Plakias Forums

Plakias => Holiday Companies => Topic started by: Daniel on November 09, 2007, 05:21:47 PM

Title: Kosmar
Post by: Daniel on November 09, 2007, 05:21:47 PM
Kosmar have just cancelled my holiday to Plakias next September.

They say that they are no longer doing the Arethousa Studios.

When we phoned to ask why they said that they may not be doing Plakias at all next year.

Has anyone else any more information on this?


We have just re-booked to go independently, flying with XL out of Manchester at 7.40am on 23rd September.
(This is the same flight we were going to go on with Kosmar!!)

I now need to find the best firms for car hire to get us from the airport to Plakias and back again
What should I expect to pay for,say a Corsa sized car, for 2 weeks, picking up and dropping of at Chania airport?

It's as well we had a good look round at good appartments whilst we were there this year so at least we know where to stay!!.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Graham_and_Karen on November 09, 2007, 07:35:59 PM
Quote from: Daniel
Kosmar have just cancelled my holiday to Plakias next September.

They say that they are no longer doing the Arethousa Studios.

When we phoned to ask why they said that they may not be doing Plakias at all next year.

Has anyone else any more information on this?


We have just re-booked to go independently, flying with XL out of Manchester at 7.40am on 23rd September.
(This is the same flight we were going to go on with Kosmar!!)

I now need to find the best firms for car hire to get us from the airport to Plakias and back again
What should I expect to pay for,say a Corsa sized car, for 2 weeks, picking up and dropping of at Chania airport?

It's as well we had a good look round at good appartments whilst we were there this year so at least we know where to stay!!.
Daniel - we got an Aygo (smaller than a Corsa) for 2 wks, from/to Heraklion Airport for 319 Euro from Just Rentals - see my entry in the Article System
Title: Kosmar
Post by: John R on November 09, 2007, 08:51:45 PM
Quote from: Daniel
Kosmar have just cancelled my holiday to Plakias next September.

They say that they are no longer doing the Arethousa Studios.

When we phoned to ask why they said that they may not be doing Plakias at all next year.

Has anyone else any more information on this?

Just contacted some of our Skeelos Club friends who come  to Plakias with Kosmar when we are there. One couple have had the letter with confirmation that Kosmar has pulled out of Plakias and the other couple are now expecting the same letter soon.

Not now possible to book Plakias via the Kosmar Website (error message encountered)

Perhaps Ali might have some interesting comments !!

We Booked an Autoway rent car - a Toyota Yaris (VERY good)  - airport to airport for 18 days for 410 Euros. Their service was perhaps the best we have ever had.

John R
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 10, 2007, 09:41:14 AM
Quote from: John R
Just contacted some of our Skeelos Club friends who come  to Plakias with Kosmar when we are there. One couple have had the letter with confirmation that Kosmar has pulled out of Plakias and the other couple are now expecting the same letter soon.  

John R
This is bad news for the package tour devotees but also for Plakias and its traders as well. At least Kosmar told those affected reasonably early, unlike First Choice 3 years ago, who clearly intended to wait until the last minute in the hope that their clients would be forced to change to another FC holiday.

I don't believe Plakias can flourish with just the independent travellers owing to its distance from the airports. On the positive side, recent EU state accessions have resulted in more visitors from eastern Europe.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Peter&Dawn on November 10, 2007, 11:33:54 AM
I don't believe Plakias can flourish with just the independent travellers owing to its distance from the airports.

Mike
[/quote]

Unless Olympic pick up the properties vacated by Kosmar?

Have just been onto the Kosmar website and Agia Galini has the same error message as Plakias, I know Ali covered both resorts in 2007, so it would appear they have pulled out of southern Crete.

Peter&Dawn
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 10, 2007, 01:37:23 PM
I don't think it will be a "total disaster" for Plakias, although it is for us Brits.

There are several other nationalities with package companies going to Plakias (and more in prospect).

However, I am concerned for Ali & Dave (and any other ex-pat British businesses).
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 10, 2007, 02:12:35 PM
Quote from: Peter&Dawn
Unless Olympic pick up the properties vacated by Kosmar?

Have just been onto the Kosmar website and Agia Galini has the same error message as Plakias, I know Ali covered both resorts in 2007, so it would appear they have pulled out of southern Crete.

