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Benitses Hotels and Apartments A - Z Corfu Sun Apartments - Benitses Operator and Date: Kosmar - 2006 Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Lewis Family - Jarrow Tyne & Wear (65, 46,45, 9) Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: This is the second time we have been to this accomadation and didn't think it could have been improved from 3 years ago but were proved wrong. The owners have put in more facilities to make your holiday even more enjoyable. The apartments have free air conditioning, T.Vs and safe deposit boxes. Along with an Iron, hairdryer and complimentary toliteries it makes your stay very comfortable. We had a change of bed linen 3 times in the two weeks and a cahnge of towels every other day (which were nice thick full size bath towels - almost unknown in most place in Greece) Nasos who runs the accomadtion was extremely friendly and helpfully - going out of his way to tell us about local events taking place that might interest us. The apartments have a lovely swimming pool which is well maimtained and exceptional clean with very stylish sunloungers- we were fortunate to have this to ourselves most of the fornight as the otherguest favoured the beach whic is a 5 minute walk away. The accomadation is only a 5 minute walk to the beach and the village square of Benitses. The old part of Benitses its beautiful, with good places to eat. We favoured three tavernas; Alexs & Tonys, Mythos, and the village Grill all serving excellent food at reasonable prices. For a good iced coffee try the cafe verde(coffee comes with a plate of biscuits) or the retro bar. Both do good snacks and light lunches. There is an excellent gros bar at the bottom of the lane just before the square though you might have to dodge the cars whilst in the queue. Also the tasty corner have excellent chicken pittas. Corfu town is most to visit with its wide range of shops and old buildings. Benitses has worked hard to shake off its loud brash reputation and has returned to a lovely peacful greek village. Nasos the owner of the corfu sun has not renwed his contract with Kosmar and so these apartments will only be available through his website I would highly recommend them - we will certainly be going back --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel Costa Bleu - Benitses Operator and Date: fly drive 2005 sept Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : sam & heidi 27 & 29 Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: The costa bleu is a lovely hotel though the 'nightclub' and bar werent open once during our time there though the pool bar was open daily, the food they offered was basic but good but the hotel food is awful the wine was twenty euro's dearer than in the local supermarket! 23 euro's !! the chef wanders around looking proud but he should go and hide or actually stay and cook the food better really awful sack him!!Rooms are nice with just what you need, bed, aircon, shower and a fridge and a nice table outside,the views are amazing and theres a cute little marina in the town. the local restauraunts were nice and quite good value but the town is run down but still enjoyable just one rather dodgy nightclub like we get in towns here having said that visit the costeiro bar Nicos and Nicos made our holiday they are fabulous guys with little Spiros say hello from us and have a cocktail with them,a great not in your face holiday with sun sand and the odd bar and nothings that far away really lovely place.great holiday for a relaxing time with the odd night of fun! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel Costa Blu - Benitses Operator and Date: Last minute.com - September 2005 Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Maureen Farrow - Middlesbrough (59, 59) Resort Rating: Below Average Accommodation Rating: Average My/Our Holiday Review: This hotel is supposed to be 5 Star. We would rate it max 4 star. It only opened in 2004 and looks really good from the outside. On the plus side was the pool which was very clean and plenty of sunbeds. Also, the bedrooms. Although they were rather basic, the beds were adjustable which was fun and sheets and towels were changed daily. The food was not upto 5 star standard, more like 3 star. The chef kept hovering over the guests when they were eating which at times was quite annoying. The hotel beach was also the public beach and most of the sun loungers were locked up. Benitses itself was very disappointing, very run down on the way out of town but Old benitses is lovely, just behind the main road. We had a few gin and tonics in The Happy Dog, which was run by Kery and her husband who were very friendly. There is also a fantastic pizza place next door to the police station. We took a boat trip to Paxos which was fabulous which is where we would stay if we ever went back to this area --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elli Marina - Benitses Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar May 2005 Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Duncan Scott (44) Evelyn Begley (42) Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: Went to Corfu for the first time in 2004, it was in Benitses but 20 minute walk to the town. It was nice enough. We went back in May of 2005 to Elli Marina apartments as we got a really good deal for 2 weeks. We were not disappointed with our holiday. The accommodation was fine however the pool area and Ade and Lynn made the holiday. We went to the pool every day and although it was quiet we could not have been welcomed more. The pool bar was great, Lynn does the cooking and the food was great, we had snacks during the day and they were excellent. At that time of year they invite you for family get togethers which is great. We really enjoyed our stay at the Elli Marina and the host and hostess were great, both from Liverpool and so friendly. Would love to go back for a week or so but the prices for this year have been quite expensive. Corfu is very green and has lots of lovely places to visit, going to Sidari on the 19th May, never been there before but hope it is okay. Benitses is a nice place but very quiet, depends what you are looking for? It has a strech of restraunts, about 7 in a row, the food is good and obviously they are competitive. There are also a few tavernas up the side streets. Nice for a week, two weeks, not sure, depends what you are looking for. I would not reccommed for kids as there does not appear to be anything for them. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elli Marina - Benitses Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - Aug 2004 Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Karen byliss == Derby Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: Firstly Kosmar .. we have been using Kosmar's brochure for a number of years and so far have with the exception of one had some good apartments... However Elli marina was not my first choice. We had actually booked to to go a 2 bedroomed apartment in the same resort which had been changed in May by Kosmar (we were traveling in August). On confirmation from the holiday firm that they wopuld be putting my family in 2 studios I was very concerned as my children were then 13 years old and 10 years old so with a long chat with the holday firm and confirmation that both rooms had adjoining doors we accepted the change. I must say I was stll aprehensive upon arrival but my concerns soon dissapeared. The apartments although studios were very large and both had their own balcony which was great as the girls liked to use theirs and we could sit on ours without having all the parafinalia that go with kids. The only down side was that the view was not great (side street and other apartments). The cleanliness of the apartments could not be faulted and upon arival the owners of the complex greeted us and personally showed us to our rooms where upon they showed us round and offered the ironing board to me which I declined. Ade & Lin who run the pool bar a greta fun. Lin for a fee woul paint your nails. We always had lundh at the pool bar and though it was possibly a little more expensive than a taverna the food was good and he always brought out someting new to try. Also there was a fig tree that you could pick and eat the fruit from excellent. The resort itself was a little on the quiet side however the year we went Greece was holding the olympics. We had our usual wander round to get the lie of the land and found the resort very clean and respectful. There was a cocktail bar on the beach that my children really enjoyed you could sit looking out to sea sipping your gin fiz and the girls could have a paddle in the sea. We tended to eat at Spiros Taverna at night which was excellent, I even got my children to eat fish there. The mood was relaxed and jovial all at the same time and nothing was too much bother, all the waiters were called Spiro and the owner was a real laugh. Spiro and his daughter Aspa also came to the Elli Marina pool. The girls loved he;ping Aspa to push her dad into the pool. Our meals tended to last a long time there but the girls never minded as the pool bar closed at 9pm, so we used to have a drink with Lin & Ade and then go for dinner, sometimes we would bump into them at the restaurant. So all in all we had areally great time, visiting nearby Corfu town for shopping and traveling round the island a bit to see some sights. The girls enjoyed it that much that we will probably go back another next year. I just hope Spiro survived the lack of holiday makers that year --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elli Marina - Benitses Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar july 2004 Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : niki 24 david 3 vinnie 6 months Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: we went on this holiday july 2004.there was not much in the town but the views were magnificant the beach was very stoney no sand at all big disappointment for the kids! lots of very nice restaurants and a few very few shops. night life was very dull.hotel was very clean and looked after it had air conditioning and was