Plakias Forums
Plakias => Holiday Companies => Topic started by: Mike G on July 21, 2005, 01:53:39 PM
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For those planning to go next year via the package tour route, I'm sure most assume that booking on the internet gets you the lowest price. On going online I found that Olympic were offering a 7.7% discount off the basic price (i.e. the price excluding flight and fuel supplements). I thought I had seen somewhere that the online discount was 10% off the basic price so I phoned them. They not only offered me 10% off, but 10% off the total price. Use Olympic's 0800 (freephone) number not the premium rate 0870 number.
Fuel supplements of £20pp seem common- I ought to be glad I avoided one in May this year I guess.
Mike
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Interesting! they are giving away the agent's commission of course but trying to keep a little bit for themselves
are you going back to Kostas Cristolla Mike?
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http://www.amazingcrete.com/ (http://www.amazingcrete.com/)
This company is working online and has a varied offer of accommodation in and outside of Plakias. They work online and in the summer they have representation here on crete. Amazing prices also and everything well organized
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[url]http://www.amazingcrete.com/[/url] ([url]http://www.amazingcrete.com/[/url])
This company is working online and has a varied offer of accommodation in and outside of Plakias. They work online and in the summer they have representation here on crete. Amazing prices also and everything well organized
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3867\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
this is the place that has the peligramnos as the palkias beach hotel,
i am not too sure that i find their prices 'amazing' €48 per night for a two person room, i don't usually pay more than €35 (and mostly €30) or am i just being tight?
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i am not too sure that i find their prices 'amazing' €48 per night for a two person room, i don't usually pay more than €35 (and mostly €30) or am i just being tight?
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Not really. We shall be paying 30 Euros for a room - Bed and Breakfast in September - would be 25 Euros without breakfast..
John R
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Not really. We shall be paying 30 Euros for a room - Bed and Breakfast in September - would be 25 Euros without breakfast..
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3966\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The prices Harribobs (in his earlier post) and John R quote make you realise what good value some of the packages are. We paid £520 for two for two weeks at Kostas Chrysoulla in May. Harribobs and John R suggest ca. 30-35 Euros per night per room, plus two flights at, say, £175 each, plus transfer and rep costs, plus the ABTA/ATOL bond. Need I go on.
No more really for 2006, although in 2005 we escaped a flight surcharge as Olympic moved as on to a flight which carried one, and bore the cost themselves. Also £20 per person fuel surcharges. I find these puzzling. Oil has gone up massively agreed, but the guy from Ryan Air said on "Today" this morning that for a flight up to 4 hours the extra fuel cost should be less than £4 each way. Can anyone explain?
Mike
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The prices Harribobs (in his earlier post) and John R quote make you realise what good value some of the packages are. We paid £520 for two for two weeks at Kostas Chrysoulla in May. Harribobs and John R suggest ca. 30-35 Euros per night per room, plus two flights at, say, £175 each, plus transfer and rep costs, plus the ABTA/ATOL bond. Need I go on.
I can't argue with the above in real terms as going on a package has for us always been cheaper. However for us the gap is narrowing and we opted out this year because of First Choice dropping out (and they were so ridiculously cheap).
Our personal slightly warped economics for going solo do look slightly better this year. Kosmar are charging much more than First Choice - albeit still very reasonable. We fly from Newcastle which makes the economics slightly different.
Our flights are costing £373 for two (a bit more next year, day flight, - already booked). We always hire a car for 10 of the 14 days and have discovered now that for the full 14 days (airport to airport) they are charging us no extra. So for us, our transfers are "free" - and hopefully incident free !!
When I allowed for our included breakfasts then the saving by going via Kosmar would only be about £75 for the two of us. However for this price we have also been able to choose the accommodation of our preference (Stella Pension). So we have decided that our independent travel is this year worth while. The downside is that all our friends (ex Stella) have chosen the package option and hence staying elsewhere. We shall berate them in the bars in the evenings.
If you do include transfer costs and/or think First Choice prices (last year) then there is zero comparison - package prices win hands down
If we went high season (we go late September) then I suspect that on my personal calculations we might break even as our costs for independant travel might not rise as much as the tour operators prices rise for high season.
