Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: mr_ccurtis on June 09, 2010, 02:57:58 PM
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`Would I go back to Arillas ?` lets consider it.
If you like to go out for a good meal [ and there`s plenty of places to go to ] but don`t mind paying dear for a drink with it 9/10 e for ltr of wine, 4.50 for baileys or whiskey, soft drinks are more expensive 3.50/4.50 e for coke lite or 7.50 e for sprte.
If you don`t mind the narrow roads being used as a race track by young and sometimes not so young drivers with cars or bikes that have no silencers fitted.
If you don`t mind walking down a road that has a metal bar sticking out of the ground to a hight of 2 inches/50mm. forming a bad trip hazard. [ outside Akti ] or deep concrete ditches that you could break a leg trying to get out of the way of a young driver who thinks it`s alright not to give you room to walk.
If you don`t mind staying in an appartment where the drains smell ,the electric switches and sockets are falling off the walls and bare wires are taped up with insulating tape. and the shower only has warm smelly water if the sun shines, and the basins have no plugs.
If you don`t mind paying double for items in the super markets compared to those in Sidari or Archaravi ie: 21 e for a bottle of whisky in Arillas 11 e in Archaravi other food items are the same comparision
WOULD I GO BACK TO ARILLAS YES OF COURSE THE PROS OUTWAY THE CONS
We have allready booked another month this year but I feel some of the above items should be rectified health and safety IS important.
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Chris, you raise a number of interesting points.
I'm not best qualified to debate drinks prices as I don't drink a great amount or price watch, I'm sure others on the forum will comment.
I've yet to see cars/bikes with no silencers racing.
I've not seen the metal bar,to whom did you report it to ?
I've never been put off the road by a driver while walking, though I have had to drive around pedestrians who have left there road sense at home.
I din't know where you stayed, these are issues for the apartment owner and tour op. (if you used one)
Things wil always be a little more expensive in a village, but they are not generally by a factor of 2.
I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday in Arillas and have seen fit to re-book. Can I ask if you are going back to the same accomodation?
Ivan
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Chris, you raise a number of interesting points.
I'm not best qualified to debate drinks prices as I don't drink a great amount or price watch, I'm sure others on the forum will comment.
I've yet to see cars/bikes with no silencers racing.
I've not seen the metal bar,to whom did you report it to ?
I've never been put off the road by a driver while walking, though I have had to drive around pedestrians who have left there road sense at home.
I din't know where you stayed, these are issues for the apartment owner and tour op. (if you used one)
Things wil always be a little more expensive in a village, but they are not generally by a factor of 2.
I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday in Arillas and have seen fit to re-book. Can I ask if you are going back to the same accomodation?
Ivan
[/quote Yes Ivan we just spent a month in arillas ,we will go back to Arillas for another month this year as we have done for the past 8 years but not to the same appartment .
As for the cars speeding Dimitri now parks his car outside Brouklis which he calls his sleeping policeman. As for the prices I mentioned they are there for all to see and no I neither drink a lot or` J ` walk, I dont want to put any one off going to this wunderfull and special place but I wouden`t like to see a child knocked down killed either.
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I stayed in the Akti at the beginning of May this year and July last year , and havent seen the offending 'bar' sticking out the ground , the prices you quoted dont follow the ones i paid a month ago ...... we bought 2 x 1.5lt bottles of coke to put in our fridge and only paid 7e for both ...... as for the bottle of whisky you may be right as Kostas and Perry in the Coconut now have to pay twice the cost price they paid last year , but i think you only have had to watch recent news to understand why ......and surely when you add either car hire or bike hire , + fuel and time .... the 11e you can get the whisky for starts to not look like such a good deal , and surely if you are there a month at a time you would go to a bigger supermarket for the months surplies?
As for car drivers , i walk the 'circuit' most days when im there and never have had any trouble , the locals are always curteous when they go to drive past you ........ so as it is like anywhere in the world , outsiders are spoiling peoples view of the lovely resort .
As for the smell you get from the drains , blame the british .... we helped them put in their drainage system all those years ago .... it was never designed for the volumes of tourists they get , or is it capable of dealing with the paper some tourists still insist should be flushed away rather than placed in the bin ...... a lot of the private villas , rooms and hotels use 'solar' heating the most cost efficient way for them ... think about them thru the winter months !! just remember Arillas is in Greece , not England , thats why we all love the place so much
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just remember Arillas is in Greece , not England , thats why we all love the place so much
I concur Mike'n'Hailey. This is the bottom line and point well made.
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All our friends in Arillas need our help thru their countries financial mess , and i personally would rather pay more in Arillas and still have the friends there on my next visit than line the pockets of people i dont know , or dont contribute to my having a nice time on my holidays
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I was mightily relieved when the extremely negative post ended up with positives, phew! What Mike 'n' Hailey posted made good sense and although those drink prices did make me gasp a little, if they are correct it is just something we will have to put up with I suppose, if we want to visit this little piece of heaven. As for the scooters, I feel that any main road in Greece would be much the same. This is why we spend so much of our holiday on the beachfront.
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I stayed in the Akti at the beginning of May this year and July last year , and havent seen the offending 'bar' sticking out the ground , the prices you quoted dont follow the ones i paid a month ago ...... we bought 2 x 1.5lt bottles of coke to put in our fridge and only paid 7e for both ...... as for the bottle of whisky you may be right as Kostas and Perry in the Coconut now have to pay twice the cost price they paid last year , but i think you only have had to watch recent news to understand why ......and surely when you add either car hire or bike hire , + fuel and time .... the 11e you can get the whisky for starts to not look like such a good deal , and surely if you are there a month at a time you would go to a bigger supermarket for the months surplies?
As for car drivers , i walk the 'circuit' most days when im there and never have had any trouble , the locals are always curteous when they go to drive past you ........ so as it is like anywhere in the world , outsiders are spoiling peoples view of the lovely resort .