Peter&Dawn
Yes they might pick up the properties but would they have flights to match the accommodation? I think Kosmar always used XL, their parent company, and flew to Hania whereas Olympic use Heraklion.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: chris on November 11, 2007, 06:42:15 PM
I have also been told that Kosmar have pulled out of Plakias, I have just booked with Olynmpic for next year. Does anyone know if there are any other tour operators out there who go to Plakias, whether they be in Britain or in Europe? I would be interested to know what the names of the tour operators are who go to Plakias from say Germany, Italy etc. and whether they have connections with tour operators in Britain.
Chris :
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Kerstin on November 11, 2007, 08:20:53 PM
Quote from: chris
I have also been told that Kosmar have pulled out of Plakias, I have just booked with Olynmpic for next year. Does anyone know if there are any other tour operators out there who go to Plakias, whether they be in Britain or in Europe? I would be interested to know what the names of the tour operators are who go to Plakias from say Germany, Italy etc. and whether they have connections with tour operators in Britain.
Chris :

Hello Chris,

from Germany you can go with Neckermann-Germany (www.neckermann-reisen.de) and you can find the same operator in Austria.
But I do not know from connections with tour operators in Britain. I think you must book it in Germany and than you have to start from
Germany. We have friends in Switzerland and they book there holiday in Germany and than they have to start from Germany...

Sorry, but I have no better idea.

Greetings from Germany,
Kerstin.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 12, 2007, 10:21:58 AM
Quote from: Daniel
I now need to find the best firms for car hire to get us from the airport to Plakias and back again
What should I expect to pay for,say a Corsa sized car, for 2 weeks, picking up and dropping of at Chania airport?

It's as well we had a good look round at good appartments whilst we were there this year so at least we know where to stay!!.

Hi Daniel

I used 'JUST' last year and they gave me the best deal 725 Euros for 22 days (Jimny), pick up and drop at Chania. I told Freddie and he sent me to see Antonios at Monza. He quoted me 800 Euros for exactly the same deal for next year. That's still 200 Euros cheaper than the next best quote, so as I would prefer to use Plakias based companies I will go to Monza next year.
As far as I know they haven't got a website, but I will bring in their email address tomorrow for you.

Check out the 'Article System' Daniel, for apartments and contact numbers.

Good luck and welcome to the 'Independants' club. You won't regret it!!!

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike from Sussex on November 12, 2007, 10:55:17 AM
Quote from: Daniel
Kosmar have just cancelled my holiday to Plakias next September.

They say that they are no longer doing the Arethousa Studios.

When we phoned to ask why they said that they may not be doing Plakias at all next year.

Has anyone else any more information on this?

We have had the same happen. The alternatives given did not include a different Plakias property and the website gave all properties as unavailable, so it looks like Kosmar have pulled the plug on Plakias.

Next problem, the best independently booked flights for me are BA (GB Airways) out of Gatwick, but will Easyjet keep the routes or use the slots for other ones? Decisions, decisions!
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 12, 2007, 11:13:16 AM
Quote from: Mike G
On the positive side, recent EU state accessions have resulted in more visitors from eastern Europe.

Mike
Totally agree Mike, I don't think Plakias will suffer in any way without the UK tour companies. There are plenty more throughout Europe who are taking the plunge as we have all noticed with the influx of the Poles and the Czechs. The French and the Italians were very prominant this year as well.

Perhaps this will educate the package tourists to the choice of apartments and convienient travelling arrangements that are available, it did me!!  

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 12, 2007, 01:18:53 PM
Quote from: George
... convienient travelling arrangements that are available, it did me!!  

george g...
Yes, they are excellent ...... when you are within spitting distance of Gatwick ...... "Oop north" we think ourselves lucky to have the one (non-package) flight a week! (Jet2 from Leeds/Bradford).

We're hoping that Ryanair (yes, really) expand their Manchester operations.

****

On the other thread in this topic - are there any Dutch packages to Plakias?  Getting to Schipol is easy from Manchester.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 12, 2007, 01:41:51 PM
Quote from: chris
I have also been told that Kosmar have pulled out of Plakias, I have just booked with Olynmpic for next year. Does anyone know if there are any other tour operators out there who go to Plakias, whether they be in Britain or in Europe? I would be interested to know what the names of the tour operators are who go to Plakias from say Germany, Italy etc. and whether they have connections with tour operators in Britain.
Chris :
After First Choice pulled out 3 years ago that left Olympic and Kosmar as the only middle of the road UK tour operators going to Plakias, plus a couple or so small specialist companies at much higher prices. I believe that Kosmar had a lot less rooms in Plakias than Olympic although they were comparably priced and some liked the fact that they used Hania rather than Heraklion.

An earlier post suggested that Kosmar has pulled out of the whole of southern Crete. This will be very hard on Paleohora as Kosmar were arguably the largest of the UK tour operators featuring it.

Looking forward to hearing what Ali has to say.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 12, 2007, 02:15:57 PM
Looks like Olympic are going to be busy, let's hope that they don't start overbooking places.

