Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Accommodation reviews => Topic started by: MicK-G on July 21, 2009, 05:31:34 PM
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I am a self proclaimed Arillas addict and will be holidaying again there for the second time this year. However, when I came in May with My wife's family they didn't really enjoy the week but stated thet they would go again as it is too quiet, with not enough to do. This got me thinking, whenever you look on this site, the overwelming vibe is one of positivity. If someone did not have a good experience then would they have a voice on this site? I therefore decided that a negative forum subject would be a good place for people to express their grievences. I feel that as long as people don't try to use this thread in a way to gain compensation i feel that it could be a positive thing. The best feedback that we get is the constructive type. People won't know that improve can be made if they are not pointed out to them.
Mick
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I feel that as long as people don't try to use this thread in a way to gain compensation i feel that it could be a positive thing. The best feedback that we get is the constructive type. People won't know that improve can be made if they are not pointed out to them.
According to our forum's terms and conditions (http://www.arillas.com/page/en/terms-and-conditions/), one can't use any of it's content for things like compensation or other legal stuff.
Forums are like a living organism in which personal opinions are published for research and conclusions.
Personally I don't think our forum needs a new board or thread to express our negativity. for the same reason that there is not such a thread that we need to express or positive-only thoughts. if we take a look around our forum, there is a good mixture of positive as well as negative posts.
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I think that the Forum works well at the moment and anybody feeling dissapointed have expressed their veiws very well, within the relevant postings for the Appts and Hotels and Tavernas concerned. Any new postings, as a reveiw, of someones holiday here is always welcome. Every guests opinion , stated correctly has to be of interest to us all. " One man's meat and all that! "
Constructive criticism, as Mick G says, has to be welcome anywhere in the world, and at any business or resort, to ensure complacency doesn't set in.
A negative forum site? - My opinion only,but not a good idea,
And a question for Mick.
Did your wifes family state that they would not go to Arillas again as it is too quiet?
( Did you leave the "not" from your posting? )
I think if they put a posting on saying Arillas is too quiet it could attract many more guests wanting a little of that "quietness"
So a slightly negative posting could be a positive result for Arillas.
( And if not a postive result for Arillas, a positive result for those who like "quiet")
It's a funny ole game people.
Cheers
Negg
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Hi, Mick. An interesting idea, but I think that peoples` opinions, being positive or negative, come through really well in their individual subject matter. As we are all Arillas addicts here, we all love the place but also understand that to some, it is not their idea of paradise, for whatever reasons.
I would imagine if you take the beach out of the equation, then to some folk, there is very little going on (especially if it rains), but that is why most of us love it. We all make time to talk to others over drinks and compare travel notes.
If you hire a car, then you are free to explore and not feel confined to the village.
For us, it is the tranquil calm of Arillas that makes us return, plus the wonderful local people who continue to welcome us to their home. This forum is a vital tool for would be visitors to decide to come here or not- we tell it as it is.
Mick, I understand your thinking. Thanks for prompting a good debate.
Yammas Paul D
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Well I have to express my disappointment
On Monday 20th July 2009 at 8.30am I had to get on a coach and leave Arillas
you can imagine the disappointment that was felt at this awful time
ON A POSITIVE NOTE
If I had not got on that coach then I would not be able to COME BACK AGAIN
Yes every cloud has a silver lining
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There's a saying isnt there "another mans drink is anothers poison"... ha, or something along those lines, I cant remember the exact phrase... there might be some things that we dont like in Arillas, not our cup of tea as it were.... ours is the Nut and Malibu, too noisy for us and others love it, but I am sure there will always be some things we find we can all agree on and love about Arillas which is why we go back... There are more positives than negatives which is why we are all Anaraks!
Some have had some pretty awful nightmares with accommodation but they still go back, perhaps not to the same place but Arillas doesnt change does it and others might have been ill or had some other negative experience but still go on returning like homing pigeon... what is it about the place - stupid question I know! I wonder if its because it is so small and cosy, with friendly people that everyone feels at home and safe. I have found this site to be very informative even when there have been negatives, it has always been constructive information.
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My trouble is i enjoy all the positives that much i seem to overlook the negatives.
riggers....
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Exactly! Well said!
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I agree we don't need anywhere separate to post any disappointments. They are best voiced in the appropriate sections along with the positive posts, as many of you have now said.
My only disappointment was in coming home too, John the ref!
And riggers, I agree with your post so much, I don't even notice any negatives to overlook!
lynn xx
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I have a feeling that this topic is going to be
Negatively Positive ?
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I think Paul D has summed it up well. For me tranquility is what I love. There is plenty of noise to be had elsewhere. I love to hear a symphony orchestra at full throttle (say Tchaikovsky 1812 or Beethoven 5th), but I'd hate that in Arillas.
Although perhaps a string quartet at the Horizon might be rather nice!!!
