Pepi Studios

1 reader found this review helpful

Pepi studios, is Located in between loads of shops and resturants in the old town,opposite the towering shadow of the Bank of Greece, after we were dropped off by the taxi we were given no:15 and discovered it was like the black hole of Calcutta ( being opposite the bank ) lights needed to be on all day with no view of the sky. There was a tiny 2 ring cooker that did'nt work and no kettle provided for a cup of tea when I complained I was told that the kettles were not provided as the guests took them home and we were to use a small milk jug instead. On taking a shower we noticed that there was no bracket to hold the shower head so taking a shower was almost impossible, the toilet was right next to the cooker (very hygenic) I saw no air conditioner unit in the room and so the windows had to be left open, the first night we were bitten to pieces and were kept awake most of the night by motorbikes and mopeds pulling up to use the banks atm machine. The dustmen also like to collect the rubbish around 4 a.m. It is impossible to tell what the time is as the room was dark day and night. No tv or radio even in the main reception only a collection of used paperbacks for entertainment. There is a very small swimming pool which could hold around 4 people max. None of the staff are able to speak English and the Rep Katie was not contactable and did not give out any telephone number, any problems had to be addressed to the lady in the material shop at the front who would contact the caretaker or you were required to phone the Thomson helpline in the UK !!!
After aweek of restless nights and not being able to contact the rep another guest demanded we were moved to another apartment as I was becoming more and more stressed. This was better as it had a cooker that worked and was light and not as depressing. I noted that our old room was given to new arrivals that same day without any repairs being done.. We would NOT recommend this accomodation as it offers very little in the way of value for money and was very dissapointing.
The cleaners were friendly and hard working and the grounds were kept neat and tidy. Pepi studios seems to be run on a tight budget and there is a lot of room for improvment. It was discovered that Thomson and First Choice are no longer booking Pepi Studios.

1 reader found this review helpful

just returned from pepi apartments on 7th aug. loved it. very basic hob set up. fridge. single beds!hmm! but apart from that. could'nt fault it. definitely a great location for couples who like to have their cake and eat it. ideally situated in the old town, we arrived about 12-1 am and it was all lovely and quiet at pepi, dropped our cases and went off to explore. our street was dead but as you turn a couple more corners you see hoards of people sat in the bars and wandering the streets looking in shops etc. some places in the old town can be pricey but to be expected really.*****the lemon garden was fantastic place to eat. more of a dining experience than a quick bite and a run. CONFESSION ate there 3 times in 7 days....so nice. also most important to mention if you are thinking of the pepi apartments PLEASE feed the little black kitten....on our arrival she had a very protective mother, unfortunately during our stay mother disappeared so kitten is all alone! very beautiful and friendly. also PACK MARMITE... i had no bites as i ate it each morning for breakfast. stopped eating it two days beforen return and got eaten alive. be warned mozzies are very much alive and well. so arm yourselves people. Visit GEORGIO POLIS? 25 min bus ride towards Hania. lovely little chapel juts out from the beach, grab a canoe or pedlow and look for turtles and wildlife. lovely.don,t miss a walk up to the venetian fortress as fab views and interesting buildings. not a visit for midday. far too hot. don't jump straight into booking excursions through over eager reps. although seemingly innocent creatures they obviously prey slightly on us over awed holiday folk.instead take a good walk along sea front and book excursions through locals. same with water excursions. try harbour end of the sea front. happy holidaying good people!

1 reader found this review helpful

I have just got back today from a week stay in Pepi. We were given room 18, which was lovely. The style of Pepi is very rustic and traditional. Rethymnon is unspolit with english bars etc, which you tend to find in areas such as the Costa del Sol etc. It was really refreshing to go on holiday to a geniune area, where you can get a real feel for the culture/lifestyle rather than going away somewhere so touristy it is like England. We like to do much different things when we go on holiday, so it was perfect for us.
We dined out a lot. The Agrimia restaurant was the least favourite of ours, we found it disappointing and very average being a Thomson customer we got 10% there but that still didn't make up for the food. We went to a taverna on the front near the harbour where the food was cheaper and more enjoyable, the deals on food were incredible. Cafe Igloo is a great bar to go to, the owner is very friendly.
We went on 2 day trips during the week, as we spent a lot of time relaxing in Rethymnon. We have a very busy lifestyle normally so it was lovely to be able to sit and relax. The ideon hotel is where guests can go and use the pool, and it was very nice - much better than the plunge pool in the apartments and the ideon is only a 5 minute walk away. We visited Hania and elafonisos. Elafonisos, is paradise definately worth a visit.
I would disagree with the review below in that Rethmymnon is a place for locals to shop, seeing as most of the shops contain souvenirs which of course the locals would not buy. The souvenirs are lovely and generally are not tat. We spent hours looking at the shops, which are down lots of gorgeous alley ways as many things available to buy are lovely.
Rethmymnon would be a perfect place to take a family. The people are very friendly, and the locals seem to love children. There also needs to be little worry with regards to not being able to speak the local language, as locals are very happy to speak english.
All in all, it was a fantastic holiday and I will most definately be returning to the area in the future.

