Antonia Apartments
(Apartments in Lourdas)
 | 10/10 |
Myself and my husband stayed at the Antonia Apartments at the end of August 2007 and we had a fantastic holiday. The apartments are a good size, clean and adequately furnished. The balconies are superb with panoramic views right over the bay and out towards zante. Huge pool which was very clean and a large selection of sunbeds. It was incredibly hot when we were there and we left our balcony doors open every night so when you awake in the morning the first thing that you see is the sea. Brilliant.
There are no safe deposit boxes, however you really dont need them. We left the balcony doors open all the time, even when we went out in the car for the day, and nothing was touched. Very friendly resort with a good selection of restaurants and tavernas. Stathis and his family run the taverna over the road at Afrodites and he also runs the pool bar. They were all so helpful and friendly. An english guy named Andy works at the pool bar at night and his wife Sue works at Afrodites. We had many nights sitting at the pool bar with Andy.....top bloke. We had such a laugh so anyone who is going please go down and tell him we said hello. Everyone makes you feel welcome and will go out of their way to help you.
Car hire is recommended to see all the sights of the island ....you must visit drogratari caves, melassani lake, Argostilli, Sami and Lassi. All beautiful.
Hi to Emma, Peter and Harrison if you are reading this. Thanks for a top holiday and who says you can't have fun in a quiet resort. I think that we livened it up enough for everyone. PS Mike is still missing his t-shirt ha ha.
We shall certainly be returning hopefully next year when I hear the apartments will be in the Olympic brochure.  | |
| Rebecca Sykes (Tuesday, September 04, 2007) | 1 post by Rebecca Sykes | |
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The problem I had with the Antonia was really with the rep (also called Antonia). She was one of the rudest people I have EVER come across. I was holidaying with my wife & daughter (aged 14 months). We made sure that a travel cot was to be provided, and indeed there was one there when we arrived. The cot didn't extend fully & appeared to be broken. Antonia wasn't working that day, so we decided to make do for the night. The following day, I called Antonia and asked politely for a replacement cot, Antonia said that there was nothing wrong with the cot & that if we wanted a replacement we would have to pay a fee. I told her that this was not acceptable & she said she would come to the apartment that afternoon.
On returning to the apartment from the beach some time later, my wife was met by Antonia who proceeded to shout at her in the car park - honestly I have never seen anything like it! I guided her away from my wife & tried to reason with her, whereapon she came out with the most ridiculous accusations & falsehoods - namely;
i) We hadn't ordered a cot & she had only provided one on her own initiative (?)
ii) Our daughter must have had broken the cot.
iii) We must have broken the cot.
iv) The apartments are not meant to accomadate small children.
All this was shouted at me, I kept having to ask her to calm down. Well we got the cot, made a formal complaint (we never heard anything back), and never got an apology from her, or anyone else. There was another mother & child staying in the apartments who had also had serious issues with Antonia, it wasn't just us.
I am still shocked when I think about her behaviour. What a deeply, deeply unpleasant person.
Lourdas was lovely, by the way! | ||||||||||
| Marcus Campbell (Wednesday, January 03, 2007) | 1 post by Marcus Campbell | |
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  My daughter and I loved the island it was beautiful, the scenary brilliant. The Onassis cruise superb, I had already driven the route so the coach was not a problem. Would recommend car hire to see the island.. The studios were dirty, the bathroom had mildew growing on every crevice and up the walls, we got quite good at killing the ants that joined us for a shower. The bedroom was mouse infested, droppings in the cupboards and under the fridge mice could be seen running around the room- for those that know the smell of mice that was there too - Makis claimed that the mice were because we left the doors open to the terrace. It was impossible to sit outside on the ground floor terrace as we had a wasps nest. Night time noise disturbed us until 5 am from the pool bar. Makis had a party trick, he would load and fire his shot gun in the bar area, he being the worse for drink, he also tried to teach a drunken guest to shoot. Such a pity that the accommodation spoilt our holiday the island most certainly didn't | ||||||||||
| Debbie Horgan (Monday, October 02, 2006) | 1 post by Debbie Horgan | |
| - UK |
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My family and I stayed in the Antonia Apartments end of July beginning of August for two weeks. We had a fantasic holiday and thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Lourdas. Being our first time visiting the island we hired a car for three days and visited majority of the sights recommended to us, we were impressed by the stunning views. We intended on having a quiet, relaxing holiday and that is exactly what we got! The locals were so friendly and the lady in the shop nextdoor to the apartments would go out of her way to help you. We enjoyed meals at Spiros, Casa de blue, La Mer and Greek Island and would recommmend any of them. The views from the apartments are excellent. They are clean and adequate for a self catering apartment. The pool is as Makis describes it 'the best in kefalonia!'. Makis is friendly and makes you feel welcome. (good at his job) if you come across a problem he will do his best to resolve it for you. We also had the BBQ during our first week and all thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a nice way to meet others staying in the apartments. The greek dancing gave us the opportunity to meet Makis's family which was nice and to take part in dancing which they enjoy and take so much pride in. Its a shame fellow english cannot lose there inhibitions once in a while and take part! We returned the following week and took part again! I would recommend this holiday and will definatly return as soon as possible! | ||||||||||
| Ashlie Horsman (Monday, September 11, 2006) | 1 post by Ashlie Horsman | |
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| Returned back from Kef. in Lourdas on 26 Aug, stayed at Antonia Apt. Agree with everything said,
altho we had a terrace (rooms only allocated on arrival), views still excellent, but as just daughter and
I travelling, felt a bit vulnerable at nights, because it was too hot, would've gone on balcony if had one.