right next to the beach and had a pool and bar which was run by an english couple who were very friendly and helpful and full of fun. i would thoroughly recommend staying at these apartments and eating at the pool bar as the atmosphere was welcoming. if your looking for a peacful holiday this is it. i spent most of my holiday at the pool which was thoroughly enjoyable i didnt need to go else where as the proprietors were so good to me and the children. cheers lyn & ade --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iberostar Kerkyra Golf - Benitses Operator and Date: First choice - June 2006 Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : 60 - 64 - 65 - 64 Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: This is the first time we have booked an "all inclusive" holiday so I was a little apprehensive, not really knowing what to expect. We could not fault the hotel. Rooms were spotless and maids worked very hard to keep it that way. All Staff were very friendly abnd helpful no matter what you asked them or wanted. Gardens lovely - location couldnt have been better - right on the beach and food was supurb - plenty of choice for everyone - We would definately go there again and would recommend it to anyone --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iberostar Regency Beach - Benitses Operator and Date: Med-hotels - June 2007 Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Alan and Marion - Peterborough Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: We made a late booking and were offered this hotel. I checked the reviews and found them to be very favourable. We were not disappointed. It took about 30 minutes to get to the hotel from the airport and it is a pleasant journey. Upon arrival, we were instantly so pleased with the hotel and such a friendly welcome. We were told our room number and that we were at the rear of the hotel. The view is so beautiful from the front that we asked if there was any chance of changing our room to the front. The receptionist was very helpful and we were able to at a cost of 10 euros a day - well worth it. The room was spotless, air conditioning excellent and the view was beautiful. We were on the 5th floor with a good sized balcony. We really cannot fault this hotel at all. Andreas welcomes everyone into the restaurant for breakfast - time is 7am to 10am - a wonderful choice of food and always very fresh. Lunch is by the beach 12.30 - 2.30, again excellent choice and so fresh. Pancakes are cooked with a choice of toppings at 4pm and evening meal is in the restaurant in the hotel from 7 - 9.30 pm - again a wonderful selection of foods. Snacks are available by the two pools all day until 6pm. The staff are so friendly, always smiling and look after you exceptionally well. The evening entertainment is by the beach. The Animation Team are very friendly and spend time chatting with you. They also appeared to look after the children very well and arranged games by the pools. All drinks are available until 12.00, of which you serve yourself unless you want cocktails or spirits. The waiters behind the bars are so friendly too. There isn't anywhere to really walk to safely at night so one night we caught a taxi to Messonghi with friends we had met and ate out. The taxi cost 10 euros. We hired a car one day which cost 30 euros and went and spent a day at a sandy beach - lovely. The beach at Regency Beach is large shingle. We would recommend this hotel to everyone as long as you don't want to be able to walk out or want loud music!! Hopefully, we will go back again. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iberostar Regency Beach - Benitses Operator and Date: Libra - Oct 2006 Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Dave & Dianne (55,45) Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: Following our holiday in Novenber 2005 in the Louis Iberostar Ledra Beach, Paphos, Cyprus, we booked the Iberostar Regency Beach, Ayios Ioannis near Benitses in Corfu for our autumn getaway. We were not disapointed. Louis Iberostar have hit the nail on the head again. I can only repeat the views of other guests who have put a review on this site. The welcome is wonderful, there was no way we were going to be allowed to carry our cases to our room ourselves, the room was clean and very spacious. We paid a few quid extra for a sea view which I would highly recommend. The fridge was replenished with water before we even finished the one before, towels whipped away and changed daily and the room cleaned by very friendly maids again daily. Andreas welcomed everyone to the restaurant in the evening and ALL the hotel staff were friendly and always served with a smile. The food, what can I say? how we came away without having to pay for 2 seats each on the plane I can't say. From breakfast with champagne fir the orange juice to the late evening snacks, everything was fresh and so varied the only problem was in what to choose. Yes, the beach is shingle, but personally we both prefer that to sand as the water stays so clear, and there really is nothing like swimming 5 metres off the beach with foot long fish in October. The bars are a great place to unwind with beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, spirits and cocktails to suit everyone. Round the soft drink machine at the beach bar the wasps are out in force but just ignore them they are interested in a free drink not stinging. BUT BEWARE THE MOSQUITOS I take odourless garlic capsules and only had a couple of bites but others had 50 or more. Take repellant and bite cream with you. The local chemist in Morataika was doing a good trade in cream at a very reasonable cost. After our experience at the Ledra Beach in Cyprus where the animation team were fantastic we were expecting a bit more from the animation team here though. I know it was late in the season (we left on the Friday night and the hotel was closing on the Tuesday) but most of the advertised activities didn't seem to take place and in the evening the team seemed more interested in sitting in a group talking and drinking. That is our only small gripe though. The location is a little out of the way about 2 to 3 Km each way between Benitse and Morataika, I would say hire a car for a couple of days. This can be done in the hotel lobby at a reasonable rate. Most of the island can be seen in 2 days and a visit to the capital is best done by bus which stops outside the hotel and only cost 3.6 euros into Corfu town and 2.6 euros back ??. The road is a bit dodgy to cross at times but there is a short very light tunnel from the hotel under the road straight to the beach and bar. There is no charge for sunbeds and parasols unlike some hotels we have stayed in and beach towels are supplied for a small returnable deposit. Can't really say more, would we recommend the Regency Beach ? Most definitely. In fact we intend to work our way round a few more of the Louis Iberostar hotels. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerkyra Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: August 2005 Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : James Moyce-Phillips (26,20) Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Poor My/Our Holiday Review: My partner and I have just returned from a week at the Kerkyra Studios, Benitses. The studios are in a good location away from the main road, however, the standard is very very poor and are not up to the brochure rating of 2 stars plus. The studios are in serious need of modernisation the washing facilites are very poor, for example we had half an inch of lime scale in the pan of the toilet and the shower sits vertually on top of toilet making for very cramped washing facilities. The residents I had contact with all complained about the standard of accomodation (which was described as modern in the Olymmpic brochure)it seemed this was a common theme running through all the studios and wasn't just that we were unlucky. The resort itself used to be the main drinking resort until it was moved to Kavos about 15 years ago the result is the main square is still fairly busy however the end of the strip Kerkyra's situated is quiet and littered with closed bars/discos. The beach is shingle and small (that is from the waters edge to the road being about 10 feet in places). We hired a car and drove to the lovely sandy beach at St Georgios and Paleocastritsa which are both lovely resorts. Paleocastritsa is the most photographed resort on Corfu, the views are breathtaking however, it's nestled on a hillside so the elderly or parents with children in prams. to sum up Benitses certainly has seen better days, If I were to return to Corfu I'd choose either of the 2 resorts mentioned above. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerkyra Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - August 2005 Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Ash copping - Suffolk (37,35) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Poor My/Our Holiday Review: The Studios are just that very very small STUDIOS! An amusing notice in the kitchen area said 'Do Not Move The Beds', where we were going to move them to I dont know it was so very small. The bathroom was so tiny that we could not shut the door as claustrophobia set in if we did. However they were reasonably clean, although we had to ask for clean towels ( also very small) and the sheets were not changed for the whole week, and so were a little grubby by the end. the pool aea was nice but you had to pay for sun loungers and drinks in the bar were expensive. All in all these studios are slightly run down and could do with a complete overhall. Benitses itself is very quiet and the beach was nice ( no sand). There are loads of good places to eat and drink at reasonable prices. The best english breakfast can be had in Cheers bar which is owned by Nico and Dimitrias, they are the best fried eggs to be had in Benitses, and you can be sure of a warm welcome whatever time of day or night you happen to stroll in. They also rent out rooms which are nice and airy with air conditioning and decent size bathrooms. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerkyra Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - June 2005 Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : South Wales (42,42) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Below Average My/Our Holiday Review: We have just come back from a lovely holiday in Benitses. The resort was quieter than we expected but if you are looking for a relaxing holiday with good restaurants and bars Benitses would be a good choice. We stayed at the Kerkyra Studios which were very, very basic. The rooms were in need of a good overhaul. They were clean but little things let them down e.g. there were not enough dishes and cutlery for self catering for 2 persons and what were there were unusable, bathroom door would not shut etc. The pool area was excellent with plenty of sunbeds (payable locally) which was stated in the brochure. But unfortunately the pool bar was very expensive and not many people were using it for this reason. Also you need to take bath towels as they only supply hand towels. There were some very good restaurants nearby, one was owned by a Dutch couple called Paxinos and this was excellent, especially if you like Greek food, and the service was excellent. Another good one was Zorbas which again was very good. An excellent bar to go to which was extremely friendly was Cheers Bar owned by Nico And Dimitrias - you have to try their 'Holy Water' but have someone to carry you home. We would recommend Benitses for a quiet, relaxing holiday but would look for better accomodation. Kerkyra Studios are not the 3 star rating they give in the brochure. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerkyra Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic holidays - 2005 Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : 42,41,14,12 Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Below Average My/Our Holiday Review: Benitzes is pleasant enough, plenty of bars and tavernas. The Big Bite offers large portions at bargain prices. Cheers offers a bit of England(!) The beaches are ok but quite stoney and susceptible to plenty of seaweed. Kerkyra Studios is the most basic place - the rooms are very small, basically equiped and only suitable for sleeping in, best to eat out. The only saving grace would be the pool area which seems quite new but great. drinks prices are extortionate. The rates for pool sunbeds varied each week from free drink accompanied or free for kids, depending on the owners mood. Very friendly maid who cleaned your room as many times as she felt like over your stay(!) Best advice - dont stay here but do try benitzes. Quiet but nice. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerkyra Studios / Annex-Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic-August 2004 Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Rebecca Tremlett (20,32) Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: We have just come back from a cheap last minute deal for 2 weeks to this resort. The accommodation was very basic but clean. Just be aware that when you book the holiday, they tell you that you are in the Kerkyra Studios which are nice air conditioned apartments. They tell everyone this but then put people in what is called the Annex. It is a totally seperate building owned by a different person and a 5 min walk from the pool so not really part of the studios. Lots of people were complaining and being moved. As the annex goes it was appropriate for 2*. You also have to pay to rent a fan! We went Self Catering but ate out every night which i think you would have to do because the kitchen equipment wasn't up to much!. The pool was lovely and newly opened, be aware you have to pay for sunbeds which again people complained about. The actual resort is a great place we had a fab time. Lots of nice bars and restaurants and easy to vist other places. Had a lovely holiday, would go back to Corfu but would perhaps try and find better accommodation!!. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Le Mirage - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - september 2004 Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Sheila(42) Denise (36) Rebecca and Callum (11) Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Average My/Our Holiday Review: Just had a week in Benitses in Corfu..Le Mirage accomodation. clean but in dire need of a face lift. Food basic but okay for 2 star. someone people spent the whole holiday complaining. We ate in every night of our weeks stay except for last night...Costas and wife worked extremely hard , put in long hours and we had no complaints. I found the food adequate . nice salad or garlic bread for starters, chicken or greek dish for main course. fruit for afters, or ice cream twice a week. He was wonderful with kids, made them whatever at night be it a tuna salad or cheeseburger and chips. Quite a lot of places closed down...not very busy at all. Had a good boat trip with Eros...Had some fab nights out. best bar Laceys. met some wonderful people especially Steve and Barbara from Leicester who was mad on Winnie the Poo.fab couple. Steve is a plumber for council and has us laughing at some of call outs he has made...also met Andy and Debbie .Carol and Bob and Greeta ? and Mark? who did quiz in Laceys with us one night. managed to win it on the next to the last night with Steve and Barbara. Happy birthday to Steve for November ?? 50 Years......... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Louis Regency Beach - Benitses Operator and Date: First Choise - 2005 Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Simon Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: This holte is worth going to we were there for 2 weeks and we thougt it was realy good.The manager:(Andreas)was every were if you needed him for anything he was there and he was always there for a chat the food was very nice and the waiters and waitrases were very freaindly there were 2 that stood out 1 would come over at ever evening meal and would ask use what we would like to drink and told use that he was there if we wanted anything and a waitres would come over evey morning and great use and ask use if we were all ok.In the day time there was a number of games that were played and if you wanted to join in you were very welcome.Up on the roof bar in the evening was great the entertainments team would try the best to entertain you,adults and kids i would give the entertinments team 10/10 for effort. im goin to stop there because i could go on all day but i would highly recomend going. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Louis Regency Beach - Benitses Operator and Date: August 2004 Med Hotels,Olympic Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Jon Robson- Newcastle (48,44,17,13) Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Average My/Our Holiday Review: Not a 4 star but possibly in greek eye's.Basic Accom does job but no where near as it looks in photo's.Hotel requires revamp but fine if get it cheap.Food was fine no illnesses, breakfast english style is a let down not hot so often had toast or croisants.Lunch decent along with evening meal.Reception staff very good multilingual,Waiter staff fine thought Maitre'd pain in the rear on ocaasions.The beach Taverna staff need a course in customer relations as they do not explain issue's (i.e. why no icecream will only say Later when they should explain the fridge cannot cope with the constant opening and closing)and tend to use one word. The sports facilities were good ,Tennis,squash,pedaloes etc.The Animation staff,(Entertainment Staff)were very good with kids and spoke several languages.They also did good shows for adults and kids alike in the evening.Very wary when read reviews elsewhere but the main issue was the accom not upto 4* std. Done it got the T shirt would I return possibly not. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel Marbella Corfu - Near Benites Operator and Date: On the Beach - 2007 Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : 10, 38, 48 Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: The marbella Hotel 5* was so beautiful. We travelled the whole of Corfu and did not see any thing to match it. Went to Sadari up the north what a horrible place and also kavos down the south which was even worse, it stank was ful of drunken english with row after row of english bars. that was the only bad stuff we saw, the rest of the island and people were truly humbling and real greek, stunning.... issos is a great beach with sand dunes. aqua land is dear but worse it, --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Montagnola (also called Montaniola) - Benitses Operator and Date: Orchid Travel - 2007 Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Below Average My/Our Holiday Review: Hotel Montagnola is sold as a 4* all inclusive. It is most definitely not up to 4* star standards. If you are prepared for this you can still have a good holiday, but beware. The bar closes at 10.00am and does not reopen until 12 noon. There is no shop to buy a drink in between these hours. The hotel is situated up a steep hill and the courtesy bus only runs once a day at 10.00am coming back at 1.30pm. Other than that you need to walk to Benitses. There is a good beach bar at the bottom of the hill with comfortable sunbeds. The hotel is totally unaware of what all inclusive means. You have to pay for anything outside of the very poor quality local drinks. The vodka tastes of aniseed. You will never get tipsy at this hotel. Best tip. Get the bus to Corfu town one evening for great shopping and restaurants. You Travel that advertise this as a four star should not be believed. Only go there if you are prepared to walk up hills, and many steps inside the hotel, there is no entertainment at all and the place shuts up shop at 10.00. It is not suitable for children, disabled or the elderly. Best thing about the hotel are the wonderful views over to the Greek mainland. Wish you were here? Probably not. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic may 2007 Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Shaun and Sharron Campbell - Newcastle 44 & 42 Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: We have just returned from the Roula studio's and pool. We have had a wonderfull relaxing holiday. Spiros and Anne were lovely hosts and couldn't have been more helpfull. The studios were fairly basic but very clean and they had a kettle. We were on the 3rd floor and had a shared terrace but it was still a nice place to sit and had lovely views. Anne and spiros work very hard to please their guests and nothing is to much trouble. We ate in the bar everyday at least once a day and it was all well cooked food at a reasonable price. If you wanted a steak spiros would bring all the meat out and let you see how fresh it was and you could choose which one you wanted. The saftey deposit boxes were extremely cheap at only 5 euros a week and air con was available but we didnt need it because it was may and we had a fan in the room. The pool and the surrounding area are beautiful. Spiros is very proud of his garden area and it was lovely lying beneath lemon and orange trees. He also has cucumber and tomato plants and many rose bushes. Benitses is very quaint and fairly quiet, we went with two other couples so we made our own entertainment but I think it might have been a bit too quiet if it had only been the two of us. All of the local people in the village are very friendly but I did have the misfortune of buying cigarettes from the guy in the kiosk opposite the supermarket. I was 60 euros down after my visit and although spiros went down and tried to get my money back the man refused. Apparently they do not belong to the village and only rent the kiosk. If you want to buy cigarettes order them from the lady in the supermarket. We spent most evenings in the Shamrock Bar they had karaoke and a pole we had a few good laughs pole dancing. Opposite the roula is a Chinese resaurent. The food is great and the chef is chinese. we made him come out of the kitchen to check. We also found Tony and Alex's restaurent very good. We were recomended the Big Bite but were quite disapointed, but it had been a holiday for 3 days when we arrived so it might have just been that. All in all we have had a fantastic holiday and would not hesitate to go back to the roula Olympic were not of any particular help the rep was fairly disinterested at any thing you asked or told her. The bus was late both ways and we had dreadfull delays on our return flights but this was because of the weather. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - October 2006 Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Keith Laverack - Wilberfoss York (65,65) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: Beryl(my wife) and I visited our good friends Spiros and Ann again as we did in 2004. We were again accommodated in Room 15 which is on the top floor facing the sea. Spiros and Ann have raised the standard of "Basic Greek" by including in the accommodation beside normal facilities - Fan - Kettle and Shower Curtain. The standard is as excellent as ever and their hospitality second to none. Further improvements are planned during the closed season and I am looking forward to to viewing these on our DEFINITE next visit. If Spiros offers his "Sneaky Trip" in the car then accept. Thanks to Ann and Spiros, June, Karen, Chris and Barbara, John & Jenny and John & Janet for making our holiday so enjoyable. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic september 2006 Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : kevin Doughty 33 & 41 Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: i visited roula studios some 10 years ago, so knew roughly what to expect.the location is brilliant, set in the old village of Benitses, far enough off the main street for peace and quiet, but near enough to all the bars & tavernas . Spiros & Ann have turned Roula into a fantastic place to stay,the pool is Spiros's pride and joy & is spotless !! The rooms, although still basic , are clean & comfortable,with all the things you need.the Argo taverna,where Ann cooks the food is probably the best place to eat in Benitses, with very fresh & well cooked food,one day Ann picked a cucumber in the garden just for our sandwich !! Spiros & Ann really do everything to make you welcome & help to make it a very memorable holiday. we will definatley be back soon. Benitses has quietened down a lot since i last went, but what is left,is a very friendly,relaxed resort, with quality bars & restuarants and ideal for exploring the beautiful island of Corfu, get a car and go to issos beach, of if you want an all over tan, seek out myrtiotissa, about 45 mins drive from Benitses. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic holidays september 2006 Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : joanne &martin braimbridge-hull Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: have just returned from a lovely 2 weeks at the roula studios in benitses. the studios are in an excellent location just 250 metres from the beach, but qiuet enough to get a good nights sleep. rooms are basic but immaculately clean, linen changed twice per week and towels 3 times per week. there is a fridge ,kettle and mini oven with combined grill which is handy for breakfast. most rooms facing the pool have a sea view, we were in room 12 which overlooks the mountains and was very peaceful. food is cooked by anne and was very good. spiros the owner and his wife anne cant do enough for you they are lovely people. the pool is nice but at the time we were there a family of cats had taken up residence and the smell of them was pretty unpleasant at times , i must add that spiros did do everything to try and deter these cats but some guests would feed them and they kept coming back. the beach is ok we payed 6 euro for2 beds & a parasol, snorkelling is excellent because the sea is so clear.go to mouse island on the bus 1 euro each and watch the planes ,you are about 200 metres from the end of the run way and then go up the steps to the royal hotel cafe and watch from there its well worth the visit. corfu town on the bus is1 euro blue number 6 bus run every 1and a quarter hours.we hired a moped and visited right down the east coast but do be careful there are lots of bumps in the road moped 15 euros a day. eating out was good plenty of resturants try the chinese near roulas for both greek and chinese half a carafe of local wine 2.80 euro !! we ate here 3 times the food was so good.paxinos spiros taverna and the pizza cafe are all excellent ,try the tasty corner for a snack or a gyros. not a resort for kids not a lot happening for them but a nice resort for couples looking for a relaxing holiday .mosquitoes are a nightmare make sure you take plug ins and repellents. would i stay at the roula again absolutely, if i return to benitses i wouldnt stay anywhere else. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios and Argo Taverna - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic Holidays - 7th - 14th August 2006 Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Craig Brown & Sarah Brown (27 & 29) Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: Upon arrival in Corfu airport we really did not know what to expect and after our LAUGHABLE journey transfer by taxi we were very concerned. But upon arrival in Benitses we were met on the main road by a gent who we later found out was Spiros(The owner of the Roula Studios) He had a few words with our taxi driver, next thing we know we are being drivin up a narrow street with Spiros running in front of the taxi showing him where to go. We pulled up right next to the studio's entrance, where Spiros took our cases and showed us directly to our rooms. From that moment on our holiday became not laughable any more but the BEST HOLIDAY ever !!! The quality of the rooms were fantastic, the cleanliness of the rooms were spotless - top marks to the maid who comes daily around 1pmish to clean the room. The pool area (where we spent most of our day) was fantastic, Spiros and Ann(Husband & wife) they take great pride in their premises and it shows. The first meal we had in Roula Studios (Argo Taverna)was our lunch which was a club sandwich, it tasted fantastic especially the big tomatoes!! because the quality of the food and the presentation was so good we decided to eat in every night and thoroughly enjoyed every meal that we had,(tradional greek food & english food) the food is cooked fresh to order. Ann's cooking is FIVE STAR!!! quality of food was excellent, taste of food was excellent, presentation was excellent and the waiter service was excellent, we also enjoyed the impromptu performance by Spiros of the traditional style dancing which he taught guests! we can recommend if you can choose your rooms to go for the ones on the top or middle floors as they have the best views of main land greece, and especially if there is a Thunder storm!! the views are out of this world! If you visit the beach in Benitses, make sure you wear a proper pair of sandles to go in the water as there are sea urchins, The beach is a shingle beach with very little sand, it is not very wide only 10 meters wide from the road side but still lovely to visit. on the main street the Tavernas sell Crepes which are to die for! watch out though if you order drinks as the ice cubes are machine made with normal tap water, where as at the Roula studios Ann & Spiros use bottled water to make theirs. The holiday was complete when we met 6 Doughnuts from London, You know who you are YOU DOUGHNUT!!! and of course not forgetting Rob & Robyn (Robyn aka Nikki) who where a fantastic crowd of people. we would highly recommend people to go there!! we are looking forward to go back to the studios sometime in the future!