John R
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I am surprised John at your stastement that Kosmar are much more expensive than first choice . I am an ex First choice regular and I am going this year with Kosmar Two weeks b and b at the lamon from 23 august is £449 each for two - which seems to me very reasonable and I cannot remember first choice prices but i would be surprised if they were much less. Their prices a week earlier are much more expensive because that would mean returning still within the school holuday period .The only problem with kosmar is their very limited accomodation.I am very happy with the Lamon though might have poreferred to remain with Stella . It makes you wonder about the replies - on another thread - from Manos about it being uneconomical to go to plakias unless you take a lot of people .
Can anyone who has been with kosmar comment on firstly the approx numbers they take to plakias and secondly the loength of the transfer - do we get a misguided tour of every back street in Rethymno en route ? !
roger
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I am surprised John at your stastement that Kosmar are much more expensive than first choice . I am an ex First choice regular and I am going this year with Kosmar Two weeks b and b at the lamon from 23 august is £449 each for two -
Yes that is very cheap indeed. The cheapest we could get with Kosmar/Lamon for 2006 (from Newcastle) at the 26 September is cut/paste right now from Kosmar site :-
adult passenger price 2 309.00 618.00
ncl/chq dept supplement (tue) 2 30.00 60.00
fuel supplement levy 2 20.00 40.00
Grand Total 718.00
The price you quote of £449 for two is indeed the sort of price we used to pay with 1st choice from N/C but the £718 above is very much more and we are getting very close to that with our go it alone which is for 2006:-
Accommodation £290
flights £438 (day flight from Newcastle)
total £728
As I said - our transfers are "free" the way we see it with our car hire.
In fact we would be happy to pay your holiday price just for the flight !!!!
If things were for us at the prices you have quoted we would be very happy with Kosmar/Lamon - I'm sure Lamon is more than ok - but we do like Stella.
Still don't know how you managed your prices for 2 weeks in August - it is very impressive indeed.
John R
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My excursion to the Kosmar site for the above reply has come up with a surprise - for me at least.
I expected to see Lamon Hotel and Appolon Studios to come up for offer. I saw no sign of the Appolon studios (Lamon was there as above message) but they are offering accommodation at KOSTAS CHRYSOULLA STUDIOS. This is for late September 2006.
Surely this is a new departure for Kosmar or have I been asleep for 12 months.
John R
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My excursion to the Kosmar site for the above reply has come up with a surprise - for me at least.
I expected to see Lamon Hotel and Appolon Studios to come up for offer. I saw no sign of the Appolon studios (Lamon was there as above message) but they are offering accommodation at KOSTAS CHRYSOULLA STUDIOS.
Surely this is a new departure for Kosmar or have I been asleep for 12 months.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3987\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Wonder what this means for us soon to be berated ones ?
Dotty
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[/quote]Wonder what this means for us soon to be berated ones ?
Dotty
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Looks as though there may be nothing concrete for the likes of yourselves
John
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Wonder what this means for us soon to be berated ones ?
Dotty
[/quote]
Looks as though there may be nothing concrete for the likes of yourselves
John
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3989\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
[/quote]
Eggsactly we are now wondering what awaits us at the Appollon if it has been so swiftly dropped. I wonder how many of us will be there.?
Dotty
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I am surprised John at your stastement that Kosmar are much more expensive than first choice . I am an ex First choice regular and I am going this year with Kosmar Two weeks b and b at the lamon from 23 august is £449 each for two -
Yes that is very cheap indeed. The cheapest we could get with Kosmar/Lamon for 2006 (from Newcastle) at the 26 September is cut/paste right now from Kosmar site :-
adult passenger price 2 309.00 618.00
ncl/chq dept supplement (tue) 2 30.00 60.00
fuel supplement levy 2 20.00 40.00
Grand Total 718.00
The price you quote of £449 for two is indeed the sort of price we used to pay with 1st choice from N/C but the £718 above is very much more and we are getting very close to that with our go it alone which is for 2006:-
Accommodation £290
flights £438 (day flight from Newcastle)
total £728
As I said - our transfers are "free" the way we see it with our car hire.
In fact we would be happy to pay your holiday price just for the flight !!!!
If things were for us at the prices you have quoted we would be very happy with Kosmar/Lamon - I'm sure Lamon is more than ok - but we do like Stella.
