Kefalonia Palace Hotel

Accommodation in Lixouri

       
Spencer D          9/10

click to enlargehi well im spencer visited the hotel a year ago thought the was the best and the staff were very pleasent the down side is the location because it is a big distance to the main part of the island but everything else is good

Howard M

Hi In October 2006 my family and i are going to be in the White rocks or the Medtierranee in Lassi or the Kefalonia Palace in Lixouri on a half board basis. Please can anyone confirm we have the option to upgrade to all inclusive in any of these hotels? I have heard yes you can by word of mouth only.THANKYOU to whoever is kind enough to answer. Is car hire ok & cars safe (road worthy)???!!!??? Thanks again Howard.

Rebecca R           

I am 11 years old. I have just got back from Kefalonia palace hotel, and the food is exellent. The pool is really big and my brother and I really enjoyed playing in it, and the best thing about it is the sea is just 5 minutes down the road.

 
The people who work in the hotel speak good english and are very kind and helpful.

Paul K           

click to enlarge

Just returned from two weeks at Kef Palace Hotel. What a wonderful place ! Don't go there if you want disco bars, take away restaurants, and the usual tourist trappings - there ain't any of that. What you get is a well run hotel, adjacent to to superb beach, with staff who are all super friendly and helpful.

The entertainment is all pretty basic (Animation Team) however somehow it works - probably due to their endless enthusiasm and good cheer. Hats off to the team (Seb, Annet and Eva) for keeping the kids and the adults occupied and happy. If you want more then a short taxi ride into Lixouri (7E) and/or a trip on the ferry to Argostoli are easily made.
 
Pool excellent (although if you are going with young ones the shallow end isnt really that shallow - there is a kids paddling pool though), sun beds could be a little more plentiful but then again this keeps the pool area quieter.
 
This was our first visit to Kefalonia and it definately won't be our last. And yes - we will be booking this hotel for our a return visit !!

Angela S           

Stayed at the hotel in August had the most wonderful holiday there. Hotel very clean and very roomy even for four of us children had bunk beds, rooms spotless, cleaned every day. Food good kids especially enjoyed the ice cream bar. Entertainment team excellent seemed to work 24 hrs a day. Pool beautiful pool area very uneven and could be dangerous in places, but there are notices all around to warn you. Staff in hotel very helpful. Xi beach is less than a 5 minuate walk and there are sunbeds you can hire at 2 euros per bed and umbrealla a day, watersports, taverans and a shop, sea is very safe for children and the clay cliffs are good fun. Lixouri is a Taxi ride away around 7 euors each way. Do not leave your towels on sun beds as the pool cleaner will move them. Had the most wonderful rep Jeni (Thomson) very informative only one problem booked to go on the glass bottom boat trip was cancelled twice due to rough seas!!!! Jeni was at the hotel every day except Sundays and did the Monday night quiz by the pool until very late. A lovely hotel would recommend it and hopefully will revisit again

Angela S           

Just returned from 2 weeks. Had a wonderful time. Hotel clean, food very good, bar service in main bar very good a little slow around the pool area. Must mention Happy Hour in main bar 6pm - 7 pm drinks half price. Entertainment by Noel, Isabella and Jack very good and for all ages. Beach beautiful and very safe for children, many watersports on beach. To hire beach umbrella and 2 sunbeds 6 euros, did think it should be free for hotel residentants. Hire a car a must, Lixouri comes alive a night well gets buiser. Try the pizza restuarant on the square food brilliant. Hotel rooms very clean and enough room for 2 adults and 2 children, we had a terrace area which was lovely with two sun beds. Only grumble is there are not enough sunbeds by the pool area could use grass area to increase, do not put towels on to reserve as the pool guy will remove them. Travelled with Thomson Excellent, Jenni the rep was excellent as well. Would definately go again.

Debbie P           

We have been back home a week now and we are all still missing Kefalonia. This was our first visit to Greece with our two girls, aged 6 and 3 and we have had the best holiday ever. We can not praise the hotel and the staff enough. It is a great place for a relaxing, away from it all holiday but there is enough to keep everyone occupied if they want to be a bit more energetic. The entertainment team work what seems like a 24hr day!! We hired a car and explored as much of the island as we could. Everywhere was wonderful especially Sami, Myrtos beach and Poros. I don't think we have ever been to a hotel and felt so strongly that we would like to return. I have spent a lot of time looking in to returning for a late autumn holiday already!!!

