Irini (Irene) Studios

Accommodation in Katelios

       
Tony F

Very sorry to say after visiting Irini 11 times over about 14 years she will not be with an English tour company in 2008.  She has decided to go with Dutch Tui - she showed us her contract with much regret.  She decided partly because of the continuing low rates from English companies but mainly because Thomson's are now expecting all accommodation owners to be computer savvy and handle communications with the company and room allocations etc via email/internet.   When you are a nice old Greek lady of 67 you may not want to go to Argostoli every week for computer training from scratch.  Thomson's are generally hugely reducing their rep support to clients and accommodation owners as part of increasing margins on holidays.  Families travelling to Skala this year were dropped in the square and given a hand drawn map and told to find their own way to their accommodation, just what you want with suitcases, buggies and young children, having caught the 0600 flight from Manchester.

Hopefully Thomson's Dutch counterpart will treat Irini better, as she deserves.  We will miss Irini and are making arrangements to stay in private accommodation in Katelios next year.  It's easy to do and cheaper.
 
Tony Farson and Kath Jones

Sarah H          8/10

The bathroom was mouldy in several places but otherwise a lovely small, friendly and mainly clean place to stay. Looking forward to going back again soon!

Nikki H          10/10

Steve and I stayed at the Irini Apartments at the end of June last year, thoroughly enjoyed our stay.  We found the apartments excellent and were well looked after.  Situated in an ideal location, a totally relaxing holiday, so much so that we have booked to go back again this year and am counting down the days !  

Tony F           

 
Forgot to add to previous post.  The building work on the side of the valley continues so the photos are a bit out of date.  The smart new house are some distance away but not quite the pristine rural view it used to be sadly.
 
Tony Farson and Kath Jones

Tony F           

Visited again in July 2006.  Up to the usual very high standards and nice to meet Dimitri and Irini again.  Great holiday despite torrential thunderstorm and hillside fire starting to edge a little close for comfort. 

 
Photos show the front of Irini and views from top back balcony in 2003, left
towards the sea and right towards the Blue Sea with the village of Markopolous higher up on the hill.
 
Tony Farson & Kath Jones

Sally R           

Excellent holiday, everything how it should be. Clean, everything worked, gorgeous view from balcony.  Professional, friendly, accommodating owners.  Would highly recommend for a peaceful break

Tony F           

Didn't realise Irini surfed this site ! Visited again summer 2004 and beautiful new fluffy towels have appeared, so all possible requirements met (see previous post). Also very smart new french doors installed on to the balconies with - we kid you not - double glazing. Staggered to hear from Irini (if my fractured Greek is right) that Dimitri is 80 this year. He still keeps his extensive fruit & veg garden immaculate. Was slightly surprised and honoured to be embraced by this reserved and proud man 10 minutes after Greece won the European Cup, but I guess that was a once in a lifetime event ! Irini says Dionysos is working in the wine trade in Athens but puts in an appearance from time to time. Booked again for '05 - of course ! Tony Farson & Kath Jones.

Vicki H           

We had the basement apartment at Irini a few weeks ago for a fortnight and had a lovely stay. The room is cool and quiet, and the regular supply of fresh oranges from Dimnitri was greatly appreciated !! We would highly recommend these apartments and will definitely be coming back again.
Vicki, Sue and Kate

Vicki H           

All those who complianed about the basement clearly didn't have Dimitri bringing them oranges most mornings of their holidays !! The basement was cool and quiet, Irini and Dimitri are lovely - thanks for the oranges and cake !! Some cats around for those of you that have written about them before - all very sweet, and some lovely dogs too !!
We've just returned from a blissful 2 weeks in Katelios and cant sing its praises highly enough, we will definitely be returning, not just to Kefalonia but to Irini apartments too, if nothing else then to see how much the grapes have grown on the vine outside the apartment !! Vicki, Sue and Kate

Tony F           

Just an update from an earlier comment. Irini still the main contender for quiet but well located accommodation with stunning views. (Doumas to be avoided as part of a growing "complex" - unless you like that kind of thing !) Visited in 2003 - and delighted to see beautiful new furniture. Towels could do with replacing, though. Irini still working her heart out for her guests and we'll be there again in 2004. Agree please feed the kittens !!

Jeff F           

just come back from irini,23rd-30th oct,in the 'gloomy basement'.
it was great!just turn a light on!very quiet,very clean and played
with a tortoise shell kitten all week! you need a car for sure to get round and about.will the next people to go try to feed the kitten and its mum? ta jeff fleet

Natalie T           

Hello people, I'm in the process of booking for October (bit late but only week I
can go!) and am trying to decide between Irene/Irini and Doumas apartments.
I'm a little concerned about the 'gloomy basement' at Irini - anyone throw any
light on this, how bad is it?!! I think I like the sound of Irini best so far! I'm after
a fairly quiet holiday with no disco bars unless the modd takes me and I
understand Doumas may be a bit like this but am more concerned with 'basic'
comments on Doumas! Help!

Nigel H

Peter this holiday is in Just brochure with Lunpoly I will let you know what it is like as I am going on Thursday. Weather looks pretty poor but at least it is away from England.

Juliet K           

Irini Apartaments. Me and a friend have just bked a holiday for June 2003 to stay in these apratments. We have booked through Lunn Poly. They in the JUST brochure.

Peter B

My wife and I have stayed at the Irini appart's,for the last 3 years and would love to book for next year but we too can not find out what company they are with for 2003 they are not in the thomson 2nd edition brochure as we have got it with thanks Pete

Tony F           

We've stayed about 6 times now and many visitors are repeat bookings. Beautiful airy rooms (8 studios and one gloomy basement apartment)though some have two balconies and are much to be preferred. Stunning views at the back over countyside especially in the evening. Traffic noise is very minimal despite brochure comment - great fun watching drivers negotiate the poorly sign-posted junction. Irene the owner is friendly and helpful though has limited English but very patient with our broken Greek. She and her daughter keep the rooms unbelievably clean and linen is changed twice a week. Son Dionysos mooches round but not as good with the remarkable fruit and vegetable garden as his father Dmitri who seems to have disappeared a couple of years ago. We are unable to go in 2002 because of illness. Can anyone let us know which company Irene is with for 2003. Tony Farson and Kath Jones.

Julie M           

My husband, Steve and I stayed there two years ago when we booked an allocated on arrival holiday. We found the owner was very helpful, the atmosphere was friendly and the apartments, although fairly basic, were kept clean. Being on a junction, there was a bit of traffic noise at night but nothing to complain about. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would return to these apartments.