Still don't know how you managed your prices for 2 weeks in August - it is very impressive indeed.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3986\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The price i quoted of £449 is for EACH of us - so more than your £728 for BOTH of y ou. I think £15 each was insurance . But still pretty good for a holiday in august
roger
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My excursion to the Kosmar site for the above reply has come up with a surprise - for me at least.
I expected to see Lamon Hotel and Appolon Studios to come up for offer. I saw no sign of the Appolon studios (Lamon was there as above message) but they are offering accommodation at KOSTAS CHRYSOULLA STUDIOS. This is for late September 2006.
Surely this is a new departure for Kosmar or have I been asleep for 12 months.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3987\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Sorry John but i think you have been asleep ! The Kosnmar brochure lists Lamon and Kostas Chryssoula and not Appolon . Not sure how long I have had the broichure but several months I think and we booked in may
roger
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My excursion to the Kosmar site for the above reply has come up with a surprise - for me at least.
I expected to see Lamon Hotel and Appolon Studios to come up for offer. I saw no sign of the Appolon studios (Lamon was there as above message) but they are offering accommodation at KOSTAS CHRYSOULLA STUDIOS. This is for late September 2006.
Surely this is a new departure for Kosmar or have I been asleep for 12 months.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3987\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Sorry John but i think you have been asleep ! The Kosnmar brochure lists Lamon and Kostas Chryssoula and not Appolon . Not sure how long I have had the broichure but several months I think and we booked in may
roger
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3993\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
A few of us must have been asleep. We have booked into Apollon. Just checked 2nd Edition of Kosmar and no mention of Kostas but have seen it on there website for 2006
Dotty
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Sorry John but i think you have been asleep ! The Kosnmar brochure lists Lamon and Kostas Chryssoula and not Appolon . Not sure how long I have had the broichure but several months I think and we booked in may
roger
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3993\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have the Kosmar brochure 2006 and it lists Apollon and Lamon but not Kostas Chrysoulla. Ditto their website.
Mike
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Sorry John but i think you have been asleep ! The Kosnmar brochure lists Lamon and Kostas Chryssoula and not Appolon . Not sure how long I have had the broichure but several months I think and we booked in may
roger
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3993\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have the Kosmar brochure 2006 and it lists Apollon and Lamon but not Kostas Chrysoulla. Ditto their website.
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3995\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The website lists mostly Lamon and Appolon but there seems to be a change later in the 2006 season when appolon disappears and Kostas Chryssoula crops up. That situation is certainly true for 26 September 2006.
John R
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The price i quoted of £449 is for EACH of us - so more than your £728 for BOTH of y ou. I think £15 each was insurance . But still pretty good for a holiday in august
roger
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3992\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Sorry I didn't spot that. That is much more expensive than our off season 1st choice prices. Until they cancelled this year's holiday we were about to pay a total of approx £475 for both of us with 1st Choice at Stella for 2 weeks from Sept 27 2005 from Newcastle.
John R
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The website lists mostly Lamon and Appolon but there seems to be a change later in the 2006 season when appolon disappears and Kostas Chryssoula crops up. That situation is certainly true for 26 September 2006.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3996\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Something odd is going on. The Kosmar website lists Apollon and Lamon under Plakias accommodation (as does the brochure). However if you search the booking system for various dates in 2006 it offers you Kostas Chrysoulla and Lamon. For the early season period we have booked with Olympic, Kosmar is nearly £90 more for the two of us, the only difference being a Hania flight rather than Heraklion.
Although of theoretical interest only now, for us First Choice was markedly cheaper than Olympic- £60 cheaper for the two of us. This was May 2005 and the holiday details were identical.
Mike
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I was referring to the 2005 brochure .The one i have only has the Lamon and Kostas chryssoula and not Appolon
roger
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I was referring to the 2005 brochure .The one i have only has the Lamon and Kostas chryssoula and not Appolon
roger
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4003\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I wonder if yours is a late edition 2005 brochure and that Kosmar are using Kostas chryssoula when their allocation of rooms for Appolon is full. I'm sure early 2005 brochures (I did have one once) only had Lamon and Appolon.
John R
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Something odd is going on. The Kosmar website lists Apollon and Lamon under Plakias accommodation (as does the brochure). However if you search the booking system for various dates in 2006 it offers you Kostas Chrysoulla and Lamon. For the early season period we have booked with Olympic, Kosmar is nearly £90 more for the two of us, the only difference being a Hania flight rather than Heraklion.