Yes, Makis is mad as everyone says and I agree does favour customers who are prepared to spend
money in his bar, altho he is in business granted, but I did feel a bit upset when one day I was waiting
to be served at bar and he was giving out bunches of grapes to everyone but me!, obviously people
who were spending money, altho not the way to win new paying guests I thought! Having said that
he was very sweet and lovely with my daughter! The BBQ was good value at 10 euros each, and a
good fun night!
You must have a car and nerves of steel on those mountain roads! We saw and took part in two
religous festivals, one on the Feast of the Assumption 15th at Markopolous, not far from Lourdes!
Extremely moving, little snakes are brought out, the story goes they are nuns returning after they
were persecuted there, look it up as it is extremely moving. Also St Gerrasimos the next day,
what an experience that was!!!
I loved the north of the island, Fiskardo in particular. We went on the Onassis Dream Cruise,
it really was excellent, a swim off his island of Skorpios! However, the coach trip back down
from the top of the island was like a white knuckle ride!!! thanks Dimitri!! He was very intimidating
of the other cars, especially a little Smart car in front who had four cars in front of him, Dimitri
eventually overtook him on a bend! Nightmare, don't know about dream cruise, nightmare coach trip
back, I would meet the boat if I ever went again! Which I would love to.
The Antonia was clean, fantastic views and the pool and bar were great, spoilt slightly for me as I don]t
care for football and we had some football mad boys there - no rules around the pool and communal
areas. playing it on the grass outside our apartments, they weren't aggressive, but a bit more consideration
for people who are there to relax by the pool wouldn't go amiss!
Restaurants were all pretty good, especially Lorraines, Magic Hill up from the beach at Lourdas and
Spiros, which has been mentioned, very sweet guy.
Dogs and cats very friendly. Altho one poor dog had what looked like an infection in his eyes, needs
treatment, so any vets out there!
Two weeks was perhaps a bit long, maybe ten days next time! I am missing the lovely sunshine and
scenery, perhaps not the intense heat, altho love my tan!
Hi Jacqui and fam!!! You really made the end of our holiday, we had a good laugh didn't we?
 CILLIT BANG!!!! How's your boy?!
Love Sue & Lucy Sure we will be back in Kef one day, beautiful island and loved the cruise! |
| sue clarke (Wednesday, August 30, 2006) | 1 post by sue clarke | |
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Just arrived back from a weeks stay in Antonia apartments with my husband and two daughters and enjoyed it very much. The apartment was spacious and basic and the problem with our blocked shower was sorted out quickly. We did notice a pringle that was under the bed was still there when we left. Plenty of hot water and fans ready available..please get air conditioning!!
The other guests were very friendly and Makis(in picture) is a legend! I thought it might be a bit quiet for my girls but they enjoyed many a late night at the bar...scary as they are only 15!
We didn't travel too far afield as we were only there for a week, so didn't bother with a car. Me and the girls negotiated the rocky path and ended up on the nudist beach
 and we went on the Onassis dream cruise which was a good day out but a long day and overpriced.Plenty of choice for eating out. Aphrodite's does a mean English brekkie and I recommend La Mer for Moussaka. Doodles was great too.
We got exactly what we wanted. a week of sun and relaxation and I'd recommend it to anyone.
