering if the meeting board ever got off the ground at Glens bar ? I've actually never been in there!
Seems like its worth a visit with or without meeting up options.
-
Met with Tony, Linda and the others at Mango. Never did make it to Aquarius. Sorry, Glenn!
-
Enjoyed the meet - good lunch & good conversation
repeated for dinner and drinks as well in the Nafsika
Thanks - hope you and Gillie are both well!
Tony & Linda
-
Well arrived back safe and sound after another two fantastic weeks at the Nafsica the food was amazing again and the staff are brilliant loved Stefanos at breakfast always happy and smiling with his singing tea for two two for tea ha ha!Chris and Vassillis service at night was brilliant and Cleo on the bar so friendly and Speros asking if I was okay everyday.I love the old part of the village so quiet with me not being too mobile just the beach and back in the heat of the day and a saunter into the village at night but as soon as the many "ARTISTS"started to perform around 10 time for a quick exit can't believe how many bars have acts on this year when they all start you can't have a coversation.Many thanks to Spiros at Mistral for all the lovely lunches and free drinks will miss it if it doesn't open next year said it's very quiet and my lovely guys at Bar38 George and Yiannis for my kisses oh and cocktails roll on next year and last but not least meeting Jim and Gillie loved putting a face to all his brilliant comments he writes also met Robtc who was enjoying his holiday at the Nafsica.One last thing thankyou to the lovely Cerys at San Stefanos Travel for arranging our transfers it made things so much easier for me Yammas to you all 8)
-
Glad you got home safely. You were Golden Girl when we left, so after another 5 days you must be Bronzed Beyond Belief. Carry that lovely healing sun with you and get better and better! Love from G and me, and to Tony as well.
-
Cheers Jim hope our paths cross again soon love to Gillie
-
Good Picture of Natasha & Irina, you get all the good jobs - - and I think I detect a Scottish lilt in Boris's accent!! LOL
Lovely to meet all you good people this year - thanks again to all of you!!
Tony & Linda
-
Ho, ho Tonykok, when I meat Tash I have 'tilt in my kilt'
-
Ahhh! Beam me up Boris!!
-
It's great to catch up - got back late Monday night (6th) after having to sit on the runway for over an hour waiting for the temperature to drop in order take off?!! Home to the seal broken on the washing machine and the computer having been switched off - unresurrectable, and we so chilled we just took it all in our stride! So now the new computer and able to look on forum.
We had a wonderful two weeks - the first week staying self catering at the Anatoli, small but good. Our first night I introduced our son and the rest of the party to the food at the Nafsika and then for seven nights ate somewhere different. Had a lovely meal at Waves, at Manthos during the power cut, a fab meal for mine and hubby birthday (same day) at Delfino but possibly the best that week was at the Olympia - 3 courses and all were perfectly cooked and to top it all (DO NOT LAUGH) they played Julio Iglesias for me! On my very first visit to Ag Stef we stayed at the Nafsika and every night we walked past the Olympia to hear Julio.........evoked lovely memories.
I love the old part of the village and wouldn't want to stay anywhere else (may have to next year for the wedding though). After a week the rest of the party left us (they definitely down at mouth) to enjoy another week - off we went to Nafsika - across the road from Anatoli. Speros offered to bring his car up for our bags! How funny, it was a hop and a jump away. Had room 14 (top floor at car park end) as we had booked directly with hotel - a much bigger room than we had had before and queen size bed. And Jimbo, you are right, I spend most of my holidays banging pillows and John threatening to throw me off the balcony - but these were just right! Theodora was back and the food sublime. On my way down the stairs after unpacking bumped into lovely folk we had met there (their first time, now they visit twice a year) in 2006. It's that sort of place (if you are reading this A/V - come on the forum!)
I still love AG stef, the beach, the views, the sunshine but above all the people. I was telling my friend yesterday that they work to make a living not a killing and their family values are what we should all aspire to. We were treated so kindly all the time we were there but especially when the two children were with us. One uses a wheelchair and the help we received was humbling.
Got on the quad and travelled to our favourite places, Afionas, Peroulades, Avliotes, San George etc. Found a new bar in Afionas with amazing views of the islands - The Anemos (been opened couple of months) and returned to watch the sunset there. Blimey, it is like Picadilly Circus in the evening in Afionas!!