As for the smell you get from the drains , blame the british .... we helped them put in their drainage system all those years ago .... it was never designed for the volumes of tourists they get , or is it capable of dealing with the paper some tourists still insist should be flushed away rather than placed in the bin ...... a lot of the private villas , rooms and hotels use 'solar' heating the most cost efficient way for them ... think about them thru the winter months !! just remember Arillas is in Greece , not England , thats why we all love the place so much
The offending bar as you put it is on the ground out side the swimingpool but if your head is in the clouds then no you wo`nt see it. the price of soft drinks I refered to were in the tavernas and i`m sure you woudn`t take 1.5 ltr bottles of coke in there. and I do know arillas is in greece but thanks for the comfomation. I to walk the circuit but a women with us was cliped by a car wing mirror allthough she was not hurt she was badly shaken. I hope this reply did not offend you, but is just a statement of facts.
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Would I go back to Arillas? Oh yes, to see the friends we have made both tourist and locals.
Those same locals who went out of their way to offer help when our airline went bust.
Those same locals who bust a gut to make sure our stay is perfect.
So the drinks in Sidari are cheaper, so what, I choose not to stay there.
And yes I like to drive a scooter when I'm there, but I do try to be courteous to other road users both motorised and pedestrian. We are not all Boy Racers you know.
I am pleased that you have chosen to return to Arillas, so obviously it's not all bad and I really hope you have a great time and if you're there in September pop into the Rainbow one evening and I'll buy you a drink(not too expensive of course) and we can put the world to rights.
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Would I go back to Arillas? Oh yes, to see the friends we have made both tourist and locals.
Those same locals who went out of their way to offer help when our airline went bust.
Those same locals who bust a gut to make sure our stay is perfect.
So the drinks in Sidari are cheaper, so what, I choose not to stay there.
And yes I like to drive a scooter when I'm there, but I do try to be courteous to other road users both motorised and pedestrian. We are not all Boy Racers you know.
I am pleased that you have chosen to return to Arillas, so obviously it's not all bad and I really hope you have a great time and if you're there in September pop into the Rainbow one evening and I'll buy you a drink(not too expensive of course) and we can put the world to rights.
you sound like a nice chap paul and l would love to have a drink with you in september and yes I wouldn`t want to stay in Sidari either, I tried putting the world to rights once before but no one listened , and see what happened.
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Thanks for confirming where the offending bar is im sure if Spiros and Kostas havent read the posts on here i can point it out to them to get sorted for you. Obviously during my stay i too went in the tavernas , and i still do not recall any soft drink being over priced ... we made a point of comparing them with july the year before and was pleasantly surprised as they were no dearer ..... ( if you read the post and you will see i bought the bottles to put in our fridge in our room , hope that clears up your confusion ).
I still cant believe that it was an Arillas local or part time resident that 'clipped' your friend , everyone takes a risk when they walk on a road with no paths ...... she was just unlucky .... but im sure i speak for a lot of people that would prefer negative comments like to be taken up in the resort at the time rather than put on here after you return home .....Greece and its islands are struggling enough without this kind of post ..... as you can tell im passionate about Arillas and my friends and family that live there so im sorry if my post seems harsh , they need support , they need people to still return year after year , and maybe , just maybe they will all survive the economic disaster their country is going thru
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That'll be a date then Chris and we must both try harder getting this world to rights.
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To be fair folks mr curtis is not a new visitor to the village and is making his informed judgement, seems like he does spend a month or so each visit
Inflation happens we only have to look at ourselves here in good old blighty but there's a limit to what people will tolerate until they look at other holiday destinations
and this country of ours is not out of recession yet and it may even dip back in so even more people watching their pennies
Ang
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What an interesting post, but it should be deleted or moved. Anyone who is not a member could find the forum, to see what Arillas is like, and I don't think they would want to book after reading the post.
Its a longish post with the first 90% being very negative. Any post that puts off potential visitors is very bad news for Arillas, especially this year.
I am now asking Dimitris, formally, to move the post to the General Board where members who understand Mr Curtis's points of view can discuss it.
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What an interesting post, but it should be deleted or moved. Anyone who is not a member could find the forum, to see what Arillas is like, and I don't think they would want to book after reading the post.
Its a longish post with the first 90% being very negative. Any post that puts off potential visitors is very bad news for Arillas, especially this year.
I am now asking Dimitris, formally, to move the post to the General Board where members who understand Mr Curtis's points of view can discuss it.
Non so blind as those who won`t see. censorship indeed.
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I'm about to book for a first time visit to Arillas - the post hasn't put me off. Infact the relaxed attititude to health and safety is one of the many charms of Greece. I think censorship is wrong - its a very valid observation - and if people are put off - then maybe they are the type of people who would not enjoy themselves in Arillas or Greece anyway.
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Paul C and Terry,
I totally agree with you.
Anyone negative should just keep it to themselves,
who needs that anyway????!! I certainly don't.
We have a saying in Denmark:
If you can't take the smell in the Bakery: Stay away!
Connie x
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Paul C and Terry,
I totally agree with you.
Anyone negative should just keep it to themselves,
who needs that anyway????!! I certainly don't.
We have a saying in Denmark:
If you can't take the smell in the Bakery: Stay away!
Connie x
sorry to here you live in Denmark but thats not my fault.
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You're a "lovely person" Chris, hope you are happy,
sitting on your dark cloud. The rest of us just enjoy life.
Connie
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Censorship (if that’s what you want to call it) Mr Ccurtis, should be used on posts that are an exaggeration of the facts. It’s like News of the World Journalism.
If you like to go out for a good meal [ and there`s plenty of places to go to ] but don`t mind paying dear for a drink with it 9/10 e for ltr of wine, 4.50 for baileys or whiskey, soft drinks are more expensive 3.50/4.50 e for coke lite or 7.50 e for sprte.
You make it sound as if every taverna in Arillas charges these prices.
If you don`t mind the narrow roads being used as a race track by young and sometimes not so young drivers with cars or bikes that have no silencers fitted.
We have all been to Arillas and know that this an exaggeration.
If you don`t mind walking down a road that has a metal bar sticking out of the ground to a hight of 2 inches/50mm. forming a bad trip hazard. [ outside Akti ] or deep concrete ditches that you could break a leg trying to get out of the way of a young driver who thinks it`s alright not to give you room to walk.
I could do a Risk Assessment of roads in Greece and in the UK and find examples like this. Thats if I wanted to!!!!!!!!!!
If you don`t mind staying in an appartment where the drains smell ,the electric switches and sockets are falling off the walls and bare wires are taped up with insulating tape. and the shower only has warm smelly water if the sun shines, and the basins have no plugs.
