From Rachel and Levent, Manchester, England

08 Sept 2004 - "If you have read all about the Souzana studios in Skala Potamias on this website, in most accounts it would appear a lovely place to stay. In fact, anyone would believe someone connected to the place is writing in its favour! Are they being paid to do this I wonder?
My experience this year has been totally different. It was a fantastic place in August 2003, when my husband and I went to visit: Idyllic, Beautiful surroundings, peaceful, accomodation always cleaned to the highest of standards and an extremely helpful and friendly member of staff, Tasos.
We enjoyed many a night at the hotel bar chatting about the greek way of life with Tasos,the barman, who I believe made the place so genuinely friendly and successful.
This year the accomodation was still great but there was a very different atmosphere, due to the owner employing a new girlfriend to run the place. Sadly it has since lost its cultural appeal, and the new rules have made the place unpleasant to stay in.
Last year, the bar used to be open until the guests went to bed. This year, however, we were disappointed to find that at 1.30 we were told the bar would close. At 1am the owner was looking at his watch, which made other guests and ourselves feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome. Not the brightest thing to do to guests who are your repeated business each year, but this seems the new and ignorant way to run the Souzana.
Another major disappointment was that the only member of staff that was any worth was made to leave!
Anyone that knows the infamous Tasos, will be upset to find out that he was sacked on our second to last day, I believe, for not telling guests to order pizza's from the owner 'Alex's' restaurant in the town! Instead a group of guests had been ordering in from the Italian much to the upset of his English girlfriend who promptly adminstered the'sacking'. Who knows why a lovely person like Tasos, who happened to work for the hotel and restaurant for over 12 years would be sacked for such a thing? He had really made our previous holiday and we hoped would for many others to come.
Unfortunately this was a real eye-opener to the kind of characters now working there and a very upsetting sight to witness.
Sadly, the place has much changed under new, unfriendly management. A holiday should be enjoyed, relaxing by the pool, with friendly chatting in the evenings to staff and other guests. We didn't expect to listen to the staffs personal problems or rude comments about other guests that had previously stayed there.
This we found surprising, as well as extremely rude and unprofessional, how do they expect to get repeat business which is so important in a place like Thassos?
On our last day, we were also very disappointed to find that we could not take a shower after vacating our rooms at midday even though our transfer was at 5.30pm. We were told that neither a courtesy room nor a shower would be provided which left 9 rooms worth of people (including children) sitting around for 5 and a half hours very hot and sweaty, wishing to get in the pool or enjoy the sunshine for 1 last day.
There was no system in place to cater for this, and people were left irritable and annoyed that they could not have a shower in extremely hot conditions before travelling back to the UK. Apparently you cannot pay to keep your room, as we were told that it takes the maid, Sofia, 11 hours to clean 9 rooms!?!?! ready for the next lot at 11.30! Hardly believable!
To make matters worse, when I requested the use of a shower at 2pm, I was rudely told to 'go and clean the rooms myself' if I wanted one! I was shocked at such a childish response from what appeared to be an adult who was responsible in the absence of the hotel manager! There were queues of people shaving and washing in the toilets underneath the complex! Nice touch! If you book for 7 days like we did, you will only effectively get 6 at the Souzana!
Let this be a warning to anyone who likes drinking past 1.30 at the hotel bar and anyone who wants to enjoy the last day of their holiday which they rightly pay for. The Golden Sun rep explained that they 'are not obliged' to provide a courtesy room or a shower on the last day, BUT they don't really tell you this when you book either! Word of warning. Always find out if your apartment will provide a courtesy room, or you will be sorely disappointed on your last day.
Come back Tasos and come back the old Souzana, this new management is in dire need of some customer care training!!!!!!!!!
Sadly the once great Souzana apartments is no more, and is flailing in only its second year of opening. Needless to say, we will never return, I suspect along with a lot of other guests

From Matthew Hamilton, Yorkshire, UK

04 Sept 2004 - "We have stayed in many studios and apartments in the Greek Islands over the years, and we would like to say how impressed we both were with the Suzanna apartments. We stayed there at the end of August for two weeks and found it always bright and clean. We also found Alex's restaurant excellent; so good in fact that we didn't bother finding anywhere else to eat. If you are looking for somewhere to eat and sleep in Thassos, I can recommend both."

