Hotel Afroditi, Panormos, Greece
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
These simple studios are set in the hillside near the resort of Elias. Just a short walk from the village tavernas and Kantouni beach. The small complex has its own pool and snack bar. With its tranquility and beautiful mountain views this is an ideal location for those looking for a quiet holiday. loading...
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Hotel Afroditi Reviews
" we go to kalymnos because it is so... "
Submitted By: Mr N England
we go to kalymnos because it is so quiet & unspoilt compared to many other greek islands. elies area is a great spot in aesy reach of beaches. this hotel has got a geat pool with fab mountain views and away from the main road which can get a bit noisey as it is the only road north on the island !
room was small , basic and very low lintels but ok for the money. we had a problem too with the mentally ill mad bloke who lives further up the lane - the locals all know him and say he is harmless - even when he doesnt take his medication. he is obsessed with women and narowly avoided being punched by me.
the olympic rep John V was rubbish - no departure details so we missed our coach and had to make our own way to the port, ferry to mainland then to airport.
the island is worth visiting if you lke quiet & authentic greece. this hotel is basic but OK with good location and views. no plumbing or bug problems when we were there.
the attraction for us are the fabulous authentic restaurants with home made great food.
my favourite is MARINOs on the square at Elies. it looks dated, dreadful furniture, awful decor, but food is spectacular.
room was small , basic and very low lintels but ok for the money. we had a problem too with the mentally ill mad bloke who lives further up the lane - the locals all know him and say he is harmless - even when he doesnt take his medication. he is obsessed with women and narowly avoided being punched by me.
the olympic rep John V was rubbish - no departure details so we missed our coach and had to make our own way to the port, ferry to mainland then to airport.
the island is worth visiting if you lke quiet & authentic greece. this hotel is basic but OK with good location and views. no plumbing or bug problems when we were there.
the attraction for us are the fabulous authentic restaurants with home made great food.
my favourite is MARINOs on the square at Elies. it looks dated, dreadful furniture, awful decor, but food is spectacular.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" After reading some of these reviews... "
Submitted By: Miss Z Wakefield
After reading some of these reviews we felt the need to write a review of our own.
We have been to Afroditi studios 3 years in a row and each time have a wonderful time. Kalymnos is such a quiet and friendly place i would recommend it to anyone who likes piece and quiet, beautiful views and friendly people. Kalymnos is a really 'greek' island. Its about as greek as you can get.
The Afroditi studios are basic but clean and tidy and lets face it, when you are on holiday thats all you need. The pool area is very well maintained and up a few steps is the pool bar which is lovely and convienient for that relaxing Ouzo!!
The studios are ran by a wonderful family who do treat you as part of the family whilst you stay there, anything you need is not too much trouble for them.
The only things i will say are to all you younger people out there, if you are after a lively holiday Kalymnos is not the place to go. and to people with walking difficulties Kalymnos is very 'hilly' so not the best place for you to holiday.
We will definately be going again this year! Enjoy your holiday!
We have been to Afroditi studios 3 years in a row and each time have a wonderful time. Kalymnos is such a quiet and friendly place i would recommend it to anyone who likes piece and quiet, beautiful views and friendly people. Kalymnos is a really 'greek' island. Its about as greek as you can get.
The Afroditi studios are basic but clean and tidy and lets face it, when you are on holiday thats all you need. The pool area is very well maintained and up a few steps is the pool bar which is lovely and convienient for that relaxing Ouzo!!
The studios are ran by a wonderful family who do treat you as part of the family whilst you stay there, anything you need is not too much trouble for them.
The only things i will say are to all you younger people out there, if you are after a lively holiday Kalymnos is not the place to go. and to people with walking difficulties Kalymnos is very 'hilly' so not the best place for you to holiday.
We will definately be going again this year! Enjoy your holiday!
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Just returned from Kalymnos. The... "
Submitted By: Mrs L. Daniel
Just returned from Kalymnos. The island is very nice. We went to Telendos for 4 days staying at a hotel for 2 nights which was lovely. Went on boat trips and explored as much as we could. There are lots of restaurants around the studios. The local taverna with the traditional bar across the road was excellent. We ate at 28 different restaurants on the islands plus breakfast out every day. The beach was very easy to reach again with fish restaurants and tavernas around the beach.