If the room was this bad, why don't you name the establishment to help people who may be going there soon? Or are you scared that we will find out that this is another exaggeration?
If you don`t mind paying double for items in the super markets compared to those in Sidari or Archaravi ie: 21 e for a bottle of whisky in Arillas 11 e in Archaravi other food items are the same comparision
Was it the same Whiskey? Give us more examples to show where prices are double.
It is beyond me why you would want to publish this and then say you would still go back. People on this forum have villas in Arillas and you could have put someone off booking already.
I am sorry Mr C curtis censorship of Cr** is required.
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P.S. There was a miss-spell in your post:
It's not to here I live in Denmark, it's to hear I live in Denmark.
Do you have a problem with that as well?.
Anyway, end of conversation from my part. Stay well and try to be positive.
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Chris - AKA Mr Curtis makes some valid points here and, living here, I can associate with some of them.
I've steered away from this post but am now finding it difficult not to put my point of view across. It won't be tonight anyway as Retsina , Ouzo and a great meal does not make hiiting the keyboard very easyily. <<< Is that spelt right?
Open minds people for, in my opinion, a good posting with, as said, some valid points
And.... Chris may be back, and he just might buy me a beer, but albeit a small one in this day and age. ( and Greek economy)
I may answer this one in more detail soon but some snippets to leave you with are:-
" In June 2007 a "cheap" bottle of whisky cost me e5.30. Today the same brand on the same shelf of the same supermarket in Corfu Town is e10.99."
and....
"A pack of Superkings was e2.40 today they are e3.70. - Hmmmmmm!"
"3 years ago a euro of unleaded would get me 12 kilometres now it gets me 8"
Cheers Peeps and be nice.
Negg
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I've kept out of this so far, but......as regards prices, how many of us can go out for a meal in the UK and buy a litre of wine (NOT a bottle) for 9 or 10 euros in a restaurant? How many of us can buy cigarettes here for 3.70 euros?
When I was in Arillas in May, I felt all the bar owners and tavernas were doing their very best to keep their prices low for us, often at their own expense. Don't forget they are all trying to earn a living there AND are having to adjust to additional costs of food/fuel etc themselves in their own lives.
If we're honest, many of us have been attracted to Greece for many years because it has been so much cheaper than the UK (amongst other reasons of course) and it is certainly not the fault of the people of Arillas if this is no longer the case.
Speaking as a public sector worker who may be facing a 5% pay cut soon, I reckon we all need to make the most of today - you never know what is round the corner.
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Well said sandy,arillas people go out of their way to keep prices down at a high cost to themselfs.some dont even know if they will still be able to last the year out,and then dont have any earnings for at least six months.we need to support them and we have already booked again for next may even if prices do go up.
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I think posts should be left where they are. From time to time, for whatever reason people have differing views. Lets not slam them or shoot them down. If someone puts a point across, its the duty of this forum to show it AND allow others to respond. If the points are valid, the bulk of the replys will back this, if not.....
My Carolyn suffered a broken suntan from a pot hole on the path in Pefkos (it was a scratch, but it was her 10 day tan) I had a taxi run over my foot in Zante (took the toe clean off my shoe, hold on I was wearing sandles) As they say s##t happens, but it happens all over the world. Arillas is no worse than anywhere else, but its so much better than most other places too. Iffy things happen, I should know (AB) but surely the forum is here to report the good, the bad and the ugly. The ugly being my mug being back in Arillas in 19 sleeps time.
I think I have said all I want to say.
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Hello everyone,
I've been to Arillas twice and August this year was to be my third, but due to circumstances beyond my control - redundancy - I have had to change my plans...but I have every intention of coming back sometime soon, if not this year then certainly next, it's a gem of a place and long may it continue to be special to all of you too.....Ian
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I dont feel that this post should be moved but I do think Chris could have started by saying "Yes I would go back despite .......... then it wouldnt have sounded so negative
If this accomadation was so bad Chris, I think I would have said something to the owner while there and I am almost sure something would have been done.
Now money wise I think what Sandy has already said is spot on. Just my view and nothing against Chris. I believe we met on the beach about 3 years ago? Viv
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I dont feel that this post should be moved but I do think Chris could have started by saying "Yes I would go back despite .......... then it wouldnt have sounded so negative
If this accomadation was so bad Chris, I think I would have said something to the owner while there and I am almost sure something would have been done.
Now money wise I think what Sandy has already said is spot on. Just my view and nothing against Chris. I believe we met on the beach about 3 years ago? Viv
your are right Viv we did meet on the beach and I value your point of view.
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I think posts should be left where they are. From time to time, for whatever reason people have differing views. Lets not slam them or shoot them down. If someone puts a point across, its the duty of this forum to show it AND allow others to respond. If the points are valid, the bulk of the replys will back this, if not.....
My Carolyn suffered a broken suntan from a pot hole on the path in Pefkos (it was a scratch, but it was her 10 day tan) I had a taxi run over my foot in Zante (took the toe clean off my shoe, hold on I was wearing sandles) As they say s##t happens, but it happens all over the world. Arillas is no worse than anywhere else, but its so much better than most other places too. Iffy things happen, I should know (AB) but surely the forum is here to report the good, the bad and the ugly. The ugly being my mug being back in Arillas in 19 sleeps time.
sorry to hear about Carolyn`s mis fortune, perhaps steel toe capped sandles should be worn in Zanti . I think you are perfectly right in your well balanced reply Chris
I think I have said all I want to say.
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Chris - AKA Mr Curtis makes some valid points here and, living here, I can associate with some of them.
I've steered away from this post but am now finding it difficult not to put my point of view across. It won't be tonight anyway as Retsina , Ouzo and a great meal does not make hiiting the keyboard very easyily. <<< Is that spelt right?
Open minds people for, in my opinion, a good posting with, as said, some valid points
And.... Chris may be back, and he just might buy me a beer, but albeit a small one in this day and age. ( and Greek economy)
I may answer this one in more detail soon but some snippets to leave you with are:-
" In June 2007 a "cheap" bottle of whisky cost me e5.30. Today the same brand on the same shelf of the same supermarket in Corfu Town is e10.99."
and....
"A pack of Superkings was e2.40 today they are e3.70. - Hmmmmmm!"
