San Giorgio Hotel

Stayed at San Girogio for 7 days in July - very hot!!! Had apartment at top of mountain - very steep but well worth the effort as the views were incredible. Having read some of the comments I would agree - book a lower room if you are not that fit!, beware of the rip off taxi drivers - we tried to share with a couple in Scala and the driver told us he would charge double as we weren't 'together'. The one gripe I would have are the staff - although I know they have come in for a lot of praise! We spent one of the evenings at the bar with two of the staff arguing loudly in greek, getting drunk on vodka shots and throwing dirty looks at the imaginary ashtray thieves! Having said that we hope to go back - but this time I will definitely complain if we get any more rowdy bar men.

Try and visit the restaurant on the main road into Scala - the boat! Soryr cannot remember what it was called but the food was excellent. About a 15 minute walk from San Giorgio beware of the flying insects and the wild goats!

A first class hotel with excellent facilities, pools are the cleanest we have ever experienced. Pool side bar and food cafe are excellent value with a good range of beers and food at reasonable prices. The walk into Skala takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on how fast you walk and well worth it for the range of food outlets available. Would definatley go again, if you request rooms 64 & 65 they are poolside for convenience. Evening entertainment first class.

Hi Richard

We have just got back and have had yet another fantastic holiday at the San Giorgio, it just get's better every time we visit!

We are going back in September for another two weeks, I think I have found my second home!

Could not fault anything really, the only suggestion I have for the hotel is that the evening entertainment could do with a shake up, Greek dancing and Karoake and 60's and 70's singers on every week does get a tad boring, but you can always venture into Skala for a change.

Hope you have a fantastic holiday, I am sure it will be red hot in August.

Diana Kirkness

Hi All. Just got back from San Giorgio last night (27.05.04)
A very nice holiday, and thanks for all your comments.
Yes Kirillos is still there.
As we all are, I was unsure that info left on this site was pukka, but be assured it is! My comments below are not a moan, just our observations. We are just in our fifties, fit and able. We like walking, to a point. We've been to Corfu 6 times, Lesbos and Zante.
Kefalonia was no nicer and no worse.
San Giorgio is very clean, almost clinical. It is a British settlement. If you want to be part of the Greek lifestyle, go to Poros or Katelios. The San Giorgio is exactly 1.88 miles from reception to Skala Square. I took a pedometer, sad or what!! :)
It took a good 50 minutes to walk it.
To go anywhere within the SG you either have to go up steps or down.
If you go off the complex you have the 1.88 miles to the nearest shops. On site Mini market isn't well stocked and prices are a fair bit higher than town.
The nearest town the other way is Poros. 5 miles up and down hills.
No we didn't walk it. Cab was 12 euros, but we hired a car in Poros for a week from Mythos Travel. Got a good deal.
YOU DO NEED A CAR TO FULLY GET TO KNOW KEFALONIA. Trust me :)
TAVERNAs: On site restaurant is OK. At best convenient. They put in a new commission scheme for the waiters while we were there. DO NOT expect jolly local greekness from the three guys. If you are not on one of their tables they will almost ignore you. They only work there so they don't really care if you go in again or not. You'll see what I mean.
Nearest alternative is Penelope's towards Skala. 20 minute walk.
Had two very good meals there.
Best taverna in our opinion was Aquarius. An adult restaurant with typical Greek taverna atmosphere. Very nice brothers own it.
Will we go back. No, but we had a good time.

Just got back on 25th, had a brilliant time, weather great, apartment very clean and staff all friendly. Found a local restaurant along the beach called Sunrise. Best meal in town, all fresh fish and Victor really looks after you. A must try if your going. Will definately go back

Our second consecutive visit here has been booked today. Wonderfully happy with everything last August. Has anything changed for the better or worse since? (Ground floor accomodation booked...)

Hi Janie

Can you tell me was Kirillos working in the hotel this year?
He worked in the restaurant in the evening and at the pool bar during the morning.

Hope you can help
Diana

Hi

We had a wonderful holiday at the San Giorgio in October 2003 and we go back this coming weekend we liked it that much!, bit unsure what the weather will be like in May but cannot fault the hotel and it's lovely friendly staff.

I would suggest you hire a car, my friend and I booked a car, hired for a full two weeks, Corsa size with a/c for £240:00 all in, booked through Auto Europe, and the hire car company is Europcar.

