Karavomylos, Sami 28080 Greece, Sami, Greece | (888) 399-9863
Beachfront location a five-minute walk from eateries and attractions
Family-run property with owners receiving consistent praise for hospitality
Pretty pool with loungers and views of the sea
Comfy rooms have air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and safe
All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace -- some with sea views
Quality continental buffet breakfast available
Poolside bar stays open late for snacks and cocktails
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Playground, ping-pong table, and tennis court
Outdated decor and amenities throughout the hotel
No dinner served on-site
No gym
The mid-range Sami Beach Hotel is a beachfront family-run property along the coast in Cephalonia. It's a five-minute walk from the village of Karavomylos, convenient for exploring the handful of eateries and attractions in the area on foot. While only some of the 49 guest rooms provide a sea-view balcony, all guests can take in the landscape from the pool deck and poolside bar. Operating since 1988, the hotel shows its age in some areas with dated upholstery, furniture, and features like tube TVs, but many of the bathrooms have received a contemporary makeover. Aside from a tennis court and ping-pong table, there aren't many entertainment options on-site. The Odyssey Hotel Kefalonia offers a few more on-site amenities like a spa and children's pool.
Scene
Small, family-run hotel with outstanding hospitality but dated aesthetic
Operating since 1988, the Sami Beach Hotel doesn't appear to have had any style updates since its inception. Though the property's building and grounds are well-kept, interior spaces are quite dated. The lobby area has a reception desk and small bar, separated by lots of chunky wooden seating topped with faded patterned linens. Curios and artwork dress up the reception and breakfast room spaces. Additionally, the family of owners receive rave reviews for their outstanding hospitality and friendliness. The outdoor pool overlooking the sea, as well as the surrounding landscape with bright bougainvillea and palm trees are certainly stunning as well. Clientele are a mix of couples and families, including many repeat guests. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.
Location
Beachfront location, with restaurants and bars a five-minute walk away
Sami Beach Hotel sits along the coast of Cephalonia overlooking the Ionian Sea. The area is suitable for exploring on foot, and it's just a five-minute walk from the village of Karavomylos, and 20 minutes in the other direction to Sami. Walking to either will allow guests to happen upon several restaurants, taverns, and cafes along the beach. Attraction like the picturesque Karavomilos Lake (seven-minute walk) and Melissani Cave (16 minutes) are also within walking distance. The Cephalonia International Airport is about 45 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Simple, clean rooms lack modern features
Much like common areas, guest rooms could use a modern update. There are a few different styles among rooms, but most have traditional wood furniture, beige tile floors, small colorful artwork, and old-fashioned linens in either floral prints or primary colors. All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, with either a view of the pool and sea or garden. Minimal furnishings include a small desk, wood bench, and wardrobe with sufficient hangers. Each room has a ceiling fan, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, safe, and tiny tube-style TV. Family Rooms provide bunk beds. Many of the bathrooms have been redone with contemporary slate-gray floor tiling, but there are still a few that have older-looking blue tile. All bathrooms provide a walk-in shower, pedestal sink, wall-mounted hand soap dispenser, and hose-style hairdryer.
Features
Pool with a view, buffet breakfast, and tennis court
The pretty pool and adjacent bar are surrounded by palm trees and offer an incredible view of the sea. The L-shaped pool offers a mix of quintessentially Grecian blue-and-white sunbeds and chairs among tables and umbrellas. There's additional seating underneath a covered dining area overlooking the sea, as well as stools at the shaded bar counter -- which is open until late and serves snacks like salads and sandwiches during lunch. A continental buffet breakfast is available, but there's no dinner service. Though there is no fitness center, guests can get their exercise on the outdoor tennis court. Also among the grounds are a hot tub, playground, and ping-pong table. Wi-Fi is free throughout.