"3 years ago a euro of unleaded would get me 12 kilometres now it gets me 8"
Cheers Peeps and be nice.
Negg
Thank you Eggy, I`m`sure your spelling is better than mine. thank you for your partial support and yes I will buy you a pint ,Sea breeze and Grazila are having a price war at the moment Grazila are selling a pint for 1.50 e See breeze 1.40 e but Ammos is charging 3 e for a SMALL Mythos so I won`t saying yamassss to many times there. chris
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I apologise for another reply to this topic, but I forgot to mention one thing.
sorry to here you live in Denmark but thats not my fault
I don't think there was any need for that comment, and it would be nice to see an apology to Connie.
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I think we are lucky that Arillas has such a choice of places to dine/drink to suit every pocket.
I love chilling out in Ammos, enjoying my well presented drink, the music in the background and the comfortable, surroundings therefore I choose to pay more for it. On the other hand I know Keith would rather pay 1.50 euro in Grazellas for his Mythos...but the most important thing to remember is we have the choice...horses for courses...
In my opinion there isn't any excuse for the condition of the basic facilities in your apartment. It sounds as though some health and safety measures wouldn't go wrong there. I'd suggest if the apartments are affiliated to a tour operator to put it in writing before there is an accident. Fortunately this is not the norm, I've stayed in many apartments in Arillas and haven't had anything to complain about.
I have to be honest and agree with you about prices in the supermarkets. I still do a daily small 'shop' in Arillas but I also do a larger supermarket sweep elsewhere. I just can't justify paying over the odds all the time.
Times have changed, at one time our holidays were the one time of the year we could splash money around without too much thought as to prices. As Ang says at home many of us are watching our pennies and suffice to say many of us are now watching our euros more closely on holiday too. It pays to shop around.
Eileen.
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I agree Terry, that comment caused a sharp intake of breath. Heat of the moment and the written word are sometimes not such good bed fellows.
Gary
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Heat of the moment and the written word are sometimes not such good bed fellows.
That is so true Gary and I put my hand up to say that I am guilty of it at times. I guess I wear my heart on my sleeve and my passion for Arillas takes over common sense sometimes. :-(
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Censorship (if that’s what you want to call it) Mr Ccurtis, should be used on posts that are an exaggeration of the facts. It’s like News of the World Journalism.
If you like to go out for a good meal [ and there`s plenty of places to go to ] but don`t mind paying dear for a drink with it 9/10 e for ltr of wine, 4.50 for baileys or whiskey, soft drinks are more expensive 3.50/4.50 e for coke lite or 7.50 e for sprte.
You make it sound as if every taverna in Arillas charges these prices.
If you don`t mind the narrow roads being used as a race track by young and sometimes not so young drivers with cars or bikes that have no silencers fitted.
We have all been to Arillas and know that this an exaggeration.
If you don`t mind walking down a road that has a metal bar sticking out of the ground to a hight of 2 inches/50mm. forming a bad trip hazard. [ outside Akti ] or deep concrete ditches that you could break a leg trying to get out of the way of a young driver who thinks it`s alright not to give you room to walk.
I could do a Risk Assessment of roads in Greece and in the UK and find examples like this. Thats if I wanted to!!!!!!!!!!
If you don`t mind staying in an appartment where the drains smell ,the electric switches and sockets are falling off the walls and bare wires are taped up with insulating tape. and the shower only has warm smelly water if the sun shines, and the basins have no plugs.
If the room was this bad, why don't you name the establishment to help people who may be going there soon? Or are you scared that we will find out that this is another exaggeration?
If you don`t mind paying double for items in the super markets compared to those in Sidari or Archaravi ie: 21 e for a bottle of whisky in Arillas 11 e in Archaravi other food items are the same comparision
Was it the same Whiskey? Give us more examples to show where prices are double.
It is beyond me why you would want to publish this and then say you would still go back. People on this forum have villas in Arillas and you could have put someone off booking already.
I am sorry Mr C curtis censorship of Cr** is required.
Terry yours is the most aggresive and blinkerd and a bit silly reply I`ve seen on this forum using swear words to get your piont across is unnessesary and a bit childish. As for asking am I scared it promps me to ask how old are you. If you intend to do a risk assesment on the roads could you start with the one that takes you from the top of Arillas to agg: Sefanos. Keeping quiet would not get things sorted out or repaired for residents and visitors alike , we all like going to Arillas but we are entiled to feel safe. P.S.please forgive any spelling mistakes as this seems to upset some people more than the piont in question.
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Now now people, lets all be nice eh. Mr Curtis is entitled to his opinion and thats what a forum should be all about. No I dont agree with lots of his points and it always dismays me when we get negative posts about somewhere we love so much but thats not to say that his opinions aren't valid.
Anyone thinking of going to Arillas only has to look at the rest of this site to see thousands of glowing reviews so I'm sure that one negative post is not going to make that much difference.
Take if from me, and I was threatened TWICE from one 'lovely' lady on here, its not nice to receive a backlash like this and all because he posted a few gripes. If we carry on we are in danger of being that biased clique that we were accused of once :-)
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I am 61 Chris, I don't think Cr** is a swear word and your spelling doesn't bother me at all.
Lastly with regards to the following Keeping quiet would not get things sorted out or repaired for residents and visitors alike
, can we assume that you have contacted the local Authorities to "get things sorted out"?
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Now now people, lets all be nice eh. Mr Curtis is entitled to his opinion and thats what a forum should be all about. No I dont agree with lots of his points and it always dismays me when we get negative posts about somewhere we love so much but thats not to say that his opinions aren't valid.
Anyone thinking of going to Arillas only has to look at the rest of this site to see thousands of glowing reviews so I'm sure that one negative post is not going to make that much difference.
Take if from me, and I was threatened TWICE from one 'lovely' lady on here, its not nice to receive a backlash like this and all because he posted a few gripes. If we carry on we are in danger of being that biased clique that we were accused of once :-)
Wise words Jo.
I've been to many resorts in Greece and I could go on about the bad points forever. Isn't it strange how quick we are to damn but very slow to praise.
Surely little problems are to be expected (even in this country) but what you should do is look at the overall holiday experience rather than be biased by some niggles.