From Jean, Yorkshire, UK

04 Sept 2004 - "We returned to Thassos for the 3rd year in a row, and stayed for a second time at the Suzanna Studios. We were greeted by Tassos like old friends and the studios again were kept immaculately clean by Sofia. This year though Tassos left at 9pm in the evenings to be replaced by Alex's girlfriend and the bar was a lot quieter without him, some nights deserted. We were saddened to hear on our last day that Tassos had been let go as part of a cost cutting exercise, he will be sorely missed, he was one of the reason for me and many of my friends returning to the studios. I also think if the flight transfers remain as late for next year as they did for this year that the management should look into offering a courtesy room to guests, as entire families were queing to wash and shave in a handbasin in the basement. Best places to eat this year were the Green Sea and Nautilos

From Kim Tyreman and Family, Gloucester, UK

01 Sept 2004 - "Can I say how disappointed we were to read the comments made by Antonia Harrison. My family and I stayed at the Souzana Studios at the same time and we have nothing but compliments. This was our third year running (my parents have been 6 times), each time staying in Scala Potamias. We were a little dubious about staying at the Suzanna, as we normally stay in an apartment rather than a studio, but would have no hesitation in doing so again. We booked three studios alongside each other and were impressed by all of them. They were possibly the best we have stayed in (and we have stayed in quite a few!) Sofia kept our rooms spotless and Tassos was always polite and helpful. Alex and Natalie worked extremely hard, both at the Studios and Restaurant. We felt that they tried their best to keep everybody happy and as for being inexperienced we know that Alex, ably assisted by his brother Dimitrios and Costas, has had many years of experience running the Taverna (where the food is excellent). As for the Studios these were built on Dimitrios's return from National Service and, between them all, we felt that they were very well run! One example of their "customer care"; was that before my parents had chance to mention a small leak in the bathroom, Sofia had reported it to Alex, who immediately fixed it. He then sought us out on the beachfront to apologise and to say that it had been repaired. The comments about the kettle made us smile; to be honest I think that the saucepan, with lid on, probably boiled quicker than my kettle here at home. However I would like to mention that kettles along with toasters and various other appliances were available to hire.
Also may I add, that although it doesn't always get a good write up, we always have a good time at Eric's Bar. Both Stratos and Christina make you feel most welcome and although the prices may be a little inflated the surroundings are nice and they tend to re-imburse you with a complimentary drink during your meal.
Both Daniel and Victoria have asked to go back again next year and all being well we will be :o)"

From Terry & Pat Simpson, Manchester, UK

20 Aug 2004 - "Well, after 32 years of holidays and never returning to the same place, we decided to buck tradition and return to the Souzana Studios in Skala Potamia. This time we took our son, aged 20 and his girlfriend aged 19 as we knew they weren't interested in disco's, music bars etc. We had such a fantastic time last year.
The studios were just as clean and tidy as usual with a couple of welcome additions in 2 changing rooms outside on the patio and a little confined office for Alex business. Tasos provided a welcome like nothing before as he recognised us as did Alex and Sofia the maid.
Our studios were always cleaned daily except when Sofia had the day off on Sundays and everything was in fine working order. Having travelled to Greece for more years than I care to remember I am used to the skillet to boil your water for coffee and for someone to expect a kettle I would suggest that there are loads of kettles in studios in Spanish destinations, so try holidaying there, then compare service, friendliness and value!!! You simply do not expect kettles in Greece, unless stopping 5 star somewhere.
We dined out all over the place in 2003, but this year we limited ourselves mainly between Megas Alexandrous and Nautilos, although we did wander occasionally to Green Sea, Flisvos and Alkyones when we were tired and didn't fancy the long walk. We spurned the horrific Captains after viewing the poor state of the kitchen.
This year we hired a jeep to visit the hills and we were totally amazed at Kastro. The drive up is thrilling, 9km of dirt track roads going uphill! There is a little snack bar/caravan at the top that will sell colds drinks and a few snacks, but try Kostas bar where the ebullient and enthusiastic Kostas will serve ice cold beer and make a few tasty Greek snacks while he entices you to part with any of your £ coins, US dollars or any foreign currency he can eke from you. His wife will give you a tour of the little church next to the bar, but no photos or videos. The other little church at the end of the town houses the 'bone hall', where the deceased residents of Kastro lie. They are buried but after 3 years or so, their remains are dug up and placed either in boxes or a tidy pile of bones in ths bone hall. Gruesome but wildly fascinating.
On the whole, it was a thoroughly successful holiday except for the rain on three successive afternoons, but even this only lasted an hour or 90 minutes. Just enough to try a few beers or mezes!!!
I won't be returning to Thassos next year (too many Greek islands to try) but I will return someday and see how things have changed. One thing I am amazed about is when sites report that the island is dirty. Never have I seen any evidence of Thassos being dirtier than other Greek islands."

