Elpida Hotel

Just got back 26/07/04, Our apartment was at the back of the complex, these are the newer ones. It was very clean, as was pool. We were worried before we went as the brochure said next to main road - Not a problem as this road is like a village road in UK so not much noise. There was only a 2 ring cooker in room , so you need to eat out - meals are very cheap - 3 course for 10 euros. Air Con . is extra ( think it was 35 euros)Shops and tavernas, etc all within 5mins walk, beach 12-15 mins. walk. We did not go on rep. tours but used Dionisis tours in main st. who are cheaper.

we hav just gt bk from staying at the elpida and it was great there, the family that own it are very friendly and would always see to our needs. We have planned to goback next year and i cant wait it was great there. The son spiros is a very friendly person. The barman was always friendly to and would always make me laugh which i thought was great. Our apartment was very clean and we are hoping to get the same one when we go back next year, we have requested it. Alikanas itself is quiet and relaxing, the people are very friendly also.

Help! Ive just booked 4 aug 05 and have requested a poolview room. Most comments have stated that the rooms at the back are much cleaner. Can anyone remember what room numbers were at the back, it would really help! oh and it must be a 1 bed apt!

We stayed at the Elpida for 2 weeks June 2004 and found it exellent value for money. The location though near a main road was excellent and hardly any noise. The rooms though pretty basic have everything you need and are well maintained. The 2 swimming pools were fantastic and with a bar,food service and mini market on site every need was catered for. The main village area is about 10 mins away and the beach a further 5/6 mins,overall i would recomed a visit

If you are staying here on a limited budget and expect to cook in forget it, the are no basic ammenities, these apartments contain, a fridge, a sink, and a portable two hob unit, no cooker, no kettle, very little in the way of pots or pans (no frying pan), and no toaster. Upon your arrival buy toilet paper, they supply one roll for you and thats it!
Bring towels too (although you can purchase these at about five euros in town).
The building is in poor condition, a small roof collapsed, it was not removed just barried off, and another peice of roof is held up by a peice of scaffolding.
Childrens pool is not safe, a number of kids ended up with cuts on their feet from the floor tiles at the bottom of the pool.
The pool area is small and you will find that you will need to walk about a kilometre to the nearest beach.

Just got back from staying here and it was excellent the appartments were basic but thats all you need i would come back but watch out for the barman thinks hes a bit of a ladys man

Hi andrew,stayed at ELPIDA twice 2001+02 prefered new apartments at rear of complex more modern.
5mins at max 2 bars/restaurants all family friendly.Great safe beach 15 mins!(turn right at Greedy Greek)Great resort. Nearby Alykes worth a visit or two!U can take a horse+cart there.2003+july 04 staying at apartments on the beach,trying different accom but would go back 2 elpida anytime!hope info is of help 2u!have a great holiday.

my family and i will be staying at elpida in june 2004 what are the distances to restaurants and the beach please

Myself , husband & 2 children aged 9 & 13 are considering booking for May 2005. can anyone give us any information on the accomodation. Which are the best kosmar studios to book?

Just to let you know Debbie, safety deposit boxes are available in the newer apartments at the Elpida, If u happen to be in one of the older apartments, u can use one of the boxes in the supermarket.

This is a brilliant place, stayed here a few times and know the family really well. Hard working, honest, genuine people.Dennis and Denise (the owners) dont speak much English, but part of the fun is trying to communicate with them anyway. Spyros and Aliki (their son and daughter) both speak English very well and will gladly translate for you.

A place for all age groups. Their barbecue and quiz night certainly gets all the guests mixing together.

The newer apartments are spotless and has everything you need. The older ones, a wee bit dusty, but hey! Perfectly acceptable.

Alot of people we met here, keep coming back year after year after year.(including us)I think that speaks for itself.

we are traveling to zante in aug 2004 and are staying at the elpidia studios and apartments can you please tell me if saftey deposit boxes are available in the rooms

Hi i have booked to go to the elpida apartments aug 2004,for my husbands 50,because i have booked the rest of his family have booked as well,which means 15 of us are going,looking at some of the reviews i am terrified as they do not seem that good.How far is it to the beach?are the apartments that dirty?or are a lot of people expecting a lot from a self catering holiday in greece,as i know zante is a beutiful island,can you give me some tips the oldest in the group will be 75 and the youngest 10.we dont want nigjtclubs but maybe a fun bar for the 18-30's in the group.Help are the apartmaents that bad and is anyone going 15th of aug 2004 for 2 weeks?

Got back from zante on the 30th August had an excellent time brilliant people in greece very friendly, the scuba diving was brilliant and the beach party on the friday night which is held from all the reps!! Say hello to mark the rep if you see him and just ask him if anyone else has managed to break the double bed in room 7 well if you can call it a bed!!

The food was excellent cheap and alfie was very good at the cocktails which were even better and really good value for money !!

I really liked the beach at st nicholas which is where they do the scuba diving if you get patrina the NEW rep watch out as she never knows what couch your on and end up tierd and waiting around for about 1 hour for something to happen!!

The nightlife is good lots of bars and resturants and there all very good especially like the chinese and indian resturant it's just down the road from greedy greeks i couldl'nt fault it, but be warned if you want wine get the more expensive one not the cheapest as it tasted well i think you can imagine!!