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3998\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
For our holiday period (26 Sept 2006 from Newcastle) and for the identical accommodation in Kostas Chrysoulla then Kosmar are £678 and Olympic are £747 which makes Kosmar £69 cheaper - but yes much more expensive than 1st Choice used to be.
Shopping around for each holiday period is a must.
John R
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]
Something odd is going on. The Kosmar website lists Apollon and Lamon under Plakias accommodation (as does the brochure). However if you search the booking system for various dates in 2006 it offers you Kostas Chrysoulla and Lamon. For the early season period we have booked with Olympic, Kosmar is nearly £90 more for the two of us, the only difference being a Hania flight rather than Heraklion.
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3998\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
For our holiday period (26 Sept 2006 from Newcastle) and for the identical accommodation in Kostas Chrysoulla then Kosmar are £678 and Olympic are £747 which makes Kosmar £69 cheaper - but yes much more expensive than 1st Choice used to be.
Shopping around for each holiday period is a must.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4007\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Last year through First Choice on line we had two holidays in Plakias for the same price as one by Olympic next year
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For those planning to go next year via the package tour route, I'm sure most assume that booking on the internet gets you the lowest price. On going online I found that Olympic were offering a 7.7% discount off the basic price (i.e. the price excluding flight and fuel supplements). I thought I had seen somewhere that the online discount was 10% off the basic price so I phoned them. They not only offered me 10% off, but 10% off the total price. Use Olympic's 0800 (freephone) number not the premium rate 0870 number.
Fuel supplements of £20pp seem common- I ought to be glad I avoided one in May this year I guess.
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3855\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
mike or anyone who knows, could you please give me the 0800 number you were talking about for olympic - i can only find the premiun rate one
thanks
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mike or anyone who knows, could you please give me the 0800 number you were talking about for olympic - i can only find the premiun rate one
thanks
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4113\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hello Sheryl,
My brochure is at home so I will try and remember to provide you with the number tomorrow (unless someone beats me to it). It was on a sticker on the front of the brochure. Good of Olympic to provide this- most use a premium rate 0870 number which really irritates me.
Mike
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mike or anyone who knows, could you please give me the 0800 number you were talking about for olympic - i can only find the premiun rate one
thanks
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4113\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
It is 0800 093 4544.
Sheryl, if you are interested in Kostas Chrysoulla with Olympic for 2006, are you aware that Kosmar is offering this accommodation as well?
Mike
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mike or anyone who knows, could you please give me the 0800 number you were talking about for olympic - i can only find the premiun rate one
thanks
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4113\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
It is 0800 093 4544.
Sheryl, if you are interested in Kostas Chrysoulla with Olympic for 2006, are you aware that Kosmar is offering this accommodation as well?
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4130\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
thanks mike thats a great help
i do know that kosmar have rooms at kostas chrysoulla next year, but as far as i can see olympic still have the best price....and there is a bit on there website that says they will match any price of rival companies if the holidays are identical.
i cant seem to beat olympic - even with friends offering me a lift from the airport to miss out the transfer cost i still cant do it cheaper - when is easyjet gonna start flying to crete???
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i do know that kosmar have rooms at kostas chrysoulla next year, but as far as i can see olympic still have the best price....and there is a bit on there website that says they will match any price of rival companies if the holidays are identical.
i cant seem to beat olympic - even with friends offering me a lift from the airport to miss out the transfer cost i still cant do it cheaper - when is easyjet gonna start flying to crete???
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4132\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hello Sheryl,
Re. price you are just confirming what I have always believed and I think this also came out of a much debated topic on the Forum some time ago.
Re. Olympic and their "lowest price guarantee", the holiday has to be identical. In this case Kosmar flies to Hania and Olympic to Heraklion, so the holidays aren't identical. When First Choice pulled out in 2004 I had booked Kostas Chrysoulla with them and transferred to Olympic- same date, same accommodation, paying £30 per person more. Olympic didn't want to know when I asked them if they would match First Choice's price. This may be because they knew FC had pulled out; however this wasn't widely known at the time and, as John R will remember, many at FC didn't even know they had pulled out.
Don't forget to ask to avoid rooms 59 and 62 in KC, unless you like looking out over the broom cupboard as you have your pre-dinner drinks.
