Skala, Marina Bay Studios

I have just returned from a week at the Marina bay hotel Skala Kephalonia. It was a last minute thing found on the web. we contacted the hotel directly by phone and booked by e mail. I was a bit worried about what it would be like, but shouldnt have. For a budget hotel/apartment this place is great. Away from the commercialism of skala it is peaceful, relatively unspoilt, and just what we wanted from a family holiday. We shared a large room between 4 and a baby, the room has a small kitchinette which was fine, showeroom, and had air con which worked well. Rooms are cleaned daily and are spotless.

The rooms are only 30 metres from the beautiful, clean sandy beach of mounda, which is nice and shallow, very safe for children. The infinity pool was clean and well kept. Food in the hotel is fine, with a buffet breakfast, but you will do better eating out in other places. The only thing we were not aware of is that the hotel is about 3-4 km from Skala town, so to buy supplies you wil need a bike, car or taxi. probably the best option if you dont want to explore the island is to use a taxi. 6 euros to skala and 50 euros each way to the airport. this may work out cheaper than car hire. Flights direct to kephalonia via tompsons are fine but i might fly to Zante (zakinthos) or athens via easyjet, and take the ferry next time. nice trip and cheaper.

There is another review on here, that gives the impression that there could be a problem with the staff, or theft here. This is not my impression and i think the staff are genuine and honest, and extremely helpful, a real family team effort. I will be back.

Marina Bay Hotel is ideal if you are looking for a quiet holiday in an unspoiled location.Our room for three was basic but kept spotlessly clean every day. We were provided with a fridge, 2-ring hob but no pans or utensils for catering, and not enough cutlery. Staff happily provided these when we asked. The restaurant staff - Spiros, Malou and Larisse made us extremely welcome. The inclusive breakfast was very basic, and the restaurant over-priced.We found the best value lunch/evening meals in out-of-town roadside tavernas which are plentiful. I can particularly recommend the O Ainos Grill House in the plaza opposite the ferry port in Lixouri (terrific saganaki & stuffed pitas) the Old Stone House in Antipata and the Siroco Cafeteria opposite the supermarket in the main street in Skala.

Marina Bay is perfectly located, situated right on the beach. Turtles nest there, and house martins swoop and dive over the pool. Great swimming in calm, clear shallow sea - ideal for children, and a small but clean freshwater swimming pool on-site.

Unfortunately my holiday was overshadowed by the theft of my son's i-pod which he had handed to the hotel Manageress to be recharged overnight. Next morning it was 'missing', never to be seen again, and the Manageress not only denied responsibility for its loss, but put the blame on my 8-year old son for leaving it with her in the first place. The ineffectual attitude of the Manageress and poor customer service we received in relation to the theft has put a blight on what otherwise has the potential to become a superb holiday destination.

Please be warned - do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Keep valuables locked away and do not entrust them to the hotel management as you will receive no help if anything 'goes missing'.

Good sized rooms, that were cleaned every day we were there. Beautiful views to the sea. Lovely quite location. The pool was not cleaned and was dirty, but we were told not to go in. You have to cooking rings but no pans, so you can't cook. The Marina Bay Studios are lovely but basic, you will need a car as you are in the middle of no-where .

The Marina Bay Studios was a delight, white, clean and plenty of room. Air conditioning (not expensive at 10 euros a night). Double doors open up to the hotel garden and the beach. Sandy, with shallow sea and never packed the beach which is owned by the hotel was lovely. There is a pool, but occasionally they get the chlorine wrong and it goes out of action. Only 1 tour company use the hotel and apartments so relaxing atmosphere. Food not right and you have to travel to Skala to eat.