The island was just what we were looking for but unfortunately my biggest fear after reading other reviews of the Afroditi studios became reality, with my daughter’s studio 3 having a cockroach infestation of at least 7 huge nasty big things. The next morning I was very upset and went to the bar girl (reception) to explain the problem and asked for the girls room to be completely cleaned, linen and towels changed and sprayed. When Anna the rep came later I relayed this message and when we returned after our day out the room had been sprayed, towels and linen changed but the sprayed humid hot smell was almost unbearable to breath. There is no air conditioning in these studios so we hired fans but my husband could not sleep due to the heat. I was afraid to have windows open due to the nasty things coming in. We are a family used to very high temperatures on holiday but without proper air conditioning this was uncomfortable.
The bar girls attitude to me for the rest of the holiday after complaining was rude. So I rarely went to the bar, they lost alot of money that we would have spent and tips from us. The maid was very lazy on the general cleaning so I bought lots and lots of bleach and cleaning products. The next person in our studio and the girls 2 and 3 will have alot cleaner rooms, and a loo that is now white and not black, after two weeks of constantly cleaning them!
On the last day when at the swimming pool other guests were complaining after experiencing theft from their studios. There were approximately 3 studios that had had money stolen. Two people went to the police. The management at the Afroditi studios didn't seem to want to know.
These studios with a lot of TLC and good management could be good but unfortunately nobody really seems to care. We will not be going back. When booking this holiday my tour operator asked me if I was absolutely sure I wanted to go with my biggest fear of a cockroach infestation, but my family said the other hotel Myrties had very bad reviews. On my return flight I was sitting next to two ladies who had just spent their holiday in Myrties hotel, saying it had just been refurbished and extremely polite attentive staff that couldn't do enough, excellent maids and spotlessly clean and not a cockroach in sight a credit to the hotel! Afroditi could learn a lesson.
Don't be put of going to the island it is lovely and Telendos island is lovely too!
The island was just what we were looking for but unfortunately my biggest fear after reading other reviews of the Afroditi studios became reality, with my daughter’s studio 3 having a cockroach infestation of at least 7 huge nasty big things. The next morning I was very upset and went to the bar girl (reception) to explain the problem and asked for the girls room to be completely cleaned, linen and towels changed and sprayed. When Anna the rep came later I relayed this message and when we returned after our day out the room had been sprayed, towels and linen changed but the sprayed humid hot smell was almost unbearable to breath. There is no air conditioning in these studios so we hired fans but my husband could not sleep due to the heat. I was afraid to have windows open due to the nasty things coming in. We are a family used to very high temperatures on holiday but without proper air conditioning this was uncomfortable.
The bar girls attitude to me for the rest of the holiday after complaining was rude. So I rarely went to the bar, they lost alot of money that we would have spent and tips from us. The maid was very lazy on the general cleaning so I bought lots and lots of bleach and cleaning products. The next person in our studio and the girls 2 and 3 will have alot cleaner rooms, and a loo that is now white and not black, after two weeks of constantly cleaning them!
On the last day when at the swimming pool other guests were complaining after experiencing theft from their studios. There were approximately 3 studios that had had money stolen. Two people went to the police. The management at the Afroditi studios didn't seem to want to know.
These studios with a lot of TLC and good management could be good but unfortunately nobody really seems to care. We will not be going back. When booking this holiday my tour operator asked me if I was absolutely sure I wanted to go with my biggest fear of a cockroach infestation, but my family said the other hotel Myrties had very bad reviews. On my return flight I was sitting next to two ladies who had just spent their holiday in Myrties hotel, saying it had just been refurbished and extremely polite attentive staff that couldn't do enough, excellent maids and spotlessly clean and not a cockroach in sight a credit to the hotel! Afroditi could learn a lesson.
Don't be put of going to the island it is lovely and Telendos island is lovely too!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" This was our 2nd visit previously in... "
Submitted By: Mrs Sue Lawson
This was our 2nd visit previously in 2005 when we had an excellent holiday, and again we were not disappointed the hospitality we received. When we returned was like we had never been away.
Savvina and Michael work very hard and do an excellent job of making you feel very welcome nothing is too much trouble for them.
The accommodation is basic but is what you expect from Greece but the pool is a good way to relax and unwind with the pool bar should you need it. People with walking difficulties may find the hill a bit much also if you have been on the Ouzo!
Would highly recommend to eat at Nikolas taverna a really nice and friendly guy whose food is cooked fresh so be prepared to wait but it is worth it.
Would recommend sword fish it melts in your mouth. You can find his taverna on the way to the beach just keep on the straight road and it’s the first taverna you reach before the tree in the road. Well worth a visit.
All I can say to anyone who is going to Afroditis enjoy your holiday you won’t be disappointed. Can’t agree with any of the comments that the guy has made in his long detailed reports also about cockroaches etc never seen one and if you do have any complaints they are dealt with straight away.