No, I think Arillas should stay as it is. There is a good mixture of things to enjoy and plenty of places for music both traditional and modern in Arillas. Each of the establishments vying for your custom uses their experience to entice you in with their own type of entertainment, so its never dull and there's something for everyone.
Best wishes
PJ
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whot can i say but arillas here i come but not till next yr that say`s it all i THINK LOL
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My only negative thought is that we didn't discover Arillas sooner, but positive that we'll keep on returning!
I too, don't think we need a separate thread for negativity (?) as every member of the forum is free to express himself/herself however he/she feels, and is appreciated for it
Janis x
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Keep the thread
There will be no posts..
Arillas you’ve got it spot on for me – gods little acre
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Even after losing my husbands mum 2 years ago whilst in Arillas and mine this June we are still going back in Sept.This time we will say our prayers for hubbys dad whilst away.We though lightening couldnt strike twice but it did.
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May the word negative was wrong, my wife family were unhappy that there was no real tourists attractions, no English themed bars, no water parks and the appartments are basic with no airconditioning. These are all things that I see as a positive. These are things that make me come back again and again to arrilas. People come to Arillas expecting it to be just like any other holiday resort. It isn't. It's small, quiet and an extremely relaxing place to come to, to relax. Some people don't like what Arillas has to offer. My sister in law thought that Arillas was nice but thought that there must be more to do there, as we come every year. I feel that what I meant to say that if people are disappointed by Arillas because it doesn't offer the amenities of the larger resorts then wouldn't this be an oppotunity for people to advise others that you really wouldn't want to come here if you're planning a roudy stag party, but more of a chilled out break.
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Arillas isn't perfect, the forum isn't perfect but somehow I fight to keep both as they are now.
I also have a disappointment. We couldn't spend enough time with any of the wonderful people we met in the last two weeks. I mean ANY.
Phil
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I've been told that I'm a holiday snob. I like Arillas as it is, I don't find the image of an English man in a mankini, funny. It was funny when Borat did it but not when a drunken English man does. I just wanted the kavos brigade to know that this isn't the type of place for them. Whether or not my wife's family are members of the Kavos brigade? Well I'd hate to state an opinion for fear of getting into trouble. ;-)
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Mick i think Sidari would suit them. It has all you mention. English themed bars, just the thought makes me shudder, ;).
Sharon x
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I think Riggers makes a good point. If you can live with the stuff you don't appreciate everything's fine. Nightime music noise seems to be an issue for some. If you can turn over and go back to sleep it's ok but if you lie there fuming and sleepless it ruins your stay.
I'm sure the owners of the studios and hotels want to provide what people want on holiday as well as making a living for themselves but wouldn't it be better to employ some commonsense and quieten the music after midnight.? I'm sure people who are in the bars enjoying themselves wouldn't notice if it was turned down a couple of notches.
Personally I think Arillas is on some ancient lay line and that's why so many people find happiness and contentment there. Is that too "hippy" what do you think Phil?
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Nan, I don't think that it's too hippyish. There is something about Arillas that is truely magical. I don't know whether it's lay lines or what but whatever it is I like it.
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There must be something Nan luvver. There are hundreds of us who put up with the downsides and go back year after year, or even two or three times a year. Like riggers said, we (Jen and me I mean) get so much out of our time there we don't really notice.
An example - I got bitten by a dog half an hour after arriving needing 7 stitches. I then burned the other arm on a candle holder next day, but neither stopped me enjoying the two weeks. In Spain I would have flown home.
It may be ley lines, I don't know. Haven't seen the crop circles yet either.... But what we did see was an absolute army of smiling happy people during our stay.
Phil
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Peace and tranquility are our two most favourite words. That is why we will be visiting Arillas for the first time in September. Having spent much time exploring this website I'm sure that neither Jan nor myself will be disappointed
Incidentally Mythos, lamb chops, souvlaki, stifado, saganaki, sousouzakia are also favourite words of ours along with any type of Greek food you can think of.
One of our favourite pastimes is to sit and have a cuppa in the afternoon and just sit and watch the world go by. We usually find such a spot in every resort we have been two throughout the islands. Any likely candidates in Arillas.
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hi rothers, youre going to the right place! you could try ammos, beautiful surroundings, watch the world wander by, or gratziellas and watch the sea lapping the beach, or horizon and view both, or you could walk up to the new place gravia and admire the amazing view...........the list is endless, you could try a different one every afternoon! ENJOY!!!
ger x
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The small balcony at Horizon is probably the best place to watch the world go by from but it can get busy. Failing that I'd go for either Arillas Bay, Gratziella or Mirage.
