San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu
Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => San Stefanos news and views => Topic started by: Mikee on March 19, 2010, 09:50:04 PM
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Haven't been to Corfu in many tears, tend to go to the other islands and Parga just across the water
but looking at San Stefanos it looks like it could be my sort of place, and thinking of booking 2 weeks
the end of June / begin July ...
(1) Romanza ... is this as good as any of the hotels in the area?
(2) What are the mozzies like at that time of year ? (sept in Parga was awful)
(3) Are there any fishing trips that go out from the bay ?
Thanks in advance ... Mikee
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Mikee
That's reminded of another question I have regarding our trip to San Stef/Romanza in August......
Is it full of crazy wasps at that time of year??!! In Kefalonia the other year it was stupid with them. Mozzies never bother me (must be the copious amounts of alcohol in my veins!) but the wasps were extremely violent!!
I put up with them for so long but they were really agressive.....sure I saw one wielding a baseball bat at one stage!
Cheers
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Been every month of the season bar May. Been assaulted by mossies many, many times but not to badly as we take all sorts of precautions. We were in San Stef for both September and October and not really see wasps at all!
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Also been in every month of the season over many years.
You may find a few wasps, but they are not very agressive in S S, Corfu,
a little persistant at times - but I don't know anyone who was stung.
Never caused me any problem, mozzies - mostly not too bad!
I don't ever seem to get bitten, but Linda has had a couple of bites last year.
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Hi Mikee
Welcome to the San Stefanos Forum.I see from your posting you are thinking about staying at the Romanza Hotel late June.I will be staying there 18th June -2nd July.It is my 10th visit so my views as other forum members can tell you are slightly biased.To assist you in your decision I believe the following information will help.
1 Check out the Romanza website at romanzacorfu.com
2 Check the Trip Advisor website at tripadvisor.co.uk for reviews post May 2009.That is the date of major management changes.
3 Check this forum in the section San Stefanos News and Views page 6 under the heading New Management at the Romanza.
4 Last but not least check this forum in the section Where to stay under the heading Romanza one for Yannis.
Just remember it could be slightly biased as I wrote most of it myself.
Yammas
Yannis
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We always go end of August and if we don't use repelent I would always get bit but Roy never does. As for wasps they are about and I have only been stung once a couple of years ago- we were at the juice bar at the time on our last day as well.
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Thanks Yannis .. I'm glad you said 'post MAY 09 reviews' as there are some not so good prior to that
The dates you are looking at are the same ones I am considering (are you flying from Luton, by any chance)
Since I started looking a week or so ago the prices have already RISEN !!!
Cheers Mikee
Ps: any fishing trips from SS ??
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Hi Mikee
I am flying out of Leeds Bradford on the 18th June.
As regards fishing trips I am not sure if they are available from San Stefanos Harbour.I am sure someone on the forum will know the answer.I do know that you can rent small motor boats for individual use.
Yammas
Yannis
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I can't book until I see my boss next tue/wed and ok the 2 weeks off so I hope the price
hasn't increased again by then .. I am looking in the region of £960 for 2 weeks @ the Romanza
same time as you Yannis .. how does that compare with prices from Oop North ? :)
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Hi Mikee,
The price is in the average band, I would think, but is it for B&B / Half Board or room only?
Romanza - does have many good reviews - and I mean from lots of people I have met who stay there.
As a place to stay - is a great Hotel.
I wouldn't stay there myself, but "only" because I don't like the walk up the hill.
I prefer to stay somewhere on the flat! and just a few mins from the beach as we prefer that to a pool.
Fishing; No organised Trips for Fishing in S S, but check with Noula in San Stefanos Travel as she may know of one.
I have been going every year since 1983 and I often go out with Vassillis from the (Mini-Market) Now Margaritas Supermarket.
If it works out, i.e. calm weather etc, I meet him at 07:00 and go out on his boat & help him put his nets out, & bring in yesterdays!
But this kind of fishing may not suit you, however he does have rods and used to hire them out.
Basically, you need to have a chat with him if that kind of fishing "rocks your boat", make friends and he will invite you if you express an interest.
Also - ask Nikkos (Bar Manager), in the Thomas Bay Hotel if his Dad Theo still has a boat.
Theo probably still does and we hired him for the day a few times over the years, but quite a long time ago now to be fair.