I just had a look on the Kosmar site and can't find anything on the south coast, but the north all looks OK, and they blanked me out with Chania from Gatwick. Heraklion seems to be prefered... by them anyway!

Cost reduction at the cost of choice for the customer???

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: beachcombers on November 12, 2007, 02:35:36 PM
On the other thread in this topic - are there any Dutch packages to Plakias?  Getting to Schipol is easy from Manchester.


Yes about 4 different operators, they will reveal their pricelists etc as from first week of December.
Neckerman - Arke - Thomas Cook -  Sunweb from  Amsterdam (Schiphol) and Rotterdam (Zestienhoven = TIP)

Brussels  - Thomas Cook Belgium might be an option as well

Kalo taxidi

   
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 12, 2007, 03:01:04 PM
Quote from: Kerstin
...from Germany you can go with Neckermann-Germany ([url=http://www.neckermann-reisen.de]www.neckermann-reisen.de[/url]) and you can find the same operator in Austria. ...


Hi, Kerstin,

Neckermann also fly from Amsterdam and Brussels (http://neckermann.nl/ (http://neckermann.nl/)) - but they don't seem to have summer 2008 details on the website yet.


Quote from: George
...  they blanked me out with Chania from Gatwick. Heraklion seems to be prefered... by them anyway!

Cost reduction at the cost of choice for the customer??? ...


Chania flights used Kosmar's 767 (or one of them) and 767's are suitable for trans-Atlantic flights - the pound is much stronger than the dollar - I wonder how Kosmar will be redeploying their aircraft
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Robin Young on November 12, 2007, 05:46:11 PM
Quote from: Daniel
I now need to find the best firms for car hire to get us from the airport to Plakias and back again
What should I expect to pay for,say a Corsa sized car, for 2 weeks, picking up and dropping of at Chania airport?

You could try Creta 2000 Which operates from Damnoni and will meet and take you back to the airport.

Tel. No. 28320 20045. Email damnoni@otenet.gr. I used them this year and found them to be excellent
at a reasonable price.

Robin Young
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Kerstin on November 12, 2007, 07:16:39 PM
Hi, Kerstin,

Neckermann also fly from Amsterdam and Brussels (http://neckermann.nl/ (http://neckermann.nl/)) - but they don't seem to have summer 2008 details on the website yet.


Hello Chas,

Yes, I know it. Many airports are available on the German website and we can book the complete summer season.
Approx. three weeks ago we have booked our flights with Condor (Neckermann is going only with Condor) from Leipzig to Heraklion
for the next May.
During the last years we had flights to Chania, because the timetable was more suitable for us. From the coming summer season the
night flights on our airport are forbidden and therefore we had many problems to find flights which are going out during the weekend.

Kerstin
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 13, 2007, 08:11:55 AM
Quote from: George
Hi Daniel

I used 'JUST' last year and they gave me the best deal 725 Euros for 22 days (Jimny), pick up and drop at Chania. I told Freddie and he sent me to see Antonios at Monza. He quoted me 800 Euros for exactly the same deal for next year. That's still 200 Euros cheaper than the next best quote, so as I would prefer to use Plakias based companies I will go to Monza next year.
As far as I know they haven't got a website, but I will bring in their email address tomorrow for you.

george g...
Hi Daniel

As promised:

monzatravel@ret.forthnet.gr

Put: 'FAO Antonios Monza Plakias' in the subject box.

Tel: 28320 31433 - 31923
Fax: 28320 31883

Hope this helps!

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Ali & Dave on November 13, 2007, 08:53:03 AM
Hi

Some bad news, have been told by two people (1 travel agent, 1 Kosmar customer, not Kosmarthemselves) from the UK that Kosmar are not coming to Plakias next year.  If you have already booked I suggest you get this checked out.

I'm out job hunting

Ali
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 13, 2007, 09:02:11 AM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
Hi

Some bad news, have been told by two people (1 travel agent, 1 Kosmar customer, not Kosmarthemselves) from the UK that Kosmar are not coming to Plakias next year.  If you have already booked I suggest you get this checked out.

I'm out job hunting

Ali
Thanks Ali, good luck in the job hunt.  

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 13, 2007, 01:36:13 PM
An interesting thought, UK clients booking to Plakias with tour operators in Holland, Germany, etc. Is it likely they would accept UK bookings, or maybe under EU law they would have to? I would have thought that the cost of travel to the European airport would be such as to make it an non-runner but would be interested to know if anyone has costed it.