Paula W           

Just spent 2 weeks at Kefalonia Palace Hotel - first time in half board acc. usually do self catering - wouldn't want to go back to that in a hurry after staying here. Rooms are ample for family of 4 in a bunk bedded room and kept extremely clean. Restaurant food is excellent and varied. Entertainment team of Isabella, Noel and guy from Croatia (didn't catch his name) did a pretty good job getting kids and adults alike joining in with the activities day and night around the pool bar. Enjoyed the aqua aerobics myself. Ashley is worth a mention for keeping the kids entertained in the evenings so the parents could get a quiet drink in. All round relaxing holiday, hassle free - wouldn't normally go same place twice but hard to beat this holiday.

Paula W           

Just got back from 2 weeks at the Kefalonia Palace Hotel. First time in a hotel as a family as we usually go self catering. Would have to say any other place I stay in future will have a lot to live up to. Entertainment team - Isabella, Noel and guy from Croatia (didn't tell us his name) did a pretty good job organising both the kids and adults for all sorts of games day and night. Particularly enjoyed the aqua aerobics myself. Ashley (night time kids club) also does a very good job looking after all those rowdy kids whilst Mum & Dad slope off for a quiet drink - well needed. Food was excellent - wide variety catered for. Rooms kept extremely clean and spacious enough for a family of four. Don't usually like to return to the same place twice but would definitely consider this place again.

Laura            

Myself and my boyfriend got back from our first holiday together at CPH yesterday and are full of nothing but praise for the place.

As others have said it is a good idea to get a car - although we didn't bother. It took us a week to peel ourselves off the sunbeds - Kef has that affect on most people we found. We took a couple of days out to explore but used public transport and found it very efficient and also cheaper than the car hire, as mentioned before the Lixouri-Argostoli ferry was excellent at e1.20 with breath taking scenery.

For a day out I would highly reccomend Captain Maccies Glass Bottom Boat - we booked it through our Thompsons Rep Jeni (who was amazing I might add) although all the tour operators on the island use it from what I can gather.

What fun we had, even in the rain (which we had for the last 3 days of our holiday) playing volley ball in the sea and getting covered in clay. And although the food at Ceph Palace was brilliant we ate better on the boat trip than we did all fortnight. The best thing was Captain Maccie finds Dolphins and they come and play with the boat, made the holiday for me.

The evenings entertainment at CPH was a little too 1950's Butlins for our taste but after a few cocktails from the ever attentive Dina and Terry, it can turn into the funniest thing that you have ever seen. Although towards the end of the hol I got a bit frustrated and as a singer myself I took over one night and did a bit myself. But the atmosphere is so relaxed this was not a problem.

The room was 100% clean with a very nice bathroom (one of the most important aspects of a room for me). The pool was visably cleaned on a regular basis as is the beach area, which you notice if you take a walk a little further to a not so looked after area.

On average a beautiful island and top notch hotel - there are not many places I would return to in favour of exploring a new corner of the world but Kefalonia and the Palace is one of them.

Andrew M           

We stayed in the Kefalonia Palace in late June / early July and throughly enjoyed it. If you're after a relaxing holiday this is the place.

Our advice take a book for by the pool, hire a car to see this beautiful Island and head up to one of the bars overlooking the sea, either the one owned by the hotel or the one further up the hill where the beer is cheaper.

The only grumble would be the entertainment or lack of it but it was too hot in the hotel bar at night anyway.

All in all a fantastic place, a great pool, nice staff and nice holiday makers where I'm sure a lot of friendships were forged.

Becky G

I am visiting the Kefalonia Palace Hotel on 4th September for 2 weeks does any one have any must see places and information we made need to know. Also can anyone confirm if there are cats on the hotel complex?

Nigel G           

MY WIFE AND MYSELF ENJOYED OUR HOLIDAY AT THE PALACE, THE FOOD IS VERY GOOD AND SERVICE IS BRILLIANT,THE ROOMS ARE GOOD, GARDENS PLESANT,AND CLEANLYNESS 100% TIDY. ONE FAULT WAS THE ENTERTAINMENT IS VERY POOR, AS A LOT OF PEOPLE GO THERE, BUT OUR WAITER TERRY WAS ALWAYS FIRST CLASS,AND SUPPLIED US WITH A GOOD LAUGH.HAS IT WAS OUR FIRST TIME IN GREECE AND OF COURSE KEFALONIA I WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK.