The shops in Skala are probably a good 30 minute walk and if it's hot a bit of a killer, taxi's are available from the hotel. Skala has a few bars and taverna type restaurants that are worth a visit in the evening, the hotel does have some entertainment in the evening but for a change of scenery nip into the town. The food at the San Giorgio is ok, stick to Greek food as some of the dishes can be a bit hit and miss, Breakfast is pretty grim, suggest you take your own bits and pieces from home or visit the local supermarket.

All in all I am sure you will have a wonderful time, only suggestion I have is request a room on a low level as some of the Apartment blocks are set up quite high and you have to be quite fit as lots of steps involved!

I will probably bump into you as we arrive on Sunday the 16th May for two weeks.

Diana Kirkness and Nic Wood

comments for neil poston. We came back from San Giorgio after a week on Sunday 9 May. The hotel was excellent. Very clean, lovely pools, fantastic friendly staff. Say hello to Lisa in the hotel minimart from keith and janie (aka auntie and uncle). It is a 40 minute walk to skala and the nearest shops/supermarket/restaurants but you can get basics in the minimart. We wouldn't walk at night although you can taxi for 4 euros each way. We paid 10 euros each per day for six days and upgraded to half board. The food is good - not excellent - but we were satisfied. There is no beach near the hotel and it is not very suitable for children. Some of the rooms are very high and because the hotel is built into the hillside there are no lifts so you may have a lot of steps to walk up. Take perfumed nappy bags for disposing of toilet paper. All in all we had a great holiday and I'm sure you will. The advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

Hi there,
We are going to Skala, Kefalonia next week, staying at San Giorgio Hotel.
Can anybody tell me how far it is to the nearest shop/supermarket please?
Also, honestly, how far is the resort centre from San Giorgio?
many thanks,
Neil and Linda
PS If you are there yourself 13 - 27 May drinks are on me :)

the apartment was clean and well serviced by friendly staff. however you can hear a pin drop from the rooms above and adjacent ( which is fine if they're dropping pins but ours was s**gging and clip clopping around in high heels- hence no sleep. the resort of scala is very nic but takes forty minutes to walk and is just too far after a day on the beach, or when youve got dresssed to go out and you dont fancy a four kilometer wlk. the taxis are rip off merchants and go on lightning strikes without any notice. ( clearly the life they have is just too hard and charging four euros for a four minute taxi ride isnt enough for them) the views from the high rooms are spectacular, however the steps to climb make it a bit too much of a chore. overall an excellent place spoile by the distance and the facist taxi drivers. a definate no go again place

We spent 2 glorious weeks at the beginning of October at the San Giorgio Hotel. Our apartment not only looked over the fantastically clean pool (and those who cleaned it!) but also to main land Greece. The food was absolutely lovely, almost as good as the waiters that served it! And the wine ...... well need I say more?!!! The Hotel suited us down to the ground, it was not rip roaringly rowdy, but there were 2 good bars (1 in and 1 out) and some entertainment in the evenings. The Greek night was especially 'entertaining'! Everybody that worked there, from those that cleaned to those that entertained, were very friendly and very hardworking. There wasn't anything that we would want changed about it, we very much enjoyed our stay at the Hotel and would definately re-visit it!

Katrina (Kat)and Jacqui!
Aka - Thelma and Louise

Stayed at the San Georgio 2/10/03-16/10/03.....Found the people very friendly, the staff were polite and courteous.The ladies who took care of our rooms were excellent...very hard working and cheerful. The standard of food at the hotel was very good but they could have made the arrangments for Half Board customers a lot clearer.We found that drinking at the hotel bar was expensive....but the snack bar was great...lovely fresh salads and chicken etc..The swimming pools were well maintained and the new pool was good for the children who were staying there!All in all a very lovely place will recommend it definately!!

Having just stepped through the door after a weeks holiday at the San
Giorgio I can honestly say I have had one of the best holidays and I am pretty well travelled.

Weather was mixed three days of glorious sunshine and then one day poured down all day and overcast for remaining, but still a beautiful place.

I found the hotel best suited for couples, however I went away with my friend and we throughly enjoyed ourselves, for you young clubber types I think a bit too quiet in the evening, we befriended a lot of the staff (especially in the restaurant, KIRILOSS was my favourite waiter and I have met a very nice person as a result of the holiday!)

The apartment is set up high off the road and the majority of apartments have fabulous views of the sea, if you have difficulty walking or have prams it is suggested to request a room on a low floor.

