Kefalos, Antonis Hotel

Antonis is a simple and basic hotel providing accommodation very close to all the amenities in Kefelos. The accommodation consists of a two storey block with 13 rooms, 5 on the ground floor and 8 on the first floor. Built in an L shape the accommodation overlooks the hotel pool area. There are two pools, an adult pool measuring about 20 yards by 10 yards and a small childrens' paddling pool. Loads of sun beds and umbrellas are available free of charge around the pool. Also in the pool area is a snack bar with a large canvas roof covering the dining area where breakfast is served.The rooms are very simply furnished with plenty of storage space. You get a wardrobe, two bedside cabinets with drawers and a dressing table with a mirror, a small coffee table and one wooden chair. Most rooms have two large size single beds but I believe two rooms have a double bed. Every room has a fair sized balcony with a table and two chairs. From our balcony we had a good sea view and as it was south facing we got the sun throughout the day. The toilet and shower room was very small and like most Greek showers there was no shower curtain. The shower room also had an enormous sink. Water in the hotel was heated via roof top solar panels which meant that there was no hot water in the morning and the water only really became hot enough to shower in at around 2 pm, and was all used by around 4.30 pm. Getting a wash in cold water in the morning really did awake you up though. Air conditioning was available in the room at an extra charge of 30 Euros a week. We didn't need it though as in late October the nights were fairly cool. There is no ceiling fan so I think that in the height of summer air conditioning would be an absolute must. Although the rooms were basic and simply furnished they were kept very clean as was the whole hotel. Towels were changed every day and sheets changed every other day.We went on a bed and breakfast basis and this was a continental type breakfast served between 8.30 and 10.30 every day. The breakfast comprised two rounds of toast with butter and jam, a boiled egg, a large mug of tea or coffee and a tall glass of fresh orange juice. Although a bit monotonous the breakfast was fine especially the tea which was the best brew I've had abroad. It was hot and strong and came in a big mug.English breakfast was available in the morning for 5 Euros. This came with two fried eggs, English sausage, English bacon, beans and toast. It was really tasty especially the bacon which was proper, thick cut English unsmoked back and not the usual horrible streaky smoked stuff you usually get abroad.The hotel is ideally sited with the beach and sea front only about 200 yards away. There are loads of tavernas along the sea front all offering a wide range of meals at very good prices. A typical meal with a starter, Greek salad, main course and a litre of house wine cost the two of us about 25 Euros. We tried a different taverna every night and none was more than a 5 minute gentle stroll from the hotel. Our favourite was Maria's closly follwed by the Stop Inn.Immediately over the road from the hotel is a small supermarket. A bus stop is right outside the hotel where you can catch a bus to Kos town (about 25 miles away) for the one-way fare of 3 Euros. The owner of Antonis is very friendly and helpful and can't do enough to help guests.Kefelos is great place for mature couples but there seems little there for the younger set.

There are quite a few bars on the sea front and at the far end of the bay there is a small harbour where a couple of dozen fishing boats moor. A ferry service to some of the local islands also operates from the harbour but I'm not sure where it goes. The beach is very pebbly apart from a small stretch near the harbour where there is a sandy strip but this seems very popular and can get pretty crowded. Overall we enjoyed our time in Kefelos (the weather in late October was great) and felt that Antonis gave us exactly what we expected - simple and basic accommodation. We would definitely go back.