Zygos Studios

2 readers found this review helpful

We read carefully all of the reviews for this hotel on various sites, and decided on balance that we would give it a try. We were certainly not disappointed. Yes, the accommodation is basic (but perfectly serviceable, and what do people expect from a 2+star?); yes, the noise from the nearby complex can be very loud (but rarely after 11.30pm, and only in certain rooms); yes, you might get the odd bug (but it's the Med, for heaven's sake - what would you expect?)
We travel to be tourists - out and about all day, and back to the Hotel for a last drink before bed. To that end, Zygos suited us perfectly. Eva and Yianni cannot do enough to make you happy. We landed in Room 8 on our first night and were deafened by the nearby disco. (Other people had Room 8 and were not at all bothered, I should add!) We spoke to Eva and she moved us at once; after that, we slept soundly. The hosts are certainly NOT money-grubbers (an accusation levelled at them by some other reviewers), but remember that seven months' work has to pay for five months' idle time in the winter, so don't blame any trader in Sissi for getting what he/she can from the tourists.
We would certainly recommend Zygos. I would also offer the following tips:
1. Buy the air-conditioning (7 Euros a day) - it gets VERY hot in Sissi!
2. Take a plug-in insect-o-cutor, not a repellent. Just zap the little blighters and be done with it! (Check out Amazon for some good deals on these.)
3. Please feed the local cats. For a town full of restaurants, there is not a single rat or mouse to be seen. The local cats keep the town completely free of vermin, but no one else really looks after them. Our little family on the balcony ate well on cheap spam from the local supermarket.
4. Malia Cars or Mevis Cars offer good deals on car hire, but read the small print on all of the deals from them and other traders. Don't leave yourselves exposed on insurance.
5. Buy a four-way socket extension from the local supermarket (6 Euro) if you don't have one. The fridge is always on, and you can use the adaptor to charge your camera batteries throughout the day while you are out.
6. Get the Rough Guide to Crete if you want to be out and about. We never had a dull day in two weeks. There is plenty to see and do either by bus or car.
7. Make the walk to Boufos Beach (east of Sissi, about 30 minutes, sometimes called Kalimera Kriti beach). It's fantastic sea swimming and the beach is pure sand. Bed and parasol hire is expensive (11 Euros) but it's worth every cent.
Go to Zygos. We met some lovely people there and we can be as fussy as anyone when we feel we've been let down, but that was certainly NOT the case at Eva's and Yianni's.

4 readers found this review helpful

Have just spent two weeks at the Zygos, and have had one of the best holidays we have had over 35 years holidaying around the Mediterranean.
Atmosphere
Eva and Yiannis, the owners were exceptionally friendly and helpful, as was Carol who worked behind the bar. Food was very good and bar prices were on a par with the local restaurants. Have to mention Eva's secret weapon, her daughter Ramona, who charmed every adult and befriended the children.
Apartment
We were in No. 2, which is situated beneath the roof top pool. This was very large, including the bathroom, and although basic, was no different to many apartments we have stayed in. Having read one of the reviews we particularly listened for the noise from the pump, and it was definitely not intrusive. In fact the fridge, which was new, was louder.
Location
The hotel is close to supermarkets and restaurants and is only a 10-15 minute walk away from the harbour. The sea is only a couple of hundred yards away. From the roof top pool you have great views of the mountains, and fabulous sunsets on an evening.
There is even a local market directly opposite the hotel on a Monday.
Entertainment
There are only 10 apartments and as such creates a very friendly atmosphere among the guests. Make a point of attending the BBQ and Quiz nights. We really got to know the other guests and had some great times.
We have to give a special mention to Kerry and Alan. Hope to see you again.

We have just completed a two week holiday at the Zygos apartments in Sissi on Crete and were very disappointed with the standard of these apartments.
1)We moved apartments after a couple of days because of the noise of the swimming pool motor/pump which has a very unpleasant vibration sound from early morning until about 10pm.
2)The kitchen cooker and kettle (in both apartments) and fridge in the second were not of acceptable standard, all being extremely old (they would be condemned in Britain). Had we been a family on a budget and needing the self-catering, the holiday would have been a disaster.
3)There was no regular hot water for showers or washing up etc. throughout our stay and the bathroom shower arrangements meant a flooded floor preventing access to toilet until dry. Several other guests had the same problems.
4)Lighting in the apartment made it difficult to read in the evenings (two 40 watt ordinary bulbs in lounge/diner) plus lack of easy chairs despite most Tavernas having them. We purchased a 60watt spotlight for 1 euro which gave sufficient light for reading.
5)Leisure activities – the swimming pool was too cold to use and in the two weeks we didn’t see anyone use it. One length was the max for us because of the temperature (we are regular swimmers). The sea was warmer. The pool bar appears to be in use as an office and not amenable for sitting in.