Mike
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i do know that kosmar have rooms at kostas chrysoulla next year, but as far as i can see olympic still have the best price....and there is a bit on there website that says they will match any price of rival companies if the holidays are identical.
i cant seem to beat olympic - even with friends offering me a lift from the airport to miss out the transfer cost i still cant do it cheaper - when is easyjet gonna start flying to crete???
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4132\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hello Sheryl,
Re. price you are just confirming what I have always believed and I think this also came out of a much debated topic on the Forum some time ago.
Re. Olympic and their "lowest price guarantee", the holiday has to be identical. In this case Kosmar flies to Hania and Olympic to Heraklion, so the holidays aren't identical. When First Choice pulled out in 2004 I had booked Kostas Chrysoulla with them and transferred to Olympic- same date, same accommodation, paying £30 per person more. Olympic didn't want to know when I asked them if they would match First Choice's price. This may be because they knew FC had pulled out; however this wasn't widely known at the time and, as John R will remember, many at FC didn't even know they had pulled out.
Don't forget to ask to avoid rooms 59 and 62 in KC, unless you like looking out over the broom cupboard as you have your pre-dinner drinks.
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4134\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
LOL .........have stayed at kostas for years and have never came across room 59 or 62 yet, but thanks for the tip.
totally agree with the above; that first choice were cheaper - and if i'd stopped and thought about it, i knew kosmar flew to chania. but olympic still are cheaper (for me anyway with the scottish flight supplements) there is a £30 -£40 per person difference
whats the difference in the transfer time between chania and heraklion to plakias?
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Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4134\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
[/quote]
LOL .........have stayed at kostas for years and have never came across room 59 or 62 yet, but thanks for the tip.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4137\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
[/quote]
We can vouch for the fact that they do exist! The broom cupboard area is also where they take their breaks. Having the cleaners' cigarette smoke wafting in during their breaks was not pleasant. Neither was the clattering of their buckets or their chatter early in the morning.
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i do know that kosmar have rooms at kostas chrysoulla next year, but as far as i can see olympic still have the best price....and there is a bit on there website that says they will match any price of rival companies if the holidays are identical.
i cant seem to beat olympic - even with friends offering me a lift from the airport to miss out the transfer cost i still cant do it cheaper - when is easyjet gonna start flying to crete???
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4132\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hello Sheryl,
Re. price you are just confirming what I have always believed and I think this also came out of a much debated topic on the Forum some time ago.
Re. Olympic and their "lowest price guarantee", the holiday has to be identical. In this case Kosmar flies to Hania and Olympic to Heraklion, so the holidays aren't identical. When First Choice pulled out in 2004 I had booked Kostas Chrysoulla with them and transferred to Olympic- same date, same accommodation, paying £30 per person more. Olympic didn't want to know when I asked them if they would match First Choice's price. This may be because they knew FC had pulled out; however this wasn't widely known at the time and, as John R will remember, many at FC didn't even know they had pulled out.
Don't forget to ask to avoid rooms 59 and 62 in KC, unless you like looking out over the broom cupboard as you have your pre-dinner drinks.
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4134\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
LOL .........have stayed at kostas for years and have never came across room 59 or 62 yet, but thanks for the tip.
totally agree with the above; that first choice were cheaper - and if i'd stopped and thought about it, i knew kosmar flew to chania. but olympic still are cheaper (for me anyway with the scottish flight supplements) there is a £30 -£40 per person difference
whats the difference in the transfer time between chania and heraklion to plakias?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4137\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
There's no difference, I've done both and they both should take about two hours, depending of course on the drop offs/pick ups.
george g...
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i have just phoned up the free phone number to book next summers holiday, and tried my luck with getting a discount. they said that what was on the website was already the maximum discount, and they would match it over the phone even though they didnt have too - even chanced trying to get an early booking discount but they weren't having it. it turned out that they quoted me a price about £5 cheaper than the website price.......on the up side they did let me request the room number that i wanted . but it is only a request - i'll let you know in 2006 if i get it
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There's no difference, I've done both and they both should take about two hours, depending of course on the drop offs/pick ups.
george g...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4139\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Hello Sheryl,
George is right. The transfer time will depend on the number of drop offs en route, mainly in Rethymnon and its suburbs. My attitude is not to let it get to you. I just compliment myself on my good judgement that I haven't booked a holiday in the grotty, over-developed places that you are dropping off at. If you really are in a hurry to get to Plakias you can always pay €75 each way for a taxi, although there was some suggestion in a recent post that there may be an additional charge per kilo of baggage.
