Kefalonia Bay Palace

This hotel is widely celebrated for its spectacular views of the bay, sea, and mountains, often including the island of Ithaca, which guests consistently describe as breathtaking and a signature feature. The large swimming pool is also a major draw, praised for its cleanliness, ample sunbeds, and stunning vistas. While the hotel offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway and active travelers who appreciate a good workout, many guests note the significant number of steps required to navigate the property due to its hillside location. The staff are frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. To make the most of your stay, be prepared for considerable stair climbing, and consider bringing mosquito repellent, as some guests have noted their presence.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large swimming pool that is consistently praised for its cleanliness, ample sunbeds, and stunning views, often feeling uncrowded. Pool towels are readily available for guests. While there are multiple lifts designed to assist with the hotel's hillside layout, many guests reported them as frequently out of order or temperamental, necessitating significant stair climbing. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reliable throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected. Although a pool bar is present, its operating hours can be inconsistent, and stock may be limited, with the main lobby bar often found unmanned. Some rooms, particularly the villas, offer the added luxury of private pools and are equipped with small fridges and sometimes Nespresso machines, enhancing the in-room experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with daily housekeeping ensuring a tidy environment. However, many reviews indicate that the room decor and furnishings are dated and could benefit from refurbishment, with some describing them as old-fashioned or tired. Feedback on beds and mattresses is mixed; some guests find them comfortable, while others report them as hard or worn. The bathrooms are a frequent point of concern, often described as dated and in need of upgrade, with common issues including flooding during showers due to inadequate drainage or lack of proper enclosures, loose shower heads, dirty grout, mold, and stained fixtures. While some guests report effective air conditioning, others mention it being old, noisy, or barely functional, leading to uncomfortable nights. Despite these issues, many rooms boast spacious balconies with magnificent views.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on breakfast is varied, with many guests describing it as basic, mediocre, or repetitive, and noting that hot food items like fried eggs and scrambled eggs are often served cold. Limited fresh fruit options and issues with the coffee machine are also mentioned. However, some guests appreciate the variety of hot and cold options and the pleasant outdoor terrace with its stunning views, despite occasional issues with wasps. Dinner, particularly for those on a half-board plan, receives predominantly negative reviews, often described as disappointing, poor quality, lacking flavor, and overpriced compared to local dining establishments. Many guests opted to eat out in the village instead. The pool bar offers snacks like club sandwiches and cold drinks, which are generally well-received, but its operating hours can be inconsistent, and stock may be limited.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a prime location at the end of a quiet road, providing a peaceful retreat while remaining within a short 10 to 15-minute walk to the charming Agia Efimia village. This proximity allows easy access to numerous local tavernas, bars, shops, and the marina. The hotel is also conveniently close to several small, picturesque beaches. However, a significant aspect of the hotel's location is its position on a steep hillside, which necessitates navigating many steps to reach rooms, the pool, and the village. While parking is available, the drive up to the hotel can be extremely steep and challenging. This challenging accessibility, particularly the reliance on stairs due to often non-functional lifts, makes the hotel less suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their polite demeanor, hard work, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and efficient. Housekeeping is noted for its daily service and maintaining room cleanliness, although some minor issues with the replenishment of toiletries or specific cleaning details have been mentioned. Staff are generally responsive to guest requests, such as addressing maintenance issues or facilitating room changes. While some staff members, particularly at the pool bar, may have limited English proficiency, the reception staff are typically fluent and highly accommodating.

Additional Information
Many guests note that the hotel, despite its stunning location and potential, appears tired and in need of significant investment and renovation to align with a four-star rating. Recurring issues include the presence of mosquitoes in rooms, prompting guests to advise bringing repellent. The hotel provides pool towels and, at times, beach umbrellas for guest convenience. Some of the villas offer the unique feature of private pools, enhancing the sense of exclusivity. Guests should be aware that the hotel's hillside construction means navigating numerous steps is an inherent part of the experience, even with the presence of lifts that are sometimes out of service.