Eleni Studios

8 readers found this review helpful

I stayed at these apartments at the beginning of September. As the other reviews say the steps to the apartment were very steep but absolutely worth the climb (no good if you have arthritic knees or heart trouble). The view from the pool is breathtaking and I had a tremendous room with panoramic views of the bay. The rooms had a Scandanavian look to them and were really nice. Good powerful showers too. There was a pool bar which had a limited menu but served lovely food at good prices.
The bus service was great, ran every 20-30 mins and only took about 10-15 mins to get into Skiathos town which is very beautiful, especially the Old Port.
I absolutely loved this holiday, although the weather wasn't brilliant for a couple of days. I will certainly go back next year if its possible and would go back to Eleni simply because of the stunning views.

3 readers found this review helpful

Certainly the walk up from the beach was steep but we knew that before we went and the view from the appartments was well worth it - besides the bus stop was close and you could easily get to another beach without the climb. The appartments were basic - you get what you pay for - linen and towels changed regularly - not the whitest of whote because they were washed on site - but clean nonethelesss. Room was cleaned almost everyday. Fabulous to sit by the pool and look down onto the beaches - always very quiet - although limited number of sunbeds there was no need for more - could always get one at any time of day. Kostas and Vasili very friendly and welcoming and bar food good value. Only disappoinmtment was that the air-conditioning and TV was extra. Would return again to a lovely place.

3 readers found this review helpful

My partner and I booked the Eleni Apartments fairly last minute. We have never been to Skiathos but were told if we like Lindos, we would like Skiathos.
The steps up to the complex and the hill up from the beach is fairly steep, but probably the only exercise (apart from swimming in the pool) we did all week so we didn't mind.
Kostas was very welcoming and friendly. The apartment was large and clean with a fantastic view from our own private balcony.
Loved Skiathos town and will definately return for another holiday.

I have been to many Greek Islands and know what to expect with self catering there!
However, the Eleni Apartments left a lot to be desired. Our luggage was put on a truck to take to the apartments but 1 bag didn't arrive.
When we spoke to the reception about it they weren't concerned and said it may arrive later but no idea when. They wouldn't let us use the phone to call our tour operator and pointed us in the direction of a pay phone- 15 mins walk away in 32 degree heat and we were wearing jeans!
The apartments were rarely cleaned and the floor was not swept or washed once in 2 weeks.
Twice when a cleaner did come they just walked in even though the door was locked. Our apartment did not have any curtains, and although the others did they would not provide one so we had to pin a towel up at the window.
Skiathos itself is overpriced and unfriendly compared to other Greek Islands. Food quality is not great, and the cab drivers often try to rip you off.
Overall not at all recommended! We've had much better holidays in Kos, Cyprus, Zante etc. I think Zante is the best island- really friendly people, great apartments, excellent food and more activities.

1 reader found this review helpful

This was our 4th visit to Eleni, Costas and his family make you very welcome. The apartments are nice and clean and all but a few have sea views. There is a very steep hill to climb from Achalidias beach which is well worth the climb, there is also a bus stop at the bottom of the drive which takes you all along the island for '1euro' to more beaches than you can try in a 2 week stay.
Over the winter of 2007-2008 they are supposed to be installing air/con, which after 34c at midnight and no proper sleep for a week while the heat wave was on [45c by day] would be a welcome change.
The island is as near to original as you can get the town itself is a maze of little cobbled streets which you can wander through even in the dead of night with no fear. The tavernas and restaurants on the island range from cheap and cheerful to very posh but always very friendly and it’s not just the fact that they want your money they are genuine. If you do go to Achalidias go in to town on a night by the water taxi it just gets you relaxed and chilled a perfect start to a night out.

This hotel is ok. First impressions are good, it's pretty, most rooms have sea views and the pool is bigger than the brochure appears. good for explorers
What you do need to know is:
This hotel is pointless for Kids - it's to far away from town, the pool area is not conducive to play.
Do not expect to self cater - there is only a bear minimum by way of utensils, plates etc. It's possible but only for a student diet!
Pool lover? Don't bother. Yes it is bigger than expected but you'd struggle to justify your time around the pool simply because the sunbed space is so limited.
Our biggest issue (and the main reason for a 4 rating) was the Staff. They are not rude however they are largely aloof and not concerned with customers - they clearly do not realise the value of customers.
The Bar did not have that 'feel'. Never any incentives to stick around - happy hours and so on and if there's only 2 of you in as early as 11.00 they start turning off lights and dropping strong hints.
The only time that's different is BBQ night's that's actually quite good. The cleaning leaves a lot to be desired - very much a case of doing as little as possible. No it's not dirty but they don't use any cleaning products its just a wipe of water leaving everything coated in a grimy film.
Disinfectants and bleaches only appear at change over day and you only get 1 toilet roll for 2 weeks!!! I believe they have a bigger budget on cleaning but simply use it on other things. Once you spot this and see the family members who's job it is to clean lounging around it's a little out of order & irritating.
Go however if you get a good deal, like to explore, are planning to spend your euro's in the bars in town and are prepared to take some of your own cleaning products!!!