Ali, can I add mine to George's best wishes re. finding a new job. Maybe with Olympic! I didn't meet her, but their 2007 rep. didn't seem to meet with the universal approval that Morven did.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Daniel on November 13, 2007, 02:09:12 PM
Quote from: George
Quote from: George
Hi Daniel

I used 'JUST' last year and they gave me the best deal 725 Euros for 22 days (Jimny), pick up and drop at Chania. I told Freddie and he sent me to see Antonios at Monza. He quoted me 800 Euros for exactly the same deal for next year. That's still 200 Euros cheaper than the next best quote, so as I would prefer to use Plakias based companies I will go to Monza next year.
As far as I know they haven't got a website, but I will bring in their email address tomorrow for you.

george g...
Hi Daniel

As promised:

monzatravel@ret.forthnet.gr

Put: 'FAO Antonios Monza Plakias' in the subject box.

Tel: 28320 31433 - 31923
Fax: 28320 31883

Hope this helps!

george g...

George:

Thanks for the information.

I will use it early in 2008 when I get round to booking a car.

I'm off to Majorca tomorow for a weeks break.
Not Plakias quality but....

By the way, only my mother calls me Daniel and then only when I upset her!!

Danny, please.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: John R on November 13, 2007, 03:14:34 PM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
Hi

Some bad news, have been told by two people (1 travel agent, 1 Kosmar customer, not Kosmarthemselves) from the UK that Kosmar are not coming to Plakias next year.  If you have already booked I suggest you get this checked out.

I'm out job hunting

Ali

Best of luck with that Ali - and everything else (and Dave). Not nice when you at the sharp end are last to know, but that sort of thing seems to happen all to often. Thanks for all the help you give to us all - outside as well as inside the (ex) Kosmar environment

John R
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Kerstin on November 13, 2007, 07:49:12 PM
Quote from: Mike G
An interesting thought, UK clients booking to Plakias with tour operators in Holland, Germany, etc. Is it likely they would accept UK bookings, or maybe under EU law they would have to? I would have thought that the cost of travel to the European airport would be such as to make it an non-runner but would be interested to know if anyone has costed it.


Mike

Hello Mike,

what an interesting aspect. At the moment I do not know an exact answer. I would try to get an answer from our travel agency.
During the last days they offered flights for two persons with an amount of approx. 450,00 Euro from Germany to Heraklion or Chania
and back. The stay must be 2 weeks. If the stay is longer than it could be cheaper. The price depends also from the start of the
several school holidays in Germany. I would imagine the trip from Great Britain to a German airport is possible but expensive and
it takes a long time.

Kerstin

(By the way... I hope the sentences are clearly understandable.)
Title: Kosmar
Post by: harribobs on November 14, 2007, 11:40:20 AM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
I'm out job hunting

Ali

good luck Ali!!
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 14, 2007, 01:45:02 PM
Quote from: beachcombers
On the other thread in this topic - are there any Dutch packages to Plakias?  Getting to Schipol is easy from Manchester.

Yes about 4 different operators, they will reveal their pricelists etc as from first week of December.

Neckerman - Arke - Thomas Cook -  Sunweb from  Amsterdam (Schiphol) and Rotterdam (Zestienhoven = TIP)

Brussels  - Thomas Cook Belgium might be an option as well

Kalo taxidi
   
I have long believed (with no real evidence) that foreign package holidays are more expensive in most of continental Europe than the UK. One example of where "rip-off Britain" doesn't seem to apply.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike from Sussex on November 14, 2007, 02:01:50 PM
Quote from: Mike G
Quote from: beachcombers
On the other thread in this topic - are there any Dutch packages to Plakias?  Getting to Schipol is easy from Manchester.

Yes about 4 different operators, they will reveal their pricelists etc as from first week of December.

Neckerman - Arke - Thomas Cook -  Sunweb from  Amsterdam (Schiphol) and Rotterdam (Zestienhoven = TIP)

Brussels  - Thomas Cook Belgium might be an option as well

Kalo taxidi
   
I have long believed (with no real evidence) that foreign package holidays are more expensive in most of continental Europe than the UK. One example of where "rip-off Britain" doesn't seem to apply.

Mike

I have the same impression, except, the continental companies do not seem to shave every cost to the absolute limit as is often the case with British companies. For instance, the Germans (picking them because we see them the most) often get better rooms, more civilised flight times etc. I think we come back to the truth of you get what you pay for.

Mike P
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 14, 2007, 06:27:40 PM
Quote from: beachcombers
On the other thread in this topic - are there any Dutch packages to Plakias?  Getting to Schipol is easy from Manchester.


Yes about 4 different operators, they will reveal their pricelists etc as from first week of December.
Neckerman - Arke - Thomas Cook -  Sunweb from  Amsterdam (Schiphol) and Rotterdam (Zestienhoven = TIP)

Brussels  - Thomas Cook Belgium might be an option as well

Kalo taxidi

   
Hartelijk bedankt  

{Ja, Ik ben een Engelsman dat kan een beetje Nederlands gespreek!}
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Steve Jones on November 14, 2007, 09:54:35 PM
Hi Ali,

I hope that you get something suitable set up for you quickly for 2008.