We did our own "Islands excursions" before they did them commercially, with Theo and his knowledge is extensive.
If he still does it, I am sure he would take you Rod fishing for a very fair price!
Good Luck
Tony
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Cheers Tony .. WOW 28 years of going to SS, I'm surprised you aren't living there by now 8)
That price is for B&B and as I said has gone up around £50 since I started looking in the last few days
If and when I get there I'll check out your fishing tips
Thanks again
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I would say it's a fair price for B&B - Yannis would know better than me though!
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Thats through Portland (although part of Thomson) are aften cheaper than the Big T themselves !
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Yes - pricing can be a bit of a scam - sometimes Portland are cheaper then they switch - we check them all out each year!
The biggest problem is that thompsons are the "Big" tour operator there, they tend to manipulate prices to suit themselves.
Unfortunately, they do not pay the locals very well, which is a constant grievence every year, and I don't blame the locals for feeling that way.
They know what we pay and what profits Thomsons and Portland / direct Holidays are making.
Thomas Cook only has a few properties there.
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I can well believe the profits Tui are making >:(
Looked at going independantly with Sleazyjet & Monarch, but with transfers etc
it is more or less breaking even so looks like I'll be giving my hard earned cash to Mr Tui :-\
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Yes - we look each year - some Apartments rented independantly, are offering a free transfer from the airport, this year.
We went EasyJet and rented last year and it was cheaper.
This year we are with Thomsons again! We always look for a good deal, as most Apt's or Hotels are the same in quality.
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I can't book until I see my boss next tue/wed and ok the 2 weeks off so I hope the price
hasn't increased again by then .. I am looking in the region of £960 for 2 weeks @ the Romanza
same time as you Yannis .. how does that compare with prices from Oop North ? :)
Hi Mikee
Checked this morning.
Luton now 970 Pounds Leeds Bradford 990 pounds
I paid 998 pounds when i booked last June.I am now 8 pounds into negative equity.The first time ever my early booking has not shown a profit.I checked all the San Stefanos Hotels and they are all showing vacancies pretty much anytime in the season.I think we can put that down to the economic state in both countries.
I checked out another option for you.Have you considered booking direct on the Romanza web site.
Cost 18th June - 2nd July 375 pounds/room with breakfast.Includes 4.5% discount for full payment on booking.
Flight with Thomson from Luton including two bags and transfers to San Stefanos 510 pounds.
Total cost 885 pounds.
Must be a better deal.You may get cheaper flights still from other London Airports.
Yammas
Yannis
PS
Direct booking was not available when I booked as new web site not up and running.
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Yes £970 from Luton is what I am seeing as well Yannis
I emailed Romanza for the said dates and they have nothing available they said - advised me to go through Thomson
When you add on transfers etc, flying Sleazyjet etc isn't really working out any cheaper (may have done 2 or 3 months ago)?
Mikee
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I guess there is always a 'chance' Thomsons may have one of their 24/48hr sales coming up
but I would question if its worth waiting for as the prices are likely to rise in the meantime as the date gets closer?
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Are you also prepared the risk of not getting in the Romanza as well if you wait to book.
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Hi Mikee
Sorry for the misinformation regarding direct booking the Romanza for the 18th June I completely misread the website.I have now put my brain in gear.There are other dates available where you may make a saving.
Having said that if the 18th June is the date you want 970 pounds with Thomsons is not a bad price.
Yannis
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Jules .. that is quite true but having looked further, places like Thomas Bay look appealing also
Yannis - no worries, its just that 18th June - 2nd july are good dates for me, there are cheaper
hols if you can fly midweek from Gatwick - but thats too much hassle really - will have to get a move
on soon as I can ok my holiday in work !!
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I think we paid around 1100 quid to go with Thomson in Aug from Manchester.
We live on the Leeds/Wakefield border, didn't realise we could fly from lba! :o
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Paid Easyjet £290 for two adult flights - late June. Paid €500 for a 3 bed bungalow and that includes private transfers. Could not match anywhere near that through TO's.
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I did a similar deal as Don - but last year.
This year we decided to do the Thomas Bay again - H/B deal for two - with all the add-ons from Thompson,
£487 each, early booking in a sale - not yet seen that price within £100 of what we paid in total.
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hi tonyc think you will have to book for me it cost us £1420 2 weeks for thomas bay inc insurance
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Hi Mikee
If you can cope with the hassle & bad flight times check out Gatwick 21st June 2 weeks.