The elpida apartments were great well equiped with the supermarket being there and plus if you bring over traveller's checks they change them there so you don't have to bring you passport out with you when your out, another thing they do rented fans there i think for 10 euro's but it's worth getting two as it cools down the room alot better and then you don't need to leave the balcony doors open! and they do everything in the shop from heinz baked beans to kellogs corn flakes and they also have all the newspapers and magazines up to date so you don't miss nothing.

I think one of the best bars we went to was the flame bar great cocktails as me and boyfriend went on a mission one nite and tried nearlly all of them on the menu!!

The beach is not very far away if you come out of elpida walk straight down pass the mini golf course ha ha well thats what they called it, then about 2 minutes down accross the road you'll see the greedy greeks resturant cross the road and walk down that road keep going for about 5-10 minutes don't turn any way just walk straight and as your walking you;ll start to see the sea mm lovley be carefull as the sand gets extremley hot but if you have enough of the beach you can go to the bar's around and one of them has a swimming pool and snack bar and you'll find that every where you go all the bars have pools nearlly and there for use to the public!!

BE WARNED!!!!! THE AIRPORT REALLY IS LIKE A FARM

you go in with your rep to que to get checked in then you go back outside and que again with your lugage for passport control which took us about 1-2 hours in the boiling heat to finally get there!! so when you get checked in go straight back outside and que don't do what we did and sit down in the nice cool airport for around half an hour then realise we had to que for passport control which all the reps seem to forget to tell you!!

So i think i've given enough info i hope everyone has an excellent time o and don't forget no puting your toilet roll down the loo in the bin which will be provied every where he he :@)

Claire and James

helloits paula nye from northampton hi dennie,dennise and
especially my big cuddly bear speros how r u i will c ya's all in
july 2004 missing u all not alfiethough i will send u some photos
soon though i have a nice one of me and speros together i am
on tip toes and still he is taller than me speak to u soon love u all
xXx paula xXx my familly says hi to and mandy says hi to alfie i
think she has a crush on him !!!!!

HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE ELPIDA. FAMILY RUN DENIS DENISE SPIROS AND ALFIE WERE GREAT. WE ARE THE LEEDS LOT THAT LIVENED THINGS UP DURING EARLY AUGUST. THE POOL WAS GOOD , FOOD VERY GOOD AND REASNOBLY PRICED .SUPERMARKET ON SITE. ANYONE GOING HAVE NO WORRIES LIKE WE DID THE PLACE IS GREAT. SAY HELLO TO EVERYONE JUST SAY THE MAD LEEDS LOT THEY'LL KNOW WHO YOU MEAN. TELL SPIROS WE HOPE HIS CAR IS ALRIGHT.

ELPIDA IS BRILLIANT ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ALL BEACAUSE OF SPIROS AND ALFIE I LOVE U SO MUCH ITS ME ALEX WEN THE LEEDS LOT WERE THERE I WAS LOVIN MEETIN YA AND YOUR LOVELY BREAKFASTS AND FRUIT JUICE COCTAILS AND TEKKEN 3 ON PSX AND ALSO LIKED THE SHOP FONE AND LOCATION AND BIG HELLO TO THE FLAME BAR SPIROS IM MISSIN U BAD AND LOVE U LOTS THE POOL WAS LOVELY ALFIE HAVE A GOOD LIFE AND SPIROS EMAIL ME IF U SEE THIS PLZ AND I WILL SEE U IN 2 YEARS IM COMING BACK WITH A MATE WOO HOO

ELPIDA APARTMENTS A GOOD, POOL NICE BUT COULD DO
WITH BEING BIGGER, HANDY TO HAVE SUPERMARKET NEXT
DOOR & ENGLISH BREAKFAST GOOD VALUE. ONLY FAULTS
ARE DUE TO US BRITS!!! LITTLE NOISEY EARLY MORNING,
ESPECIALLY IF YOU FANCY A LIE IN & PEOPLE TEND TO BAG
SUNBEDS ROUND THE POOL AT SOME GODFORSAKEN TIME
IN THE MORNING!!!!!!!

ABOUT 15 MIN WALK TO BEACH, RECOMMEND YOU STOP
OFF AT THE PITSTOP (ENGLISH OWNED) FOR
BREAKFAST/LUNCH!! SUNBEDS HIRE FOR DAY RANGE
FROM 5 EUROS TO 7 EUROS

Hi i was just after some more info on the elpida apartments and if any one has any good tips for when we go, we leave gatwick on the 24th August.

I.E. Whats the weather been like at the moment, is the area clean, whats the best bars and resturants to go to?

