Petra, Ourania Studios

We had read the reviews before booking and as they were fairly well balanced, we decided to come and stay at these apartments. The place itself was OK, rooms were probably the smallest I have ever stayed in outside of more basic domatia, into which was crammed two three foot single beds, a dressing table, a built in wardrobe, two bedside cabinets, a triple kitchen unit and rather peculiarly, seeing as there was no table in the room, two padded chairs which only served to get in the way of both bathroom and wardrobe doors.

Kitchen equipment was basic as expected, a motley collection of bowls ( but not a dish in sight), some pots and pans, a kettle, a two ring hob, a fridge, two each of pockmarked knives, forks and spoons and a bread knife ( but no breadboard). There is no safety box but air-conditioning is available at six Euros per night.

The bathroom was fine, shower, WC and washbasin. Towels were changed twice a week, usually on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and bedding once a week. Big plus was the huge balcony, equipped with two director-style chairs and a rusting iron table.

We alighted the transfer coach and walked up the pathway. No one appeared to be around but a kindly Brit told us he would fetch "Ourania" from the bar and restaurant. This he did and she turned up looking miserable that we had disturbed whatever she was doing. She said nothing, and beckoned us to follow her to the room.

After unpacking we noticed that the bathroom ( which received almost no natural light) bulb had blown, so when we next saw her we mentioned that there was no light. The following morning, her husband turned up, walked into the room, changed the bulb, and then informed us that as he had replaced the bulb four days ago, if it blew again, he would not replace it. I pointed out that we had only occupied the room since the previous evening but he wasn't bothered and barked that " people leave it on all night and the bulb blows".

Encounter number two was on the third day, after I had parked the rental car outside the apartment grounds on a quiet and little used side lane. He bustled up to me and demanded that I move the car, which was not causing an obstruction to anyone. I asked him why it was necessary to move it and all I got was a face full of his spittle as he shouted, "move, move, move!".

Encounter three was the following day when he knocked, didn't wait for a response, charged into the room and demanded that he remove the bedding. My wife was sat on the bed in her underwear, I was in a similar state of attire. She asked if he could come back in 5 minutes to which he replied, " NO, I need the sheets NOW!" and proceeded to tear them from both beds. Just for good measure, he then decided to start opening cupboard doors and actually started rifling through our stuff.

Final encounter was a couple of days later, we went to the onsite bar for a drink, asked for a couple of beers, handed over a ten Euro note, and had the change banged down on the bar so hard it rattled the glasses.

Potential visitors should also be aware that this is a working farm; there is no mention of this in the Thomas Cook brochures so be prepared for dogs barking all night, and tractors chugging past your balcony at any time from 6am onwards.

I don't know why the owner took such an instant dislike to us, all I can say is that if he speaks and treats all his guests like this, I'm surprised that no one has given him a smack around the face. He's arrogant, rude and belligerent and what was even more surprising is that the Thomas Cook reps were well aware of his reputation. Apparently, if you do all your eating and drinking at his bar and restaurant, he'll be your pal for life, if you don't, then look out.

TC's were not interested in our complaints after we returned home, despite me sending them chapter and verse about the treatment we received at the hands of the owner and the fact that nowhere in their brochure does it state that this is a working farm. They even told me that "I hadn't spoken to the rep in resort" which is incorrect. In fact, upon speaking to the rep one time, he told me that he knew very well what the owner was like and that he ( the rep) "had been sent here to sort him out" and that he( the rep) had told the owner on many occasions that "you can't speak or treat guests like this".

We will NEVER book with TC again, they sold us a mis-represented accommodation and are simply not intereted in anything we have to say.

It was with some trepidation that we went on our holiday recently to the Ourannia studios in Petra, as we had read many, many disparaging views about the apartments. We arrived home from there last Saturday 6th July 2010 after one of the most amazing holidays in Greeece we've EVER had and we have been holidaying in Greece for 15 years!