We are now looking to book for our sons wedding August 1st 2013. Old part is favourite but there are a lot of us. Ben (our son) considered Villa Quietude but it looked a little unkempt and asked around a little to find that maybe the cleaning services were not brilliant and at over £3,000 didn't want to risk it. Romanza Villas look great but so expensive and also have to consider the wheelchair and hills!!! Any ideas would be most welcome. Little Prince is really expensive with Thomsons and not sure I fancy first row seat to JJ,even though enjoyed his singing!
Was really sad to come home but at least the sun has been shining in Derbyshire which sushions the blow a little, but I too just want to go back. For me it feels as if the world outside of Corfu stops for me and I just exist totally in the moment, swimming, sunbathing, eating and having good times - just what a holiday should be.
-
Hi debra. maybe the the Fantasea ( old golden beach) is an option, has very nice studios and apartments.take a look. www.sanstef.gr
-
Have you checked out Angelos ... there are 6 apts in total with a great swimming pool. Still in the quiet part of the village and the apts have great views and are very clean. The climb up the hill isnt to taxing either. We have had some amazing holidays up there and Angelo's ( who owns Waves ) and his family are very welcoming. If you need any other information just ask or contact Noula
-
Great review Debra and it sums up just right what we all love about SS.
Have you looked at the aprtments by the beach run by San Stef travel for next year. No pool but you are right next to the beach and sea.
-
Debra,
That was beautiful.
-
Rod - thank you, a lovely thing to say.
-
Hi Debra
I really enjoyed your report.
Lovely - you really described it well - and you were spot on the way you described the local people.
We simply could not agree more - great values there in San Stefanos - and the reason we always return.
There are lot's of options for Apartments around the older part of town,
consider them all. Each is good and has it's own stamp on what it offers.
-
Loved your review Debra think we just missed you at the Nafsica we left on 27th July we also love the old part of the village especially this year as there seemed to be more "singers" than ever but suppose they are trying to make a living and if it brings in more income then good luck to them
-
Yes Dibully, was in the resort but didn't go to Nafsika until Monday 30th July - Friday 27th was our birthdays not just the opening ceremony! :D
-
We're sitting in Glen's right now having a Mythos and contemplating sardines at the Summer Dream for lunch........lovely!
-
Sounds lovely Iris.
We'll be able to do the same on Friday.
Can't wait!!!!! :D 8)
-
Just recently back from our honeymoon and also the first time to visit san stef!
When we arrived in Corfu airport and headed to the transfer bus a lady came over to us and asked if I was Julie :D and handed me a card! It was from Sellsy (Kevin and Debbie)... that made our day!
We were staying at the Romanza, and who just happened to me our neighbours, Sellsy! What a lovely couple they are, Richards a bit un-decided about Kevins music choice haha ;)
On arrival into our room at the Romanza we were greeted with a bottle of bubbly on ice from the hotel staff which was a lovely gesture and also a little present with card!
I could not fault the hotel at all, we were so happy with everything about the hotel (apart from the "short cut" up the cliff path from the beach haha). We had a fabulous view from our balcony too. We attended the Greek Night on Sunday with Sellsy and what a great time we had, Andreas even managed to drag Richard up to dance! What made the night even better was when I thought I recognised a lady at the Greek night from home! I was so sure it was her but did not want to go over... So Sellsy said he would go and ask. Turns out she was from the other end of the country to me :D Glad I did not ask her myself and he was the one to make a fool of himself haha.
As for the rest of our honeymoon we have no complaints there either. We tried many different places to eat and did not once have a bad meal!
Tasty corner was the favourite for lunch, our pita Gyros which I had been having withdrawal symptoms from since last year.
We met some lovely local people on our honeymoon, everyone was so friendly and helpful which is such an important thing! One couple in particular that really touched our heart was Julia and Nikos from Sotto Zero! We sat for hours talking about our families and home lives with them. It was so nice to see how much they value their children and their grandchildren. We were very sad when we had to go and say goodbye to them both on Sunday :( We will definitely going back to see them next year.