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Right for my part in this subject if i have caused offence to any individual im sorry , as most on here i find it hard to accept that anywhere in Arillas is in such a bad state (rose tinted glasses and all that), but i think the conversation is getting out of hand .... Mr_Ccurtis' has every right to offer his views , and im sure i speak for Terry , Connie and a few others when i say we would like to know where the apartment was so that as lovers of Arillas we can follow it up and hope to help the owners rectify the problems etc......
Im glad Chris ended his first post with the fact he would return to Arillas , he sounds like he caught the same 'bug' as all of us have , so lets take a more positive look at what points he made and see what we can all do to help solve the situation .......
Some things are inevitable, some things we will have no control over ..... but what i do know is we are all passionate about Arillas , so lets put the handbags down .... appologise for any aggressive posts that were made with all good intentions , and do our bit to help
I will be there on the 24th June and will speak to Spiro at the Akti and see what we can do about the offending bar ..... but will need more details on the rest if im able to help .
Mike
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what apartments did you stay in
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Hello to everyone who is an Arillas addict like me, I have just read Mr C Curtis's review of Arillas and agree that it paints a bad picture of this little piece of Heaven on Earth, I love the place, and look forward every year to spending a week in Arillas, last year we tried San Stefanos but did not enjoy it as much as Arillas, so this year we are back again, staying for the first time at Tria Adelphia. When you are on holiday and enjoying yourselves, money does not really come in to it. I find Cornwall more expensive than Corfu. I am flying over on the 21st June for a week and both myself and my husband cannot wait. See you all on the 21st June.
Samuel 13
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I am 61 Chris, I don't think Cr** is a swear word and your spelling doesn't bother me at all.
Lastly with regards to the following Keeping quiet would not get things sorted out or repaired for residents and visitors alike
, can we assume that you have contacted the local Authorities to "get things sorted out"?
you can assume what you like Terry , It is said that woman always have the last word and anything else said is the start of a new argument. .Assuming you are male perhaps we should drop this now . If you are in Arillas in september you could buy me a pint and would take the time to put right on a few things.
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Now now people, lets all be nice eh. Mr Curtis is entitled to his opinion and thats what a forum should be all about. No I dont agree with lots of his points and it always dismays me when we get negative posts about somewhere we love so much but thats not to say that his opinions aren't valid.
Anyone thinking of going to Arillas only has to look at the rest of this site to see thousands of glowing reviews so I'm sure that one negative post is not going to make that much difference.
Take if from me, and I was threatened TWICE from one 'lovely' lady on here, its not nice to receive a backlash like this and all because he posted a few gripes. If we carry on we are in danger of being that biased clique that we were accused of once :-)
You seem very sensible Jo thanks for your reply.
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Can we assume by your childish response Chris that everything has to be your way , you raised points , forum members replied ....... we are trying to stop the nasty undertones of this post and you are just carrying things on ..... can we just know the facts of where you stayed etc , that at least will give some us something to work with instead of reading very unhelpful posts. I have to say the two of you (Chris & Terry) are sounding like two kids in a playground , Chris you bought the points up in the hope things would get sorted , nothing is getting sorted like this ......
to finish with , if you have nothing helpful or constructive to say ..... zip it !!!!!!
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OOOOHHHHHH i am sitting here in the coconut with a lovely ice cool glass of Mythos (sorry peeps) and i am loving every minute of our 10th visit :) :D
Yammas.
riggers.
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Riggers , you lucky bugger ....... can you tell the lads Mike and Hailey will be back to see them at the end of the month .... yammas , enjoy ya mythos lol
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OOOOHHHHHH i am sitting here in the coconut with a lovely ice cool glass of Mythos (sorry peeps) and i am loving every minute of our 10th visit :) :D
Yammas.
riggers.
Posts like this should be banned or have a link to the Samaritans telephone number. Do you know how distressing it is to read about such things when you are at work and its dark and dismal outside?
Plus its another 12 weeks to go before a Royal Ionian passes my lips. Tears are dripping over keyboard as I type this reply (http://www.montney.com/images/crying.gif)
I can't take ANYMORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(http://www.montney.com/images/duh.gif)
Have a great time John, especially watching the Worldcup over there.
WILL YOU GO BACK TO ARILLAS ????????? :-)
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My previous post seems to have got lost.
Mr Curtis, looking back at your posts, it seems that all you ever do is complain.
Have you considered actually doing something about the points mentioned whilst in Arillas, or are you happy with getting the attention for winding people up on the forum?
By the way, we have a septic tank and if we have 2 or more consecutive hot days, it smells! Perhaps you could advise me, and the Greek population, how to prevent this happening?
Anne
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lol. Good one Terry
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My god, get a grip guys. Anyway 15 more sleeps and we will be in Arillas.
Amanda x
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OOOOHHHHHH i am sitting here in the coconut with a lovely ice cool glass of Mythos (sorry peeps) and i am loving every minute of our 10th visit
WELL IT LOOKS LIKE RIGGERS HAS HAD THE FINAL WORD ON THIS SUBJECT
Enjoy the holidays Riggers
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OOOOHHHHHH i am sitting here in the coconut with a lovely ice cool glass of Mythos (sorry peeps) and i am loving every minute of our 10th visit
WELL IT LOOKS LIKE RIGGERS HAS HAD THE FINAL WORD ON THIS SUBJECT
Hear hear! I yield the final word on this issue to riggers too ;) Let's put it to bed.
*slightly green with envy and a deep sigh*
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riggs
ill be there with you tomorrow ,drinking that ice cold mythos...........yammas roll on friday ..........x
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Can we assume by your childish response Chris that everything has to be your way , you raised points , forum members replied ....... we are trying to stop the nasty undertones of this post and you are just carrying things on ..... can we just know the facts of where you stayed etc , that at least will give some us something to work with instead of reading very unhelpful posts. I have to say the two of you (Chris & Terry) are sounding like two kids in a playground , Chris you bought the points up in the hope things would get sorted , nothing is getting sorted like this ......
to finish with , if you have nothing helpful or constructive to say ..... zip it !!!!!!
I can only assume you didn`t read my last reply to Terry where I called for an end to this debate with a drink posted an hour and half before your personal remarks which are uncalled for and who put you in charge of the playground anyway. Have a nice holiday and I mean most sincerly. chris
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I am sorry to come in on the end of this subject . We have been to Arillas 9 times, the last time being May this year and think it is lovely. However that is not the point I want to make. When we first visited in 2004 I used the forum before hand to find out useful information about the village. Over the years I have continued to look at the forum and I must admit it seems as if someone posts a slightly negative comment , they are attacked straightaway. Surely everyone is entitled to their opinion without fear of reprisal.