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Thalassa on the front is also a great place to chill and watch the world go by. We love to have a nice lunch there and then sit in the deckchairs at the front. Got to be careful not to nod off and be on full view, with your mouth open. :)
Sharon x
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Claire and I love Arillas just as it is, that's why we're returning for our second visit at the end of August. The fact that it's not touristy or full of 'English Pubs' and replays of Coronation Street every half hour suits us just fine! If you want all that then Sidari is the place to be!
Just being able to wander around and take in the atmosphere, talk to the fantastic people, chill out on the beach and enjoy the odd Mythos or two is what is drawing us back. We love the beach, the food, the people, the weather, the sunsets..........
Our accommodation last year wasn't the best ever, and there were some reports of trouble with break-ins reported in that particular set of apartments prior to our arrival (which we found out via this website and were glad to be 'forewarned') but we found Arillas to be our perfect place for a holiday and in just over four weeks time we're looking forward to sampling it all again!
Arillas may not be everyone's cup of tea.......but it certainly is ours.
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You are spoiling us now. looked at the locations on the map. They all sound the sort of place that would do nicely.
A place Jan and me both love is Pefkos on Rhodes. A little larger than Arillas and probably just that little brasher. We have booked to back next May for our 4th time. Pefkos is like going home to us and we are welcommed so warmly by our Greek friends. Even the same Brits turn up year after year. Gets to be a bit of a reunion at times.
Who knows we may end up loving Arillas just as much.
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theres no doubt about that rothers!
my husband will not go anywhere else now! to us arillas is like coming home, we have just had our 4th visit, and everyonegreats you like an old friend, once bitten..............(preferably not by the mozzies though!)
ger x
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Rothers.... It is Arillas that will spoil you.
Pefkos is like going home to us and we are welcomed so warmly by our Greek friends. Even the same Brits turn up year after year. Gets to be a bit of a reunion at times.
We all know exactly what you mean. Except we would replace one word....
To add to the replies, we often sit in Graziella (the outside part) in the early afternoon right at the edge overlooking the beach. We have mezes and red wine and spend hours waiting for Gravia to move.
Or we sit reading the Corfu News in Thalassa, in a soft armchair, with frappe, Mythos or whatever we want.
You will find exactly what you want.
Phil
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DONT FORGET THE BENCH
THE BENCH
JUST TAKE A LITTLE TIME ON THE BENCH
If Phil & Jen or Sandy pop by tell them that you are only borrowing it for a while
(they think it is their bench, Just humor them)
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But John, Dimitris reported to me I was seen half naked at 3 am (I reminded him it was only HALF naked - I had my shorts on) walking down to the beach and back... I had hurt my dodgy shoulder and could not get comfortable on the floor, the bed or the ceiling. Sitting on my bench healed me perfectly and I went back to Brouklis and slept like a baby. We should change the name of this place to Lourdes... Maybe not.
Sorry to whoever I offended with that. But it is true, I hurt like hell when I did that, and after watching the sea for a while I was improved. Enough to sleep. And no, it wasn't alcohol.
The bench isn't Sandy's or mine, we just borrow it sometimes. I did last week, she will soon. We have never shared it. Now that might be a story.....
love to all of yous
Phil
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Always happy to share phil.....and we'll both be back. As I always console myself.....Arillas is always there for us. It was Spiros at the rainbow who first said that to me..........arillas is always there.....
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Thanks Sandy. This thread was about disappointment. But unfortunately, some of us have a problem with that. Like riggers said, we tend to overlook those things.
We are still there, like Gravia. Dimitris joked with us last week "I'll send for the Army to put it back" when we joked we were going to watch Gravia for a few hours. You know exactly what I mean.
All I said was true. Dimitris said the village reporters saw me walking half naked at 3am. Well it was true. And I sat on the bench, watched the sea and felt a million times better. If this isn't a PM, and in public I don't care. Anyone can have this, and they should keep trying.
love
Phil
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I have just found this thread... I honestly dont think there is a single negative point or dissapointment from my holiday regarding ARILLAS...
...I can however say all I found dissapointing was the amount of English couples fighting or arguing. I walked past Atki one night to hear (from the street and above the kareoke of malibu) a couple shouting at each other then throwing things between themselves. It made me not want to come back home, but as far as negative goes, my fellow country-men (/women) let things down.
Arillas, to me, is perfect.
Oh yes, and its always disapointing to come home ;)
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arillas is wat it says,a place to come an forget lifes worries for a week or too,yes its quite but thats wat we want,isint that wat we come away for?and this place gives all that plus more
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Samwell I know you found something different with us lot on that subject.
I have never heard the personal arguments because I am so busy enjoying it all. Jen and me have arguments, it is part of life. No patronising going on here.
But I am not ignorant of those who go to Arillas and hate every minute of it. There aren't many though. Very few indeed. They have always made the mistake about what they really want and say we want quiet (too quiet) or want noise (too noisy.)
read the forum and make yous own mind up. I think you did mate. And loved it
Phil
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Rothers - we too have been to Pefkos and enjoyed the experience (especially the bar philosophia on the top of the cliff - we spent many wonderful evenings - and days- there) BUT Arillas and all it has to offer is so much more relaxing. Honest! Once you've been you'll never forget it and will want to come back time and time again. Have a super holiday!
