Sandy Villas

We arrived at Sandy's late at night and were greeted personally, however it wasn't long before were were 'advised' we would need fans x 2 and a safe key a total of 50 euros paid out and we had only been there ten minutes, then she sold us the pack of water which was far more expensive than at the supermarket! The accommodation was basic to say the least, we were there with our our two teenagers , they couldn't unpack their suitcases as there was nowhere for their clothes to be stored. The pillows were like rocks and the double bed consisted of two singles pushed together.The utensils were poor quality and nothing matched, there was no way you could have self catered here, it was a base and nothing more.Supposedly to cater for four people but it was not big enough for two!
The BBQ was enjoyable but we were pressured into going by her calling at the 'apartment'.
On the plus side the apartment was cleaned every day and we were given fresh towels daily too. The pool are was very pleasant but drinks and food expensive

Came back at the beginning of the week from 2 weeks here.....
We were very lucky to arrive in daylight due to last minute flight change by the tour operator and initial impressions were great! We chose this accomomdate for our 5th and 6th visits to Santorini respectively as our usual place is having some major renovations completed. The pool area looks fantastic and pool is a nice size for the number of people currently staying in the complex. We has rooms 2 and 3 in the middle block having asked for adjacent rooms - usually meaning adjacent balcony's which sadly we didn't get - minus 1 point!
The furnture in the rooms look relatively new and was very impressive compared to previous experiences (plus 1 point!) Kitchen equipment especially in mine was very disappointing as the only sharp knife was for peeling vegetables rather than cutting bread and the cupboards under the sink were a little stale (minus 1 point!) The major "sore" point was the mattress on the bed by the balcony in room 3 - springs through both sides only 4 weeks into the new summer season. I would knock 2 or 3 points off for this having been in the hospitality industry for many years but as we did not report and therefore give Sandy chance to correct this I'll reduce the deduction to minus 1. Generally the beds however were not as comfy as our previous experiences on the island - the sunbeds were better for sleeping on! Other minor maintenance jobs like fire alarm casing hanging off and missing hooks to peg back windows slats should also not have been so visible at the start of the year.
I would also critise the screwing of balcony tables to the floors (assumed because of the winds!) especially the location in room 2 as it is a good size if a little narrow. On the plus side there was plenty of hot water most of the day and evening for showers!!!
Can't really comment on the food as didn't eat in the complex. The one day we fancied a milkshake in the middle of the afternoon they didn't have any ice cream to make them!!!
Beware of Sandy's sales pitch on Water, (6 bottles for 3.50 when its €1.49 at supermarket down the road!), the BBQ and Fans. Safe's are built into the walls which is a bonus. I will also give her an extra mark for offering to take us the airport for the same cost as the taxi when we couldn't get one on departure instead of waiting for tour operator pick up!
Sadly despite the good points, we will be looking for alternative accomodation on our return to santorini next year!

3 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from Santorini. Loved it! An absolutely beautiful and interesting place to visit. We stayed in Perissa at Sandy's Villa. Wonderful, just right. the pool and Bar areas are lovely, our two boys (10) and (8) thoroughly enjoyed it. Short walk from shops (nice supermarket) Bank and brilliant Beach with good variety of restaurants and sunbeds. Our villa was cleaned every day and given fresh linen and towels too. No air con but Sandy more than happy to sell you Fan and Safe (which you should do for 35 euros - she will do this when you arrive regardless of the hour so be forewarned and not upset). Great BBQ provided (at cost) with far too much food and good wine. Bad reviews before we went made us nervious, Sandy is running a busy and never came across as brash or angry. Highly recommended we went through Thomas Cook/Olympic hols. Basic Self catering only, dont expect too many utensils etc but we were very happy.

2 readers found this review helpful

I have recently returned from Sandy Villas having had a good time. It wasnt brilliant but have been to worse. Sandy is lovely and really wants you to enjoy yourselves.We arrived late due to a 2 hour delay and she was there to greet everyone and individually visits you in the room. Yes she does sell you the fans and safety boxes but at least you dont have to go looking for them and also 6 bottles of water are delivered. The rooms are clean but basic. Dont expect to do any cooking as its impossible and if you prefer a kettle take a small one with you. The pool is lovely surrounded with palm trees. If you use a supermarket then the Co Op is the best value the others are more expensive. The restaurants are all similar and we didnt have a bad meal. On our last day we came across a little gem called Gods Garden down a side street (dont be put off by the initial appearance ) The meal was lovely and much cheaper than on the beach road. The cheapest drinks we found at Dorians pub on the main road. We had a good time but I wouldnt visit Perissa again and its the only holiday ive been on for a week and didnt feel envious of the others there for a fortnight. There isnt much to do apart from trips which are not good value. The local bus service is easy to get about. The apartments are not far from the beach and bars but far enough to not hear any road noise. Its very quiet at night and its worth taking a torch. Im sure if you visit you will have a good time just dont expect 5 star luxury.