Arillas might not appeal to everyone and it is not without fault. What use woudl Trip Advisor be if people were n to allowed to post their own opinions both good and bad. The Arillas website should primarily be used to impart information about the village itself and not a mini Facebook. When we went this May a couple staying at our apartments said that although they liked Arillas they felt there was far too much of a clique and they felt quite uncomfortable about this.
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Afternoon Folks
Im sitting in my dark office on a dull June day reading all these comments about the place I and my mrs fell in love with 3 years ago on our first visit we have been back 7 times since, we visted in May and we are back again in September for a fortnight. My point is Chris as lots of good points he as raised and I think we all take on board what he as said (everyone is entitled to have their say). My point is this the first time we arrived in Arillas we got to our appts Makris about 10pm it was dark and we thought where the hell are we (it was allocation on arrival last minute thingy) The next morning we woke up opened the doors of the balcony it was raining, we couldnt see the sea and I thought what the hell have we done, So we took a walk hand in hand still after 20yrs of marriage (aww I hear you all say) and we found the beach after walking down a country lane with open gutters in the road part of the road had collapsed the first place we came across was the Sea Breeze and we thought nice spot lets have some breakfast which we did and I went to pay it was 8 euros I only had a 50 euro note on me and the owner said dont worry pay later I must admit i thought hang on this guy doesnt know me from adam and he is trusting me to pay him later he may never see me again (would it happen in UK) anyway we then had the most relaxing week Ive ever had in my life, great food, great people who are not afraid to both trust you and have a conversation with you over a beer or a meal. Long winded I know but what I am trying to say is I dont care about the holes in the road I dont care that there are teh occasional kids on motorbikes racing along the roads I dont even mind paying 6 euros for a b52 for the wife because to us its what life should be like and we should be all thankful we have found this wonderful place and long may we all feel the need to spend our well earned there to support the local people. Here ends the lesson oh yes and COME ON ENGLAND
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Afternoon Folks
Im sitting in my dark office on a dull June day reading all these comments about the place I and my mrs fell in love with 3 years ago on our first visit we have been back 7 times since, we visted in May and we are back again in September for a fortnight. My point is Chris as lots of good points he as raised and I think we all take on board what he as said (everyone is entitled to have their say). My point is this the first time we arrived in Arillas we got to our appts Makris about 10pm it was dark and we thought where the hell are we (it was allocation on arrival last minute thingy) The next morning we woke up opened the doors of the balcony it was raining, we couldnt see the sea and I thought what the hell have we done, So we took a walk hand in hand still after 20yrs of marriage (aww I hear you all say) and we found the beach after walking down a country lane with open gutters in the road part of the road had collapsed the first place we came across was the Sea Breeze and we thought nice spot lets have some breakfast which we did and I went to pay it was 8 euros I only had a 50 euro note on me and the owner said dont worry pay later I must admit i thought hang on this guy doesnt know me from adam and he is trusting me to pay him later he may never see me again (would it happen in UK) anyway we then had the most relaxing week Ive ever had in my life, great food, great people who are not afraid to both trust you and have a conversation with you over a beer or a meal. Long winded I know but what I am trying to say is I dont care about the holes in the road I dont care that there are teh occasional kids on motorbikes racing along the roads I dont even mind paying 6 euros for a b52 for the wife because to us its what life should be like and we should be all thankful we have found this wonderful place and long may we all feel the need to spend our well earned there to support the local people. Here ends the lesson oh yes and COME ON ENGLAND
Thank you vicker yes the people of arillas are wounderfull and most of the brits are too.
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Hi Chris
My next sermon is not due for another 24 hours but thank you for your response if a bit unnecessary.
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I can only assume you didn`t read my last reply to Terry where I called for an end to this debate
CHRIS CHRIS CHRIS end it once and for all by not taking the bait
It's getting a bit tiresome now
TIME GENTLEMEN PLEASE
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`Would I go back to Arillas ?` lets consider it.
WOULD I GO BACK TO ARILLAS YES OF COURSE THE PROS OUTWAY THE CONS
We have allready booked another month this year but I feel some of the above items should be rectified health and safety IS important.
Have we all forgotten this part of Chris's posting?
I can relate to this. " THE PROS OUTWEIGH THE CONS "
Young lads on mopeds? - Yep. These guys buy a 49cc moped but want it as noisy as a Harley Davidson so they remove the baffles. - It sounds Heyyyyyyyy!
Equally these young lads help their parents with many duties.
(Our first year here and a 12 year old manned the tractor that prepared our land for veg)
Never see any of these young lads binge drinking or trying to pick fights with anyone.
State of the roads? - Pretty sad but look at it on the bright side.
Sidari has much better roads to get to the resort. ( Roda n Velonades for example )
The question here is do y0u want another Sidari or prefer Arillas as it is?
Agious Stephanos road is having it's third repair since December 2009 and you have to be here to see just how much storm damage to places like this can happen in the Winter.
Nothing wrong with Sidari , by the way. Being a bigger resort has more places for the likes of me to visit after the Season ends.
Greek drivers? - Aaargh! - But they know the roads and, sometimes what looks a dangerous manouvre can be a pussycat. But ,there are, just like other countries some who think they are invincible.However I have yet to see a tourist jump in the ditch, with his/her life flashing before the eyes. - Maybe they'll get you on the way back!
Worse than Greek drivers are:-
1. The tourist who stops at a T-Junction, in the middle of the road, not sure where he's going. - And my current tally this season is 3. - Wot , no rear vier mirror?
(Signal and pull in maybe)
2 . The convoy of Jeeps that follow in close formation at 20 kph. My record count is 11 of these - Fortunately coming the other way.
3. Quad bikes. Usually 3 in a convoy. How do we get past these? - And remember if you don't pass them then the person behind you will have you all!
( We're talking amatuer quad bikers here not those "in the know" Ang n Chris for example.
So chuck the UK highway code outa de window if hiring a car and never be pressuried by the person behind.