Anna the Olympic rep is also very good and always willing to help should you need it.
Enjoy your holiday!
Savvina and Michael work very hard and do an excellent job of making you feel very welcome nothing is too much trouble for them.
The accommodation is basic but is what you expect from Greece but the pool is a good way to relax and unwind with the pool bar should you need it. People with walking difficulties may find the hill a bit much also if you have been on the Ouzo!
Would highly recommend to eat at Nikolas taverna a really nice and friendly guy whose food is cooked fresh so be prepared to wait but it is worth it.
Would recommend sword fish it melts in your mouth. You can find his taverna on the way to the beach just keep on the straight road and it’s the first taverna you reach before the tree in the road. Well worth a visit.
All I can say to anyone who is going to Afroditis enjoy your holiday you won’t be disappointed. Can’t agree with any of the comments that the guy has made in his long detailed reports also about cockroaches etc never seen one and if you do have any complaints they are dealt with straight away.
Anna the Olympic rep is also very good and always willing to help should you need it.
Enjoy your holiday!
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Wonderful location although it took... "
Submitted By: Mrs E Abell
Wonderful location although it took ages to get there. We had to fly to Kos and then wait overnight in a cafe for a ferry to Kalymnos in the morning, we were exhausted when we arrived.
The resort was lovely though - very relaxing and laid back with good beaches and excellent walking. Pothia town was very hot and full of traffic (with pavements petering out in places) but worth a visit. The island was very easy to travel round with regular buses and taxis were cheap and easily available.
The accommodation was very basic, you couldn't actually cook as there were only 2 rings, and not even a kettle. It was really cheap though so we could afford to go out and eat every night. The food was good on Kalymnos, although be sure to order a salad as well as a main course if you like your vegetables - the mains usually only come with chips, or rice or bread, or all three, but nothing green.
Had a wonderful relaxing time, and even did a bit of island hopping which was cheap and easy - we did it independently rather than booking through the holiday rep, as this was very easy and more flexible.
The resort was lovely though - very relaxing and laid back with good beaches and excellent walking. Pothia town was very hot and full of traffic (with pavements petering out in places) but worth a visit. The island was very easy to travel round with regular buses and taxis were cheap and easily available.
The accommodation was very basic, you couldn't actually cook as there were only 2 rings, and not even a kettle. It was really cheap though so we could afford to go out and eat every night. The food was good on Kalymnos, although be sure to order a salad as well as a main course if you like your vegetables - the mains usually only come with chips, or rice or bread, or all three, but nothing green.
Had a wonderful relaxing time, and even did a bit of island hopping which was cheap and easy - we did it independently rather than booking through the holiday rep, as this was very easy and more flexible.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Please read this as it might affect... "
Submitted By: Mr R J Cole
Please read this as it might affect your holiday. I would like to tell you about our holiday from hell at the AFRODITI STUDIOS Elies Panormos Kalymnos.
All goes well at first. We arrived at Stansted airport 3 hours early the booking in desk was already open. No trouble booking in, then off to Passport control and although there was long queues because of the extra security owing to the foiled terrorist attacks we were soon in the departure lounge.
Next we went to the gate and then onto the plane. We were flying with Nordic Regional (No complaints with them the cabin crew were cheerful and polite). There
was a 40 minutes delay sitting on the plane but this was understandable due the circumstances.
Arrived in Kos, got our cases and were soon on the transfer bus to the ferry. This is where we first met the Olympic rep, he handed us our ferry tickets and left. At Mastihari we left the bus, we were a party of 4 adults. Another family of 3 and asked if we had our ferry tickets we said "Yes" they told us that they did not have theirs.
After a while we looked at our tickets and found that they were for 7 people. Nothing had been said to us about having the other peoples tickets as well as our own. We found the other family and as we had an hour and a half to wait for the ferry we would meet them 10 minutes before the ferry left and all get on together, which we did.
Once we arrived in Pothia on Kalymnos there was no Olympic rep to meet us or to tell us which transfer bus to get on. We did however find the right bus and travelled to Elies Square Panormos where the bus stopped and we got off and collected our suitcases. Then the bus drove off leaving us there, again no rep or anyone else to
tell us where the AFRODITI STUDIOS were. Luckily for the other family I had stayed at the AFRODITI for the last 2 years so I knew the way.
We dragged our heavy cases about 75 yards up a very steep hill then up an even steeper slope to the AFRODITI bar. Once there we were told which rooms we were to stay in. Even though I had requested rooms near the top of the complex through email and telephone as well as when we booked the holiday we were given rooms very
close to the bottom so down about 50 steps we went carrying our suitcases.
