Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Accommodation reviews => Topic started by: gailandgraham on November 01, 2015, 05:44:03 PM

Title: recommendations wanted
Post by: gailandgraham on November 01, 2015, 05:44:03 PM
Hi

We are a mid 50s couple, never been to Corfu before but booked flights for early September 2016. We like good tavernas, some nightlife but not banging and like the look of Arillas and think we will stay there.
I know everyone has a different opinion but would welcome recommendations for self catering accommodation, studio or one bed, preferably beach front or near, Not looking for luxury but don't want very basic.

Thanks

Gail & Graham
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 01, 2015, 06:22:51 PM
I would recommend Bardis Sun Studios. Not to be confused with Bardis sun hotel next door. Near the seafront. Spotlessly clean and the welcome and hospitality by the Bardis family second to none. You don't state what dates in September you have booked flights for. They usually close from 3rd week in September. Reasonably priced and good atmosphere and very friendly welcome in the bar. Everyone tends to meet in the bar for a nightcap but not noisy if you do want an early night. No children really as studios for 2 only but a child's bed can be provided.  By the sounds of what you want in a holiday - Arillas sounds right for you.  One thing is for sure you would need to book asap as a lot of Arillas visitors are regulars who book for the following year before leaving.  Which says it all.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: M n M on November 01, 2015, 07:34:13 PM
My recommendation is the Tria Adelphia, it's quiet, peaceful and good food. My wife and myself have stayed there over 20 times since 1994 and have booked for next year, but if you want to stay you are best to book early as with Bardis Sun Studios many returners book whilst they are there for the following year.
It is usually about 15 minutes walk to the beach but can take me over 2 hours depending on how many people I meet and as you walk past the bakery, well the waft of fresh bread is makes the walk well worth it.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: ger on November 01, 2015, 08:17:37 PM
Marina hotel or apartments or mirage both overlooking sea.
Or kaloudis right at the far end of village, no sea view but very quiet set in lovely gardens. Wherever you stay, you will have a good time, as everyone is so friendly
Ger x
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 01, 2015, 08:34:00 PM
Lots of recommendations Gail & Graham. Like Ger says no matter where you stay you will find a warm welcome. I would just think about whether you have perhaps got to that stage in your life where like us you would prefer accommodation where it is mainly couples only. We have stayed ther twice at Kaloudis when kids younger and found a lot of noise from the  bar and music playing by the pool which if you like quiet to read may not be for you. Having said that there are many people on the forum who stay year after year. The mirage is also mainly for families. Having said that in September kids will be back at school. I sound like an old foggie but our kids still go with us on holiday even though they are 25 and 22. Until the Grandkids come along I am enjoying kid free zones. Lol.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Truth on November 01, 2015, 11:04:31 PM
We love Tria too but I don't think you can go far wrong with any accommodation in Arillas....

Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on November 02, 2015, 11:23:17 PM
Hi Gail and Graham Welcome to the forum
First time in Corfu and you choose Arillas  ......Well you are in for a Fantastic time in a Fabulous place

Rainbow for us
Good Location, 500 yards from the beach 
Excellent Hosts   
Clean and tidy
Pool Bar that caters for All
Good Food
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Steph ~ on November 03, 2015, 10:26:23 AM
We stay at Kaloudis village, in Roula's private apartments  -never bothered by noise at all. The are in the first block, with her private accommodation and 3 larger apartments (on the books of Thomson) underneath.  She has 3 private apartments on the upper floor. Spotlessly clean, 2 bedrooms and aircon, minutes from the beach.  However, as a result they are extremely popular and are booked for most of next summer (and 2017 getting full!!), may get lucky for September!  My mum and her partner stay there too - and they can't abide noise.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 03, 2015, 02:40:07 PM
You see Gail & Graham, like I said lots of people return to Kaloudis year after year andwe enjoyed it so much that is why we booked the second time. Glad that tgings a lot better now with the noise but unfortunately that was not our experience on our second stay there when we were in the apartments next to the bar. Have they stopped playing music by the pool Steph. I must admit I like quiet to read by the pool and if I want to listen to music then be able to choose my own and listen through headphones so that I don't inflict my taste in  music on everyone else.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Ron and Sue on November 03, 2015, 06:20:16 PM
Must agree with John & Dot.We have had 2 holidays at Rainbow this year and have booked 4 weeks for 2016,2 of which are first two weeks in September.You cannot beat the hosts, the atmosphere and the food.Hope you enjoy your first time in Arillas wherever you stay.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Steph ~ on November 03, 2015, 09:01:19 PM
We don't use Kaloudis pool, Sharon so I don't know about the music.  I would assume it's still as it was. The pool at Kaloudis is lovely but just gets too busy for me and the sunbeds are too regimented! We prefer to go to Sharon's (opposite the Marina hotel) as - nice atmosphere, reasonable prices, breeze from the sea and can easily go for a paddle/swim.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Jersey Bean on November 03, 2015, 09:09:42 PM
Love Rainbow and Kaloudis. Never stayed at Mirage but had a look at their apartments and they are lovely and beach front.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: ger on November 03, 2015, 11:44:08 PM
Used the kaloudis pool a few times this September, led at the end of the pool under the olive trees, can honestly say didn't hear any music it was really nice and peaceful. Our studio was at the top of the complex above the bar, weren't bothered by music there either!
Just enjoy yourselves, you're on holiday after all.
Ger x
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: suzy61 on November 03, 2015, 11:44:50 PM
Gail and Graham
I'm sure you've noticed that you are spoilt for choice for fantastic accommodation in Arillas...great choice, you will love it! I really don't think you'll be disappointed wherever you decide to stay.
Please try not to take too much notice of the negative reviews of the Kaloudis village, especially when someone has only ever had one bad experience. We have stayed there 3 times and have booked again for next year. I can honestly say we have never experienced any disturbing noise from the pool bar during the night.
We prefer to use the beach during the day but on the odd occasion when we have used the pool and bar during the day ,we have always found it to be peaceful and relaxing. The whole complex is immaculate, friendly and is set in the most beautiful gardens and is almost on the beach front!
Everyone has their preferred choice of accommodation and I've only ever stayed in the Kaloudis but negative comments can have a detrimental effect on a family business which is a great shame when they are working extremely hard to please their guests and ensure that they have a fabulous holiday.They don't deserve it!
I hope you manage to find the accommodation that suits you but wherever you stay I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
One thing for sure is, you won't be disappointed with Arillas!