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - JUL 2006 Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Georgie Brritten- welling,kent Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: This was our second time visiting this beautiful resort but we had tried a different hotel. When we arrived at the roula we was a little disappointed due to the view of an ally way, but apart from that it was as good as expected for a 2 star. spiros and ann do everything they can to make sure that you have a enjoyable stay. Being this was our second time in benitses we thought we'd show our faces to the locals that we met and believe me they dont forget you. We went to LACEYS bar which is brilliant for all ages they accomadate for everyone from quiz night to drinking games and laura and rich are lovely people who are easy to get along with.they do karaoke and dress you up which is a laugh competitions and you can watch the football on a english telly. we even got to watch eastenders and corrie so that cant be bad can it.For a good food everyone has to visit big bite as there food is brilliant and the staff is brilliant. We enjoy it so much that we are going back in october and for many years to come. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Oct 2005 Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : IR and JR (50's) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: Your other contributors have fairly summed up these apartments. They are basic , the beds are hard, the cooking facilities consist of a combination oven and 2 hotplates, with fridge and sink. We were there just as the season was ending- and did places close quickly from the 14th Oct on - when we left on the 22nd Oct there was only 2 eateries left - our favourite Paxinos cooked the most wonderful mixed kebabs I have ever tasted, and thankfully stays open all year! Sarah, our rep was wonderful, and a credit to Olympic holidays - she even saw us on our coach in the early hours of departure morning. Anne and Spiros run the apartments, and have bought the bar and pool adjacent (Argo) of course it available to all Roula guests. The pool area is always immaculate, but the pool is not heated, and was seriously cold in October. Food is said to be good and reasonable priced Spiros claims to know just about everyone on the island, so ask if he can help. If you need your room beyond 12pm on departure day it will cost 25 euros extra, but with our pickup leaving at 0200 it was well worth it. A word of warning - there are some clever and nasty sharp toothed insects around the pool - we got seriously bitten on the first day, by what, we never saw, but the results needed anti histamine cream from the superb pharmacy in Benitses. These mosquitos or whatever are an absolute pain, and are to be taken very seriously on all the island, even in October. We did the Paxos/parga trip ( bus to Corfu - 1 euro, trip 25 euros each) a great long day out- but choose your weather ! We hired a car from Alpha car hire in the village- reasonable rates but be prepared to haggle if you want a car for a week - we had a new Corsa, for 25 euros a day,including all insurance and extras. Other firms were cheaper but some of the cars were over 2 years old and looking it ! A great fortnight overall, if it wasn't for Corfu Airport- what a shambles ! it is far too samll for the flight numbers involved, and queueing is horrendous even in October. Baggage is scanned BEFORE checkin leading to more delays, and the departure lounge is seriously hot.Not a place to be delayed too long. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic Holidays - August 2005 Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Lynda Jones (39,42,13,11,7) Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Opinion: A lot is going on in Benitses at the moment, they are in the process of building a new marina and also renovating a few places as well. None of that got in the way of having a wonderful first family holiday abroad. The Roulla studios were clean, the beds were comfortable. Towels and tea towels were provided along with a fan in each room. The shower and toilet were a bit dated, but there is talk of having the whole place re-wired and re-plumbed in the near future. The pool was cleaned every day and the children spent a lot of time in there. The cooking that Ann and Spiros served us from the pool side bar was excellent as well. A very friendly place to stop, there are some amazing walks into the mountains and plenty of excursions on offer. Bikes and cars to rent as well. Loads of Tavernas and gift shops, the locals do speak some English which helped us greatly. The beach there is not sand, it is more like a shale and gravel type beach, the water is so clear though, and mainly rocky under water.Everyone was very friendly and helpful. For 2* apartments they were really good and we will definitely be going back to Corfu, to the same resort and apartments. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Aug 2005 Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Stu n Andrea - Chorley (35,36) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: Palmed the kids off to the Grandparents, and booked a lazy week in corfu. Benitses is a smallish resort but had enough going on for us, could do will a little more night time entertainment. plenty of places to eat all ok nothing special, Connections internet cafe is good for cheap drinks 2 eros a big amstel n a free bowl of crisps. we stayed in the roula studios owned by Spiros and Anne (english lady)and we could not fault the hospitallity 5 stars. the accomadation is basic but clean and Spios and Anne have big plans and have started refurbishing the rooms from the top down, unfortunately we were on the ground floor. The pool area and bar area are spotless and they are allways being clean, the food was as good if not better than the rest of the resort I would recommend the Roula Studios to anyone, but try and get a top floor apartment. we had a wonderful holiday here --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - July 2005 Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Neil Forshaw - Manchester 39,37,15,13,7 Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: Roula Studios is in a good central location The best thing is that Ann & Spiros serve food at the pool bar and its the best food in the town, Spiros is a brilliant host and is fantasic with the kids he is also brilliant at sorting out any problems no request is a problem even supplying an extra fan if needed. We had a slight problen in the apartments with a family that was more suited to Kavos, Spiros dealt with them firmly and made them aware that if they caused anymore trouble they would be out. Well Done Spiros. The beach at Beitses isnt great but the stretch near the Marina we found best and the Guy who charges for the sunbeds was really nice and helpful. The restraunts on the front were all quite nice except for the way they put bread on the table that you havnt ordered but if you eat any they charge you 3 euros. The worst part of the Holiday was Corfu Airport you were expected to stand outside in 40 degree heat for 2 hours. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - May 2005 Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Felicity Morgan - West London (43, 41) Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: Benitses is about the most useful place you can stay on Corfu, because you can easily get all over the island from there on public transport. Corfu Town itself is only 25 minutes away by bus and from there you can get nice, comfortable coaches to most other major towns for very little money (we went to Paleokastritsa on the west coast and Kassiopi on the north coast for about 6 euros each, return).We also hired mountain bikes from Angelos Bikes in Benitses and cycled all over the southern part of the island (with some pushing of the bike up hills). The Roula Studios (or the Argo Studios as they will be called from next year) are wonderful. They're definitely at the pretty end of Benitses (the northern end) at the foot of the hill leading up to the old village. We stayed in room 7, which was basic but perfectly adequate, but the rooms are gradually being redecorated from the top floor down. The top floor apartment is stunning, with a wonderful view out over the bay. There's a lovely garden, full of flowers and lights, and a decent-sized swimming pool with a little bridge over it which has a table. The owners, Anne and Spiros, are incredibly friendly, helpful and hospitable - it was more like staying in someone's house than an apartment. Benitses itself was quite quiet when we were there (the second and third week in May). There was a reasonable amount of activity at the northern end where the village is, but the southern end was like a ghost town with lots of closed hotels and restaurants (apparently lots of things don't open until early June). We didn't mind this, as we like it to be quiet, and the village end felt like a real place. There was some construction work going on when we were there, building a marina, and it looks as if it will be really pretty when it's finished. Restaurants we tried in Benitses: Paxino's, in the street just behind the main square, is a proper local restaurant which stays open all year round and doesn't just cater for tourists. It has particularly wonderful bread. The Flower Garden, right next door to the Roula Studios, does both Chinese and Greek food. We only tried the Greek food as we can get Chinese at home, but it was wonderful. Zorba's Taverna, down at the southern end of the resort - it was one of the few things that was open! The location's not quite as good as some of the others as it's on the main road without a view of the sea, but the food is tremendous and cheaper than most of the seafront restaurants (I can particularly recommend the kleftiko and the octopus bourdeto). The owner is really friendly and will come and chat to you while you are eating. There's also another restaurant called Paxino's about halfway down the seafront, which was nice if a bit posher than the others. