Crystal Palace Kefalonia — Hotel in Argostoli Municipality

Before I start I’d just like to add the Greek island are our favourite with such lovely welcoming people, Skala was beautiful with lots of friendly locals and good restaurants, we will return but definitely not to Crystal Palace.||Stated at Crystal Palace 1 for 2wks end of September until beginning of October, it was our wedding anniversary which I had emailed ahead to let them know but got no response, I really don’t know where to start…..||We were met at reception by Effie which we later found out was her name as no introduction or smile, we stay in Greece once or twice every year and have never had such a negative response, her sour miserable face was not a great start and this continued throughout the whole 2weeks . We were handed our keys and asked to pay Greek tax €70 which we excepted , we then asked if we had air con included, another €140 for 2weeks, so we paid €210 before even seeing the room, I asked if we had a safe in our room again €35 per week so chose not to bother as felt we had already been ripped off !!!|Once in the apartment our view was partially sea and a perfect view of the car park, the room looked tidy, but very limited kitchen things ( good job we ate out on an evening and not self catering) the shower was terrible, horrible old curtain which stuck to you and bathroom floor flooded every time you used it so had to mop up with our towels or floor very unsafe, two door wardrobe, no draws so lived out of the suitcase most of the time, there’s a table with 2 chairs and another little round table and chair in the corner which you wouldn’t use so why not replace with a set of drawers? |We did find the large bed comfortable so that was something positive.||Breakfast was another issue, although not a bad choice and variety we found the hot food was always cold, we were swarmed by wasps all over your plate( obviously not the owners fault) but very unpleasant so mostly couldn’t sit outside, which was a shame as it was a nice view, the wasps even came into the breakfast room which was also the reception area, so people checking in/ out at times. One morning we saw the old lady with dark hair (possibly Effies mother not sure) killing wasps by taking her shoes off indoors then immediately started scraping scrambled eggs from one tureen into another with her bare hands, we really didn’t want to have breakfast there anymore but as we had paid just under £2000 pounds for 2weeks plus air con and taxes on top couldn’t afford to eat breakfast out every day as well, hence avoided the eggs ….. Effie didn’t make any attempt to speak unless we said good morning and again greeted with a miserable face every morning, you just felt so uncomfortable and unwelcome, Joanne I think she was called did manage to greet you and a smile. Spoke to others there too who also commented on how unfriendly Effie was with paying guests.||Now for the access, it’s bases on a hillside which we knew but access to apartments not good, you have to walk down a muck track like a tunnel with bamboo either side, uneven and not great at night even though rope lights or go down a rocky steep bit to get to the field, due to heavy rain the muck path was closed as like a mud bath and dangerous so had no choice to try the field or long walk on steep winding hill unlit at night therefore taxis back in the evening as didn’t feel safe.||Pool bar tried once as again very uncomfortable and unfriendly, drinks sparse and swarming with wasps so didn’t bother again, spoke to others who had been stung even in the pool so didn’t return.||All in all the best thing about this place were the cleaners who were in every day , did a great job and always greeted us with a smile and a good morning, would we return to Skala, definitely a yes but would we return to Crystal...

I'm giving these apartments 3 stars! They state a 3 star accommodation and that's what they are to be fair, 3 stars.

Are the staff rude? no! would I say they're friendly? no! This feels purely a business transaction and to be fair that's what it is at the end of the day. I want somewhere to sleep and bask in the sun and they want my money.

Now I fully appreciate that I didn't make a good first impression for blatantly rolling my eyes at the 140 euro extra I had to pay locally for the air con remote. You guessed it, I didn't read the small print, in my head it's 2023 not the 90's. I honestly cannot remember the last time I had a room with air con that was extra...

The rooms are sizable, clean very well maintained and the complex layout and location are all really good.

There were plenty of sun loungers and we were never stuck for one, however there's always one person/family reserving them for the day and nowhere to be seen for most of it. The Patriot Union jack towel flying the flag (far too hot for the bull dog) can't blame the Germans this time!

Buffet breakfast gets repetitive but in the hotels defence I don't know what more they could do.

We're 7 days in now and my lads had accidentally smashed the ceiling light with his head. The ceiling height is low in the upstairs section of the maisonettes. He's 8 and stood on his bed to pull covers loose, as with all hotels there's a special way of tucking the sheets making them require some force to get the free. (You may have seen the reel/tiktok) the thick glass cover smashed into pieces narrow slicing him to bits.

We did the right thing and apologised and it went down hill from here.

Well we're obviously lying through our teeth at this point as there's no way it could have happened this way, he must have done it deliberately.

At this point the owners attitude towards us changed for the worst and we still have over a week more, shame the revenue they lost from me at this point far outweighed the cost of the replacement light cover.

Accidents happen! We reported it! We apologized! We paid for the damage.

In summary would I say here again? Only if it was the only place on earth the sun shone.

Would I recommend it? If you're a young couple Yes if you are an older couple with or without adult kids then Yes.

As a family with younger children (not convinced the owners actually like children) there's just not enough here for them. It doesn't take many swimmers for the pool to feel busy and it can be so quiet around the pool you turn into a helicopter parent trying to keep your kids quiet when all they're doing is being kids on holiday in...

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque island of Kefalonia, Crystal Palace is a hidden gem that offers an idyllic escape for travellers seeking both relaxation and natural beauty. This hotel effortlessly blends comfort, elegance, and breathtaking views, making it a perfect choice for a memorable Greek holiday.

Crystal Palace enjoys a prime location near the charming village of Skala, just a short walk from the stunning Skala Beach. The hotel is perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding landscape. The serene and peaceful atmosphere is complemented by the lush greenery that surrounds the property, creating a tranquil haven for guests.

The hotel features a variety of accommodation options, ranging from cosy rooms to spacious suites. Each room is tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and equipped with essential amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TVs. The highlight of many rooms is the private balcony or terrace, where guests can unwind while taking in the breathtaking sea views.

Crystal Palace Kefalonia offers a range of facilities to enhance the guest experience. The outdoor swimming pool is a focal point, surrounded by comfortable loungers and parasols, perfect for soaking up the Mediterranean sun. The poolside bar serves refreshing drinks and light snacks throughout the day, adding to the relaxed vibe.

The hotel’s restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience, with a menu featuring a mix of traditional Greek dishes and international cuisine. Breakfast is a particular highlight, with a generous spread of fresh fruits, pastries, and local delicacies, ensuring a great start to the day.

One of the standout aspects of Crystal Palace is the exceptional hospitality provided by the staff. Guests consistently praise the warm and friendly service, with staff members going out of their way to make every stay special. Whether it's arranging excursions, providing local recommendations, or attending to specific needs, the team at Crystal Palace ensures that guests feel welcome and well-cared-for.

Crystal Palace Kefalonia is an excellent choice for those looking to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this Greek island. Its combination of stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and outstanding service make it a top pick for travellers seeking a relaxing and memorable vacation. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring nearby beaches, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambience, Crystal Palace promises an unforgettable stay on the island...