Regards,
Steve
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 15, 2007, 01:50:30 PM
I E-Mailed Kosmar and they confirmed they have pulled out of Plakias.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 15, 2007, 02:09:43 PM
Quote from: Mike G
I E-Mailed Kosmar and they confirmed they have pulled out of Plakias.

Mike
At least we now know that 'tour companies' treat their employees the same as they do their customers  

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 15, 2007, 04:33:58 PM
Quote from: George
Quote from: Mike G
I E-Mailed Kosmar and they confirmed they have pulled out of Plakias.

Mike
At least we now know that 'tour companies' treat their employees the same as they do their customers  

george g...
It explains where all those graduates of the British Leyland School of Management went.

You know, the ones who use the mushroom method:

Keep everybody in the dark for as long as possible.  Then at the most inappropriate time, open the door, let the light flood in and blind them - then dump a massive load of s**t on their unsuspecting heads.

Oh, and don't forget to slam the door in their faces as they try to get out!
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 16, 2007, 01:44:01 PM
Quote from: Chas
Keep everybody in the dark for as long as possible.  Then at the most inappropriate time, open the door, let the light flood in and blind them - then dump a massive load of s**t on their unsuspecting heads.
Even though I don't understand fully the reasons why Kosmar have pulled out (other than not making enough, or any, money on the holidays) I do think they deserve some credit for telling those who had already booked while there is time for them to make alternative arrangements. This is in marked contrast to First Choice three years ago.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 16, 2007, 01:58:09 PM
Quote from: Mike G
Quote from: Chas
Keep everybody in the dark for as long as possible.  Then at the most inappropriate time, open the door, let the light flood in and blind them - then dump a massive load of s**t on their unsuspecting heads.
Even though I don't understand fully the reasons why Kosmar have pulled out (other than not making enough, or any, money on the holidays) I do think they deserve some credit for telling those who had already booked while there is time for them to make alternative arrangements. This is in marked contrast to First Choice three years ago.

Mike
Fair do's - two cheers or just one?
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike from Sussex on November 16, 2007, 03:26:09 PM
[/quote]
Even though I don't understand fully the reasons why Kosmar have pulled out (other than not making enough, or any, money on the holidays)

Mike
[/quote]

Possibly it is nothing to do with profits. XL seems to want to develop Kosmar into a full spectrum package tour operator and the low volume destinations won't fit that business model. Whatever, I agree that it was good of them to give plenty of notice (to the customers, if not Ali), even though the choices they offered me did not include cancellation and refund! They have given me a refund on request though.

Mike P
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Ali & Dave on November 17, 2007, 11:51:35 AM
Quote from: Mike G
I E-Mailed Kosmar and they confirmed they have pulled out of Plakias.

Mike


I'm pleased to hear Kosmar are replying to some emails, I'm still waiting for a reply to an email I sent on Wednesday.

It would also be good if Kosmar got around to informing the property owners that they won't be coming!!

Thank you all for your support, I have a couple of irons in the fire and will keep you posted.

Ali
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Ploppy on November 17, 2007, 01:56:18 PM
Amazing that the people who rely on them to make a living are the last to hear.

Hope things work out Ali.

Paul.

Quote from: Ali & Dave
I'm pleased to hear Kosmar are replying to some emails, I'm still waiting for a reply to an email I sent on Wednesday.

It would also be good if Kosmar got around to informing the property owners that they won't be coming!!

Thank you all for your support, I have a couple of irons in the fire and will keep you posted.

Ali
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Peter&Dawn on November 18, 2007, 11:57:31 AM
Ali (and Dave)

Just got back from a weeks training to hear the news that Kosmar have confirmed they are not going to Plakias.
We wish you all the luck in you job hunting.  
Peter&Dawn
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 19, 2007, 01:31:48 PM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
It would also be good if Kosmar got around to informing the property owners that they won't be coming!!

Ali
I think that's dreadful, these people's lives depend on this business and to not let them know well in advance that they haven't got this income anymore is atrocious.

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: jenny on November 20, 2007, 12:59:17 AM
No more atrocious than utilising the rooms and then not paying for them at all - which happened with (I think it was) Libra in Lesvos the two years leading up to when we went.  And they only got about a third of the room price on the door which at the time worked out at c £16 a night - and only when they were occupied - no 'retainer' ....