We spent our days lying on the beach and swimming in the sea, such a relaxing time! On an evening we were quite happy sitting in the peaceful bars watching all the passers by sipping our cocktails.
All in all we had such a great time and are already looking at holidays for next year with my 2 children, if we can wait that long!
I've already been recommending the place to everyone I talk to back home/work as its such a nice place to visit.
-
Hi Julie
Glad you had a brilliant honeymoon.In your visits to the Sotto Zero did you meet Demetra.Many years ago,probably straight from school she worked in the pool bar at the Romanza.
Yammas
Yiannis
-
Glad everything was wonderful for Julie. You picked a great Hotel and resort to spend your honeymoon in.
-
So glad you had a wonderful honeymoon Julie
-
Glad you enjoyed it and met my old mucka Kev (Sellsy)
I do hope he didnt hang his Y fronts out on the line as he used to do every evening a couple of years ago just as I would have my evening balcony drink.
Great resort and a great hotel..... lovely folk up there
-
Back from the Romanza following two weeks of absolute relaxation. From the first welcome to the hugs as we boarded the coach back to the airport we have nothing but praise for the place and in particular the staff. Such a small team in reality to turn out the highest standards of care and attention in such a friendly way, 100% of the time, is an outstanding achievement. A bonus this year was meeting up and spending some time with forum members Julie 1402 ( Julie and Richard ) BAJ ( Brian, Mandy and their girls Bethan and Eve ) and Waspman ( George and Lesley ) all staying at the Romanza - some of the nicest people you could wish to meet.Also managed to say hello to Georgie staying at the Barrass when we popped down to tasty corner. So nice to put faces to the forum names.
Thanks for the reminder re the Calvin Klein's Gav, the fluorescent budgie smugglers you accidentally left behind are still aiding the local wildlife as a pair of pygmy shrews are nesting in the front pouch, environmentalists are concerned there may not be enough room in there but we keep our fingers crossed. ;D
Whether you are honeymooners, families , couples, or the worlds smallest shrews you will be looked after at the Romanza!
-
Great note!!!
We are deffo going next year!
-
Thank you for your kind comments on the Romanza Hotel .It is a pleasure to see that the hotel is held in the same high esteem by fellow forum members as myself. I know I promised to stop singing their praises but after the fully justified praise of the Nafsika, I decided what is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Yammas
Yiannis
Romanza PR Dept
All done in the best possible taste.
-
Peace reigns. The Year Of The Kumquat is upon us. Vlad, the Black Dog, is now on a mission to hunt down those who post ignorant things on TripAdvisor, and they will be scourged with teeth like the razor wire around the pits of Hades. I could go on (Please don't: ed).
It's always lovely to hear good reports of all the places in Ag Stef. I don't think it's "this versus that" - it's a unique atmosphere of friendship created in a village of no architectural or cultural significance, and that's what they have all done so well. They have encapsulated Filoxenia (kindness to strangers) and made it into an irresistible drug.
So let's put our hands together for those, whether you be up on the hill, in the old village, or in the (mildly) throbbing centre, who make it a second home for many of us.
-
Hi Jimbo
I agree.
Yammas
Yiannis
-
Returned on Monday from 2 weeks at the Romanza, where we met George and Lesley (Waspman) and Kevin and Debbie (Sellsy) who were great company. I can only concur with Sellsy, the staff provide a fantastic service to all their guests. Despite the high standard of food in the village restaurants, in our opinion Katies cooking at the Romanza restaurant takes some beating.
Beach was great as usual, the area with sunbeds has extended beyond Thomas's boats making it ideal for those of us who use the cliff path from the Romanza to access the beach. Good to see there are some more bins on the beach this year. We took Thomas's speedboat out on our wedding anniversary, which was a great way to spend the day and had an equally enjoyable evening at the Romanza.
Gavlah - think you should know that Kev developed his Y-front activities this year! The result was that Stella and Marina on reception were inundated with guests handing in y fronts they had found on their balconies. Fortunately Deb (having learnt from previous years) had had the foresight to sew Kevs name into them, so it became a daily event to see Marina wandering around clutching a pair of pants looking for Kev. He would then exclaim his bewilderment and claim they had been blown from his own balcony by the strong winds. He would maintain this even on days when there was barely a breeze!