From Liz Bellingham, Wolverhampton, England

13 Aug 2004 - "I too am very surprised to read the comments below. I've stayed at the Souzana studios for two years running and been coming to Thassos for ten years. They are the best apartments I've stayed in.
Kettle??!! you get a hairdrier, a shower curtain, a bath mat and a TV - good grief, what more could you want!
The fact that they are already fully booked for the dates I wanted to come next year shows how popular the apartments are. There are a lot of repeat visitors. I have had to book to stay in the Aliston which is only opposite I know, but I'm really disappointed. Never mind Alex and Nat, we'll be over every day!
See you next June!
Sarah and Stelios - Hope you both are OK, write soon!"

From Alison and Chris, Newbury, England

13 Aug 2004 - "We were recommended to try Thassos this year and we are glad we did. We stayed at Souzanna and were pleased with both the accomodation and the hospitality that we received. We had a fantastic room overlooking mountain scenary . . . and no I am not telling you the number in case we want to re-book! There was maid service every day which we have not experienced before . . . . she even went in to remove our towels from the balcony during a storm! Natalie is the veritable Shirley Valentine . . . . younger slimmer prettier version!
Seriously tho', hearing about the Greek way of life without the language barrier and from someone who is living it themselves added another point of interest to our holiday. Alex also runs a taverna 'in town'. We spotted the menu in Suzanna offering free wine to it's customers who also went to the taverna...it was a good pull and it worked. Good business sense there. We felt that Souzanna was a little more civilised and tranquil than a lot we saw . . . even from Alliston across the way.
Other places to eat . . Green Sea for the Moussaka [with cinnamon!], Captains, .but only if you have a humoungous appetite - don't order starters. Tasty food at Captains but it could improve on service and friendliness. Megas [?] Alexandros for astounding Pizza, especially the Anchovy and Olive.
Villages, try Mikros Prinos and Megali Prinos for something a little different.
If you want to see the fishing boats come in, get there before 6am - our lad was out with his camera one morning at that time and he still missed them."

From Sheila and John, London, England

11 Aug 2004 - "How strange - we never realised Skala Potamia was so big that it had two lots of Souzana studios run by Alex and Natalie and two tavernas run by the same Alex. Please, if you have booked to go to Souzana, do not be put off by the comments below - go and enjoy. Alex and Natalie are friendly and helpful if you need them to be and the taverna Megas Alexandros serves excellent Greek food - in our opinion, Alex's moussaka is one of the best we have had anywhere in 16 years of Greek holidays and his grilled sardines and cabbage salad are delicious. The studios are of an excellent standard - large and bright and cleaned daily (except Sundays)with sheets and towels changed more often than is usual in Greek accommodation. Judging from the people we met there in June the opinion below is very much in the minority."

From Smith, England

11 Aug 2004 - "Having recently returned from my third visit to the Souzana Studios in Scala Potamias I felt I must let everyone know who has booked to stay there this year what a fantastic place this is. Most of the guests were repeat visitors. Alex (who has several years experience) and Natalie worked extremely hard to keep all their guests happy (a job I would find very difficult given the long hours and the arrogance of some of the guests who are fortunately in the minority)if we had any problems they were sorted almost immediately - a fantastic achievment and a change from other places we have stayed.
There are several very good restaurants in the resort, we chose to eat at Megas Alexandros Restaurant most evenings for the quality, quantity choice and exceptionally good service. THANK YOU!
I find it very hurtful to see nasty comments on this website, comments that can also be very damaging to the hoteliers and restaurant owners. I believe these people deserve more respect, they work hard and get very little in return. Being charged for damage caused to property is not unreasonable I say, I'm sure if the boot was on the other foot they would do exactly the same and how long have kettles been supplied as standard in Greece?(comment from Harrison - Lancashire)
PS: Keep up the good work I have already booked 2 more visits for 2005!"

From antonia harrison, lancashire, England

06 Aug 2004 - "my family and i have just returned from 2 weeks in skala potamias staying at the suzanna studios. as we go to greece at least twice a year we are used to basic accommodation, but the suzanna was quite good compared to others we have stayed in. the rooms are bright and airy and there is a nice snack bar area, patio area and even though the pool is not very big it was very welcoming. during the day it was like being in your own private house with pool, as everybody seemed to go out. the studios are set in a very quiet back road but only a 5-10 minute walk to the bars and restaurants.

the only complaints that we had and other clients whom we spoke to was that in such a new property you would expect a kettle, and at least more than one electric ring that worked!! all the restaurants are about the same in quality even alex's ( owner of the suzanna studios)which is not very good by greek standards, and we were very dissapointed as we love greek food!!! we ventured to the next village called pannagia a couple of times, where we found the food to be much better and the shops and bars were half the price, it is only 5 euoro's each way in a taxi and it is well worth a visit as it is a very beautiful traditional greek village. we feel that the owners of the suzanna studios could have been a lot more friendlier and gone out of there way a bit more to please there customers although tassos behind the bar was fantastic!! maybe with a few more years experience natalie and alex's customer service skills will be up to standard and then they will get more repeat customers, and maybe a busier bar area!! we really enjoyed our stay in skala potamias and would reccommend the resort to anyone looking for a nice peaceful break in beautiful surroundings.
p.s. i almost forgot, whatever you do don't get your towels dirty as they charge you 11 euro's per towel. which is probably more than all the towels in the hotel cost when they were new!!!"

