Nicki Villa

2 readers found this review helpful

This was our first visit to Lesbos, and thanks to the warm reception and friendliness from Michael and Maria, it won't be our last.
Michael even took time to take my husband Dick out night fishing, which didn't impress Maria! She had a good sense of humour about it really, as did I!
Niki's cooking has to be tried to be appreciated, it was great.
We met some lovely people there and thanks to Michael and Maria we left for home happy and relaxed.

2 readers found this review helpful

Me and my wife have been to nickis 9 times already we love it

1 reader found this review helpful

This is my second time to nicki's and not the last one .We are always made feel welcome
we always request a room downstairs because they are cooler than the ones upstairs and we can save some money on the A\C .which we spent on souvenirs .the bar is great a nice chilled atmosphere and mike will do anything to keep everybody happy .My spouse likes fishing so does mike soo they had a night out fishing which was great.
The restaurant is fantastic the best food we found in petra because niki cooks for you as she would cook for her family
We look forward visiting nikis again this year to see mike niki maria kostas

2 readers found this review helpful

Have just returned from 3 weeks at Nikis Studios.Our 15th visit to Petra in 13 years although only our second stay at Nikis.After a long day,s travelling we landed at Nikis and were made to feel so welcome.Mike and Niki work so hard and ensure you have the best holiday.The rooms are clean and adequate and the views of the surrounding hills are wonderful.We have already booked for three weeks in September 2009.I think that says it all!

We have been to Petra twice now (2 years running), and were terribly disappointed when XL airways went bust and our holiday there this Sept/Oct had to be cancelled as there were no alterative flights.
We missed staying at Nikis Studios and not seeing Mike and his family again, you really feel that you are going home when you stay at Nikis! I do hope that there is no problem booking to stay there again next year! I can't wait!

2 readers found this review helpful

Re : Holiday at Nicki’s Studios. Lesvos
In August / September last year we, my wife & I, spent two great weeks at Nicki’s Studios on the beautiful Greek island of Lesvos.
It was that good, that we returned again this year. Having other commitments, we knew that this time we could only go for one week, & we were there from 19 June.
It lived up to the previous experience. We had another great time & will certainly go back.
The studios themselves are clean & tidy, the restaurant is great with excellent food prepared mainly by Nicki herself, the pool is just the job in a lovely setting, but it’s Nicki’s son Mike & the way he runs the bar area that is the big attraction.
His fun loving approach & the bar atmosphere he generates makes it a focal point of this small complex. The music, the drink (whatever your tipple) & the jokes just flow to make this a magnet for people who want to relax during the day & have a damn good time at night.
Thanks to Mike & the team for another great time – we will be back.
With fond memories, Tony & Maggie Simpson

I stayed for 2 weeks in late September/early October, having booked through Manos. It is situated about 7-10 minutes walk from Petra Square and is near the Petri turn off from the main Kaloni- Molyvos. The property is run by Mikhalis and his mother, the latter doing the bar food.
We were given a drink on arrival (even though it was 11pm) which was a welcome touch. The studios are of variable size and as a single traveller I obviously had one of the smallest. It was fine, with a comfortable bed, the normal level of equipment for Greece studios, and a large balcony. The fridge was rather small with no ice box so you wouldn't be able to make ice for drinks. The water was electric rather than solar heated and was reputed to be on 24/7. However I never managed to get any hot water in the mornings, even though I ran it for some time. It was always hot in the evenings.
The pool looked quite good and was serviced regularly. The bar prices looked high in comparison to the tavernas. My studio had a fabulous view into the hills above Lafionas, although some downstairs ones were semi basement and must have had virtually no view at all. The studios were only serviced twice a week (which could be better), when the bedding and (decent sized) towels were changed. The bathroom had a shower cubicle and curtain and as the floor didn't drain well the owner had left a "wiper blade" window cleaner to drain the floor.

When it became apparent to Mikhalis's mother that I wouldn't be using the pool and bar she became grumpy. Suzanna, the Manos rep seemed pleasant, efficient and knowledgeable but I didn't need her services.

In summary Niki's studios were of an acceptable standard although some would prefer to be nearer the village centre.

Petra is a Greek-feeling resort with a reasonable beach and fabulous local walks (Lance Chilton's and Mike Maunder's books are to be recommended). I didn't have a bad taverna meal whilst there although the standard was acceptable/good rather than exceptionable.
Unfortunately, although Manos still advertises singles can go in their studios supplement free early and late season (as they have for many years) when you access the actual prices on the internet or in a travel agent's they do include single supplements. A case of the malign influence of their new owner Thomas Cook.