Mike
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thanks guys
i was just curious - the past few years i've been spoilled and was lucky enough to get a lift of friends or a taxi transfer on the package deals. but this summer we ended up on the bus transfer - kinda forgot how bad it was... it was like being in a coach full of kids ARE WE THERE YET ( obviously first timers ). and on our guarented (by the rep) non stop trip back to heraklion we still ended up in rethymno looking for missing bodies for over an hour - looking back it makes me laugh, there is always a story behind the transfers i've had to plakias, nothing surprises me now and i should learn to expect it
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thanks guys
i was just curious - the past few years i've been spoilled and was lucky enough to get a lift of friends or a taxi transfer on the package deals. but this summer we ended up on the bus transfer - kinda forgot how bad it was... it was like being in a coach full of kids ARE WE THERE YET ( obviously first timers ). and on our guarented (by the rep) non stop trip back to heraklion we still ended up in rethymno looking for missing bodies for over an hour - looking back it makes me laugh, there is always a story behind the transfers i've had to plakias, nothing surprises me now and i should learn to expect it
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4142\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I think I mentioned in the forum somewhere that last year my transfer with FC took four hours, but it was a double decker (Denzil Washington if I remember correctly), and I did have a front seat. I actually quite enjoyed seeing all the ghettos around Rethymnion.
If it takes me much more than two hours this year I'm going for the compensation plea.
george g...
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If it takes me much more than two hours this year I'm going for the compensation plea.
george g...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4143\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
i wouldn't hold your breath on that one George
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. If you really are in a hurry to get to Plakias you can always pay €75 each way for a taxi, although there was some suggestion in a recent post that there may be an additional charge per kilo of baggage.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4141\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
€75 each way = €150 total (my first use of that ctrl-alt-4)
You can hire a car for a week for €150.
John R
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If it takes me much more than two hours this year I'm going for the compensation plea.
george g...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4143\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
i wouldn't hold your breath on that one George
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=4144\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
As expected the transfer took over three and a half hours this year to Plakias, and we didn't have a rep on the bus from Rethymnon to Plakias. There were a few other things that happened on the transfer including misleading information about how long it was going to take, so I emailed Olympic this morning with the complaint, which I thought was very well worded and I'm now waiting for the responce.
Other than that the two weeks were perfection, and I've already booked for next year, with Olympic.
and so was Morven in the nicest possible way.
I'll keep you all posted!
george g...
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so I emailed Olympic this morning with the complaint, which I thought was very well worded and I'm now waiting for the responce.
Other than that the two weeks were perfection, and I've already booked for next year, with Olympic.
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I'll be interested in their response, so do let us know
and so was Morven in the nicest possible way.
I'm sure Morven can be nice in any number of ways
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I'm sure Morven can be nice in any number of ways
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[/quote]
Now, Now, this is my fantasy! and we don't want to embarass her... do we?
george g...
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Now, Now, this is my fantasy! and we don't want to embarass her... do we?
george g...
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or get barred from the forum!!
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...I'll keep you all posted!
I've just received my last (I've made my mind up) piece of correspondence from the lovely lady at Olympic regarding the transfer times and the immense commensation that I'm not getting.
All the usual excuses about the reps being busy and having to cope with unforseen circumstances was the excuse for there not being a rep on the bus from Rethymnon to Plakias, and the time of year was one of their busiest, so they had more drops. (Cost/Rep reductions??)
I did put a hyperthetical situation to her ie If the bus crashed and the driver was unconscious what does one do? No comment, but she has passed my comments on to the reps in the resort.
I also asked that, because of the transfer time, if I hired a car from the airport to the resort, (which this year I intend doing) would I get discount for not taking advantage of the transfer bus? That was completely ignored.
Still it was fun making her quirm a little because she knew I had a point and having a pen pal for a while was entertaining.
Perhaps this year I'll make the compliant formal and get Morven to record it for me as Trade description; the brochure states 2Hrs 45mins and it took 3Hrs 45mins.
She did however seem very pleased in almost all her letters, because other than the transfer I told her that the holiday was perfect.
Very diplomatic!
george g...
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I've just received my last (I've made my mind up) piece of correspondence from the lovely lady at Olympic regarding the transfer times and the immense commensation that I'm not getting.
