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

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.

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.

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
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...