Hi, can anyone let me know if the Kaloudis has hair dryers and kettles, less to pack, cant wait to return to arillas, third year in a row, wish it was more. We had to do a package this year it was the cheapest way.............Any info about The Kaloudis would be great
Karen
we was there in may great time we had there is no h/dryer`s yes there is a kettle wot can i say it will be how 3 time next september 2010 you will love it
As Keith says, kettle but no hairdryer - the weather's so warm it'll dry your hair pretty quick anyway...
You'll LOVE Kaloudis - have a super time!
oh yes, will have to echo janis' words there, we ended up in kaloudis allocation on arrival, what a wonderful place, they cant do enough for you, really clean and wonderful location, you will enjoy, jinksy
Equipment in the Kaloudis is very basic. We enjoyed two holidays there, but it is VERY basic. We have had two different apartments - a three bedroom and a two bedroom and the bathrooms are tiny with fiddly little showers which makes it difficult when you are trying to wash a young child. We don't cook on holiday so the lack of kitchen facilities didn't bother us, but to be honest, after reading all the wonderful reviews on here we expected something better.
The location is brilliant and the pool area is also great, but after holidaying somewhere else this year, it really brought home just how rudimentary the Kaloudis is.
W
What can i say, Holly describes it for you "NOT" Well the good bits she does....I can't praise the place enough. You must try .I LOVE IT.Number "9" YES "9" to kaloudis in oct.
10 in JUNE......................2010
We loved the Kaloudis also,but it is basic and the beds are very hard.Wish we could book so far ahead but no holiday list yet.see you next year John.
We stayed in one of the 2 bedroom apartments last year and I thought they were great. Lovely views over a beautiful garden. They had everything we needed and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
thanks guys for all your replies, glad you all enjoyed it, arriving 31st july, cant wait xxxxxxxxxx
The kaloudis is fab - we love it and go back year after year!!
The people who go there are lovely and Billy, Helen, Dimitri and Vassilli who run it are wonderful.
The apartments are spotless, and no more basic than anywhere else in Greece. The grounds are kept beautiful and the pool and pool bar is superb - the food at Splish Splash is gorgeous - especially in the evening, and Billy often runs entertainment or activities to make it even more fun.
You will not regret going - but you may get hooked and then you won't want to go anywhere else - like us!!
Have a fab time - we'll be back there in 3 weeks - can't wait!!
Jules xxx
It's great to have the "good" and "not so good" in any Appt/Hotel review, espcially when these reviews are well written. It's then down to future potential guests to take and analyse everything written to see if it's the place for them or ticks as many of their boxes as possible.
That's why the Forum is so popular.
Keep it up y'all and always say what you like and what could have been better.
Cheers
Negg
Been going to Kaloudis since 1998 and would not go anywhere else. Christo, Roula, Billy and Helen are now our Greek relations. Looking forward to returning in two weeks to meet everyone we now know there.
bob w
Kaloudis is still here. Many people have been enjoying it and telling us about it. Phil and Jen just haven't had time to get there yet. Two weeks is too b****y short!
Truth is people must make their own choices. We would stay in a tent on the beach, but what we do is try to share out our little bit of spending all around. Brouklis is as fabulous as all the reviews. Will be posting more when I "go abroad."
bob w we understand that completely. Some say to us "you're not tourists, you're family." Says it all really....
Phil
We stayed at the Kouloudis this July and were a little disappointed.
The rooms were kept lovely and clean. The Kitchen equipment is very basic (it took half an hour to do a piece of toast under the grill). The gardens are kept lovely and also the pool. We were right at the back and found that there is alot of noise from the bar, often till about 3am. This meant on some nights where we came back early, we had to shut the double glazed door so that we could sleep. This made it hot, so we had to pay out for air conditioning.
We didn't make regular use of the bar as we found it a little more expensive than others in the resort. It did feel as if the owner just wanted as much money out of us as possible and wasn't happy if you weren't spending with him, perhaps we were a little paranoid about this!!! On the whole we would consider going back to Arillas but not this studio/appartment.
Finally a really good taverna to go to for breakfast or evening meal and drinks is Helens, which is past the sea breeze out of the resort . It is the first taverna you come to on the right just past the Bardis Sun. It only opened this July by a local family but is really good fun and good value.