The above have spoilt the relaxation aspect of our holiday in Crete. We will not be recommending these apartments to friends and family.

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3 readers found this review helpful

We had a really fantastic holiday with our son in Sissi at the Zygos Apartments. Eva, Yiannis and Ramona, along with Carol made our holiday really special.
Our ground floor apartment was clean and had everything we needed for our stay. Eva was very helpful with information about the local area and gave great directions on how to get to places. There were two supermarkets with a five minute walk of the apartments. We found three beaches to choose from, all well kept.
There were tavernas close by - we would recommend Kokotas and the Pink Flamingo, (avoid Sun Land). A ten minute walk to the harbour to choose from a selection of tavernas overlooking the sea is well worth the walk.
The rooftop pool was excellently maintained. We enjoyed days and many nights around the pool bar with the other guests and met some lovely people.
We weren't at all pressured into attending any of the functions by the owners. We did go to the BBQ (excellent food and music) and the quiz nites (excellent quiz master).
We hope that Ramona has Maxwell under control too!!!
We will certainly holiday again at the Zygos Apartments.

2 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from yet another fantastic 2 week holiday in Crete.We love Greece the people,the food ,the scenery and the weather
Zygos apartments are situated on the out skirts of Sissi a quiet low key resort with majority of the Tavernas and bars situated around a small but pretty harbour.It takes less than 10 minutes to walk down to the harbour and into the main part of the Town.There were about 8 tavernas and a couple of bars on the harbour front and a few more tavernas on the way into the Town to choose from.
The credit crunch, the poor exchange rate and the newly built all inclusive complex has had an effect on tourism in the area.It was quiet and the tavernas were a little competitive.We tried 3 tavernas and the food and service were of a good standard.
Nearer to the apartments on the opposite side of the road is the Kokotas taverna .The waitier Manos is a great host friendly polite and attentive. He was a very genuine chap.The kleftico is to "die for".The best my husband has tasted and he is a bit of an expert.He's sampled a few!! We ended up eating there most evenings and would highly recommend it.
We have been surprised by the negative reviews for Zygos that we have read on this website.

Eva,Yiannis and the lovely Ramona were welcoming friendly and helpful. Carol who ran the poolside bar during the day is a legend. Nothing is too much trouble for her.
Our apartment on the ground floor was typically Greek self catering accomodation.Clean and basic. The kitchen is equipped to prepare light meals and Carol was happy to provide a tin opener on request.
Bathrooms are also basic and that is a given.Solar powered water does make this a bit of a lottery at shower time but that's Greece.
The barbeque evening was great.The food was lovely and there was plenty of it.The live music was fantastic the musicians were very talented.We didn't feel pressurised to attend.
The pool was well kept and the views were amazing.
All in all we had a fantastic holiday.We met some lovely people.Many thanks to Eva Yiannis,Carol and Princess Ramona.(How far have you got with training Maxwell?)
We will return!

2 readers found this review helpful

We have only been home one week and miss our holiday so much. We had a fantastic time at the Zygos Studios thanks to some very special people....Eva, Yannis the owners their lovely daughter Romana and Carol and Eleri who work there serving food and drink. The apartments are clean and the pool area was kept immaculate.The hospitality of these people made our holiday so special and we will definitly be going back.Nothing is to much trouble for them and the atmosphere was so friendly,whatever you do don't miss the barbeque nights on Sundays we went to both on our fourtnight stay and the food was great.Sissi is a lovely resort and we are sorry we missed it on our last two visits to Crete.There are plenty of bars, shops and resturants in the resort and the Zygos does great snacks and full English breakfasts.