On entering the rooms numbers 17 and 18 it looked as if the floor had been swept but not washed. We noticed that the beds in number 17 was on the wrong wall so that anyone on the balcony of room 18 could see everything of anyone laying on the beds of room 17. We went out onto the balconies to see the inland view, hitting our heads on the very low section of ceiling which was less than 5 feet high (We did this continually while we were staying there).
The inland view itself was very little as a house was right in front of it. If we had been on the next floor down there would have been no view at all just a brick wall and trees. The next 3 days passed uneventful we went to Tolendos, Vathy and Kantouni beach which were all beautiful places but that night one of the beds broke and on closer examination we found that the chip wood frame was so warped that the wooden slats going across sat on the frame by about one eighth of an inch. We went and told the owner and at midnight he came down with his electric drill and repaired the bed.
Next evening we were all sitting on our balconies (after hitting our heads once again) talking. When from the road below a big Greek man started talking to my wife and sister in law, after 5 minutes or so he said to my wife that he would like to sleep with her. My wife went inside the apartment, shocked. He then walked off.
The next day we reported this to the owners who told us that the man had had a breakdown and that if he did not take his medication he did not know what he was saying. We went back and sat on the balconies again. A 12 year old girl in the apartment below ours came out to feed the cats with just a towel round her.
The man was coming up the lane and he saw her she went back into her room and
the man stopped and sat on the wall staring into her apartment at her. The next evening again sitting on our balconies along he comes again (he sometimes walks up and down the lane about 20 times from morning to night) my wife runs inside, this time he turns his attention onto my sister in law. He is completely oblivious to any man sitting there and just ignores them.
He then said that he would like to have sex with her. He then left saying that he was going to get a present for her. When he returned about 4 minutes later he was
holding 2 figs and a cucumber. She also went inside and the two ladies never sat on the balconies again.
Next morning the sewers were leaking and pouring into the lane beneath our apartment the smell made us feel sick. We again told the owners but nothing was done about it until people who were sitting up in the bar said that they could not eat or drink up there because of the terrible smell. Charles and Maria the owners came down that night and washed the road with a hosepipe, which done nothing for the leak or the smell.
Again we told them and they said that they would get someone to look at it. We went out walking through the stinking water to get to the other side of the lane. That day we went to a beautiful island called Pserimos and had a really great day.
On arriving back at the FORTINI STUDIOS we met other holiday makers who were staying there and they told us that a man had been to look at the leak. He had lifted one tile outside the apartment below ours. He had broken it and put the pieces back into place and then left. He had only been there for 5 minutes. But as the leak was now no more than a trickle and not smelling and we were happy that at least something had been done.
That evening as usual we went out for a meal this time we went to the HOTEL MARY POPI at PLATYS GIALOS owned by Georgie a very nice man who will sit and talk to you for hours. Great food and great company. As it was getting late
Georgie said that he would run us back to the AFRODITI in his car. It must have been over one and a half miles away.
Back at the AFRODITI we called in at the pool bar for one last drink to finish a perfect day. We decided to retire for the night so down the steps to our apartments we went and entered our respective rooms, we decided to have a cup of coffee, when there was a knock on my door my sister in law stood there asking if we had any
bug spray as they had a beetle in their room we handed over the can and followed her into her room number 18 with her. They sprayed the insect and it scurried behind the fridge "There's another one" her husband said spraying it "and another and another these are not beetles they are Cockroaches" After spraying them and putting the dead bodies in the rubbish bin outside we all walked round the room looking for more. We did not find any so we said goodnight and returned to our own room and after looking round we went to bed.
What with all the Mythos I had drunk that evening, during the night I wanted to go to the toilet and still thinking about the cockroaches I turned on the light, something I never do as it would disturb my wife's sleep. It is a good thing that I did put on the light as just where I was about to put my naked foot sat a massive Cockroach, it ran in to the toilet and as we had left the can of bug killer next door. I reached for a bottle of bleach. I gave the bug a good squirt but it just ran out of the toilet and under the main door of the apartment.
No sleep for us the rest of that night. Up we went again next morning with our new complaint. The only person around was the English barman named Peter who said he would spray our rooms for us.
George, the Olympic rep arrived and we told him about the Cockroaches. He sarcastically asked if we wanted him to spray them himself and told us what did we expect as we were only in a 2 star complex. We just asked if we could be moved but he said that there was no other rooms on the island vacant so we would have
to stay where we were. Then he left.
