Roula Studios Reviews

12 sept 08/26 sept 08 We spent a lovely 2 weeks at the roula studios, Ann and Spiros are lovely hosts and so friendly and Sophia is lovely and makes a great ursus n sprite, the accommodation is great, clean, friendly and they couldnt do enough for us, it was our first time in corfu and they made it a very special holiday so thank you very much Ann, Spiros and Sophia and we hope to see you all very soon.

MANDY N STEVE FROM HULL (this is for Spiros KIRKELLA)xx

We had such a lovely time at the Roula.The owners are so freindly, they would do anything for you, nothing was too much trouble.The food was great,if you wanted something that was,nt on the menu Spiros the owner would go into town to get it for you, which I think is so brilliant.We found that we did,nt have to go out to have a great time, we were there for a fortnight and only went out once.I would like to thank Anne and Spiros for giving us such a good holiday.

On revisiting the Roula Studios after the first stay there in September 2005, it was so nice to see that nothing had changed. The accommodation, pool, hospitality and prices were still of the same excellent quality. We booked the apartment again (the only one available) which is real value for money and highly recommend it - even if only 2 of you like myself and a friend. The views from the 3rd floor are brilliant and the tranquility is great. Just a 2 min. stroll and you are in the busy, but pleasant, little town.

Both Spiros and Ann work very hard but are naturally pleasant and eager to make your holiday go as well as possible. The best place overall that we consider for eating (food is excellent and proper home made chips and mash!)is Paxinos just nearby the studios. The choice is very good and fresh e.g. no frozen food was evident.

We are definitely going to return again next year at the beginning of September 'cos the weather is usually just right for us - highly recommended for chilling out, good food, drink, prices and hospitality.

Strange thing this time - no mosquitoes but lots of wasps (due to the grape season we were informed.

Only one major problem - no lift access to 3rd floor so struggling up twisted staircase, with luggage is hard and tiring but I'm sure if Spiros is about, he would do this for you. However, once you're up on 3rd floor - the views compensate!

A 2 star accommodation with 4 star qualities - Highly recommended!!!

A well run and very friendly apartment block. Excellent standards of cleanliness and service combined with a proximity to the local resteraunts and bars which obviated the need for taxi fares.
The pool was very good - well cleaned and the bar meals were also very good. All home-cooked food made on the premises and to order.
Pool bar prices were reasonable as were the snack prices. There's a great bakery nearby and the resteraunts and bars on the main strip are all well worth a visit.
Benitses is quiet and orderly - if you are looking for disco-crazy then this ain't your place.
Quite clearly the best Olypic place I have stayed in - would easily justify 3 + stars.
Well done Spiros and Anne - and Chris of course - the maid is a star worker too !!.

We have just returned from the Roula studio's and pool. We have had a wonderfull relaxing holiday. Spiros and Anne were lovely hosts and couldn't have been more helpfull. The studios were fairly basic but very clean and they had a kettle. We were on the 3rd floor and had a shared terrace but it was still a nice place to sit and had lovely views. Anne and spiros work very hard to please their guests and nothing is to much trouble. We ate in the bar everyday at least once a day and it was all well cooked food at a reasonable price. If you wanted a steak spiros would bring all the meat out and let you see how fresh it was and you could choose which one you wanted.

The saftey deposit boxes were extremely cheap at only 5 euros a week and air con was available but we didnt need it because it was may and we had a fan in the room. The pool and the surrounding area are beautiful. Spiros is very proud of his garden area and it was lovely lying beneath lemon and orange trees. He also has cucumber and tomato plants and many rose bushes.

Benitses is very quaint and fairly quiet, we went with two other couples so we made our own entertainment but I think it might have been a bit too quiet if it had only been the two of us. All of the local people in the village are very friendly but I did have the misfortune of buying cigarettes from the guy in the kiosk opposite the supermarket. I was 60 euros down after my visit and although spiros went down and tried to get my money back the man refused. Apparently they do not belong to the village and only rent the kiosk. If you want to buy cigarettes order them from the lady in the supermarket. We spent most evenings in the Shamrock Bar they had karaoke and a pole we had a few good laughs pole dancing. Opposite the roula is a Chinese resaurent. The food is great and the chef is chinese. we made him come out of the kitchen to check. We also found Tony and Alex's restaurent very good. We were recomended the Big Bite but were quite disapointed, but it had been a holiday for 3 days when we arrived so it might have just been that.