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I'm sat in my office listening to the news on 5 live and they were just talking about the behaviour of Brits abroad, especially in Greek resorts. There's talk of drunkeness and the unfortunate behaviours that can go hand in hand. The people who attend the kavos type holidays probably return home after two weeks stating that they have had the best holiday ever. I know that when I was 18 I loved Magaluf! I believe that closest that Arillas has to offer is malibu but I tend to avoid it during the evenings as 14 year olds singing karaoke isn't my idea of fun. So there I think I have a moan. I thought of booking to stay at the reidences near to the front but haven't for fear of being disturbed. Having said that, I've never seen a negative review.
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we have stayed at the akti for the last 2 years, which as you know is opposite the kareoke bar, we have been given rooms in the newer part both times, at the front, but they have brilliant double glazed windows!!
somehow you get used to it and after the first couple of nights we didnt even notice. and to be honest its worth putting up with the noise to stay there.
ger x
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Strangely enough, MicK-G, I was talking to my mum last night about looking forward to Arillas again next year.. She said she didn't like Corfu. I asked why and she said she'd been to Kavos and there was nothing to do! She's 85 in February!!!
Somehow I'm not sure she'd care for our Arillas, but I'd love to be able to afford to pay for her and her boyfriend (he's a toy boy) to visit this little piece of heaven on earth
I'm sitting in my office "working" as well.... This forum keeps dragging me back! lol
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Yes agree with that Ger, its also an excuse to have another drink! lol. Plus you can always ask Kosta or Spiro to put you in a room at the back, and you cant hear a thing there.
We dont go in the Malibu, prefer to drink in the Akti or where we've had a meal, but Arillas has something for everyone.
Janis, good on your mum for having a toyboy ;)
Sharon x
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At work on my Birthday, It's only the site and the thought of returning to Arillas in 11 sleeps time, getting me through.
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If someone takes a look at the index page of arillas.com (http://www.arillas.com/page/index.php), there will be a description of Arillas in a few words.
I have set these sentences with the help of other Arillas residences in order to give our potential visitors the real view of Arillas as a kind of a holiday resort.
My initial recommendation was to write something like " you really wouldn't want to come here if you're planning a rowdy stag party , looking for English themed bars with English beer,tv, soap operas, fast foods etc etc."
The reason why we do not publish such information is because we don't want offend anyone and also that our place is visited not only by UK tourists but also has a large percentage from many other European and non-European countries as well as residential tourists from Corfu and the Mainland.
However, if you take a look at one of the Website’s Polls (http://www.arillas.com/page/en/poll/i%27m-coming-to-arillas-for%3a/), you will truly understand for which kind of people Arillas is.
Another recommendation would have been to have public organization where you (the visitors) could post any thoughts of disappointment, complains, and feed back that could help our small community to improve its services, and the local business to learn from their mistakes.
Since the local council and most of the business of Arillas are not viewing our forum and are not following the posts, then it will be difficult to develop something like that, but I’m sure that this is an option for the future.
Please remember that none is perfect. either the local business neither the tourists.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MicK-G!!! and have a super holiday in 11 days' time!
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I have to express my disappointment at Dimitris for lunchtime.
He was too busy to take my money for a beer and told me to "Pay next time"
" Dimitris! - I may now move back to the UK to get away without paying! "
-----Maybe ?
Negg
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Good on you Dimitris............I hope i don't owe you for one lol.....
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I have to express my disappointment at Dimitris for lunchtime.
He was too busy to take my money for a beer and told me to "Pay next time"
" Dimitris! - I may now move back to the UK to get away without paying! "
-----Maybe ?
Negg
I have stated in another post that the only problem I have ever had in Arillas was getting the bill for a meal.
If Dimitris has taken this to the next level he will see me every day next June ))
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Good on you Dimitris............I hope i don't owe you for one lol.....
I hope I do if I have to come back to Arillas and pay it in person!! ;)
lynn xx
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Eggy, don't worry I've sent him a cheque.... Have you ever heard of the Glastonbury Bank plc? Made of rubber....
Am so glad Brouklis is busy and making money. I am also still trying to think of a disappointment during my two weeks. Perhaps it was that I didn't get like the bottom of a large mouse at all. Had my legs the whole time PaulC and Di. How boring is that....
lol
Phil
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You must be getting old Phil, lost your drinking head !!
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Ha ha Paul. I already got old, but maybe (heaven forbid) I'm starting to grow up... Fat chance!
Have a wonderful time in our favourite place
Phil
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Cheers Phil, counting down to September. Then we can have our share of Arillas.
Paul