If anyone needs any info please ask

Can't wait to book for next year!!!

christine
should have added, though it might be an obvious comment, that the hotel do not provide any lifeguards, so if your son is not a strong swimmer, you would need to sup**vise. i'm sure i'm stating the obvious...

christine
should have added, though it might be an obvious comment, that the hotel do not provide any lifeguards, so if your son is not a strong swimmer, you would need to sup**vise. i'm sure i'm ststing the obvious...

christine
the san giorgio now has two pools. one is a traditional pool, the other is on two layers. whilst we were there in august of this year, neither pool seemed particularly busy, even though the hotel itself was. at no time did either pool seem "full to capacity", and there was no evidence of "pool rowdiness" e.g. kids constantly diving in and splashing all and sundry! based on our experience, i would say it would be fine for a 9 year old. there are also a couple of little beaches within walking distance where i think your child would be ok (with obvious adult sup**vision). hope this helps, but the comments are based on our stay, and i don't know whether this was typical or not of how things generally are.

Me, my husband and 9 year old son are booked to stay at San Giorgio Hotel in September 2004. Is it worth staying with a 9 year old (who loves the pool, but not a very good swimmer!!). If not, any better recommendations would be appreciated.

We've just returned from two wonderful weeks in Kefalonia, stopping at the San Giorgio. We booked this last minute, and found all the comments on this site very useful. I'd like to add the following comments:-
* Overall, we were very happy with all the services and facilities.
* It seemed very much a "Brit-friendly" hotel - read into this what you like as to whether this is a good thing or not, depending on your personal preferences.
* We found all the staff to be very friendly, helpful and accommodating.
* The entertainment provided was of good quality. The Greek night is enjoyable and participative - but only if you want to participate.
* I'd say it takes a good 50 minutes to walk into Skala, even though it seems less by coach and taxi. Don't under-estimate the walk!
* If you want a laid-back poolside holiday, the San Giorgio is great - there seemed to be enough space for everybody, without having to put your towels out first thing in the morning!
* Breakfast really is nothing special, and we couldn't be bothered after a couple of days. Croissants seemed to appear as a welcome alternative on some days, but I couldn't work out the system...!
* The restaurant was as good as any of the restaurants in Skala, in terms of quality of food and service. We found it paid to reserve a table at reception earlier in the day if we planned to eat there. Otherwise, turning up on spec, you could be waiting over an hour.
* Reception will always order a taxi for you. Most times it was fairly prompt, but other times it could take longer. Still best to order via reception, as the taxi drivers will honour this booking, rather than responding to whoever sticks their hand out. Generally, there was no problem getting a taxi back from Skala, but we always came back before midnight.
* Rooms were cleaned every day, and the standard of cleanliness is excellent.
* UK papers arrive around 1.30pm. The Brits then imitate the wasps at the bar (those that have been there will probably know what I mean...).
* We were lucky to be at the lower level of the complex. Don't underestimate the number and impact of steps to the higher levels. If, for whatever reason, 100 odd steps might be a problem for you, try and get something at a lower level.
* The resort does not appear to be the kind of place where it pays to be out of town for a bit of peace and quiet. As other people have said, the San Giorgio is a little bit out of town. If you want to be in the heart of things, the San Giorgio might be a bit of a disappointment. If you're happy to spend 4 Euros getting into and out of town, everything is fine.
* Within easy walking distance from San Giorgio, the pebble beaches opposite Porto Skala and Pelagos Bay are very pleasant, with wonderfully clear waters ideal for snorkelling - even for a novice.

Overall, we were very, very pleased with our experience at the San Giorgio. I'm not the kind of person who would gush enthusiastically; and if there were any grounds for significant complaint or dissatisfaction, I'd be amongst the first to voice them. In summary, I was very pleased, and I'm not easy to please.

Does anyone have, or know where I can get, the E-Mail address of the San Giorgio, I am coming out with my wife on Sept 25 and would like to arrange some things for our arrival, thanks.

We are coming out on Sept 25 and staying at San Giorgio, can anyone tell us where we can hire motorbikes, not the little put-puts but proper motor bikes !!!

Have the opportunity to book a holiday at San Giorgio from 25 September. Can anyone advise what the weather is likely to be like? Went to Thassos same time last year and it rained (torrential) all week. I'm not a sun worshipper so I'm not too bothered about temperature but would like it to be dry (at least some of the time).

