Christos Apartments

My friend and I were looking forward to our week away in Arillas; after a hard year at work, we chose it because it was supposed to be quiet and relaxing. We arrived at the Christos apartments which were incredibly stuffy (we know it was summer, but thought we might be able to pay extra for air con or rent a fan, neither of which were available).
The room was grubby; the bathroom wasn't particularly clean and there was a razor left on the windowsill from previous tenants, the beds were terribly uncomfortable (to the point that I bought a lilo to sleep on part way through the week) and it generally seemed packed full of families with masses of kids and drunk dads.
On our second night my friend and I had a few drinks with the owner, and after rejecting a pass he made at me we made ourselves scarce from the bar for the rest of the week. Apart from getting virtually no sleep due to our room being on the cross section of two main roads (and we had to sleep with the front door open as it was the only way to get any air through), we absolutely loved Arillas; the sea was fantastic and there are some great bars and restaurants down on the main beach - a really lovely destination.
On our last day, we were told by Olympic that the owner would be taking us to meet the airport bus in the next town; Olympic were useless and frankly couldn't organise a party in a brewery, but that aside, it did concern us as the main occupation at the apartment seemed to be drinking all day. Fortunately, one of the other holidaymakers was concerned that we wouldn't make it to the bus in one piece, so he hadn't drunk all day to ensure he could drive us all if necessary. We spoke to this man about our experiences as we were on the bus to the airport and he told us that the owner has told the entire complex that my friend and I were lesbians; presumably as we had rejected his unwanted advances. This also explains the jeering and odd looks we got from some of the dads during the week. We'd go back to Arillas in a flash, but as for the Christos apartments..... not if you paid me!

1 reader found this review helpful

Phillipus, Angela, Michelle and Lee are wonderful people, who cannot do enough to make your stay as good as it gets. Arillas beach may be down the hill about 500m, but on the way you can visit Anna's studios/apartments and bar, the "cake shop" where you can eat incredible local bakery and drink anything you like. After that there are several other stop-offs, so it is no wonder we took hours to get to the bottom!
The position is ideal for visiting San Stefanos - you're part way there, and can walk (or like us get a taxi!). As others have said, many will drive you up the hill after "a few cocktails."
The apartments are very good and typical of a Greek island. The pool is ideal for fun and frolics with the kids (not us, ours are grown up) but a really nice way to spend an hour with a cold ouzo or beer.
Don't tell everyone - they'll all want to be there! We'll be back next week.

The apartments were spacious and clean, Angela, her mother and Lee were great. There were lots of discrepancies with the bar bills when one barman was serving. The tour operator was great (Suzy) she didn't push you into anything. One thing they didn't tell you about were the transfer times and the hidden charges. You can be on the coach for approx 5hrs just to Corfu town and back. The coach failed to turn up for several trips - so be very aware as this happens quiet often. Also read the small print on all trips. The bar was never stocked up and you often found that they ran out of drinks quite often. The complex although small has such a lot of potential and If Angela was to run it I would consider returning, if it stayed in the current hands then I'm, afraid I would not return.
These comments were made by several of the guests, which is a shame. The beach is lovely and there are some great restaurants around.
Angela you have the ability to run the place and make the improvements that are required for a very successful business - GO FOR IT.

We had an absolutely wonderful time. I had been to Arillas in 2005 and loved it so much I thought it would be the perfect place to take mom and dad as they had never been on a proper Summer holiday before. Mom's already looking at booking up again!
Philip, Lee and Angela were absolutely wonderful. I've visited the Greek islands on 4 separate occasions now, and these are most definitely the friendliest people I have ever met over there.
The only gripe is that the apartments are situated on a hill as specified and that 10 minute downhill walk to the resort turns into a 20 minute uphill nightmare after a hefty meal and a few cocktails! Probably not the best place for someone with any mobility problems who won't be using a car for transport. It was made quite clear from the outset however that Philip or Angela would be happy to pick you up and drop you back at the apartments. Also, once the waiters at the Marina found out we were stopping at Christos they offered us lifts back as well as they're related to Philip and Angela!

All in all, a really great place to stop. You can tell how good an impression the place must leave with people as a great deal of people staying there had visited on previous occasions, and I'd definitely consider going again. As the rep said when we arrived, you really do leave with the accommodation owners becoming your friends not just the people who looked after you. So many massive hotels just don't have the atmosphere and personality that this place has in abundance

We were put in one of the 2 ground floor rooms which was in the need of some modernising and decorating. The biggest problem though was the fact there is a large tree and bushes right outside the terrace door. This makes the room very dark and gloomy and also means you can't sit on the terrace happily, unless you like sitting in semi-darkness which isn't why we came to a hot country! Also the property is situated on hill about 15-20 mins walk from the resort up a fairly busy road with no pavement.
We stayed for 2 days but after the rep couldn't help us to move we ended up finding alternative accommodation out of our own pocket. We travel to Greek islands every year so we know what to expect but these were by far the worst we have stayed in.

Fantastic place to "chill out" Philipos and Co. will look after you very well, there are only 8 apartments so not overcrowded with a reasonable sized pool. If you do not go down to the village/beach area then the food is very good at the apartments (and of course Phillips’s cocktails) Only 10 minute walk to the village where there is around 20 restaurants most serving Greek food at reasonable prices. Some good walks along the coastline, obviously Corfu Town is worth a visit for the day and although we did not hire a car this time it would be necessary to see the island.
Phillipos, Ilka, Angela and of course Mum certainly made the holiday for us.

1 reader found this review helpful

Had a brilliant holiday, will definitely be back again. Apartments are spacious and tidy. Phillipos's mums Mousaka is a must, washed down with Philliposes famous cocktails!
I would definitely recommend hiring a car (see Phillipos about that).
There is a 10 downhill walk to the resort centre/beach but you get used to it.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants relaxing lazy days in the sun and lively nights at the bar. Ill definitely be going back.
Hi Phillipos and Ilka - see you next year!!

1 reader found this review helpful

Just got back and wish we had now stayed for an extra 2 weeks - could get the flights but not the accommodation !!!
We all thought that Phillip, Angela and Leigha (Olympic Rep - hope I’ve spelt your name right) did everything they could to make our holiday wonderful. A good crowd of people, not too many, there are only 8 rooms. Phillip will keep you up till the early hours plying you with his 'shots' - be warned!!
All in all a great holiday - we will return!!!!!!!