First Choice

Hi can any one help me trying to contact a first choice rep from Grape vines called Melalisa if you know how i can contact her please email on toadmonty@tiscali.co.uk

Been going abroad for 20 years. First time to Greece, First time with First choice. The plane was so small, it was very uncomfortable. The rep was ok, but we didn't book any excursions or have any problems so didn't have a lot of contact with her. I can't understand people who moan about flight times. You know the flight times when you book the holiday. If you have a night flight then you don't pay as much, and in this world you get nothing for free. I would much rather pay the extra and travel at reasonable time. We only did a night flight once and would never do it again. Get an early flight, then you leave the hotel first thing and no hanging about all day. I think next year we will pay extra for some leg room on the plane! I know that the companies hit you in all directions for more money, but I think it is worth it in the end. Zante airport wasn't as bad as I had imagined. The reps had the queueing under control, and we stood near an air con machine, so it wasn't too bad. Organised chaos I think they call it! Not sure if i would go with First Choice again, would have to see what plane they are using!

We got back from zante about 3 weeks ago and im still suffering with the holiday blues!!!

We stayed at the Daisys appartments and had a fantastic time!! Our rep (cat davies) was excelent, top girl. She made all of us feel so welcome, and if we had a problem or any questions she would be able to help us there and then!! Cat is the friendliest rep i have met in the last 5+ years. Had a brilliant time on the pub crawl with all the reps, it was wicked!!!!!!!!!!!! And guys i will do the dentist chair next year!! You're the best Cat, keep up the hard work. Say hi to james and gang for me. Talk to you soon. Miss you  Take care darlin

    

Loadsa love H x x x x

Just a quick note to agree with the Airport comments! Its the funniest airport ever - when we went home we got there before the staff!!!!! Classic!! its not to bad though ya do que for a bit but thats just the greeks laid back way!

ref my comments on airtours / my travel

forgot to click excelent! see below

traveled with 2wenties and stayed at the bozikis apts, really nice rooms, excelent pool, a bit out of the way but that ment it was pretty quiet at night (or the morning depending on when u get in). our rep will was excelent, guys! come on guys!, the airport is a joke so get ready foir a wait when u wanna get ur bags and an even bigger on to check in on the way home, its a bit g*y but its a small blip on an other wise great holiday. big up to the 2wenties crew 21st of june 05!

Been back just over a week now we flew with first choice they were very helpful on the plane  we stayed in the Apollo apts &  i must say    the the reps  were very helpful.We would definately go with first choice again.

We've Just returned from Zante with First Choice, staying in the Zante Maris Hotel. We've had the best holiday possible First Choice were wonderful, so good in fact we've booked again for next year, the day after we arrived back to the U.K.

We was very please with everything at the Planos Bay Apts. Reps always helpfull and kids group was also good. Hotel spot on. Only problem is Zakynthos Airport, what a joke but thats not the fault of First Choice, they handelled it well. I wouldn't like their job.

we stayed at the agnanti appartments in august and had the most fantastic time, it was the most perfect place that we have been to on zante or anywhere else the rep lisa was great nico the owner and the staff yannis the barman marcela the maid and her husband the gardener/pool cleaner were the nicest people you could meet and very easy going and can't wait to go back to see them.i would like to say a special thanks to kirsty the sup**viser at first choice and if you get to read this kirsty i'm jamie's friend 'hope you injoyed the wine' and hope we see you when we are back on the 18th october 2004

We booked with Eclipse, the direct booking part of First Choice. The flight was as expected - minimum seat pitch physically possible, etc. Take-off was around midnight, & we were surprised that Gatwick North pretty much shuts down at around 10.00pm, so it was impossible to get anything to eat after that. Arrived at the accommodation at around 07.00 local time. (See separate comments against Anagenessis Apartments in Kalamaki). The rep was friendly enough, though we didn't need to use him. The only downside was the leaving arrangements. We had to be out of the apartment at 10.00am, but the coach pick-up wasn't until 03.00 am the next day!! From 01.00 onwards (when the bar closed), we were left sitting under the veranda outside the bar, in the dark, getting eaten alive by the local mosquitoes. By the time we got home, we felt like we needed a holiday! There has to be a better way of organising things - I would rather have waited 3-4 hours to get into the room when we arrived than hang around for 17 hours waiting to come home. As someone else has said, we paid for 14 nights accommodation, but only had 13 full nights in the room.