Suzy X
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Truth on November 03, 2015, 11:54:01 PM
I don't think anyone has said anything particularly bad about Kaloudis anyway, certainly nothing that would put me off the place.
I just think they have expressed an opinion about the volume of the music, if they think its loud , they think its loud I suppose.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: suzy61 on November 04, 2015, 12:02:05 AM
It could put people off that have never stayed there before and in my experience and opinion it isn't loud, as you said everyone has their own opinions but I just don't like reading anything negative about anywhere in Arillas!

Suzy X
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 04, 2015, 12:46:01 AM
Suzy when you experienced what was meant to be accommodation that had won an award for families and had the response we got from Billy that we did when  we just asked him politely at 1.30 for it just to be turned down  a. bit you would also feel that people should be aware that there can be loud music from the bar if you are in apartments next to it . We have the video evidence to prove it. We had to ask the Thomson rep to move us to another apartment further away from the bar and once we were moved the rest of our holiday was great. I am not speaking negative of Arillas. Have been there 5 times and next year will be our 6th time. If we went now it would not bother us as our kids are grown up and we would be in the bar ourselves but not at anyone else's expense. Like I have also said I am glad if that is no longer the case. Although Flora did mention they had trouble last time they stayed there. It's horses for courses and all I was trying to say is that what suits one person may not suit another. In all other respects Kaloudis was great. Very clean and Roula in the shop is a lovely woman. I did also point out that people stay there year after year.I had not intended to go into so much detail but now feel that I have to justify what I have said.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Truth on November 04, 2015, 01:34:20 AM
Its all about opinions and everyone is entitled to them, whether they are good , bad or indifferent.
Thats what forums are all about and long may they stay like that....
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Jersey Bean on November 04, 2015, 10:08:24 AM
I think that Suzy thought  that you were mentioning loud noise by the pool and not late at night. I have always stayed in the apartments near the shop and they are great. I haven't noticed loud music by the pool though but we normally go down to the far end of the pool. If anyone stays with their family number 32 is a good apartment to request.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: jackson on November 04, 2015, 02:03:26 PM
We stayed at the tria this year and have just yesterday booked to stay there again next august. We have been to Arillas over 20 times and love the place, you will not be disapointed
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: suzy61 on November 04, 2015, 09:16:27 PM
SoniaP

Very well justified... you did point out a lot more positive things this time and why I and many return year after year which is not because we enjoy loud music around the pool bar. I am sorry to hear that Billy treated you in a disrespectful way.
I am also sorry if I have offended you!

Suzy X
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 05, 2015, 12:34:31 AM
No worries Suzy. I totally understand and respect your protectiveness. 

Gail & Graham there are many brilliant places to stay in Arillas and whilst we all on the forum may share different views sometimes, one thing we all agree on is that Arillas is a very special place with equally as special people.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Steph ~ on November 05, 2015, 10:27:11 AM
Just to point out with all this hoo haa over music at Kaloudis, the original poster was looking to book independent accommodation, having already booked flights.   At Kaloudis, if you book via Roula then her apartments are well away from any night time music and are unaffected. The only time we heard it was when there was a party on the beach or a band at the Nut, which could affect you wherever you stay.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: gailandgraham on November 05, 2015, 10:45:53 PM
Hi and thanks for all your replies and information.
I know people all have their own opinions but lots of information to look at. Will have a good look at all suggestion over the weekend and make a decision but will definitely be staying at Arillas.
Thanks again.

