I've booked a week on my own at Katerina studios in Vassilikos with Direct Holidays from 4 Oct 2009.

I stayed in Vassilikos in 2003 and had a very nice holiday in Olga Studios.  I used to visit the Marina bar and pool.  Any comments greatly appreciated from anyone who's just been staying there (hopefully not bad ones!).  Hope the weather's not too bad in October and the village hasn't deteriorated in any way.  I will be relying on public transport and maybe the organised trip or two.  Looking forward  to meeting some nice people when I'm there . For some reason, a lot of people are suspicious of  ladies who holiday on their own, even though I'm sociable and don't make a nuisance of myself!  Julia

 

It seems a bit confusing?  Just wondered if anyone could clarify what was what?  Would be grateful for any information anyone can give.

if you like a half star hotel this is the one for you. We only stay in up to 3 star hotels/ appartments and this one was worse than one in morocco. which is in the 3rd world. I think i have said enuf. Good luck and all the best to you all.

P.S get out before the hotel falls down. with that biggggg crack all the way up it.

I'm sure you'll still love it there.I hate places like Laganas as well.

Janet has written that everything is still ok in Paradise.

 

Regards

Denise

 

 

Thank you for your prompt response.  Loved reading your posts too.  I must admit, I was sad to hear Joanna and Yannis (John) have moved on but more concerned with so many negative comments.  Admitedly, most of these were made by people that seem very reliant on the rep and typically they're not that good anywhere really.  That said there was an excellent rep who I believe lives on the island so standards were always going to be hard to maintain when she moved on.  I am puzzled that I booked through girect greece again but from notes on here it looks as though the rep or ownership is now Tompson??

 

I've also really talked this place up with my partner so hope it still meets my expectations as this will be her first time here.

 

In summary, I'm a little apprehensive but I am independant and always explore the island/town etc wherever I stay so, assuming I can still rent a relaible car, I will again enjoy the beauty of this area and the rest of the island.  I'll also sit back, pick up a book and enjoy the rest - but I will make a point of raising a glass of Matheus to dear John Smith.  For he is the reason I avoid the 'laganas' of the world.

 

Happy posting

 

Will

 

Thanks

 

Will

You can change travellers cheques and money at the Marina bar,which is next to the Katerina.

Also just 5 minutes away on the main road are several supermarkets which exchange as well.

We usually used the deli next to the coffee house.

Have a great time.

Denise

Maybe you should have gone to Laganas.

The strip of metal appeared on the apartments in about the year 2000.It was not there in 1999 and was the result of a small quake.The building is structually sound and it's just to cover the crack so as people don't worry about it.

The quakes happen all the time.We have always had tremors there.I'm sure we've had one every year we've been. We've had them on other islands too but then that's what happens in Greece.

It's a shame that Thomas Cook have taken over the area as we've heard bad reports about them from everyone who's been to Greece this year with them.

I'm sure all you long timers like us can remember the wonderful Jenny Cassidy, the best Rep. I've ever had anywhere.She was so caring and always remembered her regulars. She lives on the island still but has not been repping for a few years now. I miss her. We'll have to start a 'Bring back Jenny' campaign. Ha Ha

For all of you going for the 1st time do not take any notice of John Smith. If you like quiet places with beautiful people, you'll love it. The tavernas are fantastic and I'm envious of you all, as we're trying Lefkada this year. I'm sure I'll enjoy it but my heart is in Vasilikos.

Happy holidays,

Denise

 

Matthew, do NOT take any notice of John Smith.  We have been going to this resort for the last three years and were there when John and his father were (in May) and all he did was moan  He should have done his homework before he went to Vassilikos and found out just what the village and the resort was all about. His comment about the taxi ride and more lively place would have been horrible Argassi or Laganas We stayed in the Katerina and yes they do have earth tremors but as Gordon says it is no secret that the Greek Islands suffer from them - we still keep going back  The only positive thing John talked about was the views - fabulous.  The birds - well what can I say don't you have birds where you come from John?!!!  The gunshots were unusual but it was nothing more sinister than the locals out shooting in the forest.  Thomas Cook are now the agents and not Direct Greece and believe me it shows.  Their rep was not good at all, we had to tell her about Vassilikos and some of the apartments and she has lived in Argassi for 2 years!  We think Thomas Cook need to get their finger out and get a rep who loves this resort for what it is and not paying more attention to the livelier places.  There are still some of us out there who like quiet resorts  They also need to have a more regular presence at the resort (you had to make appointments when we were there and sometimes she didn't even show)  We really didn't need her as we've been before but there were a lot of newcomers arriving who needed to know things.  There was no welcome meeting like in the days of Direct Greece.  You are basically dumped and left to fend for yourselves.  If you need any help or information you would be better asking Kostas who now runs the Marine Pool Bar (John and Joanna are no longer there).  He is lovely and very, very helpful.  In fact Thomas Cook should pay him a wage as he did more than the rep!  We were perhaps the guinea pigs as this is the first season in Vassilikos for them, so hopefully they have taken on board some of the comments that were made by us and others whilst we were there.  Hopefully all the teething problems will have been sorted out by the time you are there in July Matthew, but don't let them put you off.   It's a fantastic place and I hope you return time and time again as a lot of us do.  We will be back next year - ENJOY