Having researched numerous reviews we were a little bit dubious about going to the pepi. I can honestly say these studios are very, very nice, set in the heart of the old town in Rethymnon with everything close by. We had room 18 absolutly lovely. Restaurants, street cafe/bar, shops and supermarkets. I must say there is a lack of proper bars in rethymnon, me being a football fan had to watch some games on small tv's with music on instead of sound. On Saturday had to try and desipher greek to get football results. We did try a good selection of restaurants, the ones near the sea front are expensive (you pay for the view) one of the best we tried is 'Agrimia' good food at good prices, another one we found was out of this world, 'TO ELLINIKON' a restaurant you would walk past, small, very traditional and somewhat bland looking but the food, especially the fish was amazing we went back the following night for same dish it was that good, but unfortunatly had to fly home the next day, this restaurant is well worth the visit. The Studios are about a 15min walk from the bus station where you can get a bus anywhere, the staff are really helpfull as well. We did find it a little expensive, only because of the exchange rate, expect to pay 3 to 4.5 euro for a pint a good meal for 2 inc wine 40 to 50 euro and a return trip to Chania on the bus for 2 people 26Euro. A good place to go for a week. Downside, you do need to get out and about as Rethymnon is a town not yet geared up for tourism, very nice and quaint but mainly a place for Cretans to relax and shop. We would go back but after a couple of years, we would reccomend the pepi if you love traditional greece. overall a good holiday but a bit boring if you stay in Rethymnon. (even had a day at Malia) to liven things up. Hope this helps Ian (42) Elaine (52)

We booked a last minute holiday to Crete (where we've been before in 2000) but this time staying in Rhethymnon at the Pepi apartments and it was a wonderful surprise. Old Town Rhethymnon is fabulous. Far better than the beachside hotels/new town.
Pepi apts are off a side street, right in the centre but there was hardly any nightlife 'noise'. Lots of quality shops selling designer labels, and local craft shops mixed quite subtly with a very small amount of the touristy 'tat' shops. Lots of really cool bars too - with ultra modern decor / good music - all with reasonably priced cocktails/imported beers. The bars & restaurants are literally on your doorstep. HOWEVER, it is not at all in the Malia / Falaraki way. It had a very upmarket and cosmopolitan feel really.
The Pepi apts are very basic but nicely appointed - good, very clean but very sparse. There's no kettle or toaster but then, there's lots of really good restaurants nearby, so why would you need them?!
The rooms and 'complex' are small and intimate, there are always some guests around but it's not at all intrusive. The management speak very little English (which makes it difficult to secure the Air Conditioning remote control!) but they are friendly and genuine. There's no reception desk, but there's a hotel rep in the haberdashery store on the front, which is open for a few hours a day (where you can get the Air Con remote - important!). The pool is tiny, and the beach is approx 1km away, so not ideal if you have young children but perfect if you are a couple or friends who would enjoy the walk home after a nice evening meal / drinks as the bars & restaurants are literally on your doorstep. HOWEVER, I must stress as I've said above, it is not at ALL like Malia / Falaraki.
Pepi is twinned with Hotel Ideon, which has a bigger pool but the pool was green and univiting, so try it but be warned!
We met two groups who stayed at Pepi for the past 4 years and I can see why and verify, it's probably the best location in Old Town Rhethymnon.
The Harbour area is lovely, good quality, fresh fish restaurants. In the centre are the more traditional restaurants, many of those in the little side streets are set in courtyards of old houses, which adds to the charm.
Insects? In August - there are NO mosquitoes, but there's a few hornets and of course, lots of noisy crickets! But it's really not a problem.
Rhethymnon is a great base for sightseeing on the West of the Island, but Crete is quite large. Try to see Chania which is another charming town or if you can, go to Elafonisi beach - the Caribbean of the Med!!
Overall, it really was a delight to be there and I would definitely go back (which I rarely do!). And I would definitely stay in the Pepi apts again.

