This small hotel just off the main street of Skala in Kefalonia, is an absolute delight and such good value.  We went with Olympic Holidays on a last minute deal and were very pleased with our choice.

The hotel does bed and breakfast only, no main meals, but that is fine as it is only 2 minutes stroll from the main square in Skala where there are plenty of good tavernas and restaurants and bars to choose from.  (Ignore the Olympic brochure where it says that it is 10 minutes walk from the bars and tavernas - it isn't!)  It is in a great location.  Not noisy at night, just a short stroll up a side road off the main square, which is well lit at night.  There are no lifts in the hotel, just stairs, but you can always ask for a ground floor room if that troubles you and in any event the hotel is only 3 stories high - ground, first and second floors.

This hotel is a family business as many are in Greece, and is very efficiently run by Rita and John.  Rita is a Greek lady born on the island, and has owned and run the Starlight for 20 years.  John is a well-travelled Englishman who manages the hotel, so helpful and friendly, with a wealth of local knowledge between the two of them.  Rita and John usually mingle with their guests in the evenings on the outside terrace or in the bar, which is a nice welcoming touch.  

We had a twin-bedded room as we were two female friends travelling together.  The room again was spotless, clean and comfortable, with plenty of hot water for that late afternoon shower when you come up from the beach.  Nothing is too much trouble for either the maid, John or Rita.  If you need anything, just ask.  We needed extra pillows and had them immediately.  There is a fridge in the room (no extra charge), television, with small charges made for the air conditioning if you want it or a room safe for your valuables.  This 2 star hotel is such fantastic value we thought that charging a little more for the extras that not everyone wants to pay for is an ideal way of doing it, as you then have a choice.

There is no swimming pool at the Starlight (hence the 2 star hotel rating) but don't let that put you off.  There are plenty of free entry pool bars in Skala to use instead.  The ones along the beach front are lovely at the Tara and the Pikiona, and nobody mithers you to buy more drinks or food than you want at them.  There is no need to pay extra for a hotel with a swimming pool at all.  

The main beach of Skala is about 5 minutes walk from the Starlight Hotel (not 15 minutes as in the Olympic brochure!), a pleasant stroll down the main street past all the tavernas and shops.  From Skala beach you can take some lovely boat trips with Captain Vangeli.  We did 2 day trips on his boat, to Ithaca and a Kefalonian Coast Cruise, and both trips had stops along the way at secluded beaches for swimming - bliss!  Ask John or Rita at the Starlight Hotel on the best days to go on these sea trips as they know these sea waters and the local weather.  John will check the shipping forecast for you!

There are many great tavernas to choose from in Skala and our favourite was the Manor House just a minute's stroll from the Starlight.  We went there twice during our week's stay.  Do try it!  The lamb kleftica was superb.  

During our stay we also did a coach trip around the island calling at the usual spots of Melissani Lake, Assos, Drogarati caves, and my particular favourite - Fiskardo, the "St Tropez" of Kefalonia.  

To sum up, we thoroughly enjoyed our week's stay at the Starlight Hotel and will most certainly be returning.  I have stayed at many 5 star hotels all over the world but I can honestly say that I enjoyed this friendly little hotel just as much, if not more.  It has the personal touch missing from big hotels, and as such, makes for a wonderful stay.  I would recommend it most highly.