Gary B           

Just returned yesterday from a fortnight on this beautiful island. The
hotel was as described, relatively remote, but in a lovely setting.
The standard of accommodation was very good, with clean and comfortable rooms (Greek standards). Food was varied with plenty of
choice, if not particularly exciting. Essential to hire a car at least
for 7 days if you're staying the fortnight, (we used Greekstones, and would recommend them), in order to appreciate the surrounding areas - Petani Beach on Lixouri Peninsula; Myrtos Beach; Assos (which is stunning); and Fiskardo ( up-market), are all worth a visit.
If travelling to other parts, be sure to take the Lixouri - Argostoli
ferry, which saves both time and fuel, with a crossing of only 20 mins and costs 6 Euros for car plus two people.
Hotel staff worthy of a mention are certainly Francesco (Restaurant Manager) always very friendly and fluent in many languages; Dina, the
ever-bubbly Bar waitress who never failed to impress with her friendly
manner and beautiful smile; and the "Entertainer" / Deck-chair attendant at Xi Beach who hailed from the UK, and despite his best endeavours was never going to be the perfect compere in the evenings,
but spent his days collecting 6 Euros for loungers and umbrellas on the beach! His wife in the meantime, positioned herself in the Bar every evening, operating the computerised and complicated till procedure (apparently she was the only one who could operate it!) -
nice way to spend your retirement : some people have all the luck!
Around the swimming pool were what we called "cocoons", which were
quickly snapped up in the mornings for some protection from the heat, however none of these appeared to have the rejuvenating powers
of the similarly named objects in the well-known film!! Enjoy your holiday - we certainly did!

Gareth S           

Returned yesterday. My only negative comment about the hotel is we were disappointed with the food, some evenings the main course was uninspiring so we just had the salads. Otherwise the place was tremendous, staff were friendly and very clean. We spent our time on the beach and the weather was 80degrees plus every day.

Mark P           

We stayed in the Kef Palace last June (2002) and thoroughly enjoyed ourseleves. The food was excellent with lots of choice, the rooms were clean and comfortable (even if a bit simple by some standards), and the staff first class. The pool is big (although a little deep for our 8 year old - luckily there is a kids mini pool alongside) and great to cool off in and the canapies over the sunbeds are lovely for hiding under when the sun gets too hot (which it does!). Only slight disappointment was the evening entertainment, which was a bit disappointing for the kids (although the Greek dancing display is great fun - especially if you join in!), but otherwise it is a superb place to stay. Xi beach is also excellent for kids, while the sound of the bells of the herding goats each evening was wonderful.

Because of its location, car hire is a must - and not finding the time to take a look around at least some of the rest of this beautiful island would be a crime anyway. The scenery is simply stunning!

All in all, we really enjoyed our stay at the Kefalonia Palace, so much so we are returning in July this year.

What's more, the island of Kefalonia is breathtaking and the people extremely friendly. Once you visit Kefalonia once, you will keep coming back.

Jeni M           

We're currently sat in an internet cafe because the weather is crap! However, the first 5 days of our fortnight were very hot and sunny. We hired a car from Rallatos in Lixouri, E190 for the week. We would highly recommend this, as the island is incredibly beautifull and a car is the cheapest way to see it.

We found Anti Sami Beach the best, it has a cool beach bar too. The drive from Argostoli is not as nerve wracking as the coast road to Myrtos and Fiskado. Assos is well worth a vist too, it even has an uninhabited prison which has recently been refurbished!

Anyway, back to the hotel..We found the rooms to be very clean, but not quite as comfortable as you would expect. We visited some other hotel to compare and the C.P.H. is clearly one of the best. It just seems that they don't go in for comfortable beds. Definitely would not recommend for honeymooners. A couple we made friends with, who shall remain nameless, actually broke their bed and they weren't even participating in bedroom gymnastics at the time!

Another point to mention, if you are a family of say, 2 adults and 2 children and have booked a family room, you will be put in the same size room as 2 adults. This would not leave enough space to swing the hotel cat. That said, the staff are excellent, the hotel is very clean, and don't listen to Frank's (The Restaurant Manager)weather predictions!