Steel Rods sticking out - These are a pain! Gotta be careful as they prang a few Greek legs as well. ( Spiros at Night Owl a recent casualty ) ( Nearly me once! )
Prices - Our local Kavaddes shop here will charge me 1 euro for an Ouzo and water.
But no sea view and no big overheads like a pool etc. Ouzo and sprite? - Well that word "sprite" is like a beer shandy in the UK. As pricy as a pint? Gotta shop around people and prices may depend if it's a Hotel , a Taverna, or a snack bar, or a little village shop.
So, what else? Well we beat our record for queueing in a Bank this morning. It was 48 minutes and is now 49 minutes. Champagne all round!
And .... Currently on 10 trips to Acharavi in 8 days trying to get my tax papers sorted.
And..... Our public road to our house is still a "Siga-Siga" jobbie. Get too close to the edge and I'm in my neighbours Chicken House.
And..... It's fun to drive to Corfu Town to pay a billl and then be told.
" The person you want is not here - Come back tomorrow "
But, as Chris said - "THE PROS OUTWEIGH THE CONS"
Am I going to stay here? - Yep.
Two final notes here are that:-
A. In the last week, many craters have been filled in many roads around Arillas ,Stehanos and Sidari. These guys are doing their best with the money that local councils have.
( Health and Safety is a big issue - We all have to be more alert - Even in the Winter!)
B. How can you possibly not want to be here with so many genuine friends many of whom who have to contend with the same problems as us.
Those cons aint big enough to get me back to the UK yet folks!
Cheers
Negg
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7 days tomorrow and we will be there for our second visit.we cant wait,bags are packed.we went last year and our first few days were not what we expected but as i said this was the best greek"resort"that i have been to and i would recommend it to anyone,potholes,steelrods warts and all
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Have read all of this thread, and a lot of passion has been expressed. My one observation is how everything has been directed at promoting and preserving our Arillas.
Everyone who has posted here has the interests of both the village and the forum in common. lynchan prompted me to post, because I believe in supporting Arillaspotholes, steelrods warts and all.
My rose-tinted spectacles are bifocals. I can see all the potholes, hear the odd loud motorbike and many other issues. But if it were truly perfect, like the religious view of heaven, you would have to be dead to be there. I am very much alive, and Arillas is the nearest I will ever get to being in heaven. A place where people can have their disagreements, live fulfilled and enjoyable lives and live together in peace, surrounded by the village, its tavernas and the sea.
Phil
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A place where people can have their disagreements, live fulfilled and enjoyable lives and live together in peace, surrounded by the village, its tavernas and the sea.
I like the way you think Phil. We ALL must love Arillas or we wouldn't keep going back. Nowhere is perfect but Arillas comes pretty close.
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I would just like to confirm the prices in Arillas is about the same as last year,So the locals are taking the loss.
Coconut 3 euros for mythos...happy hour 2 hee hee...lol
Brouklis last night, ....lovely meal as always, no price change from last year.
GOODONYER I SAY..
YAMMAS ALL....
riggers.
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Thanks riggers. I knew that after Sandy's report, but on-the-spot reporter (you!) confirms it.
What are they all living on now we're drinking their profits at 1.5 to 2 euros a pint? Eileen said it earlier - you can pay what you want. But after the view from Ammos posted in photo gallery earlier by AJC54, I would pay 4 euros or even more to be there as the sun sets.
So glad you are proving yet again what Arillas offers.
love to both
Phil
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This has been such an entertaining thread and I can't believe people think Chris's words will put anyone off holidaying in Arillas. Price hikes are the same all across European resorts.This is a complete over reaction - maybe it is to do with forum members vested interests in their own enterprises - I don't know? Maybe too much vino?Its not like we have little else to worry about - massive cuts to public services etc
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Nora, what a breath of fresh air. Many of us were stressed, but you were entertained. That is where we should all have been.
Being a clique isn't so bad, but I don't believe we are. Just a virtual community who have something in common.
As for vested interests, I think not. My "Arillas Addict" vest isn't the least bit interested.
Chris, Nora is right. None of us have the power to put people off. You weren't even trying to. Arillas speaks for itself, and mostly in a loud voice.
Phil
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Question - "would I go back to Arillas?"
Answer - (in the words of Churchill) - "Oh, yesssss"!!!!
We've just come back from two weeks there - our third visit - and will be there for another two weeks in September/October....
LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!! Love the place, love the people, love the relaxed feeling as soon as we arrive... what is there not to love?
We've been staying at Kaloudis Village - absolutely spotless and well kept (although we're trying Horizon in September we'll go back to Kaloudis next May)
Mythos at the Gyro place next to Malibu is 2.50, dearer in Ammos. You pays your money you makes your choice (or something like that)
Life's too short to argue; people make disparaging comments; ignore - everyone's entitled to their own opinion.....
ARILLAS IS BRILLIANT!!!!
Janis x
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There ya go, I wasn't wrong.....
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I AM GOING BACK IN ONE HOUR !!!!!
What I would like to say is that it has been so refreshing to read posts by members that don't post that often and that this post has encouraged a lively debate
MANY different issues have been discussed and very interesting points raised.
Eggy's love for his adopted home and the people of Corfu shines through and gives us all an idea of what it must be like to live there not just holiday. I would love to be able to spend maybe a month like Chris to just get the "everyday feel" of the place.
I will be in touch to post a report on my return and am soooooo looking forward to gettingon that plane at 3 pm !!
Love ya all lots
Nan xx
Big kiss for Phil XXXX cos I know he is suffering at the mo.
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Warning LOOOOOONG post coming.
Wow doesnt the loyalty of frequent visitors and addicts of this forum take your breath away! Cant imagine a response like this on Bournemouth.
I dont imagine there is any intention of taking this post down. I do imagine words have been had in the appropriate ears in Arillas. When we stayed back in April we were knocked out at the response of the locals, Greek and Visitors alike to help tidy the resort for the season as the budget was tight this year. What a great job. People are fond and proud of the place.
A couple of weeks ago I took my wifer out for our Anniversary. Lovely Thai meal with 2 bottles of wine. This cost £150. Ouch! luckily most of the wine came my way and the car keys to my good lady.
In any place of my choosing in Arillas, I would be pushed to spend this on our normal party of 4 adults and 3 ravenous children even given I and Peters appitite for wine. 3 Litres often.