It's amazing how people can have so many different views, isn't it? We enjoyed Kaloudis the first time we went, were there again this year and have booked again for next! A holiday is what you make of it. We didn't go into the bar every night, but when we did - usually for a quiz or two - we thoroughly enjoyed it and Billy (the owner of the complex) has a great sense of humour. He can appear a little brusque to some people, but that's just his way. All the staff there are wonderfully friendly too.
We don't mind the kitchen equipment being basic because we only had breakfast there (fresh fruit and orange juice on the balcony) and we ate out the rest of the time. I suppose that some time we will have a try another place but, for now - all's well with Kaloudis.
Yammas all!
Kaloudis is special to many. It is the "like to be beside the seaside" bit. Nothing wrong with that. We were there last night enjoying ourselves thoroughly. Quieter places are available. Louder ones too. Just use the froum to find out. Someone here will know all about all of it.
BTW we don't have indemnity insurance so forget the lawyers....
Phil
We were there in June, and really enjoyed ourselves. As has been said, a holiday is what you make it. We had a studio and were happy with it. As for cooking, our toast making didn`t take half an hour.
Roula and Christos are lovely people. When we found out that my Grandfather was seriously ill, she was very concerned and sympathetic, genuinely concerned.
Billy and Billy the kid were also great. So, yes , we will return. In the end, you have to make up your own minds whter it is for you or not.
Enjoy, Paul D
Hello Folks
I have just returned from my first trip to Arillas and my first stay at the kaloudis.
I loved the resort, could not fault it, apart from it being a bit on the pricey side.
Sadly the group that i was with also had a few problems.
We were directly behind the bar. I think billy and his clan were living above us.
The first night we were there the music was very loud but it stopped about 1am. But every night after that apart from 1 night, the music thumped on till gone 2-230am. One night a lady who was staff was shouting at the top of her voice from the top balcony, could have been billys wife. She was shouting some guys name, all the dogs were barking untill this guy came up from the bar. I dont know what she said to him, but he turned the music down. We just all stood on our balconies laughing because it was so noisy.
If you like that sort of thing then fair enough, but most people dont like music thumping till the early hours. There were an elderly couple next to us and they said that the noise had ruined there holiday and they wanted to come home half way through there week, now thats no right. We also had a problem with billy over charging us for our air conditioning. He did it to both us couples and when we tried to explain, he was not having none of it
When we were getting onto the coach to go to the airport he came over and tried to explain but the damage had been done.
The kaloudis was a very clean and tidy place in a lovely village and if its your cup of tea then good luck to you, it just wasnt mine.
I'm sure that Kaloudis quite often looks at the Forum feedback it receives. Many other places do the same and many learn from it.
From all the postings I've read it seems that the main negative has been the music.
Just a neutral thought here, although late night noise is not my cup of T, it seems that many of guests are not bothered by it.
( Or are there some of the "many" who just put up with it )
So, to help guests like AndyM and indeed anyone who wants an un-disturbed night, then it should fall back to the Tour Operator to state in their Brochure ...
... " Late night music may bother some Guests"
Does the Tour Op state this? Should the description of the complex be updated.
Kaloudis, as many places, in Arillas value, and need ,your custom so when they see these reviews it will certainly gve them food for thought.
There is no doubt it has a very popular following and regular guests return every year.
It's a lovely well kept place in a good location. But....
... Me ? - Well, If Im ready for a sleep at 2 am then any interuptions are not welcome.
( We've got croaking frogs, and a barking dog and an early morning cockerall at Kavaddades - I'm sure they all wait for me to close my eyes and ... off they go! )
Cheers
Negg
Has Billy come back out of retirement?? when we popped into see Rula last year she told us that her brother in law had retired.
Billy can be a little grumpy but that's just Billy, I remember one time we had not been back to arillas for few yrs, we arrived late evening, Billy was so pleased to see us as if we were long lost family, he wanted to know where our little daughter was and laughed when he realised that she was not so little anymore and was not with us, when we asked about his son George who lives in America he went straight to the phone and said to ask him ourselves, can you believe he rang America for us to say hello to George.
Another time we saw him at the airport we were arriving and he had just seen his daughter back off to Liverpool, again he greeted us with such friendship and warmth and we weren't even staying with him that time.