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - 2005 Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Margaret Seddon 58, Eileen Smith 61, Jean Kilbay 59, Ann 58 Resort Rating: Excellent Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: Despite the uphill struggle with the suitcases and then up 3 flight of stairs, it was well rewarded with a magnificent view over the pool - plus a seaview which we hadn't anticipated. Myself and friend had the apartment, which was great as it had 2 double bedrooms, large modern bathroom and shower, kitchen-lounge and large balcony area. This wasn't what we had expected. The studios location, tranquility being a wonderful feeling all throughout the week, food and pool/bar area were really great. Both Spiros and Ann were hardworking and nothing was too much trouble for them - even though it was near the end of the busy season. The restaurants (Paxinos serves the best fish in the area - and must be good as it opens all year round and the locals dine there), could not be faulted for quality. Overall, 1st time to Corfu for us 4 ladies (and we were!) and would definitely go back to the Roula Studios - it has a charm of its own. Don't expect plush amenities, etc., because this is what makes it so comfortable and relaxing. BUT just 3 minutes walk and you're right in the heart of the village hustle and bustle - you can't go wrong. Hi to some great friends that we met, Polly & Jenny, Ian and Carol and so many, many more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic aug 2004 Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : brian and barbara stockton-on-tees 61 57 Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: the roula appartments are basic but this is the first year,and they are going to spend some money to improve the appartments. the pool area is second to none,the food is not only the best,but the best value.what can you say about spiros hes the life and sole,he will make your holiday,while ann is a loverly person if i have a moan it has to be the beach,i would not recomend it for children.and the mosquitoes are in abundance --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic august 2004 Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : hugh mc donogh n. ireland Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Average My/Our Holiday Review: Stayed at the Rouala first two weeks August 2004. The apartments are run by Spiro and his wife Anne (English). Whilst the apartments are of a very basic standard the hospitality from Spiro and Anne is 5*, this is their first year running the accomadation, and it can only get better under their ownership. The pool area is excellent. Short walk to the beach, which is shingle. Small resort suited to familes and couples, don't come to Benitses loking for nightlife. Restaurants are good, can especialy recommend Spiros on the sea front between Old village and so called newtown. People with young children will be amazed at the tolerance of the local people who are totally child friendly. Tours organised by Olympic are a bit of a rip off, tours bought locally are quite a few Euros cheaper. Boat trips on Angelos boat both cheap and good value Angelo is a real character, who will make your trip and serves good food and drink free on the trips. Apart from the mosquitoes a very pleasent hoilday. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roula Studios - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic may 2004 Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Neil Hibbert-Manchester (44,49,14,9) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: Benitses is very quiet at this time of year,many bars were still in the process of being done up ready for the main season.The Roula Studios were clean,tidy,the kitchen area a bit basic,very little work top,but there was plenty of hot water.The balcony was nice (no plastic chairs,proper padded ones).The pool area is very good,plenty of free sunbeds,the pool is hoovered daily and the bar area cleaned twice daily.Anne and Spiros very nice and friendly.Food and drink here good ,similarly priced to most restaurants in resort.Best bargain,meals at the Big Bite,ample portions and very cheap.For a more restaurant type of meal,the Village Grill,becareful when the owner asks you to try his homemade Raki,he keeps coming back with shot after shot.Very few kids when we were there but everyone in the Roula was very nice and we made some good friends who were great with our kids. HI to Tony,Sharon,Jack,Liz,Glyn,Carol,Roy,Margaret,Sam,Laya and everyone else,from Callam (the human mole of Benidorm). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rula Apartments - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Date Not Specified Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Jade Hibbert ,Manchester Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: Benitses itsef was nice enough, was a little quiet and their wasnt that much to do at night as most bars wern't open when we went in may. girls watch out for the cheesy Peter Andre lookalike that'll try and chat you up and jonny valentine from albania that works in one of the restraunts. The beach at Benitses is auwful theres hardly any sand and alot of rats. the best places to eat were at the village gril and the big bite. the conexions cafe was gr8 if you want to use the internet,phone or play billards the drinks are cheap too litre bottles of Amstel for about 2 euros. hi to tony,sharon,sam,leha,jack,liz,roy,margret and everyone else we met in benitses. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel San Stefano - Benitses Operator and Date: Med Hotels August 2005 Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Martin Keeves - Solihull (37, 39, 12, 9) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: We went all-inclusive at the San Stefano, and overall found it very good value for money. There is a good choice at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At lunch you can help yourself to drinks whereas at dinner it is brought to you by a waiter. All meals are self service. The children ate very well and there was always something for everyone. The cooked breakfast is fine but not really designed for the British palate!! Now the down side. Wasps and birds - I must mention this - the dining room upstairs gets quite hot and they open the glass doors - thus inviting quite a few wasps into the room. My family found this unpleasant at times. Birds I can cope with, but the wasps liked to get into the serving dishes and - call me fussy - but this did not exactly whet my appetite. The range of all inclusive drinks might not be what you would get on a Spanish holiday, but beer and wine was served in proper glasses (not tiny beakers) and getting served was no problem. Lager, wine, Ouzo, Corfu liquer and Brandy, plus coke fanta and sprite and bottled mineral water are always available. The in-between meal snacks on offer were very limited - basically a choice of plain cake or a sandwich, or icecream cones. The Animation team work very, very hard and make you feel included. They did all of the evening entertainme themsleves, aside from a once weekly Greek night.Some of you may find this a little limited (and amateurish), however the children enjoyed the nightly mini-disco and we had some good nights at the hotel overall. Please note that this hotel is dominated by Germans, with a good spread of Italians, French and Dutch. English guests were few and far between. However, the entertainment is (rapidly) translated and the general atompsphere is friendly. Being asked if I wanted to "fussball Spielen?" every day did become slightly wearing. The pool - I've seen this described as a salt water pool - be assured it does NOT taste of salt - it is very clean and spacious. A real highlight. But sun beds - plenty around but you would be lucky to get 2 together after 11aM!!!. The hotel rooms are kept very clean, but they have not been decorated for years. This did not bother us however. Our air-conditioning was great, but our friends next door could not get theirs to work. The hill - San Stefano looks over Benitses. Its a 7 minute walk down the hill to the beach and a 15 minute walk back. The free beach bus is frequent but stops about 5.30pm. The beach - San Stefano has its own little beach - it is pebble - and a beach bar and sun beds. You can use a pedalo, wind surf, or go on a canoe, but they are a bit particualr about the rules. You can have a go on one of these, for one hour, per day. 30 minutes on one, then 30 minutres on another, was not an option even if the beach was deserted of other guests!!. Benitses - We found the town very pleasant. The shopkeepers are friendly and prices are decent. I can particularly recommend Kerkya hire cars on the main street - very reasonbale prices and reliable staff. The town does lack entertainment. There's not much for the kids apart from the beach. We hired a jeep and had some fantastic days out. The water park is a must, as is a trip to Corfu town. The driving is fun but demanding, not only because of temperment of Greek drivers, but also because you are never more than 5 minutes away from a hair-pin bend!!! My children were gutted to leave and thought it one of the best holidays they have had. The hotel was a good base and we got our moneys worth, but (like anywhere) it does have its downsides. It really is worth exploring the island to see the best of Corfu. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel San Stefano - Benitses Operator and Date: Med hotels--August 2004 Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : kathryn milloy-scotland (46,45) Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: Fantastic location on hillside, with fabulous views over the bay. Hotel itself very spacious and very clean, however furnishings a little dated and tired looking , but very clean..could be doing with a little re furb--this hotel could be a 4 star if this was done...the rooms are large and sea view has amazing views..Large reception with friendly staff, Main bar leading out to a large terrace , evening entertainment limited .. One of the highlights must be the restaurant and the food quality..Main restaurant where breakfast & dinner is served very nice ..standard of food is excellent ..good choice...great quality...again fantastic views..Pool area fantastic , plenty of sunloungers , pool bar and Taverna restaurant where lunch is served...lunches were superb!! all in all this hotel has so much going for it with good staff ,great food.. plenty of space and areas to relax..large rooms with air con & balconies...and fantasitc views from every terrace...however it is a bit of a hike to the beach..courtesy bus runs every half hour during day, last pick up back to hotel 5.30pm..small beach with loungers and beach bar..pebbly beach.. the resort of Benitses is a 10 min walk from the bottom of the hill, nice resort with the usual bars and restaurants..taxis can be booked from reception and cost 6e..no problem getting one back later at night..if you want to get to the sandy beaches on the west side ..hire a car its a must to see soem great countryside and some fab beaches..a visit to corfu town is a must .. if you choose this hotel and get a good deal All inclusive grab it!! Families will love it animation team are great with the kids..18-25 with no kids may find it a bit isolated..Benitses resort is not full of night clubs..for the mobile more mature traveller with no kids ..hire a car and you will love having this hotel as a base...less mobile traveller .you will love the hotel and views but may feel a bit isolated.. overall great holiday............ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apartments Tsaki Sea View - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Sept 2006 Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Billy Hall Merseyside Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: I have just returned from a weeks stay at the Tsaki Seaview apartments and had a wonderful relaxing stay. The apartments are on a studio basis which are basic but adequate for two people, two single beds, small kitchen with fridge ,two ring cooker and kettle there is a shower toilet and wash basin, the complex is very quiet which is what myself and my partner wanted, little tip we had toast but used a metal coat hanger over the oven plate. The town of benitses is about a ten minute walk along a very busy road, there you will find plenty of bars and tavernas it also has a chinese restaurant which I can recommend. Laceys bar have various thing going on through the week ie, pub quizzes etc, also visit Cheers bar for a decent breakfast and we ate most at a restaurant called Big Bite right on the sea with the tide flowing in and out, you'll love it. Out of 10 I would give the Tsaki 9, it is basic but friendly and very laid back and yes I would visit it again. One more thing I would like to add, we flew with Monarch and the whole journey was excellent it made our holiday. Billy --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apartments Tsaki Sea View - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - September 2006 Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Amanda Miles - Sevenoaks (44, 40) Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Below Average My/Our Holiday Opinion: Benitsis is a previously lively village that has now died, this means that there are lots of empty night clubs and bars which aren't a pretty site. However, the Old Town is very attractive with lots of good Tavernas and an especially good Taverna that does freshly made Pizza in a real fire pizza oven, we ate here several times. The beaches are not all that good, they are pebble and close to the road, you can hire sun beds for the day, not sure of the cost as we didn't do this. Benitsis itself is on the main road that connects Corfu to Kavos so the road can get very busy. There are plenty of places to hire bicycles, mopeds and cars. We hired bicycles and went Messonghi(20 mins)which has many more bars and tavernas and the beach is much nicer. Issos beach is also well worth a visit, long sandy beach with clear, warm water. Overall it's not a place that we would go back to. Our accommodation at Tsaki Sea View II was extremely basic for self catering. In the kitchen there was only a frying pan to cook in and no sharp knife, we had to buy mugs and towels as we were only provided with small towels and very small cups. Rooms were cleaned every other day which was fine but the standard of cleanliness wasn't brilliant. There were no drawers to put our clothes in but there was a wardrobe. The shower room was old and basic but served a purpose and only 2 days out of the 2 weeks we stayed was there no hot water, other than that there seemed to be plenty! The pool was great but the sun goes behind the mountains at 5pm (as it does on the beach) putting an end to sunbathing. The pool bar and food is excellent, very reasonable prices and very friendly service. The view from the pool was amazing, Sea View is definitely correct, you could see as far as the mainland. I would definitely not recommend this accommodation to the faint hearted, unfit or those who don't wish to hire a vehicle of some sorts. The hike up from the village is to say the least dangerous and definitely not for young families. It takes about 15/20 mins which in itself is acceptable. However, the walk is along the busy main route that connects Corfu with Kavos and gets very busy with mad Greek drivers and tourist buses and there is NO footpath. A torch is a definite must. You can get a Taxi but it costs 6 euro each way which adds up during your stay. There are busses the last one at 10.30pm. If i'd have known this before I went I would have chosen somewhere else to go. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apartments Tsaki Sea View - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - August 2006 Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Rachel Cook - Hull (41, 35, 13, 11) Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: Tsaki Sea View is up a steep hill that seems to go on for ages. The staff are very friendly especially Paul & Charlie. The rooms are nice and clean and the views are great. Benitses is about a 20 minute walk a way from Tsaki down a very busy road so we used taxis or a bus that stopped at the bottom of the hill. There are some very nice resteraunts in Benitses that we enjoyed. The pool is very clean and the pool bar is great. Charlie serves the food(which is very nice especially the bacon sandwiches) and Paul runs the bar. There are alot of cats but they are very cute and they all have names which you will know by the time you leave. If you go to Tsaki you will have a great holiday! And say hello to Paul,Charlie and the cats from Rachel, Paddy, Megan & liam :-) :-) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apartments Tsaki Sea View - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Jul 2006 Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : T. Malia - Derbyshire (32, 31, 6) Resort Rating: Below Average Accommodation Rating: Average My/Our Holiday Review: I have just returned from Benitses and the Tsaki Sea View. Benitses has clearly seen better days. A once thriving resort is now reduced to a dozen restaurants and a couple of bars. I must recommend Big Bite if you are looking for excellent value for money as you can get three adult meals with a bucketload of Mythos beer for around £12.00. The "beach" at Benitses was like a gravelpit and we never went on the beach in the resort. Issos is twenty minutes drive away and has a fantastic beach, in fact the West has the best beaches, I know this because I did a lap of the Island. One of the Tsaki Sea View owners also runs Alpha car hire, use them, they are cheaper than your travel company and do not care about damage to the vehicle so you do not have to pay any hidden extras. They will also highlight the best beaches and places of interest. I advise not to drive into Corfu town (which is definitely worth visiting)as the traffic there is worse than London rush hour traffic and parking is even worse. Get the bus, 1 euro each from the bottom of the hill at the accomadation. The accomadation is about 20 mins walk from town if you are dragging a moaning toddler and cars come past like a Silverstone track day. Do not walk back it is too dangerous at night so add 6 euros per night taxi fair to your budget. The hill to Tsaki Sea View is hard going and may require the use of ropes and crampons for the steep ascent. Tsaki Sea View- if you have booked a studio then get used to living a sardine like existence. If you have yet to book get a 1/2 bedroom appartment, it is worth the investment much more space and rooms are cooler as a consequence (no air con). Rooms are basic but the big selling point is the pool area. Geordie Paul runs an excellent bar with Charlie providing adequate food. Limited menu but are you going to walk twenty minutes in to town for breakfast- I think not... Pool area is very clean despite the cats. Plenty of loungers and a really safe environment. We could actually take our eye off of our daughter and relax ourselves. In summary- Benitses has seen better days, Tsaki Sea View on a big hill, good value and safe but do not opt for a studio. A good option for families with children 6-15. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apartments Tsaki Sea View - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic july 2005 Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : liz watson- fife 44,43,9 Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Excellent My/Our Holiday Review: This was the second time we have been to Tsakiand would'nt go anywhere else in Corfu.First time we had a studio(basic,but suited it's purpose),this time we booked a two bedroom apt which gave us a bit more space. Ok, on arrival the walk seems a bit daunting, but once you reach the top the view is amazing,anyway after that you can walk down to town or catch bus at bottom of the hill and get a taxi back (5 euros). If you go make avisit to Cheers bar and the Big Bite restaurant.For car hire speak to Spiros at Alpha Car Rental or as he is one of the owners catch him on his daily visits to Tsaki. Both times we have been we have had a fantastic time. It's quiet and peaceful and you can lie in the sun all day.Harry our 9 year old loves Tsaki he prefers it to other holidays we have had which supplied Kids Clubs. He is desperate to go back as are we. It is a small complex so everbody gets on really well, we have met some fun people there. I don't think Paul will forget the month of July 05 in a hurry. We were all there to enjoy ourselves and we did. BBQ night was a big hit in which all the staff and their families joined in. Highlight of that night is a pool dip en masse,fully clothed I may add. Anyway could go on about Tsaki for ages, but for now a big HELLO to Paul,Julie,Spiro,Spiros,Magda and thanks for many great times. WE WILL BE BACK. Liz,Grant,Harry --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apartments