George,
I have just returned and you will be pleased to know that the Olympic transfers were much improved this year. 3 stop-offs going and only one returning.
We avoided the dreaded Room 56 in Kostas Chrysoulla (as did Harribobs) but one unfortunate couple didn't. I don't think Olympic should put clients there.
I got to meet Ali but sadly not Harribobs. I think I did see him on a couple of occasions but didn't think that approaching a couple of "far enders" sunning themselves was very appropriate, especially as I was only 75% sure it was the great man. Chris, I'll E-mail you on your return to find out if it was you.
Kostas said that Olympic are featuring Kostas Chrysoulla in 2007 and Morven expects to be back next year as well.
I'll do some reports when time allows.
Paul (Ploppy), I think Ariadne is under new management and they were very quiet. Is it possible for it to be clear under the FAQs that my bad experience was under the old management as I feel guily that my report could put some off.
Mike
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We did our own transfer from Agia Pelagia (25 km from Heraklion) via the Old National Road to Rethymno and down to Plakias via Kotsifou gorge (Paleoloutra-Kanevos-Myrthos)
Just to get the right views!
5 hours transfer time
6 or more stop-overs
However no complaints at all from my passenger.
Leen
PS
George this year you might have to find something else to remain in contact with Olympic rep.?
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I got to meet Ali but sadly not Harribobs. I think I did see him on a couple of occasions but didn't think that approaching a couple of "far enders" sunning themselves was very appropriate
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you should have come over, mandy is used to strange men on the beach, it's me usually! i didn't realise you were there until late in the week (terry and merle told me) i went round the pool area a couple of time to show my face but no joy! next year eh?
we think we got the best costas krystolla rooms that exist! they have bought the Zorbas studios, which are over the posh pottery (and arty jewellery) shop next to the souvalaki house. we got a sea view and a terrace ( shared) that you could have a game of football on), down side, they are quite noisey and no good if you want to use the bar or pool facilities with ease
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Both Harribobs and I avoided the dreaded Kostas Chrysoulla rooms 56 and 62. Indeed Chris and his good lady were in a room well away from the main KC complex, so someone must have heard the one about the excess of raki and a riotous evening/night (sorry Chris!!!).
When we were there, there was a couple in Room 56 and we got talking to others in their group at the airport on their return. Not surprisingly they weren't too happy with the view and understandingly spent a lot of time over their pre-prandial drinks on their friends' balconies.
Could Ali inform us how rooms in KC are allocated. Are some apartments Olympic's and some Kosmar's throughout the season? The couple in there when we were there were Olympic clients. Or do one of the Kostas's allocate rooms?
I know quite a lot of people are now asking not to be put in Nos 56 or 62 so I guess that increases your chances of the short straw if you say nothing.
Mike
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having had a crappy monday....we've cheered ourselves up and booked for september ( 19th for two weeks)
and requested the zorbas front studios again!
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having had a crappy monday....we've cheered ourselves up and booked for september ( 19th for two weeks)
and requested the zorbas front studios again!
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See you in September
John
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having had a crappy monday....we've cheered ourselves up and booked for september ( 19th for two weeks)
and requested the zorbas front studios again!
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You know it makes sense!!
Might even get to meet you and Mandy at last, I'm arriving on the 12th.
george g...
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excellent news gentlemen! i am looking forward to meeting you both (but i notice that Dotty's around as well...we'll keep it quiet eh? )
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excellent news gentlemen! i am looking forward to meeting you both (but i notice that Dotty's around as well...we'll keep it quiet eh? )
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Er we will need to know who needs free passes for the Saga Louts club and the even more secretive Skilos Club (Very exclusive)
John R
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excellent news gentlemen! i am looking forward to meeting you both (but i notice that Dotty's around as well...we'll keep it quiet eh? )
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OK whats going on I Have been away and am only home for a quicky (visit that is) am I in or out??? And what of!!!
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OK whats going on I Have been away and am only home for a quicky (visit that is) am I in or out??? And what of!!!
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you have to come home for a quicky? i didn't know the east coast was that strict!
