Hi
We've just returned from Arillas. This was our first visit, but certainly first of many more to come - absolutely loved the place!
We stayed at Kaloudis, 2 adults, 1 teen & 1 toddler, in a 2 bedroom apartment; pleasantly surprised by the good quality of the accommodation (well above Greek standards). Place was spacious, adequately equipped, and the shower was rather decent. Furthermore, well impressed by the safety nets on the bottom of the balconies & extra safety railings on top; also, despite varied entertainment programme, and one of the rooms overlooking the pool, we did not find it too noisy; well-stocked shop/supermarket on site, with very nice & helpful owners, Roula & Christo
However, and I'm so, so, so sorry to have to rain on most people's parade (especially as we have just joined the forum!!!!!), but we are not going back to Kaloudis, mainly because of Billy, as we found him very grumpy & greedy, and this is why:
First - were not happy about the air-con - the notice in one room said it was 5 euros per day, whilst the notice in the other said it was 8 euros! When we asked Billy he said it was 8, they forgot to change all the notices!!!!! He also mentioned that the charge is per unit
Second - we love exploring places we go to, and that includes tavernas; so, we did not eat at the poolside bar or use the pool that often - as a result, we felt that Billy did not like us, and we felt somewhat uncomfortable (we are regularly holidaying throughout Greece, so this was not our very first experience of a "typical" Greek hotelier, however, this certainly was the first time we came across the grumpy one)
Third - late check-out room - as we have a young child, we payed £22 to Thomsons for a late c/o room, till 6pm; half-way through our holiday, we approached Billy & asked whether it was possible to keep the late check-out for a bit longer - " of course, but you must pay me extra 25 euros" - fine, we had no problems with that; however, although he told us to pay on the last day, he kept asking for the money the next day, so, fine, no problems, we paid, but then he kept asking for the money again the next day, which we found somewhat intimidating; then, on the last day, he said we had to vacate the apartment we were staying in by 10am, and then put us in a 2-bed, match-box size room with no hot water - not good at all, not impressed at all!!!!!
However, his daughter was very pleasant & helpful
Also, we found Roula & Christo very, very nice & pleasant; Roula was aware of the problems with Billy - apparently she had lots of guests complain about him, and she was concern about the loss of business (as they are partners); she does have her own rooms / apartments for rent, so we are more than likely going to stay with them next summer
My younger child absolutely loved Roula, and was running to the shop many times a day, just for a kiss & a hug!
All in all, this was perhaps the nicest Greek holiday we had - loved the people (except one!), loved the beach, loved the tranquility, actually managed to relax (which was a premium!) and most of us were in tears when we had to go - but, we will be coming back for sure
Diana