As we were going to Tolendos again for the day Peter said that he would give us a lift to Myrtiesas he was going there to buy some powerful spray. Another lovely day on Tolendos and then back to our apartments late afternoon. On entering our room number 17 we saw 2 dead Cockroaches 1 on the floor and 1 in the kitchen sink from underneath the fridge ran another one still very much alive.
We sprayed it with the powerful spray that we had bought in Myrties and it ran back under the fridge. We then all went next door to number 18. There were Cockroaches everywhere, in the kitchen, in the toilet. On the work surfaces, some were dead others were still running around there was even one on the ceiling above the bed.
In all we counted 23 Cockroaches just in room 18. The rooms had been sprayed but the bodies had not been swept up. The smell made us choke and our eyes were stinging. We had to get outside for some air and agreed that no way could we go back into them rooms to again.
Up to the bar we go yet again. We tell Peter we want out of those rooms now. He phones George the Olympic rep who tells him that he will call in later. As it was by now starting to get dark I asked Peter to phone the head office on Kos which he did but was told that it was nothing to do with them. He then phoned YANNI the owners son who again was not interested. I asked Peter to tell Yanni to come down to the complex. But Yanni would not come.
After half an hour the rep did arrive and spoke to 2 other holidaymakers. Then he put on his backpack ready to leave.
I blocked his way and asked what he planned to do "Nothing" I was told. I asked him again to move us and again I was told there was no rooms on the island. I knew that there was as I had just phoned the Myrsina Hotel owned by Olympic in Myrties and was told Yes they do have rooms I was beginning to lose my temper with him.
I turned to Peter but was told not to talk to him as he was just the barman but to talk to the family who owned the AFRODITI. I told him that I had tried but they were not interested.
After a long discussion he finally made a phone call then turned to me and asked if we were packed I said that they would be in 5 minutes. We threw our things into suitcases and met him again. We left the AFRODITI and walked down to Elies Square. He took us to the ILIAS STUDIOS also ran by Olympic. Imagine our surprise when we got there the whole complex was empty except for us 4. I asked the rep why he had not moved us that morning which would have saved a lot of arguments; he must have known they were empty. "You're here now" he said rudely and walked away.
The complex was clean the rooms clean with air conditioning and a TV in every room. The owner who did not speak much English was polite and helpful and his wife who owned the Mini Market in Elies Square was a really nice lady. So why does Olympic not advertise these apartments on the internet or in their brochures?
The next day as we were walking past the AFRODITI we noticed that there was new holiday makers in the dreaded room 18. But alas we never found out what happened to their holiday as we were soon due to fly home.
Later I found out that the AFRODITI had had an infestation of Cockroaches only weeks before our ordeal and that again the people who were in these rooms were moved. I would definitely go to Kalymnos again for a holiday its is a beautiful place but no way would we ever step foot in the AFRODITI which is a pity as we have stayed there before and had a really great time, but now the owners have changed and are not interested in anyone else but themselves.
All goes well at first. We arrived at Stansted airport 3 hours early the booking in desk was already open. No trouble booking in, then off to Passport control and although there was long queues because of the extra security owing to the foiled terrorist attacks we were soon in the departure lounge.
Next we went to the gate and then onto the plane. We were flying with Nordic Regional (No complaints with them the cabin crew were cheerful and polite). There
was a 40 minutes delay sitting on the plane but this was understandable due the circumstances.
Arrived in Kos, got our cases and were soon on the transfer bus to the ferry. This is where we first met the Olympic rep, he handed us our ferry tickets and left. At Mastihari we left the bus, we were a party of 4 adults. Another family of 3 and asked if we had our ferry tickets we said "Yes" they told us that they did not have theirs.
After a while we looked at our tickets and found that they were for 7 people. Nothing had been said to us about having the other peoples tickets as well as our own. We found the other family and as we had an hour and a half to wait for the ferry we would meet them 10 minutes before the ferry left and all get on together, which we did.
Once we arrived in Pothia on Kalymnos there was no Olympic rep to meet us or to tell us which transfer bus to get on. We did however find the right bus and travelled to Elies Square Panormos where the bus stopped and we got off and collected our suitcases. Then the bus drove off leaving us there, again no rep or anyone else to
tell us where the AFRODITI STUDIOS were. Luckily for the other family I had stayed at the AFRODITI for the last 2 years so I knew the way.
We dragged our heavy cases about 75 yards up a very steep hill then up an even steeper slope to the AFRODITI bar. Once there we were told which rooms we were to stay in. Even though I had requested rooms near the top of the complex through email and telephone as well as when we booked the holiday we were given rooms very
close to the bottom so down about 50 steps we went carrying our suitcases.