Hi Sue and Lucy if you read this | ||||||||||
| Jacquie Hutchinson (Sunday, August 27, 2006) | 1 post by Jacquie Hutchinson | |
| - UK |
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Just like to add to all the other positive comments. Makis is a good guy - easy going, relaxed...but his taste in music is appalling - take some cd’s with you. The rooms are spacious, clean, hot plate, kettle, fridge...everything you need. Location is superb - view amazing, shop next door selling all you need, bars/restaurants across the road, car/bike hire 2 mins away. Myself, I hired a bike for 10 Euros a day and saw most of the south during a week long stay - Skala/Poros half an hour from Lourdas- Sami about 45 mins - Argostoli about half an hour. Sami and Argostoli definitely worth a visit. If you want to hit the beaches then transport of some description is needed if you don’t fancy the half-hour walk in the sun. If you’re not into hiring a car or bike then there is a bus that runs down to Lourdas beach all day. It’s easy. There is a great beach 5 mins up the coast - great snorkelling - never found out its name but far quieter than Lourdas - which is nevertheless a great beach. So there you have it - book at Antonia if you want a quiet, chilled holiday with no idiots. The bbq is basic food wise but is a great chance to have a drink with all the other residents. I’m a bit of loner but had a great night drinking robola with some friendly folks. Oh and Spiros is the best local restaurant. Home made Greek dishes like mousaka, kephalonian meat pie and stifado for very affordable prices... | ||||||||||
| nev royle (Monday, July 17, 2006) | 1 post by nev royle | |
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| We could not fault our two week stay at these apartments, Makis the
owner is great guy will always try to make you holiday special, and yes
he is a mad as a hatter and loves to party, The locals are all very
friendly and welcoming. The island itself is a very beautiful (real
Greece) no night clubs, 18-30 or drunken louts. It is worth hiring a
car for a few days to appreciate its beauty. | ||||||||||
| Iain Leckenby (Friday, July 14, 2006) | 1 post by Iain Leckenby | |
| - UK |
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| We had a fabulas holiday. The appartments are plain and basic but clean. Makis (the owner) is definatley one sandwich sort of a pick nick!!!! but he is a very hospitable and a geniuine man, he will make you feel very welcome and loves a party. The resort is small and quiet but there is enough choice for a two week break, just. To really see Kefelonia you need to hire a car for a few days, but beware the roads in places are difficult to say the least!
Last but not least, the lovely Demi, who works the pool bar through the day, "if only I was twenty years younger" Oh an not married the wife adds! | ||||||||||
| Chris Beaumont (Monday, July 10, 2006) | 1 post by Chris Beaumont | |
| - UK |
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Absolutely brilliant holiday. The views from our clean and spacious studio were incredible. The village albeit small has a few good taverners and local shops. Makis the owner is as mad as a march hare but what a great host. The Island it's self may be the most beautiful place on the planet, | ||||||||||
| Simon Hornby (Sunday, July 09, 2006) | 1 post by Simon Hornby | |
| - UK |
| We absolutely enjoyed our stay at Antonia Studios in Lourdas. Previous ratings sum it up really well. The studios are rather simple but clean, the owner outrageously friendly and the village as well as surrounding beaches fabulous. If you are looking for a very laid back greek island which is completely missing the buz which attracts Club 18-30, you don't need to look any further!
The locals come accross as genuinely friendly and the island seems to be one of the safest places I have so far travelled to. Just stay away from Casa Blue and his owner if you are female and travelling without a partner, better even try to avoid him and his restaurant in any case...
A few things to note about the area: If you are not hiring a car the walk back from the beaches steep and not made easier in the heat. Our reps gave the impression that getting a taxi would be easy enough but we found out that this is not easy especially if you are intending to travel a short distance. The owner of the taverna we asked to call a cab actually ended up giving us a lift! In high season there is a twice daily bus service from the beach back up to the villages (14.45 and 17.00) which at 1 EURO is cheap and fairly efficient. Also - do bring plenty of cash if you are not hiring a car as there are no cash points in the village or anywhere near it. Last but not least the weekly BBQ which Makis the owner organises. It is cheap but the food is what you pay for and the greek dancing - to express it gently - a joke. Still - it was a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers staying at the studios and just for that reason we would recommend joining it. |
| Sabine Bareham (Tuesday, June 27, 2006) | 1 post by Sabine Bareham | |
| - UK |
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