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“Excellent Manousis Studios, Zante - but noise issues”

written by on 16/07/2013

We've been on holiday with Olympic most years for the last 15 (and never really look any further) because we've learned from experience that the accommodation and resorts are as described on the website and that the reps are helpful and reliable. The prices are also competitive for the self-catering holidays we enjoy.

This year we went to the Manousis Studios in Tsilivi, Zante, and enjoyed 2 weeks of baking sun in early July (I wouldn't want it any hotter than it was!). We wanted a quiet location away from the bars and restaurants but 5 minutes' walk from the beach and the Manousis was ideally situated for that. Our apartment was in the new block (slightly apart from the original building which overlooks the pool and poolside bar). Initially I was concerned about this because it felt a bit cut off from the main site. But actually I was glad in the end not to be so close to the bar, which was a bit noisy (until about 3.30am) on a couple of evenings.

The family running the Manousis clearly take great pride in their property, both the rooms and the grounds. Our own apartment was absolutely excellent - spacious (2 bedrooms), clean, lovely bathroom, large balcony. The toaster wasn't working when we arrived but was quickly replaced. Apparently, the apartments are all different, but we had the option of air conditioning (didn't use it) and a room safe, and a fan could be hired from Reception. The owner watered his beautiful lawn every evening and everything looked freshly painted.

However. The reason we chose the Manousis was because it was described on the Olympic site as in a 'peaceful' location, which it is - it is away from the bars and restaurants of the town. But this is rather undone when the Manousis' own bar (with an outdoor pool table) remains open until 3.30am. Not a problem if people keep their voices down or play pool quietly. But we had 2 very broken nights with guests returning late from town then sitting and talking loudly in the pool bar until nearly 4 o'clock in the morning. It is difficult for the owners, for whom the bar is a necessary source of income. But perhaps we could all have been gently reminded by the Olympic rep on arrival that there are families and others who will be sleeping at night (rather than partying) and generally living more regular hours.

There is also quite a lot of dog barking through the night. There are 2 lovely dogs living on the site - so friendly, both with people and each other - and I'm sure they are kept to keep other (stray) dogs off the site because there seem to be a lot in the area. But at night the dogs can all set each other off...

Would the night noise put me off going again? I loved the Manousis, but I think next time I would probably look for somewhere that didn't have a bar, or that closed its bar at midnight.

The Manousis is well situated for distance from the beach and town - and it's all quite flat, so good for those with mobility problems. The closer beach is lovely, and much nicer I think than the beach nearer the town. I would highly recommend the Barracuda Beach Bar for their beautifully laid out umbrellas and chairs and their excellent food (snacks and meals).

Despite the noise issues, this was a great holiday and we came home refreshed. Thanks, Manousis and Olympic!