Post by carolb on Jul 18, 2010 14:40:52 GMT 2
Hi everyone
Well 24 hours since we arrived back in the UK from our first ever visit to Roda. Apologies now as this is going to be a very lengthy review but we want to get our version over for anyone who is thinking of visiting Roda for the first time
Steve, Dave and Lynda and Petra lovely to have met up with you in the FGT. Lots of good information given and I am sure we will meet up again some time in the future.
Having read a few of the last reviews these are our thoughts on Roda.
We arrived at Corfu airport around lunchtime on the Monday. A taxi had been booked for us by Lyndsey from Ninos were we were staying. We waited approx 5 mins for our cases and then went out to the arrivals area were the taxi driver had a big sign with my name on. I made myself known and we received a very warm hand shake and a big welcome from Yiannis the taxi driver. he was so friendly and for the 40 min drive to Roda he told us all about were we were travelling through, what was going on etc. What a fantastic start to the holiday
We stayed at Ninos, basic accommodation but clean and tidy and all we needed as a base. We have travelled all over the world and have stayed in many 4 and 5 star hotels and yes you get what you pay for - but for £40 a night we had a biggish room, nice balcony, kitchen area, basic but all we needed (our only request would be to add a toaster and to leave a dishcloth, tea towel and some washing up liquid as you don't always think to bring these out with you) decent size bathroom, great power shower, maid service everyday and free aircon. Would it have been enough if we we had torrential rain everyday, probably not, but then we would have just paddled into the village and spent the day in one of the bar/restaurants chatting to friends.
The grounds and pool area were lovely, and Lyndsey, Nino and Danny were very friendly and helpful. We didn't eat here every day but when we did the food was good and good value. There were plenty of bed chairs for everyone and no having to put towels down at the crack of dawn to get your space. There is a good mix of nationalities and ages and no silly signs such as no ball games, no lilos etc. kids and adults alike had a good time and everyone respected each other's space. The apartments are right on the sea front and the views are too die for. I wish I was sitting there right now sipping a cocktail and looking out over the sea to the coast of Albania.
Right now to Roda itself - it consists mainly of a triangle - a main street that is a bit touristy but does have lovely little restaurants and then the little winding road on the sea front with old and new restaurants alike and gift shops.
Yes it was very quiet as they are struggling for tourism but through no fault of their own. Take the time to get to know the locals and you'll be made very welcome. We ate at different restaurants every night - traditional home made greek food which is very easy to find - yes you can also get hamburger and chips etc at many of the restuarants but I don't think this is no bad thing. I know when my children were younger if I tried to make them eat chicken stuffed with ham and feta and wrapped in vine leaves (yummy try this at Roda Town restaurant) then I would have had hell for the whole evening and very hungry kiddies so I think this option on the menu is a god send for some parents. Also in answer to previous comments about this type of food being made available - we Brits are the ones that have obviously demanded it - the french and itialians have no interest in this type of of food - so we are in fact our own worse enemy. In any case you DO have a choice - British or Greek.
Other restaurants we ate at were Ninos family restaurant, Smileys (ridiculous price of less than £20 for 2 course meal - Greek of course - carafe of wine and beer ) and Estrelles all very good and all very friendly.
As for the entertainment again, you can take it or leave it - yes there were some bars advertising bingo or tribute acts but also every night at one restaurant or another there were traditional greek dancing nights - again take you choice you are not forced to participate in anything you don't want to.
We took a boat trip to Corfu town on the Thursday booked through Nostos travel as George was away in England and again this was a lovely trip. Corfu town is amazing and cannot be seen in one day alone.
There are so many other places we want to see, which we will do next year. Next year I hear you say - yes we will be back and having rarely been back to the same destination over the last 25 years this speaks volumes for the village and people of Roda because that is what made it special for us
So if you are interested in visiting I don't think you will be dissapointed. If you have any questions then please post them on this forum as that is what I did and how we both learned so much about Roda before we visited.