Many thanks

claire

how long does it take to walk to the beach from the elpida and can you hire sunbeds on the beach.how long to walk into alikes

Hello. Got back yesterday from Zante having had a fabulous holiday. We stayed at the Elpida, and it was lovely. If you know anything about Greece you'll know not to expect air con or feather duvets. The rooms were fine, there were three of us and our apartment had an upstairs so one of the beds was up under the roof. There was enough space for us considering all you do is shower and sleep there. We overlooked the pool, but didn't find it overly noisey at night(and we had to sleep with the doors open because of the heat-it still wasn't noisy). It is family run and friendly, they do a mean toastie for breakfast if you fancy it. The pool is lovely and clean and deep.It can get busy with kids but there's other pools to use in the resort and the beach is lovely and clean and you can walk out miles into the sea without it getting deep. We were three girls in our early twenties who DIDNT want to go clubbing, but just wanted to relax in some nice bars go to some nice tavernas and soak up some sun. That's exactly what we got-lovely!!
If you're going to the Elpida please enjoy it, and don't waste time worrying about shower curtains, toilet roll bins and towel changes. It is not a hotel, and if you've done your research on what to expect when visiting Greece, then you won't be disappointed.
Say hi to Spiros for us !

I am going to Elpida apatrments in a weeks time! Just wondering what they are like-noisy? clean? I'm a bit anxious! Thanx!

Thanks for that tony great help!! I hope we enjoy it i'm sure we will and if any one else has anything else about the eplida apartments that would be great!!

I'll be sure to add my comment when i get back!!

Thanks
claire

Clair,we have stayed in the elpida twice,the front appts get a lot of road noise,thebar did'nt bother us.However there are new appts at the rear of the complex which are smashing,double glazed,and seemed a lot cooler.The people are polite they have a good mini market on site,the woman seems a bit somber but she is ok realy.people always moan about the cleansliness but theres a brush +shovel so it only takes a min yourself(we did).regaurding towels being changed it was every other day,but if u want them changed just ask + it will b done. we would stay there again.Enjoy your hol(GREAT PLACE) TONY>

Hi can any one help!!

me and my Boyfriend are going to the elpida apartments in the end of august, we have read through the comments peopla have mayed and they don't seem that possotive!!

I want to know if any one has been there in the last couple of months and could tell me if the comments are better then 2002's??

and could give us any information on anything we need to watch out for going to greece.

Thanks

Claire

TO BE QUITE HONEST I AM GOING TO ELPIDA APARTMENTS SEPTEMBER 14TH AND WE HAVE A 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND A 16 YEAR OLD SON, WE ARE WONDERING WHAT THERE IS FOR THEM TO DO AND IF ANY OTHER TEENAGERS ARE GOING SO THEY CAN HOPEFULLY MAKE FRIENDS!

my husband myself and our 14 year old daughter stayed in the elpida appts sept02, and found it to be a great holiday, we stayed in room 12 which was a 1 bedroom appt, it was clean and ok!! there wasn't a shower curtin, but who wants a shower curtin that has been used by 100's of other people, a mop and bucket were provided to keep the floor fairly dry..
the owners of the appts worked extreamly long hours but always were very pleasant and friendly...
i would stay in the same place again,i have no fear for anyone going to the elpida appts in 2003 a holiday is what u make of it!!!

Been to Elpida 2 years running,the 1st year we were in the old appts = it was near the road a bit noisy,so i got the numbers of the new appts at the rear of the complex + asked for those the following year(last year)much better!the old rooms the third bed was a camp bed no good 4 back prob people like myself.the new 1s have a pull out bed(proper 1).ahhhhhhhh nice!they seemed a lot cooler 2.we're off back in july again but trying some beach accom this time cant wait luv the place.GREAT people,GREAT beaches,GREAT hol..ENJOY!!!!!!!

I would just like to say that I am returning for yet another at the Elpida Apartments in appx 5 weeks time and can honestly say that whatever you are looking for in an holiday you will find. If you want secluded beaches then you can find them, if you want clubbing all night you just need to jump in a taxi to laganas. If you want a nice family meal followed by a few drinks you've got that. What I would say is that you need to make your mind up yourself. By the time I went the first time I really had worked myself up into thinking I would hate because of these websites and other peoples comments but honestly in my opinion it is lovely and I can't wait to get back there.

One more thing - do not judge it until you have hit the resort....there are some rough looking buildings etc on the drive from the airport but hey, you get that round here!!!

Have a lovely time!!!!!

I am going to the elpida in 4 weeks time with my family. Is it really dirty and noisey, as we are looking for a nice relaxing time.

We were in the elpida early may 2002. Yes the pool did get a bit crowded at times and the kids could seem a bit noisy in the small area. However when we wanted a bit more space, and peace and quite we strolled down to the sister hotel, ALYKANAS BEACH HOTEL. Which is right on the beach and had a lot more space around the pool. As for the apartments, we only showered slept and ate breakfast in there so we found them quite adequate. We thought our holiday was such good value for money that we're going back again this year. We will take our own loo roll this time though!!

Hey me my brother and our parents went to the Elpida apartments and thought it was good apart from the manager who was the owner of the Diogenis Bars aunt.One day we went to the diogenis and came back to the pool and the guy behind the bar with the spiky hairsaid don't do that again so the next day we told the whole pool about it and at 11 oclock everyone got up and went next door and the owner of the apartments through a bottle of ouzo on the ground and stormed off.
My advice is to completley ignore the woman.