Gail & Graham
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 05, 2015, 10:56:35 PM
So glad Gail. & Graham. I'm sure you will fall in love with it like us all. Let us know where you decide to stay. Just one more tip - try and book soon.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: Val n Bill on November 05, 2015, 11:24:11 PM

Gail and Graham if you go to the Accommodation listings on the Directory listed at the top of this page you will find many more self catering studios and apartments with reviews, lots of information there....and remember not everyone who visits Arillas is on the forum. Trip Advisor also is a good source of reviews too.

We stay twice a year in Arillas at the Mathraki Studios which are adult only but are only sold through Thomsons, when you take your holiday next summer check them out. Very quiet and only 16 rooms with a lovely pool. 

    Val x
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: suzy61 on November 06, 2015, 12:05:02 AM
Good advice Val and Bill
We have walked past the Mathraki studios a few times and have always thought how peaceful it looks there (a little too far from the beach for us but a great place to stay all the same... small and friendly is how I would probably describe it)
I think in all honesty there isn't anywhere in Arillas that has poor accommodation, which is just one of the many reasons why we all keep returning there year after year!

Suzy X
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: gailandgraham on November 12, 2015, 10:45:55 AM
We have had a look at the sites for accommodation and quite like the look of Bardis Sun Studios, we have sent a couple of e mails via the link on their site but have got no response despite it saying you should receive a reply within 24 hours. Is it because there will be no one there at this time of year.
I really would like to get booked as all the comments suggest that due to many repeat visitors that places do get booked up early.

Thanks
Gail & Graham
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 12, 2015, 12:23:39 PM
Bobby at Bardis Sun is usually really quick to reply so that mnakes me wonder if perhaps the family have gone on holiday. Phil and other people who are friends with Bobby on facebook may know. The first time we arranged accomodation wih them was for my son and his girlfriend and I telephoned them as wanted an immediate answer. You could try that as the call was not expensive. Hope you get it sorted.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 13, 2015, 05:51:35 PM
Bobby at Bardis sun has heard of you having problems. He thinks they must have a problem with imternet booking page. I will send you a personal message later Gail and Graham with some email addresses that Bobby has asked me to pass onto you. Can't do it at momment as not got enough radio coverage.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 13, 2015, 08:49:34 PM
Hi Gail & Graham I have sent you a personal message on the forum. Hope you got it OK. If not let me know.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: gailandgraham on November 14, 2015, 06:11:18 PM
Hi Sonia

thanks for the message, it has been received, I have just e mailed directly to one contacts you have sent.

Gail & Graham
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 14, 2015, 06:47:30 PM
I am sure you will get a swift reply now. I hope you manage to get in because it is such a fantastic place to stay. Just a 2 minute walk to the tavernas and beach and the Bardis family are such brilliant hosts.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: justphil on November 14, 2015, 10:49:51 PM
Quote
the Bardis family are such brilliant hosts.

Totally true. But not just for regulars. They give a new meaning to Filoxenia, the welcoming of strangers. Within seconds of walking into their establishment you feel like a member of the family.

I am so proud to be their true friends.
Phil
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 15, 2015, 12:05:44 AM
Yes we were all strangers at first but like Pill says that feeling doesn't last long not just because of the Bardis family but because the friendliness is infectious and next thing you know you have made a group of fantastic friends that you can't wait to meet up again with next year and find yourself booking your holiday for when the friends you have made will be there again at the same time.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: justphil on November 15, 2015, 12:34:12 AM
All true Sonia. We are the lucky people. We have found what we want. The rest is irrelevant!

Phil
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 15, 2015, 12:38:36 AM
Gail & Graham I have sent you. Another personal message.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: gailandgraham on November 20, 2015, 11:13:40 PM
Thanks again to everyone for recommendations, comments etc., thanks Sonia, we have now had a reply and a confirmed booking for Bardis Sun Studios, not until early September but will give us something to look forward to.

Gail & Graham
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: soniaP on November 21, 2015, 06:09:31 PM
Great Gail & Graham. Glad you got it sorted. The Bardis family will make you very welcome .Be careful though as the next thing you know you will find yourself booking for the following year before you even leave. Arillas has that affect on most people. Seriously though I hope you have a great time. Look forward to hearing how you get on. I will collect my commission from Bobby in July.
Title: Re: recommendations wanted
Post by: justphil on November 21, 2015, 10:47:56 PM
With any luck, Jen and I will be in Arillas from early September until late November in 2016. That's the plan..... We might bump into you Graham and Gail. You will be wearing big smiles, and so will we. You could well become part of the Sun Studios family - most do courtesy of Poppy and her son Bobby who front the business. A great choice you have made.

Phil