We booked last minute for allocation on arrival and paid extra for a night flight as the 7.20am one was going to be a nightmare to get to gatwick on time for. We also paid full price for both the children aged 4 and 8.Our flight was then at 23.55am which meant we only had thirteen nights but paid for fourteen, resulting in us being hastily removed from our rooms at 12 on the day before our departure at 3.45am, for which the coach was 20minutes late, no fun with two youngsters!The meals for which we were charged £40 each way for were awful and as we had late flights the childrens were wasted as they were asleep when both meals were served. We had asked for a childre friendly resort, i must admit you couldnt fault the apartments for decor, spaciousness etc, but they werent very clean, there is also no reception so we were dumped at the location by the rep, knowing nothing, no location of nearest shop, how far town, beach etc was. Consequently when we awoke after a few hours sleep we had to go and find water and food for the children, as it was so far to walk to and from the nearest shop we were late for the welcome meeting by 20 minutes, we did see the rep and asked what we missed, and were given a leaflet about the excursions, she never offered us any other information such as pre booking flights to leave Zante (another way to rip us off!)so consequently we were sat seperately on the flight home. The rep Lisa was truly inept, she knew we were tired having been told we werent on any lists when we arrived at Zante airport! We had a 3/4 hour anxious wait till they eventually found the relevent piece of paper with our details! The coach driver didnt want to take us as he was already chokka...we eventually got on with our cases! We knew Lisa made a point of meeting all her clients the day before departure to ensure they knew what time to vacate the apartments, time of bus etc! However, we found her two days before we were due to leave as we wanted to check our booze and cigs allowance. Something else she isnt clued up on! We were told our coach would be arriving at 3.45am and that we were just to leave our keys in the doors of our appartments when we left! Imagine our horror to be told (not too politely by Nikos the complex manager/owner) that we had to be out before 12 as the rooms needed to be cleaned for the new arrivals! We obviously argued this point as it meant we had nowhere to securely leave our possessions, we werent packed in any case! and had nowhere to shelter the children or shower them in the very hot climate....would you be happy keeping a 4 year old out for over 15 hours until 3.45 in the morning?? We were told if we didnt vacate the rooms, the police would be called by another inept rep whose name escapes me, needless to say he will know who I'm talking about! Thanks to the kindness of someother holiday makers, (Thanks so much to John and Tina) we were offered use of a room, shower, secure storage and somewhere to grab a quick nap. The coach was then 20 minutes late, after we were clearly told not to be late...another nail in First Choices coffin! Chaos at Zante airport with the fittest and childfree sprinting to front of queues and pushing in!! We then found out that we should have paid another £40 to secure seats next to each other!!! First choice???? No way....definitely LAST CHOICE All in All I would never ever recommend First Choice to anyone! We will never travel with them again...and judging by the comments of our fellow holiday makers at the agnanti appartments and the adjoining Sarakina Hotel the feeling is widespread!

We have just got back from a fantastic holiday at the Maria Mare Studios in Argassi. I would definately recommend them, you couldn't get a better place for location, views and a relaxing holiday, it was brilliant. 1st Choice were really good, the rep was really helpful, the flight and transfers good, we couldn't fault them. even at the airport goind home they were all very organised. I would definately use them again.

We had a great time on our holiday 1st chioce really meet are exspections the flight food was ok but apart from that the rest spot on. the flight is around about 3and a 1\2hours long with friendly helpful staff on board. once landed it did take us a long time to get our cases but i disagree with the last comment as i cant see how the airport cant be first chioces fault its just a very small airport.
Overall great stay and we are looking to book up with first chioce again in september sometime in argassi we are looking at maria mare, windmill and dora can anyone let us know what they are like as there are not that many comments thanks Rich