All I'm saying is that we are not scaring anyone off but are just entitled to our own free opinion, we went in the first week of the season, the rep was new, the place had just opened up and yes we didn't expect the ritz as we had been to greece a number of times before we just expected a better room allocation for our needs, ie with an 20 month old, loft ladders and steps to carry the buggy up and down wasn't really any good, we did ask to be moved to the other accommodation at the back but as they were only free for a week and we were there for 2 weeks we weren't even allowed to stay there for a week, not scaring anyone off amy love, just expressing my opinion. By the way the Lakes isn't just for the over 60's, try saying that to the 65 year olds we met in Greece.

We stayed in the Elpida in July and had a wonderful time, so much that we are returning to Alykanas again next year. The only criticism we had was that some days the pool was too crowded so we went to the Millenium pool instead. I can't belive all the fuss about toilet bins and dirty premises - we found our room and the complex clean and reasonable quiet in an evening (have you tried Malia in Crete - then you'll know what noise is). I have been to many Greek Islands and I can not recall ever having my toilet bin emptied daily (perhaps I stay too down market!). - I find its not too much trouble to take the plastic bag and drop it in the bins outside the Elpida when you go out in the evening. I believe that when you are away you relax and chill out and take things as they come and don't spend your hard earned vacation moaning. Kosmar are probably the cheapest tour operator to Greece and you get what you pay for (ie some things you have to do yourself!), if you want luxury and extras you choose a different company and pay for the privilege. To some up, the Elpida is like most Greek places, if you like Greece and its way of life, you will enjoy this. If as in Shirley Valentine , you keep thinking its not Spain then you won't.

hi all just like to say that i went to elpida apartments in june 01 and it was great ...and we were made to fell very welcome.....jay

CAROLINE, NOT THAT I HAVE TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION TO YOU MY DARLING BUT I HAPPEN TO BE 38 YEARS OLD. YOU SAY PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THEIR OPINION SO I'VE HAD MINE. I DON'T KNOW WHEATHER YOU HAVE BEEN TO ZANTE OR JUST READ THE COMMENTS, BUT I HAVE BEEN RATHER A FEW TIMES AND FEEL THAT ALL PEOPLE SHOULD MAKE UP THEIR OWN MINDS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT SLAG THE PLACE OFF ARE JUST RUINING IT FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE HEADING THERE FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE ONLY PETTY THING PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT IS MAID SERVICE, SELF CATERING IS EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS......SELF CATERING SO IF THEY WANT ROOM SERVICE WHY NOT BOOK INTO A 5 STAR HOTEL!!!!

For gods sake will people all stop slagging people off for having a comment on this place, we are all entitled to having our comments, thats what this message board is for, by the way amy, how old???

To the lady (forgive me forgetting your name between reading your questions and typing this comment!) who asked for comments about Elpida because she was on the verge of cancelling. Look, I fall somewhere between (was it Amy!) who voiced strong views that people should stop expecting the Ritz because one has only paid 300 odd pounds, and the people who has consistantly moaned and complained about the property. It is a pleasant, well constructed property which is set into two blocks. Block one is near the pool. We found everything dead as a doornail round the pool in August when returning consistantly at 12 - 2am so the talk of noise was totally against what we found. Yes, in the day it is noisy. Yes, the greeks have very different motors to ours and therefore when they drive up and down the nearby road for the few seconds it takes them to pass it can seem loud. On the issue of cleanliness I am totally gobsmacked about the comments. it is a SELF CATERING property! Brooms, dustpan and mop is provided. Therefore for those who, inbetween the once weekly clean up, feel the place is dirty, have a SWEEP! If one wishes daily maid service then for heavens sake go half or full board somewhere more commercial! Do not go self catering then complain that one hasn't the services provided on a hotel basis. We had a lovely time. The brochure clearly states that the Greek do not use shower curtains and therefore the floor stays very wet most of the time. It also clearly states that you should take your own beach and bath towels! Do this and enjoy your holiday. try and blend rather than pick things out to complain about! If you notice the first half of the year's comments were all positive up till one person started picking holes! If you hate it don't go again! But we throughly enjoyed it and I have stayed all over the world in top and bottom class accomodation! It was good enough for the money. Di - Purrsome@aol.com

i thought it wasnt clean but other it was ok i jus got bk i wudnt go again they need cleaners

I have to agree with many of the previous comments. Being allocated to room No 1 which was next to the road and by the pool we found it very noisy. The place has a rather sad air about it, the pool bar being unattended most nights, but still the incessant dance music continued from 9 am until the small hours. More unpleasant though was the lack of general cleanliness, the tattered bed linen, the hankerchief sized towels and the truly appalling smell from the drain in the swamp ( by this I refer to the bathroom) The "kitchen" area and equipment made us feel as if we were auditioning for an episode of survivor. If apartments are going to be this poorly kitted out I feel Kosmar have an obligation to inform their clients so at least they can be equipped. This was a shame, we travelled to Cephalonia with Kosmar last year and had a very good time, the apartments were clean and well equiped and our rep helpful. Not sure that I would travel with Kosmar again after this though.