I agree with Eggy, its maybe down to the tour operator to advise that the bar stays open until late where much music and merriment is enjoyed by both young and old, also lets not forget that when Billy opened all those many many years ago he built his business on what his guests wanted and those are the foundations on which he has continued.
Ang
andy I am so sorry it didn't work for you. Kaloudis is one style, and a very popular one. The Rainbow is as camp as a row of tents, but proper concrete accommodation and an amazing place to stay. Anna Studios are spotless, fun and suit many who return time and time again. Tria Adelphia is in the very quiet area but always full. I have only mentioned a few.
I have said it before - Arillas is anyones. If we are sure what you want we will advise you accordingly. I always answer my personal messages.
Too much noise is always an issue, even for a deaf old s*d like me. Eggy is right - it will be worked on and sorted. Just so sad it wasn't yours this time.
Phil
Hello Folks
Thanks for the replies to my post and i think it would be a great idea if the tour operators did mention about the music. I was not that bothered so much that it ruined my holiday i was more upset for that poor couple next door to us because they wanted to go home, which i think was very sad.
All of the staff that i met at the Kaloudis were very friendly. The lady in the supermarket was so nice i wanted to give her a cuddle.
I loved Arillas. I could not fault it. We ate out every night and we only had one meal that was a bit dodgy, but that was in another resort.
The portafino and kostas were our fav, food to die for.
I would go back to Arillas again and if i did i would stay at the Anna studios. We spent a few days up there around their pool and it was such a lovely place and the food was good.
I met Amanda (mango) and her family and they went on the same evening trip to Corfu town as we did. What a place that was. I did not want to leave. I loved all the little shops and lanes.
I think i may have seen you Phil. Did you have a bandage on your lower arm. I think it may have been you. Wish i had said hello now.
I can understand why so many of you are smitten with Arillas, it is a dream of a place and i will be going back again one day
Funnily enough, reading the posts I remembered that there were a couple of nights when I thought the music from the bar was a bit loud (Barry didn't notice - he was spark out!) However, it didn't disturb me enough to stop me sleeping... Isnt't it funny how you come back with good memories only, then it just needs a gentle nudge to bring back a memory that's not so good? Anyway, we're STILL looking forward to next year there....!!
We have just returned from our second stay at Kaloudis village. Billy and Roula both greeted us like long lost family when we arrived.
It's not the most quiet of places and the brochure really should make people aware there's a bar onsite which plays music until the early hours. We love Arillas and like the atmosphere at Kaloudis Village - it's nice to have a bar area to socialise and Billy's quizes are a great laugh! If I could change one thing though, it would be to have the music turned down earlier at night! Both times we've been, we have requested a high floor, so ended up in studios nearer to the coach pick up area/shop. (Roula's accomodation). While you can hear the music at night, it's not as loud - we slept with the door open and I normally can't sleep if there's "oomcha oomcha" music banging on! For those who aren't aware, but the accomodation is actually split into two - half owned and run by Billy (& Hellen), half by Roula & Christos (in the shop). Thomson have rooms in both and you can also book direct with Billy or Roula. Wh
Yes, the studios are basic, but that's Greece for you. We had bread/fruit for breakfast and ate out at night - usually at Kostas on the Beach, which was fabulous. If I wanted to cook meals I think I'd go for a villa. Apartments/studios in that sort of setting don't often have great cooking facilites.
Billy can be a bit abrupt sometimes but I got the impression that was when he'd done a long day (up and out at 9am for a boat trip and then still on the go at midnight). As for the prices, I wasn't really aware of them being far more than the bars but no end of times we were charged far less than the advertised price for drinks bills etc.
We are looking to go back next year, either through Thomson (again, requesting a high floor to get the accomodation further away from the bar!) or booking direct with Roula (her accomodation is near her house and quiet!).
Interestingly I think we were their at the same time as you, and yes there were the odd time the music was a little louder than normal.
Most times the music is confined to low volume only inside the bar area, normally its piped outside to the pool area, which if not switched off can be very noisy!
I do remember a great deal commotion on change over day (Friday). Billy, I think, deliberately met every coach searching for 'his' local Thompson rep and when he found her was gesticulating about something. At one point the poor girl tried to get back on the coach but to no avail. It was quite concerning to see as she was getting a little distressed, but clearly related to a problem, possibly yours which Billy had possibly recently learned about.