Found the hotel very good, restaurant was as good as any I found in Skala, bar was excellent. Quiet expensive as depend upon taxis @ 4€, sharing doesn't always work & some charge double!!
Brochure description inaccurate in that it specified both the beach & town centre to be a lot closer than actually were! On the whole a good hotel & holiday resort although somewhat spoilt by development work along main Poros-Skala road resembling a building site in places.

The San Georgio is new and clean. If you get a high room then get oxygen or a hire car. We settled for the hire car - plenty of parking space near your rooms. Fantastic views from the room over Skala and mainland Greece. Be warned if you use taxis to get into town they can take over an hour to turn up at busy times - a hire car is a must.

ideal for taking children to as the little play area
keeps them enterained.

It is refreshing to see that some people are not comfortable with the hotel or Skala as it means more space for those like us who love it!
However the sea below the hotel is clear, beautiful and full of brightly coloured fish because you swim off a pebbled beach. The sandy beaches are five minutes cycle ride away!
We are returning at the end of September to San Georgio and hope to meet some fellow enthusiasts!

We enjoyed the excursion to Ithica which was organised from the hotel and the Round the Island one as well as it was our first visit. This year on our return we will probably hire a car for part of our stay but your instinct is right...let someone else worry about the hair-pin bends and mad tourists!

We will be in Skala, stopping at San Giorgio Hotel from 17th August 2003. Any general comments or advice beyond those posted will be welcomed.
Specifically, we'd appreciate some advice on the following:
* What tours/excursions would you recommend? Through which operators? Any that you would suggest we avoid (and why)?
* I would generally class myself as someone who would find the concepts of "hiring a car and driving on the other side of the road" and "relaxing holiday" to be incompatible, being used to UK urban driving. Should I hire a car, and any journies/places you would suggest I avoid for fear of not having packed sufficient underwear..!?
Thanks to anyone who can give helpful advice.

Mark

I am flying out on Thursday 24th July 03 and will be picking up a car from the airport. Can anyone supply a map/directions as to the location of the San Giorgio hotel outside Scala. Thanks in advance.

Returned yesterday and want to go back. Room very good (we had one on the second level up so only a small climb) overlooking the pool and bar area. Happily surprised last week when the second pool opened for the first time.
Restaurant OK for dinner but staff a bit offhand (I would be too if I had to work 8am - midnight x 7 days for the entire summer) but breakfast ordinary.
Entertainment average but went for the scenery and relaxation, not noise and bustle! Ideal for couples, not kids.

Just got back from staying in this lovely hotel, the room was immaculate and the lovely balcony with spectacular views over the sea made it extra special. The staff are very helpful and facilities are excellent offering you everything you need. I would recomend hiring a car as it is certainly worth it to explore the rest of this beautiful island. I would certainly return again and again!

Just got back and missing it already. The walk into Skala took 45 minutes which was fairly draining in 39 degrees! However, it was easy to get taxis (be careful, if you book for two people and decide to share with another two you are charged double, i.e. 2 x 4, if you organise to share with someone and book for 4 it is only 4 Euros. You are spoilt for choice with restaurants and the hotel restaurant in on a par with most of those in Skala (with the exception of the Pines which is fantastic! Only criticism - breakfast in hotel is very poor (rolls, bread, jam and cereal anything else you have to pay for!) Cleanliness exceptional both outside and in. The maid even left flowers for my husband on Fathers Day!

We have just come back from a weeks holiday in one of the studio's. I cannot fault the cleanliness of the entire place and the self catering studio rooms are very spacious. The pool was very well looked after and exceptionally clean. On the downside some of the rooms (including ours) are very high up and it is exhausting getting there (specially after a day in the hot sun)Also the location is not very good. The walk to Skala is about 40 minutes down a fairly busy road, but you can take a cab for 4 euro's.
The beach is very disappointing, really pebbley and very stoney getting into the sea (I was disappointed because the brochures do make it out to a lovely sandy beach. Overall we had a lovely time, but a week was enough and we do prefer the resort of Lassi where we stayed last time.