All in all we have had a fantastic holiday and would not hesitate to go back to the roula
Olympic were not of any particular help the rep was fairly disinterested at any thing you asked or told her. The bus was late both ways and we had dreadfull delays on our return flights but this was because of the weather.

This was our second time visiting this beautiful resort but we had tried a different hotel. When we arrived at the roula we was a little disappointed due to the view of an ally way, but apart from that it was as good as expected for a 2 star. spiros and ann do everything they can to make sure that you have a enjoyable stay. Being this was our second time in benitses we thought we'd show our faces to the locals that we met and believe me they dont forget you.

We went to LACEYS bar which is brilliant for all ages they accomadate for everyone from quiz night to drinking games and laura and rich are lovely people who are easy to get along with.they do karaoke and dress you up which is a laugh competitions and you can watch the football on a english telly. we even got to watch eastenders and corrie so that cant be bad can it.For a good food everyone has to visit big bite as there food is brilliant and the staff is brilliant.

We enjoy it so much that we are going back in october and for many years to come.

i visited roula studios some 10 years ago, so knew roughly what to expect.the location is brilliant, set in the old village of Benitses, far enough off the main street for peace and quiet, but near enough to all the bars and tavernas .
Spiros and Ann have turned Roula into a fantastic place to stay,the pool is Spiros's pride and joy and is spotless !!
The rooms, although still basic , are clean and comfortable,with all the things you need.the Argo taverna,where Ann cooks the food is probably the best place to eat in Benitses, with very fresh and well cooked food,one day Ann picked a cucumber in the garden just for our sandwich !!
Spiros and Ann really do everything to make you welcome and help to make it a very memorable holiday. we will definatley be back soon.
Benitses has quietened down a lot since i last went, but what is left,is a very friendly,relaxed resort, with quality bars and restuarants and ideal for exploring the beautiful island of Corfu, get a car and go to issos beach, of if you want an all over tan, seek out myrtiotissa, about 45 mins drive from Benitses.

have just returned from a lovely 2 weeks at the roula studios in benitses.

the studios are in an excellent location just 250 metres from the beach, but qiuet enough to get a good nights sleep. rooms are basic but immaculately clean, linen changed twice per week and towels 3 times per week. there is a fridge ,kettle and mini oven with combined grill which is handy for breakfast. most rooms facing the pool have a sea view, we were in room 12 which overlooks the mountains and was very peaceful.

food is cooked by anne and was very good. spiros the owner and his wife anne cant do enough for you they are lovely people. the pool is nice but at the time we were there a family of cats had taken up residence and the smell of them was pretty unpleasant at times , i must add that spiros did do everything to try and deter these cats but some guests would feed them and they kept coming back.

the beach is ok we payed 6 euro for2 beds and a parasol, snorkelling is excellent because the sea is so clear.go to mouse island on the bus 1 euro each and watch the planes ,you are about 200 metres from the end of the run way and then go up the steps to the royal hotel cafe and watch from there its well worth the visit. corfu town on the bus is1 euro blue number 6 bus run every 1and a quarter hours.we hired a moped and visited right down the east coast but do be careful there are lots of bumps in the road moped 15 euros a day. eating out was good plenty of resturants try the chinese near roulas for both greek and chinese half a carafe of local wine 2.80 euro !!

we ate here 3 times the food was so good.paxinos spiros taverna and the pizza cafe are all excellent ,try the tasty corner for a snack or a gyros. not a resort for kids not a lot happening for them but a nice resort for couples looking for a relaxing holiday .mosquitoes are a nightmare make sure you take plug ins and repellents.

would i stay at the roula again absolutely, if i return to benitses i wouldnt stay anywhere else.