I understand only one pair was never returned, I suspect the rather stylish Italian guest couldn't resist adding a pair of M and S finest to complement his Armanis, and decided to keep a pair.
Anyway a great holiday and will be booking again for next year, but may well book independantly unless Thomsons prices drop.
-
And I agree with Yannis - Agreeing with you Jim!!
in fact a good way to put it!!
I must say we all enjoyed our dinner date with yourself and Gillie - must be about 7 weeks ago now, but still fresh in the mind - enjoyable evening.
Hope to see you there again next year, as my October Holiday in a months time will be to Dalyan instead this time.
Yammas to all
Tony
-
Very well put Jim as ever
-
:)
Returned on Monday from 2 weeks at the Romanza, where we met George and Lesley (Waspman) and Kevin and Debbie (Sellsy) who were great company. I can only concur with Sellsy, the staff provide a fantastic service to all their guests. Despite the high standard of food in the village restaurants, in our opinion Katies cooking at the Romanza restaurant takes some beating.
Beach was great as usual, the area with sunbeds has extended beyond Thomas's boats making it ideal for those of us who use the cliff path from the Romanza to access the beach. Good to see there are some more bins on the beach this year. We took Thomas's speedboat out on our wedding anniversary, which was a great way to spend the day and had an equally enjoyable evening at the Romanza.
Gavlah - think you should know that Kev developed his Y-front activities this year! The result was that Stella and Marina on reception were inundated with guests handing in y fronts they had found on their balconies. Fortunately Deb (having learnt from previous years) had had the foresight to sew Kevs name into them, so it became a daily event to see Marina wandering around clutching a pair of pants looking for Kev. He would then exclaim his bewilderment and claim they had been blown from his own balcony by the strong winds. He would maintain this even on days when there was barely a breeze!
I understand only one pair was never returned, I suspect the rather stylish Italian guest couldn't resist adding a pair of M and S finest to complement his Armanis, and decided to keep a pair.
Anyway a great holiday and will be booking again for next year, but may well book independantly unless Thomsons prices drop.
-
:)
What is the best way to book independatley,do you book the flight 1st and then look for accommodation ?
-
A couple of years ago we returned from the Romanza and Pamela and myself were chewing the fat about our hols
we both mentioned those dark days when Sellsys Y fronts would float like a hang glider in the wind over the coastline just as I would crack open a Mythos from the Aspa supermarket!!
On a more serious note its great to see the close relationships developing between lots of repeat guests in the many apartments hotels
Next summer will be 3 long years since I've been to Corfu and we will deffo be going back
I aim to drink like Richard Burton and dance like John Travolta!!
-
What is the best way to book independatley,do you book the flight 1st and then look for accommodation ?
Hi Delightful44
The thing that makes booking direct pay is your ability to get a cheap flight.There are 2 options for this.
1 Early booking of a flight with a budget airline say Easyjet or Ryanair.This is not an option for everyone due to there proximity to the relevent airport.
2 Booking a last minute flight when it is a historical fact that prices fall dramatically.
3 This year I booked 2 single flights with Thomsons for a 14 day holiday at half the price of their 14 day return.For there own reasons 14 day flights were double the price of 7 day flights.
As regards accommodation it really depends if you have your heart set on a certain hotel.In my case the Romanza has a limited number of direct booking rooms and they sell out quickly.This is the reason I book my room on my return from the previous years holiday.The problem with this is you are now limited on last minute cheap flight options.
At the end of the day you are loooking for a cheaper holiday and some people believe they achieve this with Thomsons.I have always saved cosiderably by booking direct.The price of your flight is the whole important ingredient of a direct booking, plus a contributing factor in my case is the locals get the money.
I hope this helps
Yammas
Yiannis
-
Hi Delightful44
The thing that makes booking direct pay is your ability to get a cheap flight.There are 2 options for this.
1 Early booking of a flight with a budget airline say Easyjet or Ryanair.This is not an option for everyone due to there proximity to the relevent airport.
2 Booking a last minute flight when it is a historical fact that prices fall dramatically.
3 This year I booked 2 single flights with Thomsons for a 14 day holiday at half the price of their 14 day return.For there own reasons 14 day flights were double the price of 7 day flights.