From our experience the whole family are focused on making your stay with them as good as they know how. For us this extended to a very warm welcome, and Roula treating us like visiting family!
I wonder if the over charging with the air con was if it's in an apartment with more than one unit it's 5euros per unit not a night.
Also does anyone know about cots. Do they have full size cots or are they travel cots. We're going with our grand daughter who'll be 2 and a few months.
Thanks
June
The aircon price is per bedroom - 5 euros for a studio, 10 I think for 2 bed and feither 12 or 15 for 3 bed. Again, as the accomodation is split you either pay Billy or Roula. I'm sure they wouldn't overcharge intentionally, it just doesn't fit with how they are.
hi every one,i dont often come on as im not used to this yet,we wer also at the back of the bar and we didint have a problem,maybe because we went in may and it wasent high season.we have reqested the same room as the garden was to die for.billy was fantastic as was all the bar staff.look forward to meeting janis next year
Hi Heather and welcome back to the forum! I still struggle finding my way around the forum - I tend to click on "show new replies to your posts" and then "show unread posts since last visit".... I'm sure I must miss some though!
I've emailed Billy asking for rooms in the same place again (for both us and Joan and John) so will definitely see you....
Are you on Facebook? There is a Heather Berriman on there from Manchester, but you can't always tell what people actually look like from their profile pics
Janis x
hi janis,we tried to email billy but i think we took his email address down wrong,im finding my way around bit by bit as im not good with computers lol.we cant wait to go back to arillas we had a fantastic time and enjoyed trying all the local food an drink ,maybe to much lol.i am on facebook but under leeds.love comming on here and reading all your posts.see you in may
Hi Forum Folk
Stayed at the Kaloudis Village in May 2008 and had a great time and will be back there in September this year. Do agree that Billy's sound system can be a bit intrusive sometimes (especially on quiz night) if you've decided to turn in. We tend to go early to bed so prefer quiet nights, but realize that's not to everyone's taste. Even when we stayed at the Horizon the late night music was a bit intrusive some nights.
Recommend that light sleepers buy earplugs - my dear wife uses them to keep out the sound of my snoring - and they help with disco sounds too.
Hi all, just come back from a week at the Kaloudis and could not fault anything.
The staff were friendly, the gardens which we looked out onto were very pretty, the pool divine, food was good, prices only average to the rest of Arillas, our room was lovely and clean, kitchen facilities adequate for what we needed, (even managed to make toast without setting off the fire alarm - a first for me!!) and above all, we didn't find it noisy, even though we were behind the bar.
I would recommend Kaloudis to anyone.
lynn xx
I've stayed at Kaloudis village several times, the last time this September. I have to admit I love the loud music, even into the small hours choosing to sleep when the music stops.It's a lovely happy sound I didn't always sit in the bar till lat but often sat on the balcony enjoying the music. But I suppose everyone's different. For those who want total piece and quiet on a night I would recommend, all be it a bit lonely, Bardis Sun Hotel.
Happy Hols
Mary :)
Do know what Mary, your spot on there with the music"It's a lovely happy sound"
We have sat many a late evening hour sat on the balcony at Kaloudis over the years, sounds of the sea to the front,music and laughter to the back, reminds me of that song "stuck in the middle with you"
Ang
Sorry to be here again. Jen and me did Kaloudis last week of October 2008. It was a riot. We had a wonderful time full of fun and laughter. Not all day, not all night - we do that in the Nut with our Erja....
Ang has it - you can be in the middle of it or sat on the balcony watching it. Both are good for what you want to do. Like our Lynn said,
QuoteThe staff were friendly, the gardens which we looked out onto were very pretty, the pool divine, food was good, prices only average to the rest of Arillas, our room was lovely and clean, kitchen facilities adequate for what we needed, (even managed to make toast without setting off the fire alarm - a first for me!!) and above all, we didn't find it noisy, even though we were behind the bar.
I would recommend Kaloudis to anyone.