On entering the rooms numbers 17 and 18 it looked as if the floor had been swept but not washed. We noticed that the beds in number 17 was on the wrong wall so that anyone on the balcony of room 18 could see everything of anyone laying on the beds of room 17. We went out onto the balconies to see the inland view, hitting our heads on the very low section of ceiling which was less than 5 feet high (We did this continually while we were staying there).
The inland view itself was very little as a house was right in front of it. If we had been on the next floor down there would have been no view at all just a brick wall and trees. The next 3 days passed uneventful we went to Tolendos, Vathy and Kantouni beach which were all beautiful places but that night one of the beds broke and on closer examination we found that the chip wood frame was so warped that the wooden slats going across sat on the frame by about one eighth of an inch. We went and told the owner and at midnight he came down with his electric drill and repaired the bed.
Next evening we were all sitting on our balconies (after hitting our heads once again) talking. When from the road below a big Greek man started talking to my wife and sister in law, after 5 minutes or so he said to my wife that he would like to sleep with her. My wife went inside the apartment, shocked. He then walked off.
The next day we reported this to the owners who told us that the man had had a breakdown and that if he did not take his medication he did not know what he was saying. We went back and sat on the balconies again. A 12 year old girl in the apartment below ours came out to feed the cats with just a towel round her.
The man was coming up the lane and he saw her she went back into her room and
the man stopped and sat on the wall staring into her apartment at her. The next evening again sitting on our balconies along he comes again (he sometimes walks up and down the lane about 20 times from morning to night) my wife runs inside, this time he turns his attention onto my sister in law. He is completely oblivious to any man sitting there and just ignores them.
He then said that he would like to have sex with her. He then left saying that he was going to get a present for her. When he returned about 4 minutes later he was
holding 2 figs and a cucumber. She also went inside and the two ladies never sat on the balconies again.
Next morning the sewers were leaking and pouring into the lane beneath our apartment the smell made us feel sick. We again told the owners but nothing was done about it until people who were sitting up in the bar said that they could not eat or drink up there because of the terrible smell. Charles and Maria the owners came down that night and washed the road with a hosepipe, which done nothing for the leak or the smell.
Again we told them and they said that they would get someone to look at it. We went out walking through the stinking water to get to the other side of the lane. That day we went to a beautiful island called Pserimos and had a really great day.
On arriving back at the FORTINI STUDIOS we met other holiday makers who were staying there and they told us that a man had been to look at the leak. He had lifted one tile outside the apartment below ours. He had broken it and put the pieces back into place and then left. He had only been there for 5 minutes. But as the leak was now no more than a trickle and not smelling and we were happy that at least something had been done.
That evening as usual we went out for a meal this time we went to the HOTEL MARY POPI at PLATYS GIALOS owned by Georgie a very nice man who will sit and talk to you for hours. Great food and great company. As it was getting late
Georgie said that he would run us back to the AFRODITI in his car. It must have been over one and a half miles away.
Back at the AFRODITI we called in at the pool bar for one last drink to finish a perfect day. We decided to retire for the night so down the steps to our apartments we went and entered our respective rooms, we decided to have a cup of coffee, when there was a knock on my door my sister in law stood there asking if we had any
bug spray as they had a beetle in their room we handed over the can and followed her into her room number 18 with her. They sprayed the insect and it scurried behind the fridge "There's another one" her husband said spraying it "and another and another these are not beetles they are Cockroaches" After spraying them and putting the dead bodies in the rubbish bin outside we all walked round the room looking for more. We did not find any so we said goodnight and returned to our own room and after looking round we went to bed.
What with all the Mythos I had drunk that evening, during the night I wanted to go to the toilet and still thinking about the cockroaches I turned on the light, something I never do as it would disturb my wife's sleep. It is a good thing that I did put on the light as just where I was about to put my naked foot sat a massive Cockroach, it ran in to the toilet and as we had left the can of bug killer next door. I reached for a bottle of bleach. I gave the bug a good squirt but it just ran out of the toilet and under the main door of the apartment.
No sleep for us the rest of that night. Up we went again next morning with our new complaint. The only person around was the English barman named Peter who said he would spray our rooms for us.
George, the Olympic rep arrived and we told him about the Cockroaches. He sarcastically asked if we wanted him to spray them himself and told us what did we expect as we were only in a 2 star complex. We just asked if we could be moved but he said that there was no other rooms on the island vacant so we would have
to stay where we were. Then he left.