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT MOAN AND WINGE ABOUT NOISE AND PEOPLE DRINKING UNTIL 3AM!!!!!! WHAT I SAY IS THAT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BORING QUIET HOLIDAY THEN WHY NOT GO TO LAKE DISTRICT WITH THE OVER 60'S BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY IT SEEMS TO ME AS IF ALL YOU HAVE BETTER TO DO IS MOAN. THE GREEKS WORK VERY HARD AT WHAT THEY DO AND TRY THEIR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE FOR ALL NEEDS. YOU MAY BE ON HOLIDAY BUT AS FOR EMPTYING BINS ETC WOULD IT KILL YOU TO DO SOME WORK OF YOUR OWN.......AFTER ALL IT IS YOU THATS CREATING THE MESS, YES I KNOW THATS WHAT WE PAY FOR WHEN BOOKING AN HOLIDAY BUT IM SURE SOME OF YOU HAVE BEEN AT WORK WHEN YOU'RE UNDER STAFFED AND JUST CANNOT PULL EVERYTHING IN ALL AT ONCE. WHAT YOU HAVE TO STOP AND REMEMBER IS THAT THIS PLACE WILL NEVER BE ENGLAND AND YOU SHOULD NEVER EXPECT THAT BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE UPMARKET FACILITIES AS WE DO!!!! IF YOU WANT ENGLISH THINGS IE FLUSHING TOILETS ETC THEN WHY NOT JUST STAY IN ENGLAND BECAUSE ALL AS YOU ARE DOING ON THIS SITE IS PUTTING PEOPLE OFF WHEN THEY HAVE PROBABLY SPENT A LONG WHILE SAVING FOR A GOOD SUMMER HOLIDAY. WHY NOT STOP WHINGING AND GET OUT AND ENJOY YOURSELVES.....IM SURE YOU WERE YOUNG ONCE OR PERHAPS YOU STILL ARE NOW YOU WILL BE THERE FOR 2 WEEKS AT THE MOST SO GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY YOURSELF!!! LIVE AND LET LIVE!!!!

We are going to the Takis apartments on Sun 15 Sept. I understand they are near the Elpida. Has anyone got any views + or - as I notice there are no 2002 comments on these apts.

Joanne, I would hate to spoil your holiday but my only further comment would be that I would not go back to that accommodation even if they paid me. Sorry

I have booked to go to Alykanas Sun 8/9 staying at Elipda apartments any info would be helpful as I have tried to cancel accommodation on comments viewed Kosmar have refused now going to ABTA pls help need your honest comments as listed as A superior Thanks Jo

I would definitely echo the recent comments regarding the noise and cleanliness of the Elpida apartments. Unfortunately we were in no.6 so had the additional noise from the Diogenis bar next door which rarely had customers but had a very loud sound system! I agree about the "boy racers" who, it would appear, like to remove all exhausts on scooters etc and rev the throttle at full pelt! Toilet bins were emptied every 3/4 days which is certainly unhygienic particularly with a 5 year old, bed linen and face cloths,sorry, towels were changed weekly. Rather concerned about the pool water standards but on hindsight not surprised considering the scum line that was present. Diane - you were obviously one of the lucky ones and I am glad that you enjoyed your holiday but unfortunately it appears that there are quite a few of us who did not have such a good time.

I see things havn't changed then. We went in May the 1st week of the season and it was dirty even then,(which you wouldn;t have expected), they were still doing maintenance jobs even when we arrived. We payed the brochure price and booked it a year in advance so was expecting a little more than this, I posted some comments earlier on about the rooms etc. What I want to know is what happened to the other rep, Haney, he was new and couldn't speak much English which you would have thought there would be another rep on hand who did speak english, some people have different expectations of different holidays but my opinion is if you pay top whack for a holiday you expect it to be clean, safe, tidy and friendly. ps don't bother complaining, we have been waiting since May.

Don, Shame - things must have gone very downhill in the month since we were there! take heart if you are going there - it was smashing so possibly just horses for courses! Saw no dirt round the pool at all, bins and bathroom bins were emptied every two days on the dot! We were in the block away from the pool and had no noise.... and a lovely time - there are 2 blocks away from the pool and 2 near it so taking all into account appears you have half a chance of being disturbed by noise and half a chance of peace and quiet! Di

This is the dirtiest, noisiest accommodation that I have ever experienced in many years of travel in various countries, even Turkey in its earliest days was superior to this. Having arrived there on 4th August we were alocated apartment No 7 which overlooks the pool and bar area and is also conveniently right next to the main road !!! At the welcome meeting on the following morning the rep (Jason) was asked to arrange for a handle/lock to be fitted to the bathroom door as it was not possible to close the door this took a further two requests and was finally repaired on Thursday 8th When Jason was asked about the removal of bins from the toilets he assured me that it was carried out on a daily basis this never happened in the two weeks spent there, bins were only emptied on a two /three day interval and only then after complaining. Sleep was almost impossible as although music stopped at midnight the bar/pool area remained open as long as there was someone drinking which was after 3 a.m. on more than one occasion. In addition to the noise from the bar there was the continual road noise from would be racing drivers on every form of motor transport you could think of, this noise usually went on until around 4 a.m. so if you were lucky you might get some sleep between 4 and around 6.30 when the road noise started again. As stated in other comments the bed linen and towels were only changed once a week which was certainly better than cleaning in the apartment which was never cleaned once during our two week stay. The general area of pool, bar, shop was disgusting to say the least. To anyone who is concerned regarding pool water standards they should be aware that the water is only tested by the staff once per week and by coincidence by Jason on the same day but after the test by staff, this is a disaster waiting to happen. I think the final straw was on the 18th, the day we left, according to Kosimar information apartments had to be vacated by 12.00 noon but we were harrassed into vacating our apartment by 10.30 a.m. To anyone who has booked into these apartments and has yet to go on holiday you have my sympathy. It is my intention to forward my concerns to Kosimar. It was interesting to note the lack of tourists other than the Brits is this because we are the only people who will accept these standards?