Dotty.. i think the question is whether i'll be accepted into the hallowed halls of the saga louts
(or how many G&Ts mandy can manage at the Livicon )
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Dotty.. i think the question is whether i'll be accepted into the hallowed halls of the saga louts
(or how many G&Ts mandy can manage at the Livicon )
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Well - first one needs a pass for the Saga lout Club if not eligible by natural means (like a degree of subtle maturity) :'( . Without a pass one has to queue to enter the Livicon as all seating is quickly taken up by this quiet and respected group . It is proper for younger people to give up their seats for these more mature persons so they may enjoy their G&T's in a quiet and peaceful manner
Oh - the cost of a pass is to show ones ability to get from Medousa to the Livicon in 35 seconds followed by offering the more elderly (who got there faster) a varying quantity of G&T's
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Well - first one needs a pass for the Saga lout Club if not eligible by natural means (like a degree of subtle maturity) :'( . Without a pass one has to queue to enter the Livicon as all seating is quickly taken up by this quiet and respected group . It is proper for younger people to give up their seats for these more mature persons so they may enjoy their G&T's in a quiet and peaceful manner
Oh - the cost of a pass is to show ones ability to get from Medousa to the Livicon in 35 seconds followed by offering the more elderly (who got there faster) a varying quantity of G&T's
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[/quote]
Basically, they're Club 18-30 to Ibiza veterans.
george g...
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Basically, they're Club 18-30 to Ibiza veterans.
george g...
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If only !!!!!!!!! :'(
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John we have already met and interviewed Harribobs and Boxerlover who both qualify for membership to join the Saga Louts.We therefore await your approval in September.
Unfortunately, we cannot allow them to join the exclusive Skilos Group.It must always remain the 8 original senior members.
Denis & Chris
(GODG)
Growing Old Disgracefully Group
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Sorry John it should be Skilos Club.
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Unfortunately, we cannot allow them to join the exclusive Skilos Club.It must always remain the 8 original senior members.
Agreed
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John we have already met and interviewed Harribobs and Boxerlover who both qualify for membership to join the Saga Louts.We therefore await your approval in September.
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ooh! pre-approved by Denis and Chris, we are honoured...
i see that seating in the Livicon is policed by another denis
(http://harribobs.smugmug.com/photos/75519205-S.jpg)
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Chris
Denis at the Livicon has already said that there may have to be a queuing system put in place for September. for those that are not members of the afore mentioned group.
Denis
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John we have already met and interviewed Harribobs and Boxerlover who both qualify for membership to join the Saga Louts.We therefore await your approval in September.
Hello Denis and Chris,
Don't you have to be eligible for Saga services (i.e. over 50) to be a member? On that basis Mr and Mrs Harribobs don't qualify! But I do. Not that I've ever been in Plakias in the autumn when most of this venerable group seems to appear.
FYI, in the middle two weeks of May at Kostas Chrysoulla the average age around the pool was something in the 50s I would estimate.
Mike
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John we have already met and interviewed Harribobs and Boxerlover who both qualify for membership to join the Saga Louts.We therefore await your approval in September.
Hello Denis and Chris,
Don't you have to be eligible for Saga services (i.e. over 50) to be a member? On that basis Mr and Mrs Harribobs don't qualify! But I do. Not that I've ever been in Plakias in the autumn when most of this venerable group seems to appear.
FYI, in the middle two weeks of May at Kostas Chrysoulla the average age around the pool was something in the 50s I would estimate.
Mike
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Mike,
Remember within the EEC it is no longer allowed to discriminate on peoples age!
Leen
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Don't you have to be eligible for Saga services (i.e. over 50) to be a member? On that basis Mr and Mrs Harribobs don't qualify!
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I'm afraid i do qualify Mike, despite my boyish good looks (and charm) i'll be 53 this year but you're quite right about mandy she doesn't qualify...........yet
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Let me guess:
The Saga Louts : a group of legendary ? men
The Skilos club: a pack of dogs (as a skilos is a dog in greek)
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Let me guess:
The Saga Louts : a group of legendary ? men
The Skilos club: a pack of dogs (as a skilos is a dog in greek)
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Explanations - for None UK people here.. The very worst of some types of UK hooligans (of whom we are NOT proud) are often referred to as Lager Louts. UK people over 50 are entitled to join a respectable organisation called Saga. Saga rhymes with lager and there you are.
Skilos does indeed refer to dogs but the story behind our exclusive Skilos Club - to quote Dennis of Livicon (who knows the full story) - "is too long and complicated to explain".