Skala Hotel

"My route to Hotel Skala, was not prehaps a conventional one. I had booked another hotel for my three nights stay in Skala, but a difference of opinion as who was to blame for a booking error, led me to walk out of said hotel on a Sunday night at 19:15, with absolutely no where to go bar the beach. Sometimes, we really do the most illogical things, simply because it feels wholly right at the time. Booking.com were very helpful here, and confirmed a full refund to my account almost immediately. They also offered alternatives locally, one of which was Hotel Skala. Given the reviews on here, and it's very close proximity to where I had plonked myself, luggage and all, I felt it was a reasonable choice, but prehaps not an overly economic one, understandable prehaps given this really was, a very last minute booking... I arrived 8 minutes after the booking had been confirmed and paid for, to a rather confused Stelios who was manning reception. In reality, I had few options here. I was on holiday for but 6 nights, and having been awake for 30 plus hours as the flights had only been booked less than 24 hours prior to arriving, I was properly kernackered. I needed a place to lay my head, and Hotel Skala looked like a good option. (I have already produced an authoritative account of what took place at said previous hotel, which is available to view now, if interested.) However, to the point of this review, which is all about Stelios, Helen & Tam. Good points: Great location next to the main walkway, with easy access to all that Skala has to offer. Everything was very clean and tidy. The bathroom was purposeful, and whilst the room was hardly capacious, it was sufficient for a couple of nights. Breakfast was good, and service appeared willing and prompt. Buffet choice was a little limited, but there was a cooked option available, which though not huge, was just enough for starting the day. I just loved the towel antics (shapes/animals) provided by Tam. A small point prehaps, but appreciated all the same. Not, so good... No Pool (original hotel had a pool, so I kinda noticed this). Air conditioner leaked onto my shirt, which was a pain. This was fixed the following day. Cut my finger on the door handle to my room (HOW is that even possible?). But, when reported, this was also addressed the following day. I have to say, it was never properly acknowledged by Stelios that there was an issue. It just disappeared, strangely after maintenance appeared...Lol! All good! However, the real issue for me was simply one of noise. My room, no' 23 was directly opposite a car rental place and restaurant. You may well fare better in a different room than I was offered, but had it been for more than a couple of nights, then given the charges attached, I would probably have moved on. It was, what it was, but beware dear reader if you're a light sleeper, because dependent upon your room it may well be an issue for you. I understand, from occasional acquaintances, that copious amounts of grain and or, grape, can often negate such traffic noise, and general hollering from the locals when on holiday. Allegedly. Overall. Great location. Nice people. A clean room. Beautiful surroundings, it's therefore difficult not to recommend. Thank you to all at Hotel Skala who were kind enough to smile so readily at me, when I smiled at them. It was indeed, appreciated. As always, happy and safe travelling. Phil"

"Disappointing is the best way to sum our trip to Hotel Skala. We were visiting Skala for one night for my wife's 60th birthday and had booked two rooms as we were going with friends. Their booking was for a 'double with limited sea view' at 150 Euros and ours for a 'double with sea view' at 165 Euros. Sadly, whilst their room was correct, we also had the 'limited sea view' room which was, to say the least, small and did not have the large balcony with sea view stated on the listing. You could see the sea but from a small balcony on the side of the building. I couldn't check the details whilst I was there as I did not have a device but subsequently did and have e mailed them three times over the last three weeks. All of these e mails have been ignored. The room was nicely furnished and well presented - but was small and the wash basin was not in the bathroom. There was a coffee machine and kettle but no milk was provided and we had to ask upon which the smallest jug of milk known to man was presented. Breakfast was OK but as a party of four it was disappointing that nu suitable outside table was available. I have to say, I found the hotel rather expensive - we were unfortunately forced into a corner when the owner of the accommodation booked previously cancelled as they had family visiting! We visit Skala for a few days every year and could not stay in our excellent usual venue (Syriti Studios) as we were only there for one night this time. We will not be staying at Hotel Skala again!"

"Stayed in Skala Hotel during our time in Kefalonia and absolutely loved it! In a great location and close to traditional-like streets full of restaurants and bars, it was amazing as a basis to explore the island! The rooms are clean fresh and comfortable with great views to the sea. Also really enjoyed the breakfast options and loved to have it on the balcony outside :) Great experience and amazing price!"