Third visit, gets better each year. Easy to settle in to straight away. Owners Kostas & Vasilis are very welcoming and helpful.
Must get a car to see the whole Island for what it is! Very beautiful! Found places we never knew existed!
Don't stay by the pool - go down to Achladies beach -short walk! Water sports are run by Kostas' brother-in-law; he will make it memorable if you mention it! i.e. get longer and probably thorn off the ring or banana boat.
Also, he can teach you everything about skiing and speaks really good English! Restaurants to visit: "Scuna" on the old harbour, "Muses" at Koukinaries, west of the Island; "Infinity Blue" past Kanapista on the right - great views and the waiters - Midges & Jona are hilarious yet professional.
At the end of the night stay at the bar back at the apartments - tricks and drinks flow freely! Bar does officially close at 2am but keep drinking and Kostas will stay - ask for the wine glass trick that Wesley knows - my picture is behind the bar (the short bald fat bloke) If you manage to do it before your 14 nights are up you'll do well. Barman will probably be Panos or Yannis. (Brothers).
If Kostas locks up buy him a John Williams and coke or Vasilis (Son) a Malibu and coke. Try 'their' B52 or Blue Lagoon - could run your car on it!
Happy Hols!
Wesley

1 reader found this review helpful

The Eleni Studios are suitable for people who don't mind walking! They are about a twenty minute walk (downhill) into the beautiful resort of Parga.
Good Points:
Very clean and well maintained - the two pools and grounds are excellent in condition as this is a newly built building.
Rooms are a fair size - typical geek accommodation.
Very friendly staff. Incredible views of the sea from your balcony/patio.
Bad points:
No air con - only a fan so it can get ridiculously hot in the night - although there is a mozzie screen so you can keep the patio doors open - with an ingenious bit of string!
It is a good way out of the main resort, there is not even a supermarket nearby - so we always got a taxi home in the evening (only about 4 Euros).
There is a snack bar at the pool but it is hardly ever open - although if you ask the owners they will open it - this was a real problem for us as the nearest supermarket was in the town - my advice therefore is to get a few snacks in and make your own.
The balconies are shared and therefore not very private - however this became an advantage when we made friends and could all have drinks together in the evening.
PARGA OVERALL:
Me and my bloke have been too many places in Greece but Parga is our favourite.
This September will be our 3rd time in Parga, which is surprising as I am the type of person who would like to visit different islands - which proves Parga has everything you could want.
Its small, but enough tavernas to eat at a different one every night (for a few weeks!) picturesque, friendly locals, quite simply stunning! I would say it is the perfect holiday for couples who like to relax, walk, and eat good food.
If you enjoy the best quality food (on a reasonable budget) you MUST visit:
Rudis - on the harbour front
Nafsika - Left of the harbour
Bacchas - for more traditional food
Romantica - At the top near the castle - for great views over Valtos beach
In Parga you will not see any of the typical "Brits Abroad". I urge you to visit Parga before the crowds find out - you will not be disappointed!

We have just arrived home from a week at the Eleni Studios. On arrival we were dropped off at the bottom of a flight of 38 steep steps (I counted them twice every day) and then walked up a fair incline to the studios.
They are very clean and well set out like a tiny village, have spectacular views, a small pool with restricted sun bathing area and a nice friendly bar which serves adequate snacks. Needless to say the price you play for the views is a hike down into the village and beach, which those preparing for the Three Peaks climb would be better equipped.
Don’t go into town to change your money as you can do this at the Esperides Hotel in the village. As the week wore on the climb back to the studios didn’t improve and I would hate to think I had to do it in the heat of the summer. My husband and I are both reasonably fit, but this marred what would have otherwise been a wonderful holiday as the food, locals, and Skiathos town are all well worth the visit to the island.