Villa Mare Studio Apartments

The studio was basic but clean and reasonably comfortable, adequate crockery/utensils, nice balcony overlooking the road leading to the beach. Could have done with the bins emptying more frequently than twice a week but apart from that a nice studio, even a shower curtain and loo rolls - most unusual. Hire a fan in hot weather - a must. Very useful having a safe in the room. The swimming pool was lovely with plenty of comfortable sunbeds - never overcrowded.
Lourdas itself had a lovely beach, even though road-widening was taking place at the time of our stay, by walking for 10 minutes or so we had plenty of space to ourselves on the sandy beach. The sea was warm, clear and calm. The hill to the village was VERY steep and a car is definitely a necessity unless you want to spend the entire time around the beach area. We usually use local bus services on the Greek Islands but unfortunately the bus only ran once a day from the very top of the hill. We hired a car for 2 days and also went on the excellent Island Discovery tour (I think) taking us all round the island which is beautiful, visiting a wine co-operative, the Dragorati caves and a trip on the lake. Excellent value for money.
The Tavernas were all pretty reasonable, nothing outstanding. We found that Dyonisos, just up the hill opposite the Square, was a good place to eat, reasonably priced, varied menu and very friendly staff, especially Nadia. The free internet service they offered was a real bonus when Kosmar/XL went bust, as the Kosmar Rep (who was a useless article from the start), did a runner and left us all to our own devices to find out what was happening. Access to the internet was our cheapest, most up to date way of finding out any information. Gerry, the villa owner, was great when faced with the Kosmar collapse, there was no hesitation in letting us keep our rooms if flights were delayed by days and he also kept us all up to date with new flights and pick-up times, information which was passed to him by the Thomas Cook Reps.
We enjoyed our fortnight on this beautiful island and but for the awful hill would gladly return to Lourdas and Villa Mare.

2 readers found this review helpful

When we first arrived we were pleasantly suprised, the reception was very clean and air conditioned. When showed to our rooms it was your basic studio apartment, cleaned to satisfcaction. The 'shower' in the bathroom was not brilliant and it was impossible to have a shower without getting water everywhere, and with no mop provided the clean towels we were given were quickly used up. The kitchen was also very basic and it would be very difficult to cook a family meal. Also there was no air conditioning although we were told we could hire out a fan from reception at a reasondable price for the duration of our stay. When nightime came however we soon realised that the fan was useless blowing out very little air and not making any difference to the temperature of the very hot room. The next morning we asked for a different fan but the replacement fan was the same as the other one and made no difference what so ever.
The pool area was fantastic, sunbeds and umbrellas provided. The location of the apartments was superb. All rooms had a partial sea view and the sea was literally one minutes walk away from the pool, with a short path leading from the pool side right to the small beach area. The bars, shops and restuarants were all on a long strip, nothing was too far away. Very cheap to dine out and friendly staff everywhere.
The First Choice rep was brilliant, really friendly and helpful. The day trips they offered were really good value and a great day out. Would definitely book with them again.
If you are looking for a holiday where you want a clean, basic apartment to spend very little time in, then deifinitely book here, however make sure you bring your own fan!

1 reader found this review helpful

Villa mare is set in a beautiful location, with the beach a 30 second walk away and if your lucky like we was we got a sea view. On the other hand there is the mountainous views on the other side. Villa Mare's swimming pool is idilic in size and location, offering a relaxing day in the gorgeous sun by the tranquil water. The pool is also romanticly lit up at night, to offer great picture opportunities. The beach at lourdas was very clean and peaceful, located next to many beachside tavernas with picturesque views of the sea and zante. Sunbeds are available at a reduced price if staying at Villa Mare. The town of lourdata can be reached on foot up a rather steep hill, difficult in the hot sun, although when the sun retires for the evening, the many tavernas and restaurants can be accessed easily, for the less fit the taxi service is very reliable and reasonable in price. Our room was spaceous, light and clean, the kitchenette was well equiped for our needs, the bathroom was small and usable and had a shower curtain (which is a big bonus for anywhere in greece). The only down side was a lack of air conditioning but we were supplied with a fan on our first day which kept us cool. Lourdas resort is smaller than other towns in kefalonia but is ideal for people wanting a quiet relaxing holiday, with many opportunities available to explore the amazing island on trips or by hire car/moped. We would reccomend the Discover Kefalonia Tour, you get to see all the amazing sights that Kefalonia has to offer including, Lake Melissani, Drogati Caves, a snap shot of the beautiful crystal clear waters of Mrytos beach, a wine tasting experience at the Robola Coop, a trip up to Fiskado and lunch at the Agia Efimia. The trip cost us 32euro for the two of us and was well worth it!!