Interesting Timothy - would be interested to know if you went with Kosmar? At the welcome meeting the rep clearly stated it was solar heated. We checked with the Manager when it ran cool and he confirmed this. Not saying it was top notch acccommodation but then was only in moderate pricing bracket so didn't expect the Ritz. We have stayed in many accom's which are solar heated and all very similar experiences (as I assume you have!) Had many toasting warm showers early on and mid morning. I can only repeat what our Kosmar rep (who was generally poor)told us along with the manager - she could have been wrong but it seemed to fit perfectly with the service we got from the shower. Anyway - warm regards, hope you enjoyed other bits!. Diana.

I am sorry Diana but entirely agree with Fionas comments apart from the noise levels which depends where you are situated in the complex. With regards to the water temp perhaps you can explain why it was cold on HOT DAYS morning and night.Also the rep informed Fiona that while most apartments used solar the Elpida did not. By comparison with other accomadation we have used in Greece this was poor!

Just to comment on Fiona's comments posted today. Just goes to show how different people can see things! Three points - The water at Elpida is solar heated. We saw this for ourselves after asking why the water was cool on several occasions. It was not sunny several days we were there so consequently the water was cool but they do not expect this in Greece! The rep warned us at the welcome meeting that the water was solar heated and that at peak times it would almost certainly run cold. They said to shower before 6pm or in the mornings to ensure warm water... but when it was hot a cool shower was most refreshing actually! Secondly, it entirely depends where you are situated at Elpida. There are 4 blocks - two of which are set well back from the road, two of which border the road and the pool. Do not be dishearted - we had next to no noise at all set in one of the further back blocks. Lastly, we found the bar staff extremely charming and friendly - also the manager. he gave us all a free drink after the major earthquake and was helpful and informative. Not saying negative comments aren't justified, we all have out opinion, but just some further info to balance a little!

The Elpida apartments were very noisy, mainly traffic noise with cars and motorbikes roaring along the main road all night. The arpartment was gloomy and wasn't particularly clean in fact in my opinion it was dirty. The floors were never cleaned during the duration of our stay. The sheets and towels were heavily stained and in some cases holed but they had obviously been washed,I was extremly pleased that I had taken my own towels as I would not have wanted to use those provided. The water for 9 out of the forteen days was cold or merely warm. It is not solar heated therefore there was no excuse for this, allegdly it was often switched off to save the hotelier money. This would appear to be the case as following each complaint to Kosmar the water would become hot within two or three minutes, the block of accomodation over the bar and supermarket seemed to suffer the most from this problem. I found the barman extremely offensive therefore never used the bar facilities, luckily he vanished during the second week of our holiday but we had by then found better facilities to use. The pool is small and looking past it's best, absolutely nothing like the picture in the Kosmar brochure. We used the Millenium Bar pool just a few yards along the road as this was much nicer and less cramped.

Retruned yesterday. Good holiday - bordering on a great holiday! Being constructive, the paprtments have several different blocks at Elpida. The new block - rooms 32 - 49 (I believe) are superior - newer, cleaner and the bathrooms are better. It is also quieter because they are set back from the bar and the pool where people sit of an evening. One loo roll is supplied then it is up to you and one hand towel per person - NO bath towels. Sheets were changed once in a week. Bins taken out every other day. To cook one has two electric rings - no toaster - no electric kettle. Rooms do not have hairdryers. There are plenty of electric sockets - remember your two prog european adapters - remember more than one if you take a hairdryer AND a kettle with you! Pool is small and was crowded with kids on lilos. Photo in Cosmar brochure definately somehow makes it look bigger than it really is! Supermarket is convenient and cheap. Fan hire is only 10 Euro's per week and they are ESSENTIAL as mossies are bad so do not sleep with the balcny doors open! Remember also to shut bathroom window too after dusk or mossies will enter that way. Electric mossies machines worked well - we used two and didn't get one all week in the room. cafe made a good broakfast but the wait is considerable (only one person cooking) which was fine for us but some moaned. Generally was more xpensive than we thought. Prices for most things just a little cheaper than home. You could do it cheaper by making all your meals rather than say just lunch - as we did - but what is the point of going on holiday to cook! Grin... Apartments are set about 5 mins walk from main shops and restaurants and 20 mins walk from Alykes which has more shops bars and restuarants and the only two cash machines you can use. Tip! For heavans sake don't do what we did and take only credit cards to pull out cash with - take a mix of Euros and travellers cheques. Plenty of exchange shops for travellers cheques everywhere but no bank at all to pull out money only the cash machines with credit(bank) cards and they were often out of order leaving us with not one penny! At a push some restuarants take credit cards (only Visa) in an emergency but check before you order. We had one large heavy earthquake and two minor tremors. The brochure doesn't tell you Zante sits on an active fault. The buildings are very safe and well able to take it - specially constructed. they ARE scarey but not dangerous. Enjoy! My email is Purrsome@aol.com you are welcome to ask anything at anytime about the area or the apartments.

thanks you helped a lot my turn soon den

Dennis, for info... Beer - draught Mythos is around 2.5 euros a pint, Stella 3.5 euros a pint. Bottles a bit cheaper. Cocktails are around 3 euros each in most places during happy hours. Milkshakes for the kids around 3 euros, large bottles of water for the hangover between .5 and 1 euro. The local wine is palatable, bit like Sherry in taste and is also cheap - ps the Kosmar welcome drink wine is not typical in taste of what is served elsewhere.