My wife tells me that our UK home shopping bill has risen by £150 a month this last year. Obviously before the season this year the Euro was 30% stronger than the Pound. Now at least we have clawed 1/3rd of that back because Britain is in a period of grace around our Election before the Axe falls.
Are costs different in Arillas this year? Sure! Is anybody ripping you off? I doubt it. Is the value still good? Absolutely!!! You can still enjoy a life style in Arillas that you could only dream of in the UK on normal means.
I found myself out on a Friday night in the UK recently and for the first time became aware of how younger people dress and behave. I'm proper 40 now.
Bearing in mind we live in a rural idyll, permanent Conservative enclave and long ago escaped the urban sprawl and suburban culture I was somewhat taken aback.
I used to race my souped up wrecks on back roads in London 20 years ago. At least in Corfu someone wouldnt be afraid to clip my ear and say I was being a wally.
Times change, norms and values change. I see where I live as being 20 odd years behind reality and Arillas is certainly a charming kind of old fashion in this respect even to me.
As far as smelly accomodation is concerned Im afraid my advice is to vote with your feet. Personally, I firmly believe in providing constructive feedback to people whos services I use but I know this isnt for everybody. People react well to this if its real and not just touting for money off or a freebie. Most English people would rather moan than complain I think its fair to say as we dont like confrontation.
Plenty great places to stay in Arillas at budgets to suit every pocket. Something the people of Arillas are keen to provide. I have always said that Corfu is too beautiful to be a budget holiday destination. It could easily be St. Tropez and lets face it some of the ultra-rich are already there. Having travelled widely I chose to build there because there are so few places that have everything that Arillas has.
I dare you to find fault with our drains!
Corfu is stunning, Arillas a lovely location full of lovely, genuine people who care about your enjoyment, and I love the food, wine and culture. Its a place I feel comfortable letting my wife or kids walk alone in. Dont think for a second that I walk with my head in the air but I cannot say that about anywhere in the UK.
You get what you pay for in life and for me Arillas offers value that I cannot obtain anywhere else in easy reach.
Piece of metal sticking out. Go tell someone! We run a small fleet in the UK and after the winter I have shelled out over a Grand on Tyres and wheels because by potholes.
Points taken, but try a comparison with where you live. The Grockles can be a bit stupid down there too come Saturday night with some cider in.
I think the complaints on very specific points would have been better made to the appropriate parties direct. They do appear to form a sweeping generalisation on a place we love and obviously in balance you do too.
Im also guessing you have enjoyed the response this has generated as I admit have I.
Great that you all love the place so much!
See you there soon.
Regards
Frank
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Frank,
good points and well made,
Ivan
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Hello mr Curtis,
this is Eleni from the "IreneVillas" apartments!
I think that your email although based on negative points can really work as the best advertisement of the area as it s overall points have worked on your "coming back"!!
Concerning the prices of the drinks i would say that in all tourist areas are a bit higher than expected due to the limited period of work.As for the bad accommodations why to be blamed if the tour operators give nothing to the owners and people are dealing with them the lowest budget that sometime is paid after 1-2 years?
What you pay is what you get we use to say in Greece and permit me to add that some spoilt drivers who can be found all over can not erase the general impression and feelings of a hall area !
Thank you for coming back but i d apreciate if you would write the reasons why!!
Is it the nature?The clear light blue see? The people?The beautiful sunsets? The warmth of the people? Genuine and authentic place of the world with it s bads and goods!!!
Nothing is perfect and we all know about the disadvantages as we know the bad points of our own children....
The only thing that is left to do is the hope that we can improve ourselves and see what we can do more and better to make things work the best way for us and for all our visitors who are looking forward to their comeback as you do!
Warmest regards
Eleni
Luxury apartments in Arillas
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Very good posts from Frank and Eleni there, but.....................
... I have to say that Eleni's post was better.
She only wins this vote because, even after very a very good response, she still is much prettier than you Frank.
Don't tell her husband this as I am told he is bigger than me.
(Rumour is:- He cuts the sleeves off his T-shirt due to the large size of his muscles! )
Anyway-...................
Good wishes to all & don't forget that we may all bump into each other at some point.
Cheers
Negg
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Its really good to read words of wisdom from Eleni once again. Its also good that, as an owner of an Arillas business, she is able to show things from the Arillas perspective.
Lets have a few more posts Eleni.
Terry
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Hello mr Curtis,
this is Eleni from the "IreneVillas" apartments!
I think that your email although based on negative points can really work as the best advertisement of the area as it s overall points have worked on your "coming back"!!
Concerning the prices of the drinks i would say that in all tourist areas are a bit higher than expected due to the limited period of work.As for the bad accommodations why to be blamed if the tour operators give nothing to the owners and people are dealing with them the lowest budget that sometime is paid after 1-2 years?
What you pay is what you get we use to say in Greece and permit me to add that some spoilt drivers who can be found all over can not erase the general impression and feelings of a hall area !
Thank you for coming back but i d apreciate if you would write the reasons why!!
Is it the nature?The clear light blue see? The people?The beautiful sunsets? The warmth of the people? Genuine and authentic place of the world with it s bads and goods!!!
Nothing is perfect and we all know about the disadvantages as we know the bad points of our own children....
The only thing that is left to do is the hope that we can improve ourselves and see what we can do more and better to make things work the best way for us and for all our visitors who are looking forward to their comeback as you do!
Warmest regards
Eleni
Luxury apartments in Arillas
you are very right indeed Eleni and I value your opinion I should have mentioned the pluss points of which the are many , we have stayed at the Horrizon before and only paid slightly less for my last appartment and I guess I exspected to much . I spoke to you on my last visit and I thought then how pleasent a person you were and your post confirms this.and after seeing your appartments that were realy good we may well meet again.
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Thanks for your post Eleni. Such wise words.
Thank you for coming back but i d apreciate if you would write the reasons why!!
Is it the nature?The clear light blue see? The people?The beautiful sunsets? The warmth of the people? Genuine and authentic place of the world with it s bads and goods!!!
Nothing is perfect and we all know about the disadvantages as we know the bad points of our own children....
Missed you last summer, but will do our best to buy you that drink in July. Will be just over the road at a certain Kourkoulos family's place....
Phil and Jen