As regards accommodation it really depends if you have your heart set on a certain hotel.In my case the Romanza has a limited number of direct booking rooms and they sell out quickly.This is the reason I book my room on my return from the previous years holiday.The problem with this is you are now limited on last minute cheap flight options.
At the end of the day you are loooking for a cheaper holiday and some people believe they achieve this with Thomsons.I have always saved cosiderably by booking direct.The price of your flight is the whole important ingredient of a direct booking, plus a contributing factor in my case is the locals get the money.
I hope this helps
Yammas
Yiannis
Thank you for that Yiannis,i may well look into booking it myself
regards
Debs
-
I have always previously booked with Thomsons but because there are 10 of us coming out next year, we have realised that it works out over £1800 cheaper to have booked direct than go through a tour operator, which is a big saving!!
Also on the flights point, I booked my mum and dad's flights out to SS 3 weeks before they went this year on 3rd August and they got them for £283 each - at the moment flights for next August are nearly £400 so I will be definitely wait until next June/July before booking my flights. Accomodation is already sorted with Vagelis :)
-
Just been looking at the Romanza for June. Tell you what....its working out quite pricey. £750 each through Thomson.
Some of the others were about 150 quid cheaper!!
-
Just been looking at the Romanza for June. Tell you what....its working out quite pricey. £750 each through Thomson.
Some of the others were about 150 quid cheaper!!
Hi Gav
A direct booking in June based on last years prices is 490 Euro for 14 nights leaving you approx 1100 pounds for flights and transfers.
Yammas
Yiannis
-
Its gotta be considered!!!
Cheers
I'll look into it!!
-
Hi Gavlah,
we have just booked independently for next year at Kapetanios apartments for 3 weeks, the cost is 630 euro's[ £490 ] for both of us, got a great room[ recently refurbished with seperate bedroom and free safe,full size bathroom with shower and bath] with a brilliant view over the bay and village. Consistently excellent reviews on TA. Not booked the flights yet, Thomas cook price is £770 for both of us and includes 20kg luggage, select seat and meals on the plane so even if we pay this it will still work out cheaper than a package plus we get the type of room that we wanted rather than pot luck with the package, early morning flight outbound and early afternoon flight inbound.
obviously easyjet are alot cheaper but at the moment they are only allowing you to book the outbound flight and the inbound flights won't come available until November 3rd plus the flight times are not good.
I agree with Yiannis in that it is worth looking into going independently.
-
Flights only from Edinburgh next summer cost £1500 for family of 3. Way too dear!!
Jet2 from newcastle coming in about £1300, no bargains nowadays.
-
Just been looking at the Romanza for June. Tell you what....its working out quite pricey. £750 each through Thomson.
Some of the others were about 150 quid cheaper!!
That's strange -
from Bristol, leaving on Friday 14 June for 14 nights staying at Romanza, Thomson price is £554/person B&B. Was your price for Half board?
-
Thomson £610 p/p from Doncaster.
-
BB, it was flights only. Needless to say I passed on it. Crazy, on Sunday we booked return flights to Orlando next Easter for £1940. Lord knows how they work it out.
-
This was going around the 23rd of June. Deffo b an b and coming out at £748
That is really pricy
-
Yay hey, the flights for two of us with thomas cook were coming in at £770 both ways earlier on today, just had another peek and I am glad that I did, gone down in price so booked them and just saved ourselves £240 quid so overall going independently has saved us £300 plus we get the room that we wanted and brilliant flight times, happy days, ;D ;D ;D
-
That's strange -
from Bristol, leaving on Friday 14 June for 14 nights staying at Romanza, Thomson price is £554/person B&B. Was your price for Half board?
The Romanza doesn't do half board!
-
Some good tips in this string, for booking independently.
I found my 2012, flights first, (Easyjet), quickly sourced my apartment, for the dates I needed,
and was able to book from the tuesday, which meant even cheaper EJ flights.
I confirmed on the phone, then booked the flights online and saved many pounds.
I liked the tip about try booking Thomson flights as a single flight, and again for the return.
Lots of savings to be made there, well done for that one - I will be trying that for 2013.