Tsaki Sea View - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Paul Cole (37, 37, 16, 16, 12, 10, 2, 60, 60 Resort Rating: Good Accommodation Rating: Very Good My/Our Holiday Review: rrived at Corfu airport early afternoon, Corfu airport is tiny nad had to wait nearly an hour for luggage. Transfer was fine. The Tsaki Sea View Complex 1 is acutally up the mountain off the main road so the transfer coach can't get up (been better if they transferred on a mini bus). Even though you have to walk from the transfer bus, your luggage is transported by one the owners by car. The apartments themselves are basic but of a good standard, we had three apartments two one bed and one two bed, kitchens are basic a baby belling to cook on but after all you don't go on holiday to cook. The pool and pool bar are excellent. The bar is run by Paul the Geordie barman and Julie handles to snacks. Paul is excellent expecially with the kids nothing was too much trouble for him. Snacks are good value for money as are the drinks and you can't fault the pool. The owner of the apartment Sprios will arrange car hire for you, inexpensive and the car is delivered to you. Spiros is also very nice and speaks whenever he sees you. The resort itself Benitses is about a fifteen minute walk away after you negotiate heart attack hill! Paul will arrange a taxi for you if you can't be bothered to walk. Restaurants and shops are the same as anywhere else, good quality at reasonable prices. Don't shop at either No1 Supermarket or the Coop as they are quite expensive, there is a smaller local supermarket near the resaurants at the north end of the resort which is mush cheaper and friendlier. Beaches are shingle and were quite quiet when we were there (July - Aug) beds and parasols abour 6 Euro per set (two beds and a parasol). Sea is good nice and clean. If you get the chance visit Corfu town, we fell in love with the place. Old Perithia is worth a visit, as is Agni Bay in the North although quite difficult to get to. If you make it to Agni you have to eat at Taverna Agni, say hello to Nathan for me. Trip of a life time is the sea plane to Paxos 60 Euro return each and well worth it, the boat trip is three hours the sea plane (leaves from Gouvia) 20 mins. Paxos is fabulous. If you visit the Tsaki Sea View please say hello to Paul. All in all well worth a visit and these apartments as I have said may be basic but the location and hospitatlity make them worth while. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apartments Tsaki Sea View 2 - Benitses Operator and Date: Olympic - August 2007 Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Mike Ewart - N. Ireland (46) Resort Rating: Very Good Accommodation Rating: Good My/Our Holiday Review: Me, my wife and our 15yr old son stayed at these apartments and had a great time, due mainly to the atmos around the pool bar created and maintained by Paul and Charley, good bar food served 9am to 5pm. Great views across the sea to Greece from our balcony. This is an elevated site with an uphill walk of about 7-8 mins, approx 20 min walk from Benitses. Great tavernas North & South of the apartments with good food & drink, all reasonably priced. if you don't like walking, 7 euro taxi to Benitses and 12 euro to Moraitika. Trip to Albania for Helenistic ruins 75 min boat from Corfu town, 90 min bus to site, great lunch, well worth it. Only downside for us was the Studio which our travel agent said was good for 3, definately only for 2. Didn't matter much as we only slept & showered there. A great location to totally chill for a week or two. Would definately go again --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Venus Complex - Benitses Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Sept/Oct 2004 Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Gareth & Hilary Jacks (34, 50) Resort Rating: Average Accommodation Rating: Poor My/Our Holiday Review: BENITSES I wish I could start this review on a good note, but the truth is that Benitses has had it's day and needs MAJOR investment if it wants to remain a viable holiday option for British folk! Don't get me wrong, the people are absolutely wonderful. They are friendly, warm and genuine, and the shops, bars and resturaunts that did remain open were very good indeed. We saw loads of shops and bars etc that looked like they had closed up at the end of one season and nobody had ever returned to open them up again, and the ones that we're still trading seemed to disappear on a daily basis as the place got quieter. I just wish that the operators wouldn't insist on sending people to places where there is nothing to do, even the jetski and paragliders had packed up. Everytime we thought of going to a restuarant we had seen earlier in the week, we'd arrive only to find it had closed down. I know it's not the traders fault. They're not going to stay open if there is no custom, but if the season is going to finish as early as the end of september, the they shouldn't continue to send holiday makers there. MAKE SURE YOU STAY IN THE CENTRE, IT'S MUCH BUSIER! VENUS The venus appartments are on the far left of Benitses as you look at the resort with your back to the sea. Take moutain climbing equipment as you will need this to scale the steepest hill you've ever seen in all your life... well, that's how it felt after a few beers! And to make it just that little bit more difficult to tackle, right at the top on the corner, there is no lighting and some kind soul has spilt a line of concrete from his truck down the centre of the road. It's like a miniature mountain range! My wife and I almost came unstuck several times coming back from the village, but the worst we saw whilst there was Billy, who went over on the concrete and gave himself a right old shiner. TAKE A TORCH! The rooms were basic, even by greek standards, and the maid service was even worse. After a week, Hilary asked the cleaner for fresh bed linen and towels and she stared at her as if she had two heads, and what ever they used to clean the floor with made the whole appartment smell like a big toilet. Oh yes, then there was the foul smell which eminated from the drain in the middle of the shower room to boot! The first two days we were there it absolutely poured down and boy were we glad we were on the first floor! A couple that were on the ground floor told us that they were flooded out quite badly on the first day and as the next day was the reps day off, they were snookered! By the time they could get anything sorted it was too late as they were only there for a week. A poor show from the olympic team I thought. FOOD We ate out all day and everyday. Good food, good service and not too expensive either, apart from beer that is, but that's the euro for ya!. The best food we had was the chinese in the old village. It's owned by a greek guy who didn't know what chicken foo yung was, but never the less you couldn't be made more welcome and the chinese guy in the kitchen certainly knew how to shake his wok! Also very good was Tribal restaurant, Spiros, Big bite, Zorbas, Chicken Georges and (amongst many more) the Cheers bar. There were still dozens of restaurants to choose from while we were there although many had plans to close down today (10th) OTHER STUFF I have to say a special hello and thankyou to Nico, Mrs Boss, Dimitri and Marco from the cheers bar who made a potentially boring holiday a lot brighter. You have to try Nico's holy water... HOLY S**T!! Good food, beer and company, they were a hoot! Oh, and the best retsina we had out of all the other places too. Nico took myself and a lad from from Scotland up to his friends house to help them crush grapes for their families wine. How friendly is that!? It was really interesting too, especially the part when the wagon appeared with around 100 cases of grapes on board!! We learned a lot about the process and even got a bag of tasty grapes to bring back. Although the breakfast at cheers was on a par food wise, the one at big bite won hands down merely because of the view. Right on the beach, waves lapping, sun rise, full english... now I wish you could get that combination in Rochdale! We hired a quad for the fortnight from Angelo's bike hire for 140 euros, which I thought was a good price, but had to exchange it for a moped after the first day as it was very uncomfortable for two and I thought the steering was a little too keen. Novel idea, but not for road use me thinks. Didn't get any refund on the downgrade but working out at 100 quid for the two weeks, still a good price. We went all over on it and the bike earned it's keep as some of those hairpin bends up hill were just daft! SHOPPING There is a cracking little side street mid way between cheers and K2, erm I mean the hill! There's around a dozen shops up there where you can get allsorts quite cheaply. One shop sells towels from 1 euro upwards and everytime you buy something, this greek guy gives you a shot of ouzo... be cheaper to sit outside there all night buying tea towels!! But if you really want to shop then hop on the bus to Corfu town. 85 cents each and twenty mins later, you have it all. When you get off the bus keep walking in the same direction and look out for a little alley on your left at the other side of the lights. We thought it was just a couple of stalls, but when you go in it's like a tardis! Shops, snack bars, cafes, allsorts taking you right down to the sea. A proper little treasure trove. They're building a new marina in the centre of Benitses and I've heard a whisper that they're going to get rid of the horrible sharp shingle on the beaches and replace it with sand... Well, what beach there is anyway, so it might be interesting to go back in a couple of years to see if that's brought any new investment in. In hope it does because it has great potential. Again, thanks to all at Cheers, and hello to Billy and Claire (with the shiner) Alison and Ian ( who walked absolutely bleedin everywhere!) and Kev and Jane (soggy appartment, oh yes, Kev got bit by a fish too!) We did have a good time, but it was the people, rather than the place, who made it for us. Thanks guys :-)
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