Platis Gialos Beach Lassis, Kefalonia, Platis Gialos, Greece
Hilltop setting with private beach and access to larger public beach
Stylish rooms have AC, a flat-screen TV, minibar, and kettle
All rooms have furnished balcony or terrace, some with sea views
Two well-reviewed restaurants and optional half-board package
Four bars -- three with lovely sea views
Pretty pool with ample loungers and views of the sea
In-room spa treatments available
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Lots of steps may be difficult for some to navigate
No gym or full spa
One restaurant is seasonal
No kid-centric amenities (pro for some)
Men have to wear pants at dinner
The upper-middle-range White Rocks Hotel & Bungalows offers modern, minimalist design and a stunning setting with access to both a private rocky beach and sandy public beach. The 162 stylish rooms are spacious and bright, fitted with minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and furnished outdoor spaces -- many overlooking the water. Food at the buffet restaurant receives excellent reviews, and there are multiple bars spread among the property. A pretty ocean-view pool round out the facilities, as there's no gym or full-service spa -- though guests can get in-room treatments. Although this is a family-friendly hotel, couples are the primary clientele. Families should consider Odyssey Hotel Kefalonia, which has a kids' pool and playground.
Scene
A sleek, modern, and immaculately kept beachfront hotel
White Rocks Hotel & Bungalows modern aesthetic is immediately evident upon arrival. Its minimalist structure and bold, clean lines keep the building looking sleek. There's little in the way of exterior flair, but with the scenic beach backdrop, the lack of added decor is warranted. Interior spaces have warm, earthy tones and a chic contemporary style that's breeze and fits its beachfront setting -- think tan sofas, pale-blue vases, and white-stone pottery. Outdoor spaces include lots of terraces filled with wicker furniture and umbrellas, and offering stunning views of the sea. The hotel has a particularly mature feel about it, and some previous guests were surprised to find that this is not strictly an adult-only establishment, though the hotel does discourage bringing young children. Unsurprisingly, the clientele is predominantly adult couples, and the atmosphere is peaceful.
Location
Peaceful and scenic beachfront location, walking distance to Lassi
White Rocks Hotel & Bungalows has a hilltop setting along the water, offering access to a quiet private beach, as well as a larger and sandier public beach. Lots of steps are required not only to get to the beaches, but to various areas of the hotel, which may prove difficult for children and those with limited mobility. There isn't a ton in the immediate surrounding area, save a small handful of restaurants, hotels, and a supermarket. Lassi is just a 20-minute walk or three-minute drive away, though, and the area offers many more restaurant and bar options. For those who would like to explore more of Cephalonia, a rental car would be ideal. The Kefalonia International airport is a quick six-minute drive away.
Rooms
Bright and spacious with modern amenities
The hotel's design theme continues into the elegant rooms with clean lines, light-wood furniture, and a minimalist look. They're bright and airy, with a warm, neutral color scheme offset by the occasional pop of beachy blue or green or vibrant red. Sliding glass doors lead out to furnished balconies or terraces that let in lots of natural light -- some offering lovely sea views. In addition to plenty of storage and closet space, each room has air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a well-stocked minibar. Bathrooms are equally as contemporary and sleek, with either a walk-in shower or shower/tub combo. A good amount of quality toiletries and a hairdryer are also provided.
Features
A pool with a view, a private beach, and a beach bar
White Rocks Hotel & Bungalows has a good amount of top-notch features for its adult guests, though it's notably missing a gym and full-service spa (in-room massages are available). Most important, guests have access to the hotel's private, albeit a bit rocky, beach via a sandy trail. There are sunbeds and umbrellas provided, plus a nearby beach bar that provides some shady spots to sit. Also overlooking the beach is a pretty outdoor pool surrounded by ample loungers. There are three other bars, two of which have lovely views of the sea and surrounding landscape. One of them is part of the a la carte Seafront restaurant, which is only open during summer. The other restaurant is a buffet eatery that receives excellent reviews and offers half-board packages. Note, however, that men are required to wear pants at dinner. W-Fi is free throughout.