3 readers found this review helpful

I stayed at the Zygos apartments last week and I have to say what a FANTASTIC place, Eva and Yiannis were lovely people and couldnt do enough for you. We spent many days sitting around the pool and evenings at the bar. Carol (The lovely Welsh lady) looked after us superbly. The Apartments are lovely and spotless. If you required any extra pillows Eva was ready and waiting. I will not hesistate to go back to see Eva, Yiannis and Carol hopefully later this year (Sept). So that other lady who didnt have a nice word to say about Eva and Zygos apartments must remember if your going to a 2 star apartment not to expect the Ritz but I have to say Our group was more than happy.
Our Group of 20 people ALL had a lovely holiday due to Eva, Yiannis and Carols great hospitality the lovely area of Sissi and the weather was the best ever. One of our party has been going to the Zygos for over 15 years, So it must be good.
Btw Eva and Carol do the best home made chips with REAL yes REAL potatoes.
The eye candy in the apartments next door was also worth staying by the pool for.
If you are thinking about staying at the Zygos Apartments please remember to go and see Steffano at 'Stephano's Bar' and have a drink with him they are open till about 4 in the morning and he is a great guy, Its just over the road from Zygos. Everything you can want on a holiday is right on your doorstep if you are staying at the Zygos. Supermarket 2 minutes down the road. Lovely restaurants just on the right and lots of them and if you follow the road down and round past the harbour there are more gift shops there and if you find the 'YOOHOO BAR' nip in and say hello to Renato she is lovely.
So All In All We all had a Fantastic week at the Zygos Apartments. June 7th -June 14th
Look forward going back later in the year and for many years to come.

We stayed at the Zygos in May, a good time to go as weather really warms up in June. The transfers to the apartments are fairly striaght foward and you are welcomed by Eva when there. The rooms are very basic, but functional and clean.
The best parts are that the a).roof top poo is great and b). that the fellow clientail are quiet ( no Malia types !).
The only downside is if you stay in rooms 9 or 10 ( middle floor ) you will hear the noise at night from the bar upstairs, especially on their " theme " nights. ( not great before a 4 am wake up for a flight home! ).
Sissi is great, but hire a car, not only to see a lot of this great country, but also to get to the local beaches, unless you want to walk half a mile to the nearest beach ( not a good idea in 35 degree heat ).
Lastly, avoid all things British ( Malia e.t.c and try a little basic Greek ( they will love you for it ).

2 readers found this review helpful

We have just got back to cold and windy Scarborough after our most wonderful holiday in Sissi in Crete and at the Zygos apartments. Eva, Yanni, Gail and Ramona were nothing but hospitable and friendly and offered us their hospitality without bound - We were welcomed personally and we thought the pool and bar were wonderful.
The apartments are basic but clean and well appointed and had a kettle! A surprise for most places on the creek isles as I have never had a kettle and now bring our own! Cork screws, pans and all items we required were in place. The hot water was BOILING HOT every night and we never ran out of hot water when showering of an evening even though the apartments were fully booked throughout our stay. This kind of heating is prevalent in the med and were of very good standard.
Kalispera Eva - blimey I miss saying that every morning - CANT WAIT TO GO BACK
Sissi itself is a pretty quaint local town and is not for the 18-30 crowd THANK GOD.
Mikes place - a Greek owned restaurant is lovely and the food is fab. Hemmingways bar is a lovely retreat by the harbour for the pre dinner drink. Mira mare on the harbour is another fab place to eat at and the food is both plentiful and good quality.
All in all our holiday was made by the locals and the hosts at Zygos - 10 out of 10 Eva and Yanni For being extremely great hosts and for being yourselves - PLEASE DONT STOP. Ramona is a sweetie and Lucy misses her already.
Sara the holiday rep was a font of information and was very helpful and not at all in our faces about trips etc - all the trips were fully explained and lots of local tips and info - Nice one Sara.

Zygos aps not friendly very dangerous... hosing down marble stairs, even when in use I nearly broke my neck. Eva was very rude shouting across the pool asking me who I was and could I go and get my passport. The apt were smelly, I burnt my wrist badly the first day I arrived from there 18 o plonk kettle, very dangerous indeed. I did not have a shower all week as the water was freezing all the time. We were assured that we could keep our apt on as are flight was 4.15 am. One of Evas horrible english friends said we couldn't have it. I think this is because we did not attend her bbq. Also one of her disgusting english guest was farting all the time, I had no desire to mix with them. The maid walked in without knocking, the room was dark smelly and dingy with no natural light no view no nothing it was very depressing. On the last day I booked in next door which was delightful it was a small place just before you get to Zygos, think Lika or something like that. This lady let me have a room for the day for 20 euros. We had to wait in the front of Zygos until our coach came. I checked and nobody was in our room so it seems do as Eva wants or **** off. A horrible holiday no beaches just a sand pit. Glad I'm home.