Our Dave and Anne stay at Tria to be away from all that and keep going back. Others choose Anna - a fabulous place up the hill. It is all here. You just need to listen to us lot on the forum
Phil
Thanks Ang listening to music especially when we stayed at Kaloudis did make me feel so happy and alive, because it's not people fighting its lovely
:)
Yes, I must admit, Mary and Ang, we enjoyed the music too, but on our one early night, we didn't find the music intrusive either, so that was the best of both worlds.
lynn xx
Hi Forum Folk
Julia and I stayed in Room 37 over the library/safe box office in September and I don't remember hearing the music at all - although both of us are early birds.
However last year (in May) the music was a bit intrusive - we were in room 21, so perhaps it depends on exactly which apartment you have.
Must say the view from room 37 was stupendous. Looking left from the balcony we could see Gravia Island, and looking ahead was the headland between Arillas and San Stefanos. I gather that the rooms over the shop and office are set aside for people arriving on Mondays.
As we were so pleased with our room this year we've fixed another Monday arrival for next September.
I note that Thomson are doing the Mathraki and Irene Studios next year and have put an advertisement on this thread to say so.
Hope this means Arillas is gaining in popularity and will keep businesses thriving to the benefit of us all.
Best wishes forum fans
PJ
We stayed in room 37 the other week PJ. I agree the views are brill..i logged you off on the computer at the bar btw.
riggers..
Hi, all. Room 37 is where we stayed back in June. Agree with everything that`s been said. Quiet with great views. Mustn`t let too many know it`s only available on Mondays cos everyone will want to use it!!!
Yammas Paul D
Hi
Many thanks for that Riggers. Yes I did forget to log off so glad you did it for me. I was very pleased there were internet facilities at a reasonable price at the Kaloudis.
So thats us, Riggers, & Paul D all stayed in room 37. Perhaps we need a sub-group called 'Room 37'!
Best wishes
PJ
101??
lol
Phil
Believe it or believe it not Phil but 101 is my room number at work. Because I'm the Building Manager I end up with all the crap as well. :))
HI Janis and everyone!
Our first time to Arillas in July at Kaloudis! Thanks for all the posts before we went. Had fab 2 weeks. met lots of forum members and Annie was there at same time!
We made some lovely friends. Staff at Kaloudis couldnt have been more friendly, we loved the studio at the front with lovely views and beds werent too hard for us although i had taken a soft matress cover.
BUT the music! oh dear , it was not so much the music at night, that did go on too long even when no one in bar! We had a few nights in the bar and would have gone in more if the music was quieter. That was not my prob it was the loud music by the pool that drove me to leave their pool area in the day time, no where else had it so loud ALL DAY. I did ask for it to be turned down but they seemed to think every loved it. Perhaps they did! but no one i spoke to! I think Roula was quite embarassed about it but Billy made the decisions about that area.
If it wasnt for daytime music I would stay there again. One late afternoon for some reason there was no loud music (only time i noticed) and it was so relaxing in the quiet!! Paradise!! The pool area is the best I saw in Arillas. What a shame. It seemed to me that the complex was run very differently by Billy and Roula. Roula was FANTASTIC nothing too much trouble, gardens lovely.
Next time will stay somewhere quieter. Location second to none.
LOVED THE RESORT
tHANKS ALL
JO - JO
Thanks for your report Jo-Jo. I don't identify with loud music in the afternoons though. Our visits are usually quiet respites from the hot sun on the beach, a cold Mythos and a quiet natter with anyone who wants to chat. Kaloudis is the favourite accommodation for many we know, but it doesn't suit everyone. Arillas offers you both extremes of quiet and loud and everything in between.
If you are serious about peace and quiet, there are many choices like Tria Adelphia, Elena Stella, Galini, and many others in that part of the village. Further in you have the Rainbow complex, Brouklis and others. Or right in the middle you have Akti, Marina, Horizon... Then you have Bardis Sun right near the south end of the beach but in a quieter area. And up the hill you find Mathraki (I think you would love that one) and the very popular and immaculate Anna Studios. I can't do justice to them all here.
So glad you saw the finer points of a holiday in Arillas. Us Arilliacs ain't daft - we have found what we want and keep coming back for more.
Phil
Hi Jo-Jo - glad you enjoyed Arillas (no contest there!) and also Kaloudis
I didn't really notice much about music during the day there because
a) we were out exploring, or
b) we were totally zonked out in the apartment, sleeping before our night out!