We went to this hotel with our son,wife and two children.The hotel was lovely and clean and the pool was immaculate.The children had a great time in the pool but other than that there was not a great deal for them to do.The breakfast was very basic and there could have been more variety.The snack bar had a good menu but was a bit pricey.It was quite a walk into Skala and we highly recommend the Sirroco.All in all we had a lovely time but would look for a hotel a little nearer Skala.We highly recommend a trip to Ifica.The weather was lovely but wouldn't go after the middle june as it was very hot

Stayed in early May. Pretty sure that a bike can be hired in Skala village. Temperature up in the 30s although this was higher than normal for the time of year. Excellent hotel with good and very clean facilities. Island is beautiful. No wonder Captain Correlli went back!!!!

if you end up with a high room number you are in for a holiday of hill
climbing.we had room 132 and it was a pain.the room was great but the climb exhausting.watch out for the rip off taxi drivers it is 4 euros
by cab into skala you find a couple to double up with they want to charge you 8 euros taking the p**s or what.it is an expensive place 4 euros for a milk shake thats about £2.80.cocktails 6 euros £4.20 we visited zante the prices there are better.they are still using captain
correllis mandolin as an excuse to stiff you beware.

I am going to the San Georgio in June. Has anyone hired a bicycle to get to Skala and back? Where is best to do this if possible?

the weather is nice in early october its not to hot or too cold just right

the hotel was too far from the nearest resort centre and many of the resturant waiters were incompitant!!!!! our room was realy nice and nice! allthough outside when we tried to get it we were attacked by bats so we tried not to get home to late!

can you show me a map of the san giorgio hotel and what is the weatherlike in early october

Such a gorgeous place with fantastic staff, too far to walk to Skala but Taxi rides are cheap. Can't wait to go back one day!

The San Giorgio Hotel is a brilliant place to stay. I went with my family and our friends. i think they might have been glad to get rid of us after our attempts to make a four high people tower in the pool. Food was great, service was great, everyone was friendly and they were ready to help with any problems you had or anything you could want.

I would like a map of Skala showing the location of the San Giorgio Hotel, which i believe is 3km out of Skala

Our stay at the end of September was just about perfect. We swam and snorkelled in the clear warm sea below the hotel,feeding the fish with bread we saved from breakfast! JMC organised a couple of day trips to Ithica and around the island and we used taxis which were cheap. Food in the evenings at the hotel or in Skala was really excellent. The staff at the hotel were all great!

we had a great time here,the room was clean and the food was great , even had sky sports for the footie , watch out for Nick the poolbar tender he is a star and managed to get my fiance drunk for free on our last day . Get a car though cos its a bit of a trek into town . Would definately go here again.

Eight of us had an excellent 14 days here. Rooms are well appointed and scrupulously clean. Views at the higher levels are nothing short than stunning. I would certainly recommend a car for some if not all of your stay not with a view of travelling into Skala but as a means to explore this lovely island. ( Skala is only 4 euros eachway by taxi)If you fancy a "night in" in restaurant, bar, staff and entertainment are all top quality. One word of caution do not get fooled into drinking the draft lager - bottled Mythos is available but not dispalyed!

a really good quality hotel,probably the best in skala other than the highly priced apostalata. we could not fault this place. Although car hire is reccommended due to the location (quite a walk from skala centre) very highly reccommended.

Accommodation 3km from resort centre, so walk took approx 35 mins to Skala. For the cost £650 pp the hotel could have provided a courtesy bus to the resort centre. Apartment very clean, however the unit was high up & not suitable for anyone over 60 (I'm 32!). Nightly entertainment very poor & swimming pool too samlle for over 300 guests (however I understand there are plans to build another).

One of the best places I have stayed in.The people,the hotel,the location,the food,the waiters... Cant wait to go back.

Although 3km out of Skala, the hotel is a good base for a holiday. You really need to rent a car to have a bit of freedom, as the walk into town is HOT and a bit tricky as there are no pavements. There is a beautiful cove suitable for safe swimming just across the road. The hotel is kept very clean. The food/drinks in the restaurant/poolside bar were as good, and the same price, as any taverna in town. Some of the rooms are very high up the hillside, not good when you've had a good night out! It was a great place for a quiet, hassle free holiday. Would go again, definately.

Location was poor for getting into skala it was a good 30 minute walk or 1000 drachma in a taxi!! The views from the hotel's own taverna and pool area were truly breathtaking. The rooms were Air conditioned and always very clean. We really enjoyed ourselves and would recommend this hotel and resort to couples and families.

It is very beautiful.

Although it was a long way into town (only 1000 drachmas in a taxi), the view looking out over the pool and the sea beyond more than made up for this. Our room and balcony were a good size and very clean. The food at the hotel was good too.