Unlike Thomson, who had always paid their way, regularly, but insisted their chosen hotels upgraded and also made themselves exclusively Thomson - then just decided not to bother going to that particular resort any more.  I should think Doug Ellis's mother must have been spinning in her grave ......
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 20, 2007, 08:24:56 AM
So how many 'EX' Kosmar customers are going to join the 'Independants Club?'

I booked my room last week in case there's a rush!!

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 20, 2007, 12:40:11 PM
Quote from: George
So how many 'EX' Kosmar customers are going to join the 'Independants Club?' ....

Given a choice between DIY and Olympic (http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/basic/chin.gif) .... two more members, here.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike G on November 20, 2007, 02:13:44 PM
Quote from: jenny
No more atrocious than utilising the rooms and then not paying for them at all - which happened with (I think it was) Libra in Lesvos the two years leading up to when we went.  And they only got about a third of the room price on the door which at the time worked out at c £16 a night - and only when they were occupied - no 'retainer' ....

Unlike Thomson, who had always paid their way, regularly, but insisted their chosen hotels upgraded and also made themselves exclusively Thomson - then just decided not to bother going to that particular resort any more.  I should think Doug Ellis's mother must have been spinning in her grave ......
I think the "independents" will confirm that €30 is about the price they pay per day. I have always understood that the tour operators paid not much more than a third of this but did pay it all season (i.e their loss if the room was unoccupied). I have to confess that this isn't inside knowledge but what I have been told by other holidaymakers.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 20, 2007, 02:26:59 PM
This subject is already on the Forum Mike. Independance is more expensive, but the choices are phenomenol in comparison.

£30 is a ball park figure, you get what you pay for.

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chris H. on November 20, 2007, 07:59:13 PM
I pay 1000 euro's for 28 days for apartment (bedroom, livingroom/kitchen, bathroom, big private terrace, cleaned daily, clean sheets/towels once a week, fabulous views, everything works)
On the inside of the outside door it says 65 euro's per night though
Chris H.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Kerstin on November 20, 2007, 08:19:42 PM
Quote from: Chris H.
I pay 1000 euro's for 28 days for apartment (bedroom, livingroom/kitchen, bathroom, big private terrace, cleaned daily, clean sheets/towels once a week, fabulous views, everything works)
On the inside of the outside door it says 65 euro's per night though
Chris H.

Hello Chris,

In my opinion ... a good price for such a long stay.
We will have nearly the same accommodation, changing the sheets and towels three times each week and the breakfast is optional.

Kerstin
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Graham_and_Karen on November 20, 2007, 08:24:37 PM
We're paying 35 Euro/night B+B next year at Stella's. Still cheaper than the alternatives we enquiried about last year.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 21, 2007, 08:25:32 AM
I don't know how much I'm paying yet but Maria at Flisvos tells me the prices won't change much if any from this year, 38 Euros. Large double room    at the front overlooking the main road, beach and the mountains. Very clean and really good services, and very convienient being on the front!

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Ali & Dave on November 23, 2007, 10:52:19 AM
Good news and bad....

I've got a job, working in the Alianthos Car Hire in the evening.  Really pleased.

Having had further conversations with the property owners down here, they still have not heard from Kosmar and the agents Monza and Alma Tours who sort out the contracts have not been informed either.

Apparently it is too late to sort out new contracts for next year so some of the owners are going to be left high and dry.  Whilst I know we are not supposed to advertise on this web site I'm sure people will appreciate if I put a few contact details on here to help these owners through next year.

Nikos Studios - if anyone does fancy staying here if you send me a 'PM' I can liaise with Nikos.

Lamon Hotel - has it's own website - www.lamon-hotel.gr

Kostas Chrysoulla - email addresses are - finikasfm@otenet.gr and papadakis@aias.gr

Aretousa - haven't yet ascertain what Evangalia is doing but if anyone is interested again send me 'PM' and I'll contact them direct.

Hope everyone who was coming to Plakias next year has sorted something out and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Ali
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 23, 2007, 11:04:15 AM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
Good news and bad....

I've got a job, working in the Alianthos Car Hire in the evening.  Really pleased.

Having had further conversations with the property owners down here, they still have not heard from Kosmar and the agents Monza and Alma Tours who sort out the contracts have not been informed either.

Apparently it is too late to sort out new contracts for next year so some of the owners are going to be left high and dry.  Whilst I know we are not supposed to advertise on this web site I'm sure people will appreciate if I put a few contact details on here to help these owners through next year.

Nikos Studios - if anyone does fancy staying here if you send me a 'PM' I can liaise with Nikos.

Lamon Hotel - has it's own website - www.lamon-hotel.gr

Kostas Chrysoulla - email addresses are - finikasfm@otenet.gr and papadakis@aias.gr

Aretousa - haven't yet ascertain what Evangalia is doing but if anyone is interested again send me 'PM' and I'll contact them direct.