We stayed at Villa Mare for one week in September 2007. The accommodation was clean although the bins were only changed twice the whole week (not so good with regards to the bathroom bin, as you are constantly reminded to not flush your paper!).
The most promising feature of Villa Mare is the location, literally a 30 second walk down the the beach which is beautiful. Closely followed by the pool which is also beautiful, clean and has lovely views, although with the beach 30 seconds away, we didn't spend much time there!
We travelled with Kosmar, who I absolutely would not use again. The handful of reps we came into contact with were all pretty unintelligent, for example at the welcome meeting our rep stood at the front of the meeting and said 'help... whats that place called?' not a clue!
We stayed in room 4 until the penultimate day of our holiday, when for the first time all week, we decided to use the kitchen and make lunch. Moving the chopping board from where it had been resting on the work surface, unearthed an infestation of termites, which on closer inspection were rife - inside the work surface, causing the laminate to bubble and a mountain of sawdust at the back of the cupboards! I immediately called the emergency line, who's response was 'oh dear'(!) and advised she would send the owner down straight away. The owner did come straight away... with a new chopping board! We showed him the termites and the work surface and the sawdust, and his response was 'they are flying ants'!!!! We tried on numerous occasions to advise the owner they were absolutely not flying ants... flying ants don't eat through wood or look like termites but to no avail... his departing comment was... sorry about the ants!
Subsequently, we changed rooms and saw out the last couple of days of our holiday... advising the rep on departure to ensure she checked the room and made sure that the termite infestation had been sorted before allowing anyone else to stay in there... she looked at me vaguely... said 'oh dear' again and said she would. I do not have the greatest of confidence in any of the Kosmar reps after our experience so please... anyone going to Villa Mare, if you are told you are in room 4, check for any sign of termites... specifically around the kitchen!
Despite the termite (not ant!) incident... Villa Mare is good clean basic accommodation for anyone on a budget wanting to stay right near the beach. Lourdas beach is beautiful and Klimatis taverna is superb.

We arrived in the middle of the night not being able to find our accommodation with no directions given to us by the Kosmar rep.
Once we had found our room we were welcomed to chewing gum stuck all over our front door, obviously left by the previous occupiers. When we managed to open the front door we were very disappointed with what we found. The room was very small for a double and in need of repair. The door frames were rotting and the bathroom was host to a very rusty panel. The furniture was shabby and run down.
The noise from the fridge kept us awake half the night. We had a small patio area and a garden that was in great need of some TLC from a gardener.
There was no kind of broom/cleaning equipment and you had to wait for the cleaners to come in and sweep up the sand that had been bought in from the beach and dusty roads.
The resort of Lourdas is a fantastic place with lovely tavernas and restaurants. The beach is very clean and tidy and the sea is safe for children. We would definitely return to Lourdas beach but not to the same accommodation.
For the money that we paid we feel that it wasn't up to standard.

We arrived at Lourdas by Kosmar bus late at night and were then taxied down to the apartment. It would have been helpful if the rep had told us we would have to find our own apartment as there is no one to meet you. Never saw the owners the whole time we were there.
Must say thanks to the woman who helped us find our apartment, she was on holiday and suffered the same problem- no one told her find it yourself!
The apartment was small but very clean. We could hear the sea breaking on the shore while in bed and it was very soothing.
Klimatis was good for food- on the sea front and turn left. Dimitris at the bottom of the walk to the beach does great snacks and the guys are very nice and polite.
It’s a real climb up the hill so would advise getting a taxi as the bus is often out of order.
The island tour is worth doing although it is a long day. However you get to see all the main sites on the island. The rep was great, very friendly and knowledgeable (there’s a change from the usual reps!!)
We also did ' Argostoli by night' as a tour but would suggest you do it by hire car or taxi. Argostoli is pretty although I felt they take advantage of the tourists- a bit pricey.
Also went to Skala by taxi - Mikas taxi. He took us and picked us up at the agreed time. Skala is ok, nice beach and a few more shops than Lourdas.
Lovely scenery and colours.
A bit scary were the forest fires and the minor earthquake.
All in all a good time.
Would I go back? Don’t think so although I had a good time. If you want to chill out then this is the place for you.