5 readers found this review helpful

After reading all the reviews prior to arriving at SAndy Villas , I was somewhat nervous, didn`t get off to agood start as we were delayed on plane at Manchester for 50 mins so we were all tired when we arrived .
A group of weary travellers got off the bus and were met by Sandy and her son Vangelis(who I nick named Odd Job-Those of you that have been been will understand this title).Sandy gave her welcome chat and then took us off to rooms - She returned to our room and proceeded to give us the 5 minute "Buy a fan , Buy a safe , shut your windows" e.t.c chat and I could not help thinking "Oh god reviews are right".The room itself was split over two levels with the upper floor containing four single beds(pillows like small rocks) and a domed ceiling (the amount of times I banged my head on this).Downstairs we had a table , one wardrobe and "kitchen area" and we also had a balcony (Room 22)- Layout could have worked better with double upstairs and singles downstairs .Basic - Yes but then again if you have booked your holiday in Greece to sit in your room then I would ask if a holiday in Greece is your right move!!.
Santorini itself is not the prettist island nor the most interesting however I would defy anyone who can not help but fall in love with Oia (take the postcard and make it real) - What an idyllic place , beautiful views and picture postcards moments round every corner , small shops with owners that are interested in what you want and whether its right for you - If you get the chance go into Miaoy in Oia - great little shop and the owner was just adorable.
Dont miss out on Megalochori and a Tarverna called Raki(filled part of sisterhood of travelling pants 2 here), it`s a beautiful traditional setting .
The capital of Thira is pretty and the buses into town are air conditioned and well organised - prepare to pay a price for dinner in Thira as it really is the view that you are paying for, but on the whole overall prices in Santorina are really not that bad .
The beach at Perssia became our favourite spot with Visanto being the place for breakfast - get your sunbeds through here and have on the beach service from a lovely man called Apostolis.
You are spolit for choice with Tavernas in Perissa , however bars are a different matter with Dorians bar being the one that we most frequented as not much else to choose from.
Back To Sandys ,swimming pool was great for kids and seemed to be popular with adults also .Yes prices are high for Lidl products and food is not the best but if your on a budget limit what you have .After two weeks Sandy had grown on me , she wants the best for her family and really cares about kids round the pool.She has got eyes in the back of her head so god forbid you if you attempt to smuggle any food of your own round the pool.Sandys son Vangelis is an absolute star , he really put my kids to shame with the amount that he does for a lad of his age and with his cheeky wink you can`t help but love him .
Would I go back to Sany Villas - No but only because I would not go back to Santorini and this is not because I would not recommend it , its just a case of once done no need to go back.
Alison our rep was great, available when needed and approachable.
If your going to Sandy Villas, give it a couple of days before you make up your mind, get yourself down the becah , have a couple of Mythos or Rakis and relax, it may be basic but its not that bad

5 readers found this review helpful

We just arrived back from Sandy Villas and at first the room seemed ok. We bought 2 of our own fans to take after reading other reviews on here and were so glad we did. We saw a few people who rented fans off her taking them back because they did not work.
The cooking facilities in the room were awful and probably quite dangerous. The 2 ring electric hob had 2 legs missing so it just tipped forward if you tried to use it. There were 4 of us staying in the apartment yet there were only 2 plates and 3 rusty forks. Fortunately we had not intended on cooking anyway which is just as well!
The smoke alarm in the room had no battery and this was sorted out after we complained to the rep about it. Also there were electric wires hanging out of the wall next to the bed and near a light in another room.
We stayed for a week and in the whole time our towels and bedding were never changed once which was disgusting. I ended up washing some of the towels myself. The bed and pillows were really hard and uncomfortable and the room was full of flies.
The pool looked nice but the filter appeared to be broken and so was it was full of dead flies and insects.One of us got an ear infection ater going in it and another was throwing up after swallowing the water.
The prices at the pool bar were extortionate, 2 euros for a really cheap can of Lidel coke and you are not allowed to take your own drinks to the pool. We tried the breakfast there but it was not very nice so went elsewhere for the rest of the week.
Sandy is nice but is only out to get money from you. She does not believe in kids having fun in the pool and lilos and inflatables are banned.
We went to the bbq as we felt pressured into going...she would not leave us alone until we said we would go! It was nice and worth the money though, the Greek salad was lovely.
We did have a nice time but i would not stay at Sandy Villas again mainly due to the hygeine issues and the bare electric wires hanging out of the wall.

3 readers found this review helpful

Loved loved loved Sandy Villas. Room 31 was fantastic, clean, spacious & modern, with the added extra of a cleaner who changed bed linen, towels, mopped, emptied the bins, and cleaned the bathroom every day we were there. Pool was great, sunbeds, shade, bar open all day for drinks & snacks, and stunning views. It's a 5 minute level walk into Perissa , but it is very dark at night as the lane isn't lit. Having worked for a major tour company, and stayed in many different sorts of accomodation, I can say for the cost Sandys really is great! I have seen far worse during my time abroad, and am interested to read other peoples opinions. This world is too big to see the same place twice, however this place could be a rule breaker! We loved it & have some fantastic memories from a gorgeous Greek island!!!

1 reader found this review helpful

We had a wonderful relaxing holiday and met some lovely people. Sandy and her family were very helpful and great hosts. The bbq night is a fantastic idea as it helps guests to break the ice have fun and meet friends. Beautiful island wonderful weather. Clean rooms with shower and towels and bedding changed what more can we ask for? Thank you Sandy and family we hope to return in the future.

3 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from sandy villas for a second time
had another terrific holiday, met some more nice people and some that were there last year at the same time. Sandy and her family are lovely people who really care about your holiday. The rooms are basic Greek but spotlessly clean.The location gives you great views and is only a few minutes easy walk to bars, tavernas and the beach. I would love to go back again but it's a big world out there and lots of places yet to explore, but one day you never know.

5 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from a week's stay at Sandy Villas and cannot understand why anyone would give it a bad review. The rooms are basic (twin beds, wardrobe, table and chairs and ensuite shower room) but we didn't need any more than what was offered. Sandy is the most accomodating, sweet woman who makes sure that guests are always comfortable and happy. The pool area is so relaxed with lots of sun beds,shady areas and tables to eat at. Guests were largely made up of couples of all ages and mixed family groups. There weren't many children when we stayed but we want to return with our extended families and 2 year old son as the villas are perfect for this type of holiday. Perissa beach is a short walk away with many varied cafes,bars and restaurants. Quality of food at The Acropolis was sadly lacking!! Veggero has wonderful service, atmosphere and food.
We saw the whole island and believe that Perissa was definitely the best beach.