2 readers found this review helpful

I have to agree with the majority of reviews here, Nikis is one of the best places me and my girlfriend have ever stayed in.
We're both young at heart 30-somethings’ and first went to Lesbos 5 years ago, staying in Anaxos. We liked it there but it was a bit out of the way for our liking. We had a car for the week and invariably ended up visiting Petra again and again.
So, with this in mind we booked to go back a couple of year’s later and picked Nikis studio out of the Manos brochure as it looked the best balance of what we wanted - out of the centre, pool, nice gardens and a friendly atmosphere. When we got there we hit it off with Mike immediately. He had a good sense of humour, really went out of his way to make people feel happy and at home and we've been going back ever since. Next year will be our 5th time! And we normally hate going back anywhere we've been to before!
I'm not sure where people are coming from having a go at the basement rooms. They are not really basement at all. There is a raised flower bed outside the rooms, so you feel cocooned on your own private terrace. The big plus they have is that they are lovely and cool as the flowers and plants shade the heat of the sun from the rooms. The first year we went we had a room on the lower floor for two weeks and it never even entered my mind to ask for a change. You probably don't need reminding if you are reading this page, but Greece is not about 5* hotels, if you want that then go somewhere else! Greece is all about simplicity... simple rooms, simple food and a simple, relaxed attitude to life. I love it here. I'm 32 and I'm planning my retirement here already.
As for the rest of Nikis. The pool is great (a bit cold first thing in a morning - but I've never been in one in Greece that wasn't!). The bar has a fantastic selection, Mike is handy with the old cocktail shaker and will happily try his newest recipes on you, the quiz night/BBQ night is a good laugh and the views from the sun loungers is fantastic, you have the mountains on 2 sides and feel a part of the landscape.
The food is superb, Costas gets fresh fish every day, Niki will cook up some fantastic Greek specialty each night and you really have no need to go anywhere else for good home cooking if you don't wish to. Of course there are many fantastic places to eat down in the centre of Petra, the Women’s Cooperative being the pick of the bunch. There is also a fantastic cake shop right on the sea front that does nice (but expensive) treats and great coffee.
I hasten to add we are not into the OAP type holiday, we like a bit of fun and a chill out, you get all this in Lesbos. It truly is a beautiful island with something for everyone, the capital Mytiline has some uber cool bars, there are some fantastic beaches at Skala Eresos and many others dotted in little coves around the whole island. I would really recommend hiring a car if you come to Lesbos (but don't get fleeced by the rep) as there is plenty to see and do whether you're there for 1 week or 2.
I may sound a little biased as some of the other reviews do, that’s probably 'cos we're all passionate about the place. Basically it’s great! I not only look forward to visiting the sights and the scenery, I look forward to seeing Mike, his fiancé Maria and the rest of the family. I feel at home when I am there, as do many of the other people who have put reviews on this site.
We're going back next August (08) so if you have read this and been swayed, we may well see you there.
Enjoy!

2 readers found this review helpful

We have been going to Petra for 7 yrs now and have been disappointed when UNABLE to stay at Nicki's. So much so, that we started booking our own flights separately and contacting Mike direct for accommodation.
The 2 times we had to book alternative accommodation, we still spent our time at Nicki's, for several reasons:
1. Mikey - my surrogate son, no-one can be miserable in his company
2. Mama Nicki's cooking - no need to eat elsewhere
3. Friends we've made over the years
4. Room no:7 - the coolest room in the place, all we need for our holiday
5. The friendly, family atmosphere
6. Everything you need right on the doorstep
Our original intention had been to visit various Greek islands over the years but the whole experience of Petra and Nicki's studio, the locals who welcome you like family from the first time you visit, has drawn us back, year after year.
Imagine our disappointment at being unable to go this year due to my operation.. but fear not... we'll be back with a vengeance next year.
Costas... Light the bbq
Mama Nicki... Get cooking
Mikey... Start planning new cocktails

1 reader found this review helpful

Unfortunately, I am unable to visit any other parts of Greece again. I have been under Michael's spell for many years now and have already booked for 2008 (my ninth visit to Nicki's Studios)!
Michael, Nicki's son, is now my adopted brother who I return to see twice a year. The rest of my family have also been bewitched by him and all return year in year out. We love it at Nicki's. It has a great atmosphere and all you could need for a relaxing break. The pool and bar are a great place to meet new people and also meet up with other repeat offenders.
Nicki's Studios are in a great position. Far enough out of town to feel secluded but near enough to stroll in when the mood takes you. Petra is a friendly resort where we are always welcomed back (usually with several ouzos!).
Nicki's cooking is the best in Petra especially the bbq night when Nicki really lays on a spread. It is impossible to eat everything, although most people try! Its also a great night to spend with all your new found friends.
I have resisted leaving a review up till now as I don't want to encourage too many people to go there and risk not getting booked in but felt that wouldn't be fair.
Can't wait to go back!