Mumsnet Talk

First time taking my DD away just the 2 of us (previously holidayed in a group of friends but they now have to do school holidays and whilst DD is in school nursery I will take her out for 7 days to save £££) and the complete flexibility I have is throwing me a bit!

My first thought was Mark Warner as did that before, so I was thinking half a day for me by the pool (possibly activities) while she was in kids club and half day with DD, evening dinner together (not really use the evening creche) and booking v last minute.

The Mark Warner we did do involved a hideous flight delay and epic coach transfer because the local airport had shut. Was a small charter. I was a bit surprised at how basic the accommodation was and delving a bit into some of the other resorts they all seem a bit tired with some bad reviews.

On trip advisor someone mentioned Neilson so I had a look and they are MUCH cheaper, accommodation looks lovely but all the flights seem to be 6am !

Can anyone reassure me that Neilson would work for me! Was looking at the one with all the steps as looks pretty, but seen another with 30 min transfer time Lemnos? and one that has bars/restaurants 10 mins walk away...

DD will require beach, pool and kids club. I require something pretty and relaxing with nice accommodation (ie not manky bathroom) nice food.

Oh and do they have good late availability prices or am I better to bag a free child place now?

Hi, if you mean Sivota as the "one with the steps" I've been there, not to stay but have used the facilites/beach on a sailing holiday. It is pretty but those steps might be a bit of a challenge with a 3 y o up and down from the beach. The beach really is lovely though and very private although lots going on with the activities. Ideal shallow sandy paddling bits for small children, complete with fish! Its also quite a hike into the town and back but they perhaps do a shuttle?
Hope that helps a bit.

We went to Lemnos last year. It had just been refurbed and was gorgeous. Short transfer, great kids clubs, fab food, lovely people. Everyone is friendly and the activities are great. We went last minute but have booked ahead this year. This year we are going to Adakoy for 2 weeks as it was cheaper to go week before half term for 2 weeks than just half term! Any more questions just ask.

it looks gorgeous.. i think with hols best advice is bite the bullet and pay for what you want and then you can stop thinking about it and start looking forward to it.
my little ones always relished the steps in other resorts, animals went in two by two hurrah was a handy song for getting them up and down and they slept well too!
also with holidays, the journey is part of the experience, dont be put off by transfers and delays, they throw up different memories and expereences that you cant plan. embrace it!

Ooh thank you everyone . Hmm just putting together a spreadsheet (geek!). Am thinking Lemnos or Sivota now.

Charlielover - at Lemnos what happens on the non club board nights, do they have special nights or do you need to go out of the resort (and how far is that?)

Also.... reviews mention power station at one end of the beach at Lemnos...?!

I've been to lemnos, we had a fab time have to say though that the beach is not that brilliant and yes there is an unattractive power station at one end. On non-club nights you can go into the village - very pretty, boats, waterside restaurants etc (they put on a mini bus or you can get a taxi) or they do things in resort that you can pay for e.g bbq.

not been sivota but have heard about all the steps - may not be great for 3 year old.
have you considered turkey - teos is lovely for neilsons

We caught a taxi down - 5 euros each way I think. There are usually plenty waiting to go down so you may be able to share. Many people walked down (15 mins) and caught a taxi back. BBQ night was nice but Mexican night was disappointing. To be honest I didn't notice the power station but then I wasn't on the beach much, mainly pool, cycling, fitness room and out on water. Hope you enjoy if you book.

Done a few Neilson holidays went to Lemnos before it was refitted and it was lovely only thing is kids clubs for preschool kids are a long way from everything meaning lots of walking in the sun for those big enough to be out of prams but not of school age, but that might not apply to you.

Also Neilson fab for solos I did one pre dd and met lots of people including a single mum. Very wish I could afford Neilson this year

Just wanted to thank you for your advice. I've just got back from Lemnos! Was a great holiday. Perfect for DD and I. Power station was quite small and didn't look that bad, beach was pretty, pool was lovely, accommodation nice. DD made lots of friends and loved the kids club, and I got time to relax. Recommend!