Sri Lanka has a Lion on it's flag and not a Tiger: you may find this information useful!!

Bon Voyage and Happy Hols :-)

Susan M           

We have just returned form the most peaceful relaxing holiday we have had to date. The weather was excellent in the mid 90's, the hotel with its adjoning beach was the perfect get away. Ideal for families that like the quiet life. Pleasant walks, stunning scenery and the nearest town, Lixouri only a ten mins drive away. We did not bother with a car and did a couple of island tours which gave us the insite to the island and the culture. The hotel was perfectly clean, the food excellent, and the staff extremely helpful. We are going back in october and would highly recommend this hotel. If you are looking for kids clubs and night entertainment then this is not for you. Peace an quiet is the order of the day

Linda D           

I have not exactly stayed at the hotel,but nearby and used the beach etc. Very nice beach and transfer time from the airport probably 1 hour.. taxi from airport to ARGOSTOLI, then ferry for 20 mins over to Lixouri, very cheap 1 euro and then you would need taxi to hotel about 10-15 mins. Much easier if you hire a car from airport and keep it for the entire holiday... port of Argostoli well signposted and easy to get car onto ferry.
hope you have good holiday

Duncan H

We are visiting Kefalonia Palace Hotel in May this year, have booked a hire car from airport, can anybody tell me transfer time and approx mileage.Any other infor you may think relavent would be most welcome

Geraldine R           

We have just returned from a lovely, relaxing two week holiday at the Kefalonia Palace Hotel with Portland Direct (26/9 to 10/10/02). We wanted a peaceful location, and that is exactly what we got. It is advisable to hire a car because of the isolated location. Buses into Lixouri were very infrequent; but taxis were available at 7 euros for the one way trip. The food was very good, with plenty of variety to suit all tastes. Rooms were clean and adequately if somewhat basically appointed. The air conditioning had been switched off in the middle of September and could have done to still be on for the first week of our holiday; but fans were available to hire (and definitely necessary). The bed linen seemed rather scratchy and worn at the time of our stay. The pool area is good; but for peace Sandy Xi beach adjoining the hotel was lovely. Swimming appeared safe in calm sea, which remained shallow for a long way out. The evening entertainment was decidedly unsophisticated, and could be better, with the hotel being so far out of town. For a change of scene there were hourly ferries between Lixouri and the capital, Argostoli. However the less able bodied would find these difficult as it is necessary to climb quite a lot of steps when boarding and disembarking. Travelling to and from the airport involved this ferry trip and taking one's own luggage on and off the boat. There were quite a lot of children staying the first week of our holiday, but by the second week the clientele was predominantly more middle aged (like us). Some people return to the hotel over and over; and we are very likely to book another stay.

Steve L           

As previous comments have mentioned the Hotel is very isolated and there's not much for the kids to do. The food was above average and there's plenty of choice to sort all tastes. The entertainment in a word was 'Pants' we found it very difficult to enjoy the evenings, particualrly when you have a 2 year to keep occupied. There was nothing to do during the day accept swim in the pool, find a space on the beach or play on the 20 year pool & table tennis tables! All in all the hotel was nice, very clean and perfect if you want the get-away-from-it-all holiday.If you want the more energetic party holiday DON'T go there. P.S. Be aware of the Germans reserving the pool sunbeds!!!!

Deborah K           

The staff were fantastic and oh so friendly, the food was brilliant and Yiannis is surely one of the most professional restaurant managers in Greece. But ... the hotel is isolated (just one taverna at present in the vicinity) and about 9km from the nearest town. Despite Rick's best efforts the entertainment is dreary although it may get better as the season progresses... The kids made their own entertainment but the play area is sadly lacking and I think this lovely hotel needs to become a lot more child orientated if it wants to fulfil the brochure description that it is "ideal for families".

Debbie D           

The hotel is excellent. The food is fantastic, the pool is great and the staff are really friendly. It's only downside is that it is a bit isolated so a car is needed to explore more of the island or even get into Lixouri. We really enjoyed our 2 weeks there last year and are going back again in August! It's a great place for a holiday.

Daivid L           

The Hotel is excellent and the staff are very friendly. It has a great pool and the hotel is right on the beach. You really need a car to explore or a local taxi to go into Lixouri. It is good for families and there is some evening entertainment. The food is excellent with plenty of choice. We enjoyed it so much we've booked again for next year!