Hope everyone who was coming to Plakias next year has sorted something out and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Ali
Glad to see you've got yourself sorted Ali, yet another atractive female in the Alianthos Car Hire Dept.

I don't think this would be regarded as Advertising, you're only doing what we all do for the sake of everyone else by helping out the locals.

I've already booked so I'll be there next year and looking forward to seeing you all again and hopefully 'Mates Rates' will apply  

Good luck and thanks again for the info. Have a good winter!!

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Ploppy on November 23, 2007, 11:30:44 AM
Great new about the job Ali, I was telling Marge about it last night and she said (after how chuffed for you she was) 'Oh goody she won't have to wear that lovely uniform again'  

No problem about the 'advertising', i'm sure most here won't mind us helping out our friends in Plakias.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: John & Zell on November 23, 2007, 12:01:27 PM
Well done Ali , we are so pleased for you,
I shall rearly miss your "lectures" at the Lamon on Wed mornings
(and of course the sneaky "LEFT OVER" Raki afterwards)
All the best
John & Zell
Title: Kosmar
Post by: compage on November 23, 2007, 12:10:35 PM
Great news Ali.
We're really pleased for you.

Sorry to hear that Kosmar are treating the local property owners so badly.

Why don't you set yourself up as a letting agent for them?
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Graham_and_Karen on November 23, 2007, 12:22:46 PM
Glad you've got a job sorted out, Ali. Look forward to seeing you and Dave next year.

Graham and Karen
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Peter&Dawn on November 23, 2007, 02:18:24 PM
[quote name='Ali & Dave' date='Nov 23 2007, 10:52 AM' post='10607']
Good news and bad....

I've got a job, working in the Alianthos Car Hire in the evening.  Really pleased.


Congratulations Ali.
Hope to see you and Dave again next year.

Peter&Dawn
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 23, 2007, 02:25:13 PM
Well done, Ali (http://zorbas.de/scripts/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_exclaim.gif) (http://www.minutecity.com/images-for-myspace/animation2/smiles/smiles_5.gif)

Sam & I are chuffed for you (and Dave).

We hope to make use of your "agency" for Aretousa, when/if we sort out flights.

(http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/basic/chin.gif) Do Alianthos Car Hire do a "collect at airport" service (http://zorbas.de/scripts/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_question.gif)
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike from Sussex on November 23, 2007, 03:21:11 PM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
Good news and bad....

I've got a job, working in the Alianthos Car Hire in the evening.  Really pleased.


Ali

Congratulations. I will send you a PM when I need to sort out my car hire.

Do give some thought to the letting agent suggestion, I doubt any excusive arrangements would work, but you would have an attractive potential client base through this site (if the proprietors allow).

All the best for the future.

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike from Sussex on November 23, 2007, 03:37:07 PM
Quote from: George
So how many 'EX' Kosmar customers are going to join the 'Independants Club?'

I booked my room last week in case there's a rush!!

george g...

Just joined the club! Now going the two weeks commencing 16 September. It will cost about £200 more than the Kosmar booking, but what the heck?

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: John R on November 23, 2007, 05:14:37 PM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
Good news and bad....

I've got a job, working in the Alianthos Car Hire in the evening.  Really pleased.

Ali - We are really pleased to hear that. And well done you setting up contacts for the ex Kosmar accommodation. That was not "advertising" but a highly desirable thing for you to do which will give a great amount of satisfaction to both client and customer. This sort of thing makes this forum really worth while - very much a two way process. You deserve thanks from both sides of the equation.

best wishes - and have a great Winter

John and Gillian
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Greecemad on November 23, 2007, 08:08:14 PM
When I go to Crete in June I tend to pay 25 euro per night everywhere. This year I stayed 5 nights in the Pension Kyriakos in a double room with private shower and large balcony facing the sea (overlooking the road by the post office and fish and chip shop). Air conditioning was 5 euro per night extra. As far as I can remember everything was in order - no broken window or toilet etc.

Greecemad
Title: Kosmar
Post by: jenny on November 25, 2007, 10:54:33 AM
Ali - Great news!  Well done.  All the best for that.

My previous comments came directly from a property owner whose 'office' was the bar LOL and one afternoon he had what was obviously a 'business' meeting with a chap wearing a tie, with a briefcase.  We stayed at a respectful distance on the other side of the pool (although it was all Greek to us anyway LOL)  Afterwards we said to him 'That looked very serious' - he was obviously quite rattled and as there was no-one else there he told us the other chap was his solicitor and what the holiday company had done to him and others in the village.  He hadn't signed over the whole of his property - but with the lack of revenue over the previous couple of years, there was by now no spare cash to pay for advertising elsewhere.