We did the pool a few times and I must admit I prefer it a little less noisy, but, hey.. it didn't detract from the holiday
But - as for Arillas itself - WELCOME TO OUR PARADISE! Lookd forward to hearing your reports next time!
Janis x
Hey all. we stayed at the kaloudis july/august 2009, loved everything about it, no contest, came home and booked again for 2010....we love arillas...
Kaloudis is one dimension of Arillas, and a very good one too. But this place can meet nearly everyone's needs. From quiet to party, from naturist to textile, from vegetaran to carnivore. I am obviously biased, but many have fallen under the spell.
Phil
Quote from: justphil on December 27, 2009, 07:52:05 PM
but many have fallen under the spell.
Phil
Not me Phil honest :) :D
I have also never noticed really loud music in the daytime, I loved it at the Kaloudis.
riggers mate, it's a wonder you haven't fallen under a lorry, yet alone a spell!
happy new year mate
Phil
Hi Janis
Good to hear from you. Lucky you back to Corfu in May! Hope everyone has had a good christmas. Great to read the posts. I often think about the lovely holiday in Arillas and cant wait to go back. I think I am sensitive to noise and thats why i mentioned the music by the pool at Kaloudis. It was not that it was too loud, I think it was that it was on most of the time and I just wanted peace.! It really is picking bones as everything else was excellent. I hope I havent put people off! It would be a shame as it is so well run but it was just how I found it. I really couldnt see the point to music all day and all evening!
We are hoping to go back in June and I think we will go independant and hire a car and find a room when there. There seemed spare capacity everywhere this year. Somewhere with a sunset view!!
Great to hear from Annie, will send you pm.
Happy New Year everyone
jo-jo
Hi All
Some days I loved the music by the pool at Kaloudis - probably when it was mostly 1960s stuff - other days it seemed a bit of a racket! Probably when they were playing more up to date things. Apparently they have no control (apart from the off switch) over what is played as it all comes down the line from a computer somewhere.
If I went independent and wanted good sunsets Jo-Jo I'd go back to the Horizon. They have great views there of the sunsets and its right on the beach. They play music too however and sometimes quite late at night. They have a reasonable pool although not as big as the Splish Splash at the Kaloudis.
Best wishes for 2010
Pat
Hi everyone,
Thanks Pat, I think you identified my plight about the music by the pool at Kaloudis. a real shame in my opinion to be on all day.
Think we have decided to come back in July and do flights only and book a car through our Arillas hire man (forgotten his name sorry, place up main road near phone boxes!). We liked the studios up in the village above Arillas, the road past Helens taverna up the hill a couple of miles. We walked up there past white and black bakery etc. The taverna owner there or who was on that day (no english!) showed up round at our request and they looked lovely. Have a card somewhere and will look them up nearer, but will have to check if they play music after midnight!!
Otherwise I think Horizon might be lovely or bardis sun.
Thanks all HAPPY NEW YEAR
JO - JO X
Music or no music, can't wait to get back there :) ..
I think you must be talking about Theo at Arillas rent a car.
You could also try the Portifino or Marina both on the sea front if you want to go independant.
Barry
Hi Jo-Jo,
If it's quiet you want, I would recommend The Bardis Sun Hotel. Well equipped, large rooms with fridge, kettle, air-con,sat T.V. huge pool and a superb breakfast served in the pool room as part of the very reasonable cost. Music is played in the pool room/bar between 0800-1800hrs, but it is not loud and cannot be heard on the sun terraces.
At night, you can appreciate the sound of the sea, with the night life, owls, frogs etc. otherwise peace. Next door is The Bardis Sun Studios. their bar is open until 'when' in season, the owners Spiros and Poppy are not related to Dorita and Aris of the B.S. Hotel, but the surname is Bardis! The B.S. Hotel is booked by 'phone as they used to be with Thomson,'Small and Friendly', but are now independent. Please PM me if you would like booking details.
Yammas,
Martin.
Thanks Martin
Very much appreciate your comments. Bardis sun a possibility when I have booked the flights.
Great to keep in touch with everyone!
JO JO
Can you remind me how to send a pm/ Thanks xx
Barry,
Thanks too! It was theo, very helpful will def use again.
JO JO X