RC Hotel - Corfu 2007

I don't believe in going on holiday to the same place more than once.  Or that was the case until I went to the RC Hotel for the first time in 2001.

Since those early days the accommodation and facilities have taken huge strides forward, largely as a result of moving from general hotel accommodation rented by the proprietor, Spiros Tsellas, to a site chosen and purpose designed by Spiros for the enjoyment of aeromodellers and their families.

The location at Poulades is an inspired choice.  It's beautifully quiet, just a few frogs riveting away in the nearby lake, yet is within a few minutes drive of the thriving resorts of Gouvia, Dassia and Ipsos.  Head to the other side of the island and the picturesque delights of Paleokastritsa are around quarter of an hour away.  If you don't fancy renting a car (circa £25-30 a day) Spiros arranges daily minibus rides to pretty much wherever you want.

The accommodation is deliberately limited to 20 or so air-conditioned rooms so that the flying site doesn't get overloaded and you are guaranteed a sun bed around the splendid pool. All the rooms have a great view of the flying site but aren't so close that the noise is intrusive - have a look at the aerial photos to get a better idea of the layout.  

The flying site is a decent sized grass strip with a large hangar/workshop. There are a couple of trees to keep the concentration up, but nothing to give you sleepless nights. There are too many planes in the hotel's fleet to list, ranging from IC, to electric, to helicopters to the odd glider.  But for me the RC Hotel is about the people and the environment rather than the flying.  I've flown the hotel planes,  I've flown my own electrics and I've taken a Pike to a great DS spot above the stunning beach at Agios Gordis but rarely have I flown more than a couple of hours per holiday.  Many people fly much more, indeed for some the whole purpose is to learn to fly or perfect certain manoeuvres with the help of the hotel's instructors.

Will the hotel and set up suit you and your family?  Only you can decide, but of those that take the plunge well over 60% come back, which is a quite amazing rate of repeat business.   Personally I can't remember how I ever coped without my annual complete de-stress in Corfu.  If you're socially inclined in the slightest I'd wager it will suit you.   Even my wife, who at best tolerates aeromodelling, loves the tranquillity and camaraderie of the RC Hotel.  Having a common interest means much more than just liking toy aeroplanes (or being married to an idiot who likes toy aeroplanes), it often means you'll find a similar general outlook on life, humour and more humour. Surprisingly enough the conversation only turns to toy aeroplanes now and again - most modellers have plenty of bizarre anecdotes without having to resort to their airborne exploits.   Every day, from breakfast to the time the last beer is sunk it's like you're one of the cast in the American comedy 'Cheers'.

For more info, prices etc. have a look at their website.

Click on any photo to see a larger version.

Thanks to BarkWeb for the webspace.