Thomas Bay 492/head HB
Romanza 437 BB
If you want a real bargain how about Voula 275/head
The Voula is located just above the Romanza& is S/C.
I cannot comment on the accommodation but the owners, pool & bar are excellent.
You can get it from Luton on the 18th for 329/head.Leaves lots of cash for eating out and the odd Mythos.
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Yannis
I saw the Voula one - its cheap, but on reading reviews I see why !!
I'll probably opt for the Luton flight (can get a lift there) and transfers
included other side - sometimes just not worth the hassle of booking indep
UNLESS you are looking at saving a couple of £100 which I'm not really
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Yannis et al - it's BOOKED (a week later than planned) 25th JUNE - 9th JULY @ Romanza £920 all in ;D
Will see you there the 2nd week of your hols then Yannis ... boy you guys better have painted the right
picture of this pardise bit of Corfu that is San Stefano ;) :P
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You will LOVE IT!!!!
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hi tonyc think you will have to book for me it cost us £1420 2 weeks for thomas bay inc insurance
See Yannis as well - good deal!
Ours is from Gatwick on a crappy flight, but we are not bothered by a night flight - done it many times.
Booked a late check-out inc. meals etc on flight.
So - -you can do it - but some airports also put the price up!!
We had great value for money!
Tony
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Yannis et al - it's BOOKED (a week later than planned) 25th JUNE - 9th JULY @ Romanza £920 all in ;D
Will see you there the 2nd week of your hols then Yannis ... boy you guys better have painted the right
picture of this pardise bit of Corfu that is San Stefano ;) :P
Hi Mikee
Looking forward to meeting you.You will have a great time in San Stefanos.
If you need anymore information just post or p/m me.
Yammas
Yannis
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Yes Yannis - you'll be a bronzed Adonis by the time I get there
You'll recognise me .. the one that resembles a milk bottle ;D
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On Spaghetti ?
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Mikee,
I dont obviously know your personal tastes, but my wife and I love this resort. We adore Greece and have been to a lot of the islands including the mainland and San Stef is way up there as one of our favourites. The food choice and quality is second to none. The resort itself is pretty relaxing and very friendly. We love long walks and we found the area to be excellent with some stunning views. To conclude and re-enforce the point, my wife will not stay ANYWHERE for longer than one week or perhaps ten days maximum, it was her idea to book again this year for TWO WEEKS.
Rod.
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Good one Rod. Sometimes 2 weeks is not enough either lol!!!!
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So right - I always want to do 3 weeks!! - maybe when we retire!!
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Mikee,
I dont obviously know your personal tastes, but my wife and I love this resort. We adore Greece and have been to a lot of the islands including the mainland and San Stef is way up there as one of our favourites. The food choice and quality is second to none. The resort itself is pretty relaxing and very friendly. We love long walks and we found the area to be excellent with some stunning views. To conclude and re-enforce the point, my wife will not stay ANYWHERE for longer than one week or perhaps ten days maximum, it was her idea to book again this year for TWO WEEKS.
Rod.
Been to Greece and her islands many many times Rod .. Parga and Skiathos being my favourites
Have actually been to Corfu about 18 years ago - Ipsos (from what I rem) .. but I think SS is gonna be heaps better though 8)
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Hi Mikee
When we meet you can tell me all about Parga.I will be there in early October to celebrate my wifes birthday.We will be staying at the Valtos Beach Hotel.
Till we meet
Yannis
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Certainly can Yannis ... been there 4 times now, BEWARE the mozzies in October tho' :o
Its getting more and more touristy as people discover it AND expensive (but still a great place) IMO
Valtos Beach is a nice resort, just along from Parga town which is about a 20 min walk
over a steep hill (Amazing views all across to Corfu) or there are water taxis that go between the 2
Mikee
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Parga sounds good !!
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Mikee,
Skiathos is one of my favourite places also. The prices got a little silly what with the Abba mania going on and the locals taking advantage. They may have shot themselves in the foot though as I'm led to believe that the tourists numbers are dwindling somewhat. We are by no means "cheap skates" by the way, just dont like being "ripped off". Which brings me back to San Stef, which I feel is great value and more friendly with it being smaller. I have not visited Parga, do you recommend it?