Hi Dennis lots of places to change travellers cheques in alykanas donot remember seeing a cash machine in alykanas but there is one in Alikes which is a much busy town about 20-25min walk away.

sorry one more question are the banks near and do they have a cashpoint service.And are they always on strike as rumour has it thay are always on strike. thanks anyone but it determines how much we take in euros or travellers cheques . please if poss reply soonest as we are off a week tomorrow. I am a bloke and leave the important things to last just like me beer!!!!!!!!

There are very few taxis around, you have to ring for them and they I think come from out of town. However, there are loads of horse drawn buggies which charge 10 euros to go from just up from the Elpida to the main street in Alykes.

The mossies were a problem for a number of people, however last week when we were there it was so hot we slept with the windows and shutters open and did not get bitten at all. It depends on your skin type, if you are plae, take precautions.

HI WE GO TO ELPIDA IN 2 WEEKS ARE THE TAXIS READILY AVAILABLE AND NOT TO DEAR TO GO INTO ALYKES AS WE HAVE TWO 17YEAR OLDS WITH US AND I AM CONCERNED AS TO THEIR SAFETY. THANKS DENNIS

Hi! Am leaving next week for Elpida aparts.... am very allergic to Mossies.... can anyone tell me if they found them a problem. Obviously I would take all the usual procautions...buzzy box in room, repellant and keep the balcony door closed in the evening etc... how bad are they? Thanks.

Hi we have just got back from elpida studios and would like to mention the excellent bar staff takis&dennis.The owners denise&markos worked very hard to make our stay very enjoyable. The whole complex is kept very clean & tidy,the stairs in the apartments are steep and care is needed. Many thanks to the kosmar rep michelle who was always avaliable when you needed her.

In reply to Mark Heeleys questions about the loft ladders, yes the elpida does have them, the apartment was lovely, but as someone commented about putting a suitcase in front of them to stop toddlers climbing up them, well we did try that one (along with many other ways) but our toddler managed to drag the case away so we didn't think it was safe for our toddler and we weren't willing to take the risk. The beach is beautiful though and I would suggest hiring a car as the island is beautiful and there is lots to see. Zante town is a must also. Have a good time ITS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!!!

We stayed at the elpida in may with our two children (6 and 2) and there are loads of places that do childrens menus tne elpida has its own snack bar and the food is excellent pizza,fish fingers and sandwiches you can get sausages but they are mainly hot dog type.You do not have to pay for the sunbeds at the elpida but you pay for them on the beach about 2euros for the day.we had a great holiday and have already booked for next year.

HI ALL I'M GOING ZANTE NEXT WEEK AND I'M STAYING IN THE ELPIDA APARTMENTS AND JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU CAN GET KIDDY MEALS LIKE PIZZA,PIES,FISH FINGERS,SAUSAGES ECT AS I HAVE A 7 YEAR OLD ,IF SO WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE/S TO GO TO EAT THANKS AND DO YOU HAVE TO PAY A FEE FOR THE POOL AND SUN LOUGERS FOR THE WEEK

The Elpida is on the main road into Alikanas just before the Plessas Palace Hotel. With the arrival of the Euro, drinks are a bit more expensive this year, spirits are about 3.5 and I think a bottle of beer is about 2. If you need any further info, please feel free to e-mail me.

We are staying at the Elpida in the two bedroom apartment in a couple of weeks time. Some of the comments suggest the stairs are steep and one mentions step ladders and loft ladders. Could anyone give me more details on this apartment? Also could someone tell me exactly where the Elpida is, which road is it on, what is the nearest hotel or bar so I canlocate it on a map? Also, what is the cost of drinks (beer and pop) and food so that I have an idea how much money to take? thanks Mark

I forgot to mention, Go to Busters Bar!! Very good/friendly english owners and VERY big breakfast but you must eat it all to get your certificate and your name on the board all season.

In June 2000 we went in a group of 25 to stay in the Elpida apartments for a family wedding. At the time I was 19 and my sister was 16 we both took friends of the same age and there were alot of other people in our group around this age, obviously along with babies. toddlers, adults and of course OAPs. This holiday/wedding was enjoyed by all of us and we did not have one complaint. The local night life may be fairly low key but down in Alykes there are plenty of lively/friendly bars which is only appx 20/25 mins walk away from the Elpida (a torch is probably recommended) and the end of the day IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT. The locals were all very friendly and welcoming into their country. The food was excellent and well served. The rooms in the Elpida were serviced twice a week and were very clean and tidy. Since this holiday we have been 5 more times and have already booked again for 2003 So if anyone as doubts please go see for yourself. It is a relaxing, carefree, very enjoyable and it comes with no hussle and bussle that you usually get from these commercialised resorts in other countries.