We returned to Pepi studios with our 8 year old daughter. We were last here 11 years ago and had fond memories of the place. By chance we were allocated the same room! My only complaint is the lack of Air Con. Even though we had 2 fans, it really isnt sufficient so we had problems sleeping. There was not even the option of paying extra in the room that we had. I think this should be sorted ongoing and included within the price. The location and cleanliness of the appartments was excellent. Such a lovely town with plently to do and see and the restaurants were lovely. Some better than others. Would recommend 'The Lemon Tree' - very near the appartment and those over looking the sea near the hotel Ideon but not at the harbour. Also for breakfast the restaurant next to the well photographed fountain.
Beach was fantastic. Brollies and sunbeds at 8euros a day and good shopping facilities opposite. We watched Mama Mia in the open air cinema which was an experience if a little expensive at 7euros each.
We also did a hiking tour to St Antonios Gorge as it said it was suitable for kids! Well, luckily our kid is very active and likes a challenge. Although the day was good and different, the terrain and conditions at the gorge were not suitable for kids ...no steps and lots of clambering on the rocks!
Pepi is mostly for adults but we would recommend it for kids. No tacky entertainment or kids clubs but our child likes the culture of other countries and doesnt need 'English' entertainment..
Lovely holiday!

Just returned from a brilliant holiday at the Pepi Studios. I would highly recommend these apartments to those who like to explore and be left to their own devices whilst on holiday. As others have said the prices around the harbour are pretty high for average food. We found some beautiful little restaurants in the small back street behind the spring in town.
P.S. Hire a car and visit the coastline around Preveli Lagoon - amazing!

Just returned from a fantastic holiday at Pepi Studios with my partner. It is an ideal place for couples the most relaxing place we have been to but it also comes to life at night with hundreds of restaurants, tavernas and shops to choose from. On the first day we did get lost twice because all the little streets and alleys look the same and the studios are so tucked away we found them difficult to find but you will soon get used to it! The studios have got everything you need on your doorstep, only down 2 alley ways to the old harbour beach which we preferred, the main beach is only a 10 minute stroll away but you will have to pay 9 Euros for 2 sunbeds and a parasol! We bought 2 lilos for 8 Euros which lasted the whole holiday.
The only downside for us was first choice flights. We flew from East Mids airport where we checked in and enquired about extra leg room seats with my partner being 6ft 4in, we were told it cost £25 extra but if we left it till the end of check in any remaining seats would be free, we dare not risk this in case they had all gone and was seperated on the plane so we paid £50 for 2 seats. On boarding the plane we realised all the remaining extra leg room seats were taken up with a gang of youths on a trip to Malia and none of them looked very tall so we asked why they paid extra. They informed us that they didn't and that they were first in the queue when check in desk opened and were just given them! We complained to the rep on arrival but was told she had no connection with the airlines and couldn't do anything about it!!! Also on our departure date we had to vacate the room at 12 noon on the fri even though we were not being picked up until 2am saturday morning. We could have paid extra to keep room on but only till 6pm which was a waste of time when we was out for the day till 6pm anyway. Apart from the first choice flight, especially the night flights we have no complaints about Pepi studios and its location and would certainly go again but not on a night flight.

We stayed at the Pepi appartments in April. We were told by are very pleasant First choice rep. that we would have to be taken by taxi part of the way because the appartments were situated down a delightful narrow street. We were given small maps which clearly explained which appartment we were in and how to locate it. It was all very straight forward and for most people not a problem. It was also explained how to operate the electricity and the hot water which was very simple The appartments were lovely, basic in a Greek kind of way, very clean and situated in an incredible situation right in the centre of the old town. They were set back off the street in this amazing setting surrounded by lemon trees , totally private ,with a plunge pool and lots of sun loungers. All you needed to do is just step out of the gates and you were right in the middle of the lovely old town with it's small narrow streets with a variety of shops (including the most incredible shoe shops ever!) We met some lovely people and mostly everyone fell in love with Pepi appartments and Rythmnon. I would highly recomend these appartments and we will certainly be returning .

The appartment was fine, however on arriving in the early hours it would have been nice to have tea and coffee provided as there was nothing to drink. Th Rep had left everyone to the Taxi drivers who dumped us at the entrance to the appartment. (keys were in the door) no one was told how to turn on the lights, or provided with help to carry cases. We had two older ladies in our party who had to carry their cases up the stairs.
The Rep was very rude and unhelpful, we were told that we had until the Friday to book seats together on the return flight (at extra cost) then we were informed on the Friday that we had left it too late! I am partially Deaf and rely on my husband for assistance so sitting appart would have spoilt the holiday for me. We did eventually have this sorted out at the airport but it spoilt the holiday for me. I would not recommend First Choice and will not be using them again.
I would however recommend the Pepi studios they were clean and comfortable if basic, and the lady that did the cleaning was very efficient. They are in a very plesant location and central for all ammenities.