Beryl(my wife) and I visited our good friends Spiros and Ann again as we did in 2004. We were again accommodated in Room 15 which is on the top floor facing the sea. Spiros and Ann have raised the standard of ";Basic Greek"; by including in the accommodation beside normal facilities - Fan - Kettle and Shower Curtain. The standard is as excellent as ever and their hospitality second to none. Further improvements are planned during the closed season and I am looking forward to to viewing these on our DEFINITE next visit. If Spiros offers his ";Sneaky Trip"; in the car then accept.

Thanks to Ann and Spiros, June, Karen, Chris and Barbara, John and Jenny and John and Janet for making our holiday so enjoyable.

Upon arrival in Corfu airport we really did not know what to expect and after our LAUGHABLE journey transfer by taxi we were very concerned. But upon arrival in Benitses we were met on the main road by a gent who we later found out was Spiros(The owner of the Roula Studios) He had a few words with our taxi driver, next thing we know we are being drivin up a narrow street with Spiros running in front of the taxi showing him where to go. We pulled up right next to the studio's entrance, where Spiros took our cases and showed us directly to our rooms. From that moment on our holiday became not laughable any more but the BEST HOLIDAY ever !!!

The quality of the rooms were fantastic, the cleanliness of the rooms were spotless - top marks to the maid who comes daily around 1pmish to clean the room. The pool area (where we spent most of our day) was fantastic, Spiros and Ann(Husband and wife) they take great pride in their premises and it shows.

The first meal we had in Roula Studios (Argo Taverna)was our lunch which was a club sandwich, it tasted fantastic especially the big tomatoes!! because the quality of the food and the presentation was so good we decided to eat in every night and thoroughly enjoyed every meal that we had,(tradional greek food and english food) the food is cooked fresh to order. Ann's cooking is FIVE STAR!!! quality of food was excellent, taste of food was excellent, presentation was excellent and the waiter service was excellent, we also enjoyed the impromptu performance by Spiros of the traditional style dancing which he taught guests!

we can recommend if you can choose your rooms to go for the ones on the top or middle floors as they have the best views of main land greece, and especially if there is a Thunder storm!! the views are out of this world!

If you visit the beach in Benitses, make sure you wear a proper pair of sandles to go in the water as there are sea urchins, The beach is a shingle beach with very little sand, it is not very wide only 10 meters wide from the road side but still lovely to visit.

on the main street the Tavernas sell Crepes which are to die for! watch out though if you order drinks as the ice cubes are machine made with normal tap water, where as at the Roula studios Ann and Spiros use bottled water to make theirs.

The holiday was complete when we met 6 Doughnuts from London, You know who you are YOU DOUGHNUT!!! and of course not forgetting Rob and Robyn (Robyn aka Nikki) who where a fantastic crowd of people.

we would highly recommend people to go there!! we are looking forward to go back to the studios sometime in the future!!

Your other contributors have fairly summed up these apartments. They are basic , the beds are hard, the cooking facilities consist of a combination oven and 2 hotplates, with fridge and sink.

We were there just as the season was ending- and did places close quickly from the 14th Oct on - when we left on the 22nd Oct there was only 2 eateries left - our favourite Paxinos cooked the most wonderful mixed kebabs I have ever tasted, and thankfully stays open all year!

Sarah, our rep was wonderful, and a credit to Olympic holidays - she even saw us on our coach in the early hours of departure morning.
Anne and Spiros run the apartments, and have bought the bar and pool adjacent (Argo) of course it available to all Roula guests. The pool area is always immaculate, but the pool is not heated, and was seriously cold in October.
Food is said to be good and reasonable priced

Spiros claims to know just about everyone on the island, so ask if he can help.
If you need your room beyond 12pm on departure day it will cost 25 euros extra, but with our pickup leaving at 0200 it was well worth it.
A word of warning - there are some clever and nasty sharp toothed insects around the pool - we got seriously bitten on the first day, by what, we never saw, but the results needed anti histamine cream from the superb pharmacy in Benitses.
These mosquitos or whatever are an absolute pain, and are to be taken very seriously on all the island, even in October.
We did the Paxos/parga trip ( bus to Corfu - 1 euro, trip 25 euros each) a great long day out- but choose your weather !
We hired a car from Alpha car hire in the village- reasonable rates but be prepared to haggle if you want a car for a week - we had a new Corsa, for 25 euros a day,including all insurance and extras. Other firms were cheaper but some of the cars were over 2 years old and looking it !

