Aristomenis Studios

This place could be a winner based on views and cleanliness but unfortunately the owners’ attitudes towards their visitors lets it down big time. It was Eleni’s attitude in particular that was the problem for us, as Stelios came across as a “washing my hands” kind of person on more than one occasion - I think be could have handled some certain situations differently. When I refer to “attitude” essentially I mean complete lack of flexibility towards the customer and complete lack of understanding basic customer service principles. On our first day, we made sure we got up early and headed straight for the table area to enjoy our first breakfast. The deal was £7 (if I’m right), that included breakfast and filter coffee. I politely asked Eleni whether I could have a different type of coffee instead (as not keen on filter), which Eleni had no hesitation in declining straight away - also mentioning that a different type of coffee would incur an extra charge. Remember, this is our first day at the resort, in what was largely a “meet and greet” session with the owners (or at least that’s how we saw it). Now don’t get me wrong, if that’s how Eleni wants to do business, fine - she has every right to do so - but I also have a right to disagree with this kind of inflexibility and therefore take my breakfast business elsewhere from day 2 onwards. There were plenty of places on that little high street nearby or further down the Lourdas beach, who will be more than happy to tailor the breakfast around you, to ensure you leave as a happy customer. So when you see me walking past the breakfast area every morning, don’t give me those funny looks - they’re completely unnecessary and not appropriate! You had your opportunity to keep me as a repeat customer and you blew it. I can understand lack of flexibility being an issue when you deal with some low grade employee in a high street chain - but this is the business owner we’re talking about ; I expect the decision making to be strategic and a lot smarter and with the customer’s satisfaction at the very heart of it. Example 2: They do some kind of greek night, with barbecue and stuff, I think it were £15 for 2 or 3 pork/skewers and some salad and a glass of wine (I think) - not entirely sure of the details, as it only took me a few seconds to realise that this isn’t a good deal. Again, I decide to buy my dinner from the grill place up the road and bring it back home with me. I don’t want to be given more nasty looks and funny faces when you come down to water the grass and you see me eating food bought from elsewhere! It’s quite amusing when you read about it, not so much when you’re on the receiving end of all this. Having said that, there were quite a few holidaymakers who seemed to get on fine with the owners - the common denominator between all them that they were all sat in the bar area all day long, spending all their money there! Personally, I could not see why I should spend £1 on a 500ml water bottle at Ariatomenis, when I could get 12 litres of bottled water for £2, from the mini market 3 min walk away - but each to their own. Anyway, apart from all that (and many more examples which I have no desire or the time to carry on listing), the place was clean and had nice sea views. There’s 2 beaches nearby, Trapezaki and Lourdas - both quite nice, but we liked Lourdas better. There’s some steep hills to go through first, but that’s when the local bus comes in handy - the only problem with it being is the driver only seemed to charge a bus fare to the tourists - if you were a local and the driver recognised you, then you could hop on it for a free ride, leaving the rest of us a bit miffed, but hey, welcome to Greece! All in all, a not so good experience when we were at the premises - excellent when we weren’t. We will definitely visit Kefallonia again, but next time it will be Skala - a place that looked a lot more civilised in our opinion.

Just stayed here for a week. Wished it had been longer . Stunning setting. Peaceful too . Sea Views from your balcony. 10 mins to amenities. 30min steep walk to beach. Owners lovely. Definitely be back .