As we were going to Tolendos again for the day Peter said that he would give us a lift to Myrtiesas he was going there to buy some powerful spray. Another lovely day on Tolendos and then back to our apartments late afternoon. On entering our room number 17 we saw 2 dead Cockroaches 1 on the floor and 1 in the kitchen sink from underneath the fridge ran another one still very much alive.
We sprayed it with the powerful spray that we had bought in Myrties and it ran back under the fridge. We then all went next door to number 18. There were Cockroaches everywhere, in the kitchen, in the toilet. On the work surfaces, some were dead others were still running around there was even one on the ceiling above the bed.
In all we counted 23 Cockroaches just in room 18. The rooms had been sprayed but the bodies had not been swept up. The smell made us choke and our eyes were stinging. We had to get outside for some air and agreed that no way could we go back into them rooms to again.
Up to the bar we go yet again. We tell Peter we want out of those rooms now. He phones George the Olympic rep who tells him that he will call in later. As it was by now starting to get dark I asked Peter to phone the head office on Kos which he did but was told that it was nothing to do with them. He then phoned YANNI the owners son who again was not interested. I asked Peter to tell Yanni to come down to the complex. But Yanni would not come.
After half an hour the rep did arrive and spoke to 2 other holidaymakers. Then he put on his backpack ready to leave.
I blocked his way and asked what he planned to do "Nothing" I was told. I asked him again to move us and again I was told there was no rooms on the island. I knew that there was as I had just phoned the Myrsina Hotel owned by Olympic in Myrties and was told Yes they do have rooms I was beginning to lose my temper with him.
I turned to Peter but was told not to talk to him as he was just the barman but to talk to the family who owned the AFRODITI. I told him that I had tried but they were not interested.
After a long discussion he finally made a phone call then turned to me and asked if we were packed I said that they would be in 5 minutes. We threw our things into suitcases and met him again. We left the AFRODITI and walked down to Elies Square. He took us to the ILIAS STUDIOS also ran by Olympic. Imagine our surprise when we got there the whole complex was empty except for us 4. I asked the rep why he had not moved us that morning which would have saved a lot of arguments; he must have known they were empty. "You're here now" he said rudely and walked away.
The complex was clean the rooms clean with air conditioning and a TV in every room. The owner who did not speak much English was polite and helpful and his wife who owned the Mini Market in Elies Square was a really nice lady. So why does Olympic not advertise these apartments on the internet or in their brochures?
The next day as we were walking past the AFRODITI we noticed that there was new holiday makers in the dreaded room 18. But alas we never found out what happened to their holiday as we were soon due to fly home.
Later I found out that the AFRODITI had had an infestation of Cockroaches only weeks before our ordeal and that again the people who were in these rooms were moved. I would definitely go to Kalymnos again for a holiday its is a beautiful place but no way would we ever step foot in the AFRODITI which is a pity as we have stayed there before and had a really great time, but now the owners have changed and are not interested in anyone else but themselves.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Kalymnos is really a “Blast from... "
Submitted By: Mr L Barber
Kalymnos is really a “Blast from the Past” and is reached by a short ferry crossing from Kos. Real Greece without large concrete blocks of hotels, more white washed low-rise buildings scattered around the island, which has retained most of its original character. Don’t be surprised to seeing donkeys used to carry various goods. This is a place where time does not matter with the pace of life being very sedate. Evenings revolve around a meal and a few drinks in one of the friendly local Tavernas where the food is excellent. The Afroditi Studios have lovely mountains views but are not the most accessible of places. Up a steep slope and a torch is required at night. The studios are very basic with the usual Greek plumbing problems and they do have a small pool. For us the only drawback to our holiday was the position of accommodation, especially the climb to reach them. We can thoroughly recommend Kalymnos for a quiet holiday but when we come back again we would look for alternative accommodation in a better position for us. We did return home refreshed and with a great suntan.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" We arrived at Kos Airport at around... "
Submitted By: Miss SJ Ramsey