A great fortnight overall, if it wasn't for Corfu Airport- what a shambles ! it is far too samll for the flight numbers involved, and queueing is horrendous even in October. Baggage is scanned BEFORE checkin leading to more delays, and the departure lounge is seriously hot.Not a place to be delayed too long.

Despite the uphill struggle with the suitcases and then up 3 flight of stairs, it was well rewarded with a magnificent view over the pool - plus a seaview which we hadn't anticipated.

Myself and friend had the apartment, which was great as it had 2 double bedrooms, large modern bathroom and shower, kitchen-lounge and large balcony area. This wasn't what we had expected.

The studios location, tranquility being a wonderful feeling all throughout the week, food and pool/bar area were really great. Both Spiros and Ann were hardworking and nothing was too much trouble for them - even though it was near the end of the busy season. The restaurants (Paxinos serves the best fish in the area - and must be good as it opens all year round and the locals dine there), could not be faulted for quality.

Overall, 1st time to Corfu for us 4 ladies (and we were!) and would definitely go back to the Roula Studios - it has a charm of its own. Don't expect plush amenities, etc., because this is what makes it so comfortable and relaxing. BUT just 3 minutes walk and you're right in the heart of the village hustle and bustle - you can't go wrong.

Hi to some great friends that we met, Polly and Jenny, Ian and Carol and so many, many more.

A lot is going on in Benitses at the moment, they are in the process of building a new marina and also renovating a few places as well. None of that got in the way of having a wonderful first family holiday abroad. The Roulla studios were clean, the beds were comfortable. Towels and tea towels were provided along with a fan in each room. The shower and toilet were a bit dated, but there is talk of having the whole place re-wired and re-plumbed in the near future.

The pool was cleaned every day and the children spent a lot of time in there. The cooking that Ann and Spiros served us from the pool side bar was excellent as well. A very friendly place to stop, there are some amazing walks into the mountains and plenty of excursions on offer. Bikes and cars to rent as well. Loads of Tavernas and gift shops, the locals do speak some English which helped us greatly. The beach there is not sand, it is more like a shale and gravel type beach, the water is so clear though, and mainly rocky under water.Everyone was very friendly and helpful.

For 2* apartments they were really good and we will definitely be going back to Corfu, to the same resort and apartments.

Roula Studios is in a good central location The best thing is that Ann and Spiros serve food at the pool bar and its the best food in the town, Spiros is a brilliant host and is fantasic with the kids he is also brilliant at sorting out any problems no request is a problem even supplying an extra fan if needed. We had a slight problen in the apartments with a family that was more suited to Kavos, Spiros dealt with them firmly and made them aware that if they caused anymore trouble they would be out. Well Done Spiros.
The beach at Beitses isnt great but the stretch near the Marina we found best and the Guy who charges for the sunbeds was really nice and helpful.
The restraunts on the front were all quite nice except for the way they put bread on the table that you havnt ordered but if you eat any they charge you 3 euros.

The worst part of the Holiday was Corfu Airport you were expected to stand outside in 40 degree heat for 2 hours.

Palmed the kids off to the Grandparents, and booked a lazy week in corfu.
Benitses is a smallish resort but had enough going on for us, could do will a little more night time entertainment. plenty of places to eat all ok nothing special, Connections internet cafe is good for cheap drinks 2 eros a big amstel n a free bowl of crisps.
we stayed in the roula studios owned by Spiros and Anne (english lady)and we could not fault the hospitallity 5 stars.
the accomadation is basic but clean and Spios and Anne have big plans and have started refurbishing the rooms from the top down, unfortunately we were on the ground floor.
The pool area and bar area are spotless and they are allways being clean, the food was as good if not better than the rest of the resort

I would recommend the Roula Studios to anyone, but try and get a top floor apartment. we had a wonderful holiday here