We know how Greek people are and realise that they can sometimes seem abrupt (this is just part of their culture) which we all go abroad to experience don't we? I can only the imagine that the people who made comments like "it was the blitz spirit that kept us going" - " The owner was rude and aggressive" etc etc, were expecting to go away and be pampered and bowed and scrapped to, if so then don't go and stay on a working farm in Greece!! These people work extremely hard, they are Greek and behave like Greek people do. I am utterly amazed at the downright narrow mindedness of the people that wrote such horror stories as their reviews.Which spoilt the run up to our hoilday hugely!

Christos offered to make us a special meal only prepared at Easter time as a special treat for us (it was delicious and amazing!) He also cooked a special Greek meal that my sister requested too, nothing was to much trouble, our air conditioning leaked water so my husband mentioned it and when we returned it was fixed!

I think the difference maybe is that we tried the language,(which is respectful when you're in someone elses country)we interacted with them, showed appreciation of their food, and let's face it when you work as hard as they do a compliment goes a long long way! It never ceases to amaze me that some British people can't be bothered to make any effort and then can't understand why they get the same treatment back!! Life is a two way street whether you're paying or not, and in my book a basic set of good manners!!

The scenery alone is to die for, the pool area is very clean with ample beds (that were never full or pre booked with early morning towels)it was just amazing, and we couldn't fault it. The apartments may not be as well a equipped as they could be but we don't eat in whenever we go to Greece so it wasn't a problem for us. But again that's Greek apartments for you.

To those narrow minded people who wrote such derogartory comments: If you want 5 star rooms, then pay 5 star prices, if you don't like the way Greek people are then don't go to Greece! If you take the time to get to know most Greek people you will find a dry sense of humour within that can be misinterpreted as brusque until you dig a little deeper.

Don't be put off, it's an expereince not to be missed but please make the effort and the rewards will be great Happy holidays!!!!!!!

Just been reading some of the reviews for Ourania studios, I would like to enforce what the last 2 reviews said. Petra is great, you get to see how the Greeks live, unlike the more popular resorts. The studios are based a short walk from the beach front. The rooms are basic, clean, but all you need for your time there, its Greece, you should not be spending all your time indoors, esp when there is a fantastic pool and Taverna meters away, net alone a great Island to visit and experience. If you are wanting 5 Star accommodation, don't pay for 2 Star, and moan when you don't get 5* service.

We were there 2 weeks, occasionally ate out, but always came back to the Ourania Studios Taverna, as the food was exceptional, and decently priced, my favourites were the Swordfish and the Mousaka. The host and his family were always friendly and helpful, could have easily stayed there another 2 weeks.

If you want 5 star treatment then pay 5 star prices. If you want the owners to bow and say yes sir/no sir every time you click you fingers then this isn't the place for you.

These apartments are set on a working farm in a beautiful rural and peaceful setting. Sometimes you can hear dogs and donkeys, but this is far more preferable to hearing thumping music from discos or mopeds and drunken teenagers. If you want a feel of old Greece in a peaceful and rural setting then this is the place for you.

The staff work very hard so sometimes they might not smile and give you a big hug in the morning. Personally we, and others staying there, found them helpful and good fun.

Would we return? Definitely.

Good points, the weather.

Bad points, we were staying in the annexe/bungalow - a long walk carrying suitcases, especially when confronted by a steep flight of stairs. For 9 of the 14 days we stayed no hot water was available. Kitchen barely adequate - no microwave/toaster/corkscrew/sharp knives. Cigarette burns in the bed sheets.

I would most definitely not recommend Ourania Studios. When concern was expressed to the owner about the hot water the response was very expressive and volatile

I'm going again in 5 weeks and can't wait. The advantages of the studios for me far outweigh the disadvantages and I would recommend anyone to go. Remember that we are the visitors to a foreign country, a few words of Greek go down very well in my experience.

The usual lovely relaxing Greek holiday we have experienced in the past, marred by badly maintained appartments and grumpy owners. Hope it was the end of the season "blues". Other holiday makers were making similiar comments.

The Ourania Studios in Lesvos have a brilliant pool! There is also a marvelous taverna on site, with top quality food and the coldest beer in the whole of Greece. It is a nice family run site, where we will return time and time again. See you there.

Absolutely top quality, at a really modest cost.