From carl & jenny mumby, lincolnshire, England

5 Mar 2004 - "we have been to skala potamia for the past 4 years and each time we go we still find it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Souzzana apts. are 5***** and every one that we speak to says the same. The best places that we have found are as follows Taverna PHILLIPI & KRAMBOUSCA for the best evening meals The PASTRY SHop at the center where you catch the bus toTHASSOS is highly recommended for all its cakes but do not be on a diet. We shall be there june 2 keep the rif raf out."

From Pat Moran, Wiltshire, England

10 Jan 2004 - "After a superb holiday at the Souzana Studios in Scala Potamias in 2003 we have managed to book again for 2004. It looks like we will be there at the same time as Elizabeth and Barbara (remember Pat and Nat?) We are looking forward to eating in Alex's Restaurant (Megas Alexandros) and have 'chef's lamb' you must try it!! they also do the best Tzatziki in town!"

From Elizabeth Bellingham, Wolverhampton, England

9 Jan 2004 - "At last! Yes we've also managed to book the Souzanna studios for this year, but couldn't get in until 2nd June. Golden Sun really dragged their feet over this year's bookings, I've only just managed to get the brochure.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back there, I've been keeping in touch with Sarah and Stelios (from Coasters Bar) It's a bit wet there at the moment - for a change!

Glad to see that so many of you enjoyed your stay in Thassos and are going back again."

From jackie & cliff smith, staffordshire, England

7 Jan 2004 - "We stayed at Sousanna studios at Scala Potamia for two weeks in June with four friends, we had a fantastic holiday. Highly recommend the accomodation, location etc. Alex the owner and his family very friendly, we sat talking until the early hours in the bar. Tassos the bar manager was great, he organised and served us an evening meal on two occasions at the studios. Alex's parents cooked the food and brought it to the accomodation, it was like being in your own villa.

The resort has many restaurants and the studios are close to Golden Beach if you want a change.

I would recommend car hire as the island is beautiful, my husband said 'I would be okay to drive!!' as they were so quiet. Two of our friends returned to Scala in August although Sousanna was fully booked they syaed nearby at the makarana which they reported as also being excellent. My father and his partner went in August they stayed at the sousanna and they also thought it was brilliant.

Scala caters for families and the older more mature guests as it is flat This year we have booked to go to Stoupa, but we will return to Thassos possibly next year, so to those of you who have booked to Sousanna happy holidays and give a big hug to Alex and Tassos if he is still there."

From carol & roy, bolton lancs, England

4 Jan 2004 - "this is a message for shiela & john from london, who have booked the suzzana in scala potimia just to let you know these are brand new appartments only be open 12 months the owner alex is wonderful also he owns one of the best tavernas (mega alexandros) the appartments are great swimming pool bar air conditioning hair dryer tv saftey deposit box (although not really needed) the bar is run by Tasoss (hope that is the correct spelling) he will kill me if it is'nt we booked June 2004 do not have any worries about staying here you could not find a more welcoming place to stay.hope you enjoy yourselves and have a lovely holiday this will be our 7th time on the island so i think you can say we love it."

From Kim Tyreman, Gloucester, England

1 Jan 2004 - "At last we have managed to book our Thassos 2004 holiday. We have been unable to book an apartment but have booked three studios at the Suzanna Studios in Scala Potomias instead. Although we haven't actually stayed at them, we can confirm that these are very nice studios and are off the middle road, approx mid way between Scala Potomias and Golden Beach, and approx 200m from the beach. There are a couple of tavernas and bars within a few minutes walk, but Alex who owns the Studios also runs an excellent taverna on the beach front in Scala Potomias itself! Alex, his family and friends will do eveything possible to make you feel welcome and to help you to enjoy your holiday. We were a little dubious about booking with Golden Sun as we haven't had the best of experiences with them in the past, but as we couldn't get an apartment we were keen to book the Suzanna Studios. This will be our third year running to Thassos and are now counting down the days to July :o)"