All Visitor Reviews by Charlie R

Marias - (Restaurants in Kefalos)

Charlie R 10/10

My wife and I have been visiting Kefalos for about the last 6 years and we have tried most of the restaurants along the beach road. We both agree that Maria's is the best we have been to not only in terms of the quality and qantity of food but also because of the cleanliness of the restaurant and the friendliness and hospitality of George. We were last in Kefalos in June this year and we ate at Maria's every night and were never once disappointed with our meals.

We are heading back to Kefolas on 16 October, staying at the Artemis, and we can't wait to get back to Maria's.

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- GB

Antonys Hotel - (Accommodation in Kefalos)

Charlie R 9/10

Antonis is a simple and basic hotel providing accommodation very close to all the amenities in Kefelos.
The accommodation consists of a two storey block with 13 rooms, 5 on the ground floor and 8 on the first floor. Built in an L shape the accommodation overlooks the hotel pool area.
There are two pools, an adult pool measuring about 20 yards by 10 yards and a small childrens' paddling pool. Loads of sun beds and umbrellas are available free of charge around the pool.
Also in the pool area is a snack bar with a large canvas roof covering the dining area where breakfast is served.

The rooms are very simply furnished with plenty of storage space. You get a wardrobe, two bedside cabinets with drawers and a dressing table with a mirror, a small coffee table and one wooden chair. All rooms have a large fridge stocked with beers, wines and soft drinks which are very reasonably priced. Peter, the owner, keeps a tally of your daily consumption and you pay him at the end of the holiday.
Every room has a fair sized balcony with a table and two chairs. From our balcony we had a good sea view and as it was south facing we got the sun throughout the day.

The toilet and shower room was very small and like most Greek showers there was no shower curtain. The shower room also had an enormous sink. Water in the hotel was heated via roof top solar panels which meant that there was no hot water in the morning and the water only really became hot enough to shower in at around 2 pm, and was all used by around 4.30 pm. Getting a wash in cold water in the morning really did awake you up though.
Air conditioning was available in the room at an extra charge of 30 Euros a week. We didn't need it though as in late October the nights were fairly cool. There is no ceiling fan so I think that in the height of summer air conditioning would be an absolute must.

Although the rooms were basic and simply furnished they were kept very clean as was the whole hotel. Towels were changed every day and sheets changed every other day.
We went on a bed and breakfast basis and this was a continental type breakfast served between 8.30 and 10.30 every day. The breakfast comprised two rounds of toast with butter and jam, a boiled egg, a large mug of tea or coffee and a tall glass of fresh orange juice. Although a bit monotonous the breakfast was fine especially the tea which was the best brew I've had abroad. It was hot and strong and came in a big mug.
English breakfast was available in the morning for 5 Euros. This came with two fried eggs, English sausage, English bacon, beans and toast. It was really tasty especially the bacon which was proper, thick cut English unsmoked back and not the usual horrible streaky smoked stuff you usually get abroad.

The hotel is ideally sited with the beach and sea front only about 200 yards away. There are loads of tavernas along the sea front all offering a wide range of meals at very good prices. A typical meal with a starter, Greek salad, main course and a litre of house wine cost the two of us about 25 Euros (�18). We tried a different taverna every night and none was more than a 5 minute gentle stroll from the hotel.
Immediately over the road from the hotel was a small supermarket. A bus stop was right outside the hotel where you could catch a bus to Kos town (about 25 miles away) for the one-way fare of 3 Euros.
Peter the owner of Antonis was very friendly and helpful and couldn't do enough to help guests.

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- GB

Libra - (Tour Operators on Kos)

Charlie R 3/10

If I were giving my views on Libra a few years ago I would have marked them very highly - that was when Lynne and her husband were the local reps. Both were Kos residents and they knew the island well and were very helpful.

I think that Libra are now very poor in terms of customer service.

Last year my wife's suitcase failed to arrive at Kos (it had been left in Manchester). I reported facts to the Libra rep who said it would be put on another plane to arrive the next day but I would have to get back to the airport under my own steam to collect it as she was "not allowed" to collect it for me. It cost me �50 for a return taxi.

This year no Libra reps to be seen. Stella from Kefalos Tours met the plane and directed us to our coach. No rep on coach to resort. No rep at airport for return trip leading to absolute chaos in the queues.

My wife and I only continue to use Libra as Antonis in Kefalos is exclusive to Libra. If we could stay at Antonis using a different company we would use them instead.

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- GB

Artemis - (Accommodation in Kefalos)

Charlie R

This shows where the Artemis is in relation to Antonis.

At the extreme left of the picture you can just see the filling station which is at the bottom of the hill leading up to old Kefalos.

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- GB

Artemis - (Accommodation in Kefalos)

Charlie R 9/10

My wife and I have just returned from a very enjoyable week staying at the Artemis apartments in Kefalos. We booked through Manos which is now a part of the Thomas Cook group.

The Artemis apartments are excellent.

Sited in a quiet location just down the road from the petrol filling station about 50 yards up a well lit concrete path (ignore what the Manos brochure says about needing a torch at night). A 24 hour diner, mini-market and bar within 25 yards of the end of the path leading to the block.

A two storey block about 8 years old with a total of 10 apartments.

Spotlessly clean, spacious and bright rooms with good kitchen facilities - fridge with freezer compartment, 2 ring burner, toaster and kettle, adequate pots, pans, glasses & cutlery.

Small dining table with two cushioned chairs.

A good sized balcony with a Plastic table and two chairs. The balcony faces west so you get the sun all afternoon. Views from the ground floor balconies a bit restricted by surrounding olive trees.

Usual Greek style shower and toilet room.

Large wardrobe with two storage drawers beneath.

Dressing table with two drawers with a mirror above.

Single bed-side cabinet.

Good sized wooden framed beds with very firm mattresses and pillows.

Sheets and towels changed every other day.

Plenty of hot water from about 10:00am (heated by solar panels) until well into the evening.

Safety box in room - costs about 10 Euros a week .

No air conditioning which could well be an issue in the height of summer but fans can be hired.

No pool or snack bar on site but no problem about using other nearby hotel pools. We used the pool & loungers at the Kamari Bay for a couple of days and then moved to the Mayflower apartments. Both were very welcoming.

Late check-out from room (we stayed until 11:00 pm) costs 25 Euros.

The owners Nick & Katherina and their family live on-site in a single storey annexe to the main block and are available at all times. We found them to be very friendly, obliging and welcoming.

I would readily recommend the Artemis apartments.

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- GB

Marias - (Restaurants in Kefalos)

Charlie R 10/10

We were back In Kefalos again from 15 to 22 October 2009.

We were met like old friends in Marias

by George and his sons Louis, Tony & Dennis.

Once again the meals were fantastic value for money and well cooked. A meal for two with a Greek salad and two large draught beers was under �20.

This year I particularly enjoyed the Cod & Chips. Two huge pieces of fillet cod with loads of proper home made chips. Just fantastic.

The bread that Maria makes herself is also very, very tasty.

Looking forward to our next trip to Kefalos, probably in May next year, and we will definitely be heading straight to Marias for our meals.

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- GB