The outbound flight was very good, apart from the in-flight meal which was very poor, the seats were very uncomfortable, little space, and bordering on the lines of claustrophobic conditions. On arrival at the airport, was a little shocked on how under developed the terminal was. Only 1 carousel for luggage which proved to be a pain when more than 1 flight came in at the same time. Coach transfer was very good and Wayne the rep was very informative. Accomodation was an apartment in Dora Apartments, Argassi. On arrival, Dora, Panos, Demetri, and Tassia were very helpful and welcoming.
Claire our First Choice rep, did a very good informal welcome meeting. She was always available if and when needed if a problem arose. Saw her several times at the complex during our week stay. Very professional attitude, excellent personality, 100 % suited to the job, but most of all very friendly approach to the holidaymakers.
Coach transfer back to the airport was late on pick up, which meant a long wait outside for check in. The terminal building was overcrowded as there were several flights due out at relatively the same time. Same problems on the inward flight as the outward, plus the added inconvenience of being separated. We find this disgusting as we were not charged to sit together from Manchester, but was expected to pay for this privelige, from Zante. As this was the end of our 1st wedding anniversary, we were disappointed to say the least.
We were looking forward to booking a family holiday package, but after the experience and disappointment with First Choice, we will not not be booking with First Choice or any sister companies.

We stayed in the astoria hotel had a fab time and will be back are rep Leanne is FUN FUN FUN!

This was the first time i used First Choice and found them to be excellent. The transfer from the airport to my hotel (Cactus Apartments) was no more than 15 mins but it felt shorter than that because my rep (Amy) lightened the mood and made everyone feel welcome instantly. Our flights were punctual both ways and were plesent, although the food was a bit iffy. the accommodation was fantastic and brilliant value for money! Amy was a great rep she regularly visited our hotel and was really approachable. She even went to the hospital with my friend when he was run over to make sure he was OK which is something that i'm sure plenty of other reps that i've come accross wouldn't have done. She was a good laugh and is a credit to First Choice i would definately go with FC again next year!

1st time we have used first choice and were not dissapointed. looked after very well and our rep(whose name i have forgot, she looked after hotel astoria) was always on hand if needed. very proffesional.

We booked a day trip (lazy days)with our rep Peter for our last day to see the Turtles.We went down to meet the coach it arrived 20 mins late and a rep got off and told everyone the trip was cancelled because of the harbour police in zante town not letting boats out of the harbour.So if you are booking any sort of trip do it to give yourself time to re-book in case of cancelation.We did however get a full refund and so did the people who booked with street booking offices.

I just got back from Natali apartments in Laganas and it was brilliant. nothing to fault, from flight to transfers we had best rep ever CHRIS!!!. really friendly even when off duty.( and cute!!) Staff at apartments really friendly too!! all speak English!!! high recommended!!!

We booked an allocation on arrival with First Choice. We were allocated Alikanas at the Dragonikas apartments. We did not take the transfers, we got a taxi which cost 20 euro, a bit pricey but we were there in 10 minutes when the brochures says it takes 45 minutes by coach. We did not see our rep the whole time but that's because we were never there at the times she was supposed to be. Luckly we did not need her because the owners of the apartments don't seem to speak any English and i'm not sure how we would have got a hold of her without having to call her ourselves. we tried to arrange somewhere to put our bags before we left as we didn't need to be at the airport for a while but the woman at the front did not speak English and was quite rude and seemed uninterested inwhat we required, we could have done with the rep then.

we need help,as we are getting married in zante on the the 10th july 2004. the venue is zante town hall. we can not find any pictures on the web can you help? we are are staying at the white house studios alykanas.

Our second time in two years with First choice, and yet again they came up trumps. Late booking via the 'net, yet everything was perfect.
Booked a hire car with the holiday, got a free upgrade with that, and didn't have to endure the "cattle truck" transfers by coach.
As a certain Mr Punch once said, "That's the way to do it!"

Ali, the rep, seemed to be always there if you needed her, (we didn,t), and was always friendly.

First Choice will be our First Choice next year.

We liked First Choice. Rep was very good when I explained that I had an ear infection and I may not be able to fly home, very supportive. Ilios Apartments were very nice and clean, one of the better ones on the Island from what I understand. Flight ok, food good but we were sat on row 1 going there and back and the screen on the wall was a bit high and the picture was not that clear, and my headphone socket did not work. I think they maybe need some new planes 757, a bit old. On the whole very good holiday.

Just returned from the Daisy apartments, Kalamaki. Sam our rep awful, no only joking she was brilliant. She wasn't pushy, trying to force us to go on excursions all the time. We knew how to find her if we wanted help. Sam if you are reading this please reply to clivechanning@btopenworld.com, thanx!