I really hope he managed to pull it round, cos it was superb accommodation, absolutely pristine and well-cared for - cleaning and clean towels every day, bedlinen every 2nd day, huge rooms, balconies all about half as big as the shared one on the front at Zorbas, quite a large pool, terrace, beautiful gardens, if you ordered anything with salad he went and picked it - etc etc

It was the World Cup semi and final whilst we were there - and that was completely manic - to say the least!  (I have to say, manic locals, not yer archetypal lager louts - but it would just have been rude not to join in, wouldn't it?)
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Ali & Dave on November 28, 2007, 01:09:51 PM
Hi everyone

Thanks again for all you kind thoughts.

I now have contact details for Nikos Studios, they are:

Tel/Fax - 0030 28320 31209
email - nikosstudios@hotmail.com
website - www.nikos-studios.net

Ali
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Ali & Dave on November 30, 2007, 09:55:13 AM
Me again,

Now have contact details for Aretousa.  If you phone Angelos, the son, he can help you.  Some of you may know him already as he works at the K.C. pool bar.

Tel:  0030 6973755683

Ali
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 30, 2007, 10:11:55 AM
You're doing a cracking job Ali.

I'm sure that the contacts and the potential customers are very appreciative.  

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: John R on November 30, 2007, 11:14:26 AM
Quote from: Ali & Dave
Me again,

Now have contact details for Aretousa.  If you phone Angelos, the son, he can help you.  Some of you may know him already as he works at the K.C. pool bar.

Tel:  0030 6973755683

Ali

Well done Ali.

Any people thinking about going independent - the above is a cracking good place - and that is said by me - a devoted and loyal Stella supporter.

John R
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on November 30, 2007, 11:25:31 AM
I'll second that John, I walked passed it everyday when I stayed at Dora. It's always clean and well presented. If I remember correctly someone put some pictures of the rooms on the site this year. And it's in a convienient spot just seconds from the front.

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on November 30, 2007, 03:44:41 PM
Quote from: George
I'll second that John, I walked passed it everyday when I stayed at Dora. It's always clean and well presented. If I remember correctly someone put some pictures of the rooms on the site this year. And it's in a convienient spot just seconds from the front.

george g...
I think I posted pics of the room (mind's not what it was) but can't remember which thread   either.

Vangelina is an excellent hostess although her English was on a par with my Greek.  

For information, it is even more convenient for Ostraco's!  
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on December 13, 2007, 03:21:13 PM
Are there any more converts from the Kosmar/Olympic army joining up with the Independents yet??

I'll be arriving on the 02.09 next year and might need a taxi share  

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike from Sussex on December 13, 2007, 04:45:55 PM
Quote from: George
Are there any more converts from the Kosmar/Olympic army joining up with the Independents yet??

I'll be arriving on the 02.09 next year and might need a taxi share  

george g...

I'm arriving on the 16th (staying at the Paligremnos) so will probably wave to you as we pass!

Mike
Title: Kosmar
Post by: George on December 14, 2007, 08:43:47 AM
Quote from: Mike from Sussex
I'm arriving on the 16th (staying at the Paligremnos) so will probably wave to you as we pass!

Mike
Are you all avoiding me? Pete and Dawn come back on the 02/09 and your going out on the 16/09 Mike!

Perhaps I'll find an SL to adopt me  

george g...
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Mike from Sussex on December 14, 2007, 09:21:40 AM
Quote from: George
Quote from: Mike from Sussex
I'm arriving on the 16th (staying at the Paligremnos) so will probably wave to you as we pass!

Mike
Are you all avoiding me? Pete and Dawn come back on the 02/09 and your going out on the 16/09 Mike!

Perhaps I'll find an SL to adopt me  

george g...

I would have overlapped you on your second week, but after the Kosmar pull out, the most convenient flight available was a week later. C'est la vie!
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Daniel on December 14, 2007, 10:35:46 AM
[quote name='George' date='Dec 13 2007, 03:21 PM' post='10735']
Are there any more converts from the Kosmar/Olympic army joining up with the Independents yet??

I'll be arriving on the 02.09 next year and might need a taxi share  

We have booked a flight from Manchester on September 23rd with XL for 2 weeks but as yet we have not booked an accommodation.

We will do that next spring.

We had a good look round this year, so we know where and what we want.
Title: Kosmar
Post by: Chas on December 14, 2007, 03:05:14 PM
My mole in XL tells me that they have axed 30% of their cabin staff!

Whichever way I think it through, it's bad news for short-haul flights.

Kosmar chop the available resorts/accommodation - will the number of flights be cut "because of lack of demand"?