TUI - (Tour Operators in Kefalonia)

Kate S           

Spent the last week of the tourist year in Skala, stayed with Dino at the Panorama in the village square. The accommodation was beautiful but regrettably all we really had was the room, there was no service because Dino was rarely available, although Catriona said that he would be happy to prepare breakfast early for us on days when we were going on trips this was not the case. He is a really nice guy but seems to have problems with separating his working life from his young children who spend most of their time in and around the top floor of the block. Sorry Dino but I was definitely not impressed, his 'cafe' was always closed and there was no way to get a drink or anything else other than that at breakfast time. Anyway, moan over - can I mention not only how helpful Catriona was but also Esme and Demitri who ran the trips during this last week of the season. Esme astounded us all, no-one seemed to have a bad word to say about her and her local, geographical, and mythological knowledge left even my 16 year old daughter entranced. If anyone sees her ask her about the Cats Protection League and her work for them on the island particularly over the winter season. If there is any one who works for Thomson who deserves an accolade then it has to be ESME. Demetri, our bus driver is owed a big one too by everyone who did the final 'Southern Comfort' trip on Wednesday 30th October. Saint Gerasimos' casket was opened for us all to view because of Demetri. Can't wait for the opportunity to visit the Island again and Thankyou Thomson for employing these people.

Panorama Hotel - (Accommodation in Skala)

Kate S           

Stayed with Dino at the Panorama the last week of the season and although the location, the rooms, the view, everything else could not be faulted, the fact that there was absolutely NOTHING else available during the stay (Dino closed up his cafe area immediately after serving breakfast every day). We had been told by our Thomson rep that if we spoke to Dino about early breakfasts on days when we were going out he would be happy to help but I found him somewhat abrasive and reluctant, to the point where I didn't bother after the first time. He had his family staying in one of the rooms on the top floor and the bar area was littered with childrens bicycles and other toys. He spent many evenings with the reception door locked playing cards with friends so we had to enter the hotel through the back entrance. Sorry but I didn't find Dino particularly helpful and although the accommodation was really nice, this did to a point spoil the time I was there. There were, however, some really nice and helpful Greek waiters at the local restaurant, the Pines and I would recommend their establishment to anyone.