Crete, Elounda - Corali Studios

Bill and I went to Crete with the Newcomers group and stayed in the Corali Studios in Elounda. The room was clean and adequate and there is a pool. The owner didn't like to turn on the hot water too early in the morning, which was an issue for some of the guests. We ate at a restaurant next door that was excellent. Price was 50euros per night, but this may have been discounted for the group.

KONTOKALI BAY HOTEL

Easter 2006 JR, Cathy, Mary and Chuck stayed at the Kontokali Bay Hotel. It was close to town and events. The hotel is large with a friendly reception, beach front, bar and pool area all impressive. For Easter the hotel offers a shuttle into town but they fill up fast so plan ahead and leave early. We missed some of the events due to traffic and it does get very crowded downtown. Getting there drove 8 hrs. from Athens to Igoumenitsa (mainland Greece) and took a ferry over which took about 45min. Driving around Corfu is fast and easy and because of the central location of hotel, traveling north or south will only take an hour at most either way. The golf course is 15 min. away which the guys enjoyed playing especially when the shephard let his sheep onto the 9th green so they could graze. Corfu's way of "trimming the greens", seriously. The Easter Sunday buffet was wonderful and all you could eat. Entertainment included traditional greek dancers, lots of music, free ouzo which had everyone eventually dancing around the pool. I would definitely go back to this hotel which offers more in warmer months. Good link to CORFU - http://www.corfunext.com/all_about_corfu.htm

Lefkada Island

Tammy and houseguests Kelley and Torie stayed at the Ionian Star hotel in Lefkada town in April 2008. It was an upscale hotel, and the room was nice, clean but plain with a small shower. 75 euros for a room with 3 twin beds.


We also checked out the Grand Nefeli hotel on the SE side of the island in the town of Vassiliki. It was a nice hotel with really nice rooms on the beach for 50 euros per night. We didn't stay because nothing else was open in the town until after Easter.

The island of Lefkada, on the Ionian Sea is beautiful with the bluest water imaginable. About a 5 hour drive from the northern suburbs and accessible from a bridge. It was very remote type landscape and most hotels and tavernas are not open until Easter.