We arrived at Kos Airport at around 3pm (Greek Time) and got a coach transfer to the port, which took only ten mins. The ferry is a refreshing experience and a perfect start to your holiday on Kalymnos. The ferry takes about 45 mins but you don’t notice the time as you sit or stand in the sun with the warm breeze on your body.(you can sit inside if you wish). As you get closer to the Island of Kalymnos the ferry slides comfortably into the Port of Pothia. Your eyes are greeted with the sight of small Greek houses built up the horseshoe shaped mountainside facing you with their many shapes and colours. Many different boats and yachts are harboured and you just know you are at an Island that is still very unspoiled and Greek in nature. Our coach to Panormos took only ten mins once again and we were dropped off in Elies Square. Manolis, the eldest son, from Afroditi Studios, was there to greet us and helped me carry my case. There is a very short but steep hill entrance to Afroditi, which may be difficult for someone who has trouble walking. We were then greeted with smiles and a free glass of orange juice. The family were all there welcoming us to their home. The family are simply wonderfully friendly Greek people who would literally do anything for you. Their hospitality could not be beaten. We became good friends and we were very sad to leave them. The rooms are basic like they are on most Greek Islands. Their slap dash and relaxed attitude is something that may be seem annoying to some who haven’t been to Greece before but it becomes the thing you love most. The beds were comfortable and we received regular maid service. The small kitchen area is very basic but just what you would expect. The pool area is always kept tidy and the pool is maintained to a very high level with PH balancer for softness. You are left alone to relax by the pool in peace or play darts by the pool bar. The bar has all your alcoholic and other beverage needs. They serve a delicious full English breakfast and for lunches they serve different rolls, crepes, salads, chips etc. Elies Square has a couple of shops, a couple of Tavernas, a postal agency and an exchange office, which is also, a jewellery shop. It is quite limited but lovely and quiet with few tourists really. The Sugar Restaurant and cafe is the place to eat here accompanied with a friendly host who will cook you whatever your heart desires. There is a lovely beach nearby with black volcanic sand but we personally preferred to stay by the pool ;o)
Pothia is the livelier place nearby. Its only ten mins and its 1 euro per person on the bus or 2 euros each for a taxi. There are a number of outside bars and Tavernas that cook wonderful food. On the one side you have all the fresh fish Tavernas and on on the other, everything else! I can fully recommend “Pizza Imia” for great pizza, pasta and chicken dishes! The service can sometimes be iffy, but you can forgive that when you taste the food! There are also a number of little stalls along the sea front where you can buy authentic sponges and little souvenirs. The bigger supermarket is also located in Pothia and is worth going to if you are planning to cook your own meals. There are various sightseeing trips you can do. We, however, were unfortunate enough to take the boat trip over to Bodrum, Turkey. This is a shopping exhibition rather than sightseeing. The ferry again was delightful, but Bodrum was a whole other story. We were dropped in the centre of Bodrum for 5 and a half hours in a 35 degree heat. The heat was the first thing that drained you of life. There was simply nowhere to go for relief. Shopping in Bodrum is the most awful experience. There is no such thing as a peaceful look around. They want you to buy everything!!!!! They pester and push and then wonder why there is no one in their shops! There are prices on nothing, everything is a haggle! If you must go, take food because it certainly isn”t cheap to eat out either!
We were glad when we reached Kalymnos again. The people there are so nice and friendly and the place begins to feel like home. I would recommend anyone to go to Kalymnos. The atmosphere is so much nicer than Kos and it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget at Afroditi. It is totally worth that tiny bit of extra travel. Go here for a most relaxing and tranquil holiday and forget about you troubles back home!
Pothia is the livelier place nearby. Its only ten mins and its 1 euro per person on the bus or 2 euros each for a taxi. There are a number of outside bars and Tavernas that cook wonderful food. On the one side you have all the fresh fish Tavernas and on on the other, everything else! I can fully recommend “Pizza Imia” for great pizza, pasta and chicken dishes! The service can sometimes be iffy, but you can forgive that when you taste the food! There are also a number of little stalls along the sea front where you can buy authentic sponges and little souvenirs. The bigger supermarket is also located in Pothia and is worth going to if you are planning to cook your own meals. There are various sightseeing trips you can do. We, however, were unfortunate enough to take the boat trip over to Bodrum, Turkey. This is a shopping exhibition rather than sightseeing. The ferry again was delightful, but Bodrum was a whole other story. We were dropped in the centre of Bodrum for 5 and a half hours in a 35 degree heat. The heat was the first thing that drained you of life. There was simply nowhere to go for relief. Shopping in Bodrum is the most awful experience. There is no such thing as a peaceful look around. They want you to buy everything!!!!! They pester and push and then wonder why there is no one in their shops! There are prices on nothing, everything is a haggle! If you must go, take food because it certainly isn”t cheap to eat out either!
We were glad when we reached Kalymnos again. The people there are so nice and friendly and the place begins to feel like home. I would recommend anyone to go to Kalymnos. The atmosphere is so much nicer than Kos and it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget at Afroditi. It is totally worth that tiny bit of extra travel. Go here for a most relaxing and tranquil holiday and forget about you troubles back home!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
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