We arrived back from Zante one week ago after staying at the Elpida apartments for a fortnight. We had a double roomed apartment and although as stated by Kosmar the stairs were steep this is a minor problem considering the very good accomadation. We have a young baby and to stop him climbing the stairs a large suitcase perfectly fitted the bill as a tempoary stairgate. Haney the rep was superb and we noted that he was always asking all of his guests if he could help them in anyway. When he was requested to help he always ensured that any request was dealt with straight away. The pool is just about the right size although the adult pool does drop very steeply. The beach is around a 10-15 Min walk away and is great although a little dirty due unfortunately to the holidaymakers. Nightlife is avaliable to those who want it via the cocktail bars but if you want a quite relaxing holiday then this is the place to go.

Just got back from Zante and had to be moved from Elpida to Laganas (which turned out to be better as they're wasn't much to do there), we got allocated one of the upstairs rooms which the loft and a steep ladder going up which was no good for a 20 month old, the rooms has just been opened up for the summer season and were filthy, the rep (haney) was new and he offered to put us in the new block at the back but then turned round and as they were only empty for a week we wasn't allowed as we were staying for 2 weeks so we ended up moving, not much in alikanas more in alykes but a good 30 min walk, beach beautiful in alikanas. With regard to baby food best taking your own, we did last year when we had a 12 month old, the supermarkets do sell nappys but very expensive and they don't really have heinz baby food, Haney was new on the job and we did make his 1st day not very good but that was partly due to Kosmar and apparently this had happened to a few people so carefully check the room allocation, also the apts are on a busy road, one of the main roads into alikanas so watch the kids around the pool as you literally step out of the pool down a slope and you're on the main road, would have stayed if we could have had one of the new block rooms, vast difference. The reps a nice bloke though, don't think he wants to remember us.

hi my family and i are due t stay at the elpida 28th july to 11th august we have two 17year olds with us whats the night life like for them as they hope its buzzing and we hope its not to far away so they haveto rely on taxis late at night in a foreign country

we're going to Alykanas in July with our 9 month baby can we buy brand name baby food & nappies in the local Supermarkets ?

We stayed at the Elpida in September 2001. The rooms are very basic but enough, with a single hob, fridge and basic cutlery and dishes. The bathroom has atoilet, sink and shower- prepare to get water everywhere though! Balconys are very nice and the Elpida is far enough away fromt he bars to be quiet. Beautiful views of the vineyards behind. Pool is small but good for kids. Best thing to do is go to the Millenium pool 5 mins away into town, bigger and better pool and less crowded. There is a sulphur like smell lingering but its not too bad. Our sheets weren't changed all week though! I'd go again but avoid the cafe/restaurant - you'll wait forever and ever!!

Me and my fiance stopped here for two weeks 9th to 23rd Sept. My first time in Greece so i was a bit taken aback on my first impressions, but once i slipped into "greek time" all was fine. It was clean and the fridge was a godsend (nice cool aftersun!!) Would definatelt come back here again, but would like to have one of the upper floor rooms, very nice apparently.

Forgot to mention - NO GERMANS HERE! In fact,hardly any in the resort at all,hooray! Food is good at the Elpida,quite cheap too,the same for most snack bars we visited,try the Millennium bar just down the road for great salads,nice pool there too.Drinks at night are very good - try brandy & tia maria (nearly 1/2 pint for 800drs)

Although we stayed across the road in the Takis Studios, we used the Elpida's facilities. The pool is split into two, with a shallow part and a deep one divided by a wall and archway. The pots have water pipes in them which squirt water into the pool. it is a 10 - 15 minute walk to Alykes depending on the heat (it was over 100 early August)or you can take one of the many horse and carts,but watch out for the return fare!

Hi! My partner and I are going to Alikanas in four weeks time. I'd just like to know how long it takes to walk from Alikanas to Alikes.

How deep is the pool and is it child friendly. Can you get poolside snacks and drinks. Are there enough sunbeds to go round,(are there any Germans)? Are the mozzies really that bad. Whats in the large terracotta vases on the poolside (we can see them in the brochure). Is it Bill and Ben.

What facilities are there in the kitchenette? ie:-fride with ice box ? do I need a plug adaptor?

Fantastic views, clean, friendly, not far from beach, village. yes you can hire fans, deff recommended!! will be returning in the future

stayed here last june and found it perfect close at hand for everything but oh those mosquitos !!!just about eaten alive still have some scars to prove it

Thanks for your answer. I would also like to know if you can hire fans?

You can hire a safety eposit box from the manager

Do they have safety deposit boxes in the apartments?

Brochure says about 12 mins walk from beach which is just about right. Apartments are on edge of village so away from the noisier village centre (which is about 5 mins walk away). Not that Alykanas is as noisy as some other places! Apartments v pleasant with wonderful view of mountains - we were in the new block. Just returned yesterday - 1st July 2001 DMCN

how many minuites does it take to walk to the beach

My sister and I spent a lovely week here in 2000 the last week of the season