Carol xx
PS say hello to pork chop for us Steve
Well 24 hours since we arrived back in the UK from our first ever visit to Roda. Apologies now as this is going to be a very lengthy review but we want to get our version over for anyone who is thinking of visiting Roda for the first time
Steve, Dave and Lynda and Petra lovely to have met up with you in the FGT. Lots of good information given and I am sure we will meet up again some time in the future.
Having read a few of the last reviews these are our thoughts on Roda.
We arrived at Corfu airport around lunchtime on the Monday. A taxi had been booked for us by Lyndsey from Ninos were we were staying. We waited approx 5 mins for our cases and then went out to the arrivals area were the taxi driver had a big sign with my name on. I made myself known and we received a very warm hand shake and a big welcome from Yiannis the taxi driver. he was so friendly and for the 40 min drive to Roda he told us all about were we were travelling through, what was going on etc. What a fantastic start to the holiday
We stayed at Ninos, basic accommodation but clean and tidy and all we needed as a base. We have travelled all over the world and have stayed in many 4 and 5 star hotels and yes you get what you pay for - but for £40 a night we had a biggish room, nice balcony, kitchen area, basic but all we needed (our only request would be to add a toaster and to leave a dishcloth, tea towel and some washing up liquid as you don't always think to bring these out with you) decent size bathroom, great power shower, maid service everyday and free aircon. Would it have been enough if we we had torrential rain everyday, probably not, but then we would have just paddled into the village and spent the day in one of the bar/restaurants chatting to friends.
The grounds and pool area were lovely, and Lyndsey, Nino and Danny were very friendly and helpful. We didn't eat here every day but when we did the food was good and good value. There were plenty of bed chairs for everyone and no having to put towels down at the crack of dawn to get your space. There is a good mix of nationalities and ages and no silly signs such as no ball games, no lilos etc. kids and adults alike had a good time and everyone respected each other's space. The apartments are right on the sea front and the views are too die for. I wish I was sitting there right now sipping a cocktail and looking out over the sea to the coast of Albania.
Right now to Roda itself - it consists mainly of a triangle - a main street that is a bit touristy but does have lovely little restaurants and then the little winding road on the sea front with old and new restaurants alike and gift shops.
Yes it was very quiet as they are struggling for tourism but through no fault of their own. Take the time to get to know the locals and you'll be made very welcome. We ate at different restaurants every night - traditional home made greek food which is very easy to find - yes you can also get hamburger and chips etc at many of the restuarants but I don't think this is no bad thing. I know when my children were younger if I tried to make them eat chicken stuffed with ham and feta and wrapped in vine leaves (yummy try this at Roda Town restaurant) then I would have had hell for the whole evening and very hungry kiddies so I think this option on the menu is a god send for some parents. Also in answer to previous comments about this type of food being made available - we Brits are the ones that have obviously demanded it - the french and itialians have no interest in this type of of food - so we are in fact our own worse enemy. In any case you DO have a choice - British or Greek.
Other restaurants we ate at were Ninos family restaurant, Smileys (ridiculous price of less than £20 for 2 course meal - Greek of course - carafe of wine and beer ) and Estrelles all very good and all very friendly.
As for the entertainment again, you can take it or leave it - yes there were some bars advertising bingo or tribute acts but also every night at one restaurant or another there were traditional greek dancing nights - again take you choice you are not forced to participate in anything you don't want to.
We took a boat trip to Corfu town on the Thursday booked through Nostos travel as George was away in England and again this was a lovely trip. Corfu town is amazing and cannot be seen in one day alone.
There are so many other places we want to see, which we will do next year. Next year I hear you say - yes we will be back and having rarely been back to the same destination over the last 25 years this speaks volumes for the village and people of Roda because that is what made it special for us
So if you are interested in visiting I don't think you will be dissapointed. If you have any questions then please post them on this forum as that is what I did and how we both learned so much about Roda before we visited.
Carol xx
PS say hello to pork chop for us Steve