Rod
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Mikee,
Skiathos is one of my favourite places also. The prices got a little silly what with the Abba mania going on and the locals taking advantage. They may have shot themselves in the foot though as I'm led to believe that the tourists numbers are dwindling somewhat. We are by no means "cheap skates" by the way, just dont like being "ripped off". Which brings me back to San Stef, which I feel is great value and more friendly with it being smaller. I have not visited Parga, do you recommend it?
Rod
Yes Parga is one of those places people return to time and time again (bit like SS I guess) !
I went to Kefalonia the year after Captain Corelli was released and they did the same ripping people off big time, so never went back
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The good thing with San Stef is it shouldn't go that way!!
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Yannis et al - it's BOOKED (a week later than planned) 25th JUNE - 9th JULY @ Romanza £920 all in ;D
Will see you there the 2nd week of your hols then Yannis ... boy you guys better have painted the right
picture of this pardise bit of Corfu that is San Stefano ;) :P
Just looked again (not sure why tbh - just being nosey really) but after it dropping to £860 just after I booked a month ago the same holiday NOW over £1400 :o Thats with Portland, with Tomo it's probably even more expensive
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Hi Mikee
It looks that the Romanza is filling up.I was rather concerned that my extended stay in Dubai and my absence from the PR Department would affect bookings.It just goes to show that PR is only effective when the product is inferior.At least Gordon Brown hopes so.
Yammas
Yannis
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Seems they are all flying in from Dubai!! LOL - - - wonder why???????
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Hi Mikee
It looks that the Romanza is filling up.I was rather concerned that my extended stay in Dubai and my absence from the PR Department would affect bookings.It just goes to show that PR is only effective when the product is inferior.At least Gordon Brown hopes so.
Yammas
Yannis
Could it be YOUR magnetic charm that is drawing people to it Yannis ;)
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He's in reality a "white slaver" just be careful he doesn't get you on the treadmill LOL
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He's in reality a "white slaver" just be careful he doesn't get you on the treadmill LOL
Hi Don
What a great idea. I am returning to Dubai in August for my grandaughters birthday . White slaving on the side would go down well.The millionaire arabs would pay a fortune for an english rose.Do you think we have any candidates in the forum.Surely we can do better than Mikee.
Yammas
Yannis.
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Hi Don
What a great idea. I am returning to Dubai in August for my grandaughters birthday . White slaving on the side would go down well.The millionaire arabs would pay a fortune for an english rose.Do you think we have any candidates in the forum.Surely we can do better than Mikee.
Yammas
Yannis.
:o :o you could do WORSE :-*
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:o :o you could do WORSE :-*
Could imagine him doing "The Harem Shuffle !!"
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DEFF ... esp with a few rums in me :-[ :-[ ;D
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Yannis - not sure you would get much for Mikee and Don, but you never know!! LOL
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Just looked again (not sure why tbh - just being nosey really) but after it dropping to £860 just after I booked a month ago the same holiday NOW over £1400 :o Thats with Portland, with Tomo it's probably even more expensive
Now £1286 for same holiday - it goes up and down more than West Bromich Albion :o
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Now £1286 for same holiday - it goes up and down more than West Bromich Albion :o
And they are like the prostitutes proverbials!
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The usual posturing over prices by Thomson and co!
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Anyone got any discount codes for thomsons????????????
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Hi Jules
Thomsons have a 50 pound discount code for May & June holidays .Ref.12273
Yammas
Yannis
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Anyone got any discount codes for thomsons????????????
Jules as previously stated check on the Portland website as well as Thomo's as
until they join as one next year, Portland are often the cheaper one !
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Jules as previously stated check on the Portland website as well as Thomo's as
until they join as one next year, Portland are often the cheaper one !
Mikee for next year Portland site automatically redirects to Thomsons site.
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Seems most companies are tightening the belt now, put them together and get rid of some staff!
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No doubt by the end of the week I will have still booked for next year :)
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I think you should hang on a bit Jules - it has to get cheaper soon!!
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Maybe I will give it a few weeks and see.
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Have looked on Thomsons for next June and the Athina is cheaper than the Thomas Bay at the moment!
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Mikee for next year Portland site automatically redirects to Thomsons site.
Yes Jules but until then (ie: this year) Portland are often cheaper than Thomo's for the exact same holiday
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I've seen this many times with Thomsons - you have to price watch and swoop when it's right!!