Atsoupadon Skalas, Skala, Greece
Across the road from a pretty, pebbly beach
Free shuttle bus takes guests to Skala
Rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, kettles, and flat-screen TVs
All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces -- most with sea views
Interconnected Family Rooms available
Well-reviewed buffet restaurant and a poolside snack bar
Large outdoor pool with loungers and scenic sea views
All-inclusive and half-board options
Fitness center, game room, and playground on-site
Dated, simple decor throughout
Little in the immediate area
Long drive from Cephalonia Airport (over an hour)
Free Wi-Fi is spotty and limited to common areas
Gym is small and has old equipment
The mid-range, 80-room Porto Skala Hotel & Village Resort is located across the street from a pebbly beach, and a seven-minute drive (or free shuttle ride) from Skala proper. Lovely grounds have lush greenery and beautiful flowers, but interiors fall short, featuring basic and dated decor throughout. Underwhelming guest rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and furnished balconies with lovely views. Buffet meals receive positive reviews, and half-board and all-inclusive options are available. The sea-view pool area is spacious and has a poolside snack bar, plus there are a game room and playground for kids. Free Wi-Fi is limited to public areas, and it can be spotty. Aside from the beach, there isn't much within walking distance of the property. Sami Beach Hotel's location is more convenient for visitors who would like to explore the area on foot.
Scene
Colorful buildings and lovely sea views, but unattractive and out-of-dated interiors
The exterior of the Port Skala has a lot of character, with impressive stone walls, lush greenery and flowers, and bright, colorful buildings. Inside, however, that charm is lost. From the lobby and buffet restaurant, to the rooms and gym, decor is quite dated and a mishmash of blue and russet-colored couches, floral curtains, and old, wooden furniture. Greenery in the dining area and windows providing sea views are welcome, but the outdoor stone terraces with contemporary white wicker furniture amid bougainvillea is far more alluring. Couples primarily come here for the secluded beach setting, relaxed atmosphere, and all-inclusive rates.
Location
Across the street from a beach, and seven-minute drive into town
For most, the quiet and somewhat remote location of Porto Skala Hotel & Village Resort is a positive. The isolated location is peaceful and directly across the street is a beautiful, albeit pebbly, beach -- previous guests have recommended water shoes. Note that steps are required to reach the beach, and there are no loungers set up. There isn't much in the immediate area, but the hotel does offer a free shuttle with transport directly to Skala's town center. There, travelers will find several eateries, bars, shops, and Skala Beach. The hotel is over an hour-long drive from Cephalonia Airport.
Rooms
Clean rooms, but basic and unimpressive decor
Guest rooms at Porto Skala Hotel & Village Resort are spacious, but very plain and dated in appearance. They have soft, neutral palettes, with white tiling, beige walls, and olive-green or taupe bedding and matching curtains. Wooden furniture has sage-green painted accents that looks cheap, though colorful island-themed artwork and occasional hanging wicker baskets with faux flowers add homey touches. Rooms have bedside tables, small vanities, and wardrobes with a couple of drawers. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning units, safes, mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities also come standard. Each has a furnished balcony or terrace, and most have lovely sea views. Bathrooms are basic, outfitted with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, plus hairdryers and toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi is not available.
Features
Sea-view pool and adjacent bar, and all-inclusive packages
Guests at the Porto Skala Hotel & Village Resort tend to hang around the lovely pool, which is in a "U" shape with a palm tree at its center. The stone pool deck has plenty of loungers and umbrellas, though its crowning feature is the beautiful view of the ocean. To the side of the pool is a large sitting area with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, where guests can relax and eat light bites from the snack bar. The buffet restaurant receives positive reviews, and many guests choose the half-board or all-inclusive package. The latter includes local alcoholic drinks (from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. during our stay) and ice cream.
Outside are a mini-golf course, a playground, and a ping-pong table, while a game room is indoors. The gym has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the property, but it's small and only has a few pieces of old equipment. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, but the connection can be spotty.