Nicki Villa, Petra, Greece
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
In a quiet area but within easy walking distance to Petra, Niki's Studios has a relaxing atmosphere and friendly owners - ideal for a relaxing holiday.Just a ten minute walk from Petra resort centre (1.3km) with the sandy beach even closer at 700m.
Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Nicki Villa Reviews
" Nikis Studios Petra Lesvos "
Submitted By: chris hargreaves- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" We have been to Petra twice now (2... "
Submitted By: Mrs J J WadeWe 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!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" Re : Holiday at Nicki’s Studios.... "
Submitted By: Mr A P SimpsonIn 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
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" I stayed for 2 weeks in late... "
Submitted By: Mr M GrimwadeWe 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.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" I have to agree with the majority of... "
Submitted By: Mr Richard WilliamsWe'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!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" We have been going to Petra for 7 yrs... "
Submitted By: Ms R A M TurnerThe 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
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" Unfortunately, I am unable to visit... "
Submitted By: Ms H FarmerMichael, 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!
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" We have been visiting Petra for the... "
Submitted By: Mr Dibble & Vicki CapewellWe first stayed for 2 weeks in June 06 then went back in Sept 06 then again for 2 weeks in June 07 so you can safely say we LOVED IT.
1st you will meet Mike who will greet you at the end of the drive to help with cases ( He helped Dibble who he renamed Rory and left me to carry my own !! ) His personality is bigger than himself and he is no light weight.... Like it says in other reviews his English is so good you do forget that he is Greek
Then you get a welcome drink while he explains all about Niki's and the area and tells you if you have any problems to see him, and I know from experience that he will help you with anything.
Then the rest of your holiday is up to you!
We have stayed in both upstairs and downstairs rooms and have had no problem with either, the downstairs rooms are much cooler which is what you want when it’s in its 40's outside. The rooms are very 'Greek' in they are basic but clean and you have all you need in them, the maid comes twice weekly.
Niki well there's a woman who can cook!! I challenge anyone who does not fall in love with her and cooking the food is GREAT ( and there is plenty of it too) then there's Costa's ( the dark silent type you does the best barbi ever )
Never Never Never miss the BBQ night the food is great and the party after is just the best the quiz is excellent but be warned it will cause arguments between you couples because the girls always win ( our group girls bet the boys 6 out of the 7 weeks !! ) The music that Mike plays comes from a selection of over 10,000 albums so I am sure he will find something that you like.
Spend lazy days by the nice quite pool which is never overcrowded and always clean and chilled out nights at the bar which is always stocked with what you want to drink.
We have had the pleasure of being there for Mike's birthday for the last 2 years but last year he met the woman of his dreams in Maria ( who we love very much ) and we have been fortunate enough to watch their relationship blossom.
I have no doubt that they will keep the standards at Niki's going for many years to come.
If you want a relaxing holiday with great company book in at Niki's.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" My second visit to these apartments... "
Submitted By: Miss S O'ConnorThe whole place feels like home when you arrive. You're welcomed by Mike, who is the main point of contact during your stay, and he welcomes you with a free drink before a brief description of the area and what you can and can't do at the complex.
From then on you are practically free to do whatever. The pool is open all day until about 7 pm, the bar stays open as long as you want to drink at it. The restaurant serves excellent food and you sometimes forget that there are other places to see and other restaurants to eat at.
The apartments are adequate for what you need; they have beds, toilet facilities and a small kitchen. What more do you need when you are on holiday?
If you are the sort of person that wants to sit around your patio table all day, then don’t waste your time here. This place is full of fun everyday.
BBQ night involves great food, lots of drink and a very English type pub quiz -Fantastic stuff. Not forgetting that after the quiz, you will be required to party the night away until the last person goes to bed.
If you want a fantastic time, come here. It's as simple as that.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" This is the 2nd time that I have... "
Submitted By: Mr D WakelingFrom the moment you arrive, you are made to feel at home with a welcome drink and a quick on the spot tutorial of what you can and can’t do, as well as a brief description of the surrounding area.
The apartments are fine for what they were designed for, sleeping in. With the wide variety of entertainment down on the local sea front or even right on your door step with Michael and his sense of humour, why waste time sitting indoors?
I've never had a problem at this complex but if you do, let Michael know and he'll sort it straight away. Who needs a rep when he's around?
Nickis cooking is excellent and must be tried at least 3 or 4 times just to savour the variety and taste. BBQ night is a great night of fun and great food all freshly cooked in front of you. They have been known to cater for almost 40 people on one of these nights, so well worth a try.
As for the other facilities, the pool is great especially for the kids. My 7 year old son couldn't keep out of it day in and day out.
Plenty to do and I found this complex the ideal location.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" I have stayed here several times over... "
Submitted By: Mrs I Wakeling- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" Just back from 2 weeks at Nikki's... "
Submitted By: Mr P SmithWe discovered that the rooms are only serviced once per week with a linen change at 7 days. This wasn't much of a problem as we weren't bothered by the maid while trying to have a late lie in.
There is a great, deep pool with a briliant view over the local hills. There is also a pool bar which we didn't use but seemed popular on some nights. If you like Peter Kay DVDs, music quizes etc. you will be OK. We didn't but it was not a problem if you didn't use it. We bought cheap Mythos from a supermarket and drank it on the balcony. The bar was pretty noisy though if you had a studio on the north side of the block, even with the windows shut. I always use earplugs and was glad that I had them. Apart from the bar noise there was the usual Greek motorbike noise which seems to go on 24 hours a day.
We did have a very large balcony facing the small road running into Petra and it was good to sit and watch the world go by - including the locals on horses and donkeys!
These studios are in a great location for Petra - about 5-10 minute walk through narrow cobbled streets to the sea front. It really is a Greek Village first with tourism added on in the summer so you see typical Greek life - ladies dressed in black gossiping in front of their houses, for example.
There are plenty of good Tavernas which were all busy even in September. The ladies Co-op was the best but often turned people away as it was booked up. The service was very laid back which was fine as we were on holiday!
Petra beach consists of gritty sand and pebbles but was good for snorkeling. In fact none of the beaches on Lesvos were particularly great but the water was always very clear and clean. Annaxos beach nearby was better.
If you go to Petra for 2 weeks do hire a car and see the island. The roads are very good and there are plenty of places to see as it is a big island.
Overall this is a good place to stay in Petra - the best that I saw from my visit but the on site bar can be noisy if you are in one of the studios facing it.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" I have been to Nikki Studios 4 times... "
Submitted By: Mrs S C FowlerIf you want to relax and unwind you can. But BBQ night is a good old 'knees up' so rest up all day and dance the night away. Mike, Nikki, Kostas & Maria are all very friendly and the food is out of this world.
Hope to see them all again next year. Couldn't this year as got married.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" I echoed all said previously. We've... "
Submitted By: Mr N BorrowdaleThere is no pressure at all... it’s just a great way of relaxing for a couple of weeks. Mike is a great host and always has time for a chat... and Niki's food... brilliant. For us Niki studios has been the icing on the cake as we find Petra a fantastic place to stay... just unique.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos





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