I really get fed up with people moaning and going on about the airport in zante YES its small YES its chaotic but dont you people dare blame the operators or reps LISTEN PEOPLE ITS NOT THERE FAULT so stop going on and get a life. if it wasnt for the reps you would be at the airport for much longer and have a much harder time cheacking in so SHUT UP if you want to complain write to the greek embassy there the people responsable.

the holiday we thought was a bargain ? but the flight was at 23.50pm which meant we only had thirteen nights but paid for fourteen, on the plane we watched the safety film as you do when i tried the exercises i could not even move my legs let alone do the exercises,the meal was disgusting, on the transfer the only thing the courier was interested in was chatting up the driver (even he was embarrassed) and trying to get everyone to say hello in greek after we had been up all night,the apartment was clean but full of flying bugs, we emptied a can of fly killer in it and went for a coffee, generally if you want a decent holiday in zante ..DONT GO WITH FIRST CHOICE..

had 2 weeks and an amazing hol thanks jon for all your help you really made the stay 1 to remember xx

No real gripes from us. Flights both ways were spot on, (Homeward bound was actually EARLY!!!). Never saw much of the Rep, but he let us know where, and at what times he would be there if we needed him, (Thanks Jon). Didn't get the hard sell at the welcoming chat, just some good useful advice. Only worrying moment was waiting for the coach for the departure. We saw other First Choice travellers leaving by taxi, & thought we were getting left behind. But it all worked out OK. As for the other comments on here about the airport. Get REAL people. It's a Greek island fercrissakes!!!! If you think this is bad, try going to Corfu. Their terminal is not much more than a garden shed! (at least it wasn't ten years ago).

Very mixed fellings on this one........ This was our first major holiday abroad and on the whole the holiday was absolutely fantastic. The accommodation was as good as you could expect (Planos complex in Tsilivi) The maid service was spot on, boy do they know how to clean up, and probably for very poor wages. However the tour operators were poor. We hardly saw a rep in the 2 weeks we were there. The evening entertain was either full on, or nothing. We soon learnt that the complex we stayed at had two sister appartments, so you sometimes had to go across the road to have some fun. BUT MY BIGGEST GRIPE was when we had to go home. Zante Airport is something else. After you check in, you then have to go outside (yes you read right, OUTSIDE) and wait under a canopy, until you get called into the departure lounge) Now picture the scene, its pouring down with rain, there are a group of people from various flights standing outside in the rain, waiting to get on their plane, and all looking bewildered in the process. So what you need is infomation, and loads of it....... did we get any? NO, not a hoot !! We even had to rely on a rep from another tour operator to help us out (JMC and KOSMAR). I expect the reps were all nice and warm inside out of the rain, but their lack of info, meant we were all of a sudden rushed from the "canopy" area, straight through passport control, whisk through the departure lounge, and straight on a plane full of waiting passengers........ TUT TUT first choice !! ALL IN ALL....... loved ZANTE, but wont be using FIRST CHOICE AGAIN

We stayed at the Planos Park Apartments in Tsilivi.Margaret McDonald our rep was our rep,always helpful,funny and polite.She was informative about the area we stayed,the island in general and things to do and avoid.This was our first holiday to Zakynthos and the Greek islands and First Choice made it very pleasant as usual.The flight was excellent as were the transfers and excursions.If First Choice and the other tour companys have any say in the island they should try and get something done about the airport if possible,it's terrible(though we were warned about this).Once again Margaret was an excellent rep so hang to her First Choice.

