Kefalonia Bay Palace

Simply stunning location and room view with large balcony. Reception arrival very good Maria very helpful. No idea why people are giving this place such bad reviews. Room was cleaned daily to a very high standard, fresh towels each day, water in fridge when we arrived, tea and coffee provided in rooms. Pool had amazing views and always plenty of sun beds. Yes I would slightly prefer a walk in shower rather than over the bath but that was far outweighed by the good points. Good choice at breakfast and always replenished quickly. Yes it’s got steps and a lift but we knew that before we went. Very clear it’s not for people with mobility issues and the walk to Agia Effimia is very pleasant with most of it a gentle incline or flat. It’s only when you get to the hotel it is steep. You can’t get the views and location without the height! As another reviewer said - we don’t go on holiday to watch TV so size doesn’t matter! So many lovely tavernas to choose from and I’m sure a taxi up to the hotel would be very cheap if you didn’t hire a car. We had a car but just to tour the island not to get from hotel to resort! Went on a package to this hotel with Jet2 and excellent value for money.

Absolutely loved our stay a great romantic getaway. Seeing all the bad reviews regarding rooms I would like to say that our room is for changing showering and sleeping in, we go away to relax and enjoy the sights and not watch TV! Our hotel room was lovely with a beautiful sea view. Room was kept clean and tidy. The breakfast was plentiful with all sorts to choose from. Yes there are steps but these helped us by not being too lazy on holiday! The walking trips to Agia Effimia which is only a kilometer away with various stops on the way if you so wish, were lovely. Plenty of sunbeds, pool bar was great for snacks and drinks and the barman Costas was brilliant. Staff were amazing, very helpful and talkative. I would say bed and breakfast is the better choice as you can enjoy the various restaurants close by. The bad reviews for this hotel are totally unjustified.

Located on a hill the views are great however there are some real issues with a stay here A car is required to get back into Agia Effimia which has a lovely harbour & variety of restaurants but it’s not within easy walking distance The staff are really working hard in difficult conditions & felt like there should be at least double the number - for example in our 4 night stay only once was a barman seen in the main bar The restaurant on the road directly below the hotel does great food but if you want more than one option then its quite a walk back up to the hotel Breakfast is basic & again great views as you eat it The main problem is the access around the hotel which is not disclosed by them before arrival & there were many unhappy visitors due to the multiple lifts/ stairs to get round the site Bedrooms don’t feel like a 4 star hotel but are well cleaned however bathrooms are very outdated & can’t be properly cleaned due to broken seals round baths etc leaving unpleasant black dirt in situ (not the cleaners fault) The pool has good views but after the lift down to it then requires walking down a further two flights of stairs and toilets / washrooms are back up the stairs & lift The pool is large during our stay was no problem getting a sunbed & always clean although the mosaic tiles did keep coming out Greece & Kefalonia have many options I’d return to anytime but this is definitely not one of them

Was really surprised by how quiet the hotel was - no fighting over loungers in the pool area which was gorgeous and overlooking the bay. Bed and breakfast option is the best as there are so many great tavernas and restaurants to explore within walking distance from the hotel - starting from Paradise Beach Restaurant just by the hotel. Definitely stop by Cactus Bar when walking down to town and Pergola Taverna is the best! Little pebbled beach visible from pool area and just few minutes walk down the hill. Two lifts but still lots of steps to go up on the way to toiltets from the pool, which keeps you fit. Make sure to request room with a view, the best ones start from number 310 up as there is no roof obsuring the complete view. Super friendly staff.

I booked this 4 star deluxe double room & paid nearly £2000 for 10 nights. This hotel is far from being 4 star. In a word disappointing . I don’t understand the good reviews for this place unless we just got unlucky with the room. Feeling a little conned and upset but I’ll share the good and bad whilst it’s fresh in my mind. Receptionist assured me that this was a deluxe double room when I asked. NEGATIVES Room is terribly dated & grubby looking Room is small Bathroom is 1 star. Water trickles out of a very old shower fitting. Narrow bath with shower curtain that clings to you when showering is horrid. Water soaks all over floor. Noisy machine outside room which was very noisy in evening. Nasty smell ( from drain) outside so not possible to sit on balcony to enjoy the view unless you put a peg on your nose and wear ear plugs!! Hard bed Hairdryer hanging off wall Cleaner didn’t clean room daily so had to go to shop for milk & tea Toilet bowl dirty throughout stay TV- size of a postage stamp! No internet connection for Netflix etc. Many steps as it’s set in the mountain side Toilets a long walk up many steps from the pool Breakfast average- hot food was barely warm. Man speeding around on foot path around the complex on motorbike makes it dangerous especially for children. Need a car as no proper beaches with umbrellas for shade nearby POSITIVES View is amazing Good location Loved watching the barn swallows & chicks at breakfast Staff pleasant but a bit robotic Relaxing place Pool area plenty of sun loungers The room definitely let the hotel down. I heard from locals it’s in the hands of the bank and is struggling. It definitely needs an injection of cash to bring it into the 20th century let alone the 21st! I think this place has major issues (structural/staffing) which would require major investment. Also during our 11 day stay we noticed the same staff there everyday. Maybe an issue around staff shortage. They were polite but didn’t seem happy. Would I recommend, NO! Not to anyone however Aghia Efimia is wonderful place. Just stay elsewhere and get Better value for money.