We recently stayed at Esperos for a last minute break and we left with mixed feelings.||||It was our first stay in the Pelion, what a stunning place. So unspoilt and untouched by mass tourism. I'd definitely return to the Pelion, but I'd choose other accommodation. ||||The views from Esperos were unbelievably stunning, a wonderful vista from each apartment, such a feast for the eyes. The view from the pool is the same and truly breathtaking. Watching the sunset was a truly magical experience. The road down to the apartment is quite rough but all part of the adventure! ||||Upon arrival at Esperos we were greeted by a British lady who seemed very polite and helpful and showed us to our room. We stayed in Room 2 in the middle block. The apartment was generally clean, although there were lots of water stains on the taps and shower attachments etc, cobwebs and remnants of squashed mosquitos on the walls, so you could tell it was cleaned in a rush. It seemed comfortable enough but was a little tired and outdated. The small kitchen area was stocked with the basics, but the coffee machine didn't work properly so we ended up making the coffee in the machine then heating it up in a saucepan on the hob. The fridge door didn't close properly as the seal was almost completely coming off the door, so we just propped it shut with one of the dining chairs. The appliances are all from Lidl and getting a bit old. But as we ate out mostly, none of this really bothered us. ||||One big problem however was the odour. As soon as we entered the room an extremely strong smell of petrol fumes hit us. At first we thought maybe it was just a passing smell but unfortunately the very strong fumes stayed, it was especially strong first thing in the morning and when we came back in the evening. We had to keep all the windows open, which meant that the air con didn't work. We were sweltering and both of us had headaches from breathing in the fumes. We sent a text to our rep from Ionian Holidays (as we couldn't find a member of staff at Esperos) who basically said there was nothing they could do for the next 2 nights so we should just keep all the windows open and then they would move us to another apartment at Esperos. She text me a while later to say that the staff had contacted her and explained it was probably 'wind direction', which it clearly wasnt. We held out for another 2 nights, which was so awful, we even considered sleeping in the car, it was that bad, we were worried. We obviously stayed away from the apartment all day for as long as possible. When we came back in the evening we couldn't even sit on our balcony due to the fumes coming up from underneath. There seemed to be a utility room under ours, and our guess was a leaking generator of some sort. We would go to sit around the pool with a candle and a beer in the evenings until it was absolutely necessary to return. We didn't dare light any candles in our apartment! On the day of our supposed move to another apartment, we waited for someone to contact us but nobody came. In the end we tried to find someone to help, and was greeted by the very rude Natalia who just said 'YES??'. We explained that we were due to move rooms, she then without saying a word grabbed a key and rushed off, I presumed I was supposed to follow her, I ran to keep up with her, she unlocked the door of the new room, said "leave your bags here, the room isn't cleaned, we'll clean it later" then just walked off. She never apologised once for the petrol fumes, in fact no one apologised. We were made to feel we were making a fuss over nothing. ||||The good news was that our new apartment was petrol fume free and for the rest of the holiday I couldnt care less that the fridge wouldn't shut or the coffee machine didn't heat the coffee properly. The fact that we could breathe freely, have the air con on and sit on the balcony without being poisoned was luxury. ||||Despite this we had such a wonderful time in the Pelion and I'd definitely return. But next time I'll book my holiday independently as we usually do (this time we booked with Ionian for a last minute deal but we didn't enjoy being (literally) shouted at by the rep, Enni, when we didn't show up at exactly 3 hours before departure at the airport - she also shouted at other guests for showing up later than she instructed who were just as shocked) and we'll find alternative...
Read moreThe location of Esperos Villas is superb. We couldn't wish for a better view, a more spectacular sunset from our veranda or more convenient access to the village and the area's best walking trails. We were made to feel very welcome by Natalia, who was helpful in getting in touch with me before our arrival, giving us directions and useful information about the area and main points of interest. Her smiling face and good cheer really made us feel like we had arrived in a friendly place. She was available to help with all our needs. Thank you Natalia! The studio where we spent two days was well heated, cosy and comfortable enough for two people and there were some supplies in hand so that we could enjoy some coffee and tea and a couple of apples as we settled in. The rooms were clean and tidy and there was plenty of storage space. The small kitchen had all the needed amenities and everything was clean and in good condition. The TV was working (often this is not the case....) but the real hit was the beautiful veranda and the amazing views of the village, the bay and Milina below, the clouds, the sun and the sailing boats in the distance. It was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish and recommend to friends.|On the not so positive side:|I would have preferred a larger bathroom. Although we had everything we needed, i thought the shower was small and the whole place very crammed. But it was clean and there were plenty of towels. There was abundant hot water anytime we needed it. The bed was large but the mattress was basic and the sheets were freshly laundered but of poor quality. We were provided two duvets for cover, one lighter and one heavier, but we would have prefer a duvet cover rather than a top sheet, to ensure cleanliness. Also there were no additional pillows other than the two provided. The outdoors area was beautiful but the swimming pool was dirty and a light fixture had become loose and was floating in the water. I thought that might be an electric hazard. I understand that we came in an off-season period but I would have prefered it if the swimming pool was covered and safe instead of half full and...
Read moreStunning scenery, views of the mountains, hill sides and the sea but don't book this if you have children or don't like a walk or stairs. Not been self catering for many years so pleasantly surprised by the accommodation but you need to be fit and agile to climb the stairs to get the the sleeping area. We too had a slight odor on occasions but nothing as described in another review on Tripadvisor. Cooking was easy, although could have done with a pair of scissors to open packets. Pleasure having the cat visit as missed our pets. Lovely sitting with a beer, watching the sunset with the cat purring on my lap. Only a small point but the Wifi is only available in one place, I'd prefer it accessible throughout the site but as I was supposed to be chilling out and not working I really shouldn't complain. When going out we tried not to use the car to go to the village but the first hill out and up to the road near the little chapel was the worst bit. Rest was on paths that had lighting, ooh forgot those little paths were actually the village roads so watch out for the odd car or motor cycle. Village was lovely, locals very hospitable and good for a meal or just a beer. Local shop and bakers provided anything needed. Will I return, yes to the Pelion but possibly to try an apartment near the sea but I would go back to Esperos if nothing else pops up or suits. Lastly the welcome we received was great and the staff were fine plus we found Enni from the tour company happy and friendly - can only call it as...
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