Urgh! Remind me never to go with a package operator again! The rep on the bus to the venue was offhand, the rep in the resort was hopeless - talk about utterly bored. She clearly had had enough of Alykanas and it was a real effort for her to open her mouth. No eye contact with any of us at the 'welcome' (ha!) meeting and it felt like she was reading from a script when she told us about the resort. She also told us that the buses were non-existent and unreliable which was not true - v helpful! Zante airport is the worst I've ever experienced, and like others on here, I've been to some pretty abysmal places. Unlike others on here, I think the tour operators do have a responsibility to ensure their customers are treated well at the airport. They make huge amounts of profit from us, and are basically the reason the airport exists and therefore they can have alot of influence on the management of the place. However, they dropped us off and were gone - hands washed of us! The departure lounge was filthy, there were 4 planes worth of people in a room big enough for maybe one plane (no a/c, of course, or any windows open), and with enough seats for 100 people. Kiddies were going mad, as they were hot, tired and couldn't play on the vile floor. There's one snack kiosk, and the girl in front of us bought two cans of coke and a pack of crisps as it came to £7! So take your own food and drink! A processed cheese sarnie was £4. Bargain... the tour operators have a responsibility to address this problem; it's not right to claim it's all the fault of the airport management, although they are certainly to blame for the abysmal hygiene and cleanliness. And finally, do not use the loos in the airport unless you fancy a dose of typhoid or the runs - the are truly disgraceful. Go on the plane before you land, or hang on until you hit your apartment! Not a good experience and I certainly wouldn't travel with FC again.

Excellent holiday overall, we had an excellent rep called Marilisa who was always happy to help and knew everything there was to know about local culture and the island in general, we stayed in the Apollo studios and we had no problems at all,she always gave us good advice on where to go and where we were more likely to get ripped off (such as the kiosk in Zakinthos airport departures)so THANKS MARILISA!

two weeks of paradise..ok so an earth shake to liven things up! Brie the first choice rep was excellent..always smiling and very helpful..doesent even mind been thrown in the pool a few times! she made our stay so good, we will have to do it again nxt year. THANK U FIRST CHOICE

we stayed at the ANDREOLAS BeACH HOTEL IN LAGANA. Our first choice rep was caled Sophie and she was excellent!! She was always helpful and looked after us thoughout the two weeks we were there. She was still smiling even if she had been on bar crawl and had an hours sleep! WELL DONE SOPHIE, SEE U NEXT YEAR!

Again First Choice, was also our fisrt choice, we stayed at the planos aparthotel in Tisilivi and it was excellent, Brie the rep is a assett to FC and extremely helpfull.

We booked our holiday the day before we left the UK! First Choice & Air 2000...EXCELLENT!! We stayed in Laganas at the Pythari Studios. We couldn't have chosen a better last minute holiday!! Gemma our First Choice rep,was EXCELLENT!! (How many times have I said EXCELLENT???!!!)

We stayed at the Planos Aparthotel in Tsilivi and our rep was Brie Harris. She was EXCELLENT. Thanks to her for helping us with our special request, we very much appreciated it. She was always about the complex, very helpful and made sure she spoke to all her guests on a daily basis. Excursions are a bit pricey, you can get them cheaper on the street, so shop about. No flights delays from Glasgow, we were lucky enough to get our baggage within 15 mins of arriving. I did hear other guests waiting anything up to 2 hours, not good when you have young kids. Flight home was also good, there is a duty free shop at the airport for those last minute things. Very busy so it you manage to get a seat, don't move they are like gold dust. Very enjoyable holiday, we would use First Choice again.

We flew from Bristol airport without any problems. Couldn't wait to get out of Zante airport and onto the coach!We stayed at the Amaryllis Apartments. Wasn't very impressed with our First Choice rep, Hayley, she gave us the impression she couldn't be bothered. Also were told the wrong pick up time, from our apartments, by coach,to the airport.We spent 3 hours at Zante airport waiting for our flight which wasn't much fun! There is a small duty free shop; didnt brave the toilets;plenty of flies to swat and if you are lucky enough to get a seat-don't move off it!!

We stayed at the St Dennis Apartments. The Accomodation was very good and well looked after. The flight and transfers were on time (returning to Gatwick we even got extra legroom space seats). The rep Charlie for the St Dennis Apartments, was not as good though. A very pleasant and attentive girl, however has only just begun being a rep and did not really know much about the area. Yet when it came to the tours she knew a lot more, mainly because it was her chance to make some commission. You would think that if the rep is there to help you get value for your money that they would get the best priced tours. NOT SO. We booked Kefalonia day trip and Island tour for 84 Euros (about £55) from a tour operator on the street. If we had booked with the Rep it would have cost 138 Euros (about £90)....thats an extra £35 which I am sure most of which goes to the Rep/Company. Also we hardly saw the rep throughout the holiday, and apparently had missed welcome meetings because she had been drinking the night before...not really the behaviour for a Rep who is there for the customer. We did not have cause to need the rep so this was not a problem. Apart from this the holiday was very enjoyable.

Just returned Sunday ( 26th May ) from Zante, we could not have asked for a better Holiday. Once you have experienced the rather interesting experience of Zante Airport arrivals and baggage reclaim, you tend to think that this Holiday is not going to be quite as you had planned. I must say I was very impressed with the Reps from First choice, nothing was too much trouble and they really do help in making your Holiday as enjoyable as possible. Well done First Choice, you have a good team in Zante. Give them a salary increase.

Well done first choice for 2 fantastic reps, Steve (ilios apts) and Claire (his g/friend) These 2 are really friendly and helpful and would do anything for anyone no matter what time of day or night. Steve done the welcome meeting in such a relaxed way we didn't fell pressured into buying the trips, we had to book them beacuse he sold them so well we had to find out what the fuss was about! Good value for money and about time too.Well done F/C hang onto them!!

WELL WHAT MORE COULD WE ASK FOR THE SERVICE WAS SUPERB OUR REP STEVE WAS THERE WITH ALL THE ANSWERS AT ANY TIME HE HAD A GREAT SENCE OF HUMOUR AND WE ASKED FOR A GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT AS MY MUM CANT WALK VERY FAR AND IT WAS SPOT ON WELL DONE STEVE AT THE ILIOS. HE GAVE US GOOD ADVICE AT ALL TIMES WELL DONE FIRST CHOICE YOU HAVE AN EXCEELENT REP THERE IM SURE THE OTHER REPS ARE AS GOOD BUT DIDNT MEET MANY BUT IF THEY ARE ALL LIKE STEVE YOU WONT GO FAR WRONG. ANGIE DERBY

Well done First Choice - a great holiday in lovelly apartments (Amaryllis). Gemma the Rep was great, friendly, attentive and available (but not in that way you understand). Our only let down of the holiday was back at Gatwick where the handlers managed to loose the entire flights luggage for about an hour and a half - it was left out on the tarmac - well done Gatwick we only had to wait an hour at Zante airport!

we were with SunMed in the Venus Studios, we have stopped there for the last 4years now with a fantastic couple called Christos and Anita and not forgetting the new arrival Brad...if you want to have a good time and some good food go to there barba q nights, just watch out for the local wine, it sends your legs abit wobbbly!

they did everything that we could ask for and the rep was always around.

I have booked for a fortnights holiday at the planos apartments in Tsilivi in June next year, can any one please give me some info about the place as the brochere stated that it was new and would be ready May 2002. So if anyone could help with any info I would be very thankful!! From Ges Wood

All the reps in Argassi were excellent, very helpful, would have no hesitation with booking with First Choice again

We have travelled with First Choice twice and on both occassions have found them to be excellent and would have no hesitation in using them again.

FIRST CHOICE-LAST CHOICE,After amending our hotel for the third time we stayed at the alexandra hotel tsilivi.The hotel was lovely, the staff was friendly, the food was ok, but the tour operator should take a good hard look at itself their attitude towards most things stinks! We stay at the hotel about 3 times per year but book the room through the hotel and then get our own flights.

Rimmer Thanks for the inf.it has confirmed what we thought. jane

Jane - I'm fairly sure they are on the road to Katastari, past the Avra studios / pool but before the 'Oscar' bar and Theo/Soula Apts. That's going on the road leading away from the beach at the x-roads in the centre of resort.

Rimmer,thanks for your comment,can you tell me the area i.e where are they situated,ie are they near Hotel Montreal , or another landmark, I have a small knowledge of the are so perhaps you can enlighten me please, Thanks Jane

Jane - Quiet area about 15 mins walk to the beach and resort centre. Apartments are basic but clean and tidy and family run. Nearest swimming pool is less than 5 mins walk away.

CAN ANYONE OUT THERE PLEASE HELP!WE HAVE BOOKED OUR HOLIDAY WITH SUN-MED WHICH I UNDERSTAND IS PART OF FIRST CHOICE WE ARE STAYING IN THE LAURA STUDIOS AT ALIKES HAS ANYONE GOT ANY INFO ON THE APARTMENTS IE WHERE THAY ARE SITUATED AND THE AREA? THANKS JANE AND MARK KENT.