Escape to Paradise: Alexander Apartments Await in Kefalonia!
Escape to Paradise: Alexander Apartments – Kefalonia, or How I Learned to Love (and Briefly Hate) a Greek Island
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a week at the Alexander Apartments in Kefalonia, and let me tell you, it was a journey. Straight up adventure. Think Mamma Mia! meets a slightly wonky IKEA assembly manual. But in the best way possible.
Metadata (Because apparently, that's important these days):
- Title: Escape to Paradise: Alexander Apartments in Kefalonia - A Real Review!
- Keywords: Kefalonia, Alexander Apartments, Greece, Vacation, Review, Accessible, Spa, Pool, Food, Island Getaway, Family Friendly, Wi-Fi, Beach, Travel, Accommodation
- Description: My warts-and-all review of the Alexander Apartments in Kefalonia. Accessibility, food, fun, and the occasional existential crisis – all covered. Come along for the ride!
First Impressions and the "Wait, Where's My Suitcase?" Moment:
Landing in Kefalonia is like walking onto a postcard. Seriously, it's gorgeous. The air smells of salt and something vaguely… mythical? I'm not sure. We took advantage of the airport transfer – highly recommend, especially after a red-eye – and the drive felt like a movie scene. Then we pulled up to Alexander Apartments, and the view… yeah, the view did not disappoint. Think turquoise water, lush greenery, and a promise of sunshine.
Unfortunately, my suitcase decided to stage a walkout in Frankfurt. Sigh. So, my first impression involved a frantic call to lost luggage and a desperate plea to the front desk. Shoutout to Maria at the 24-hour front desk for her patience and a complimentary bottle of local wine (a lifesaver!). They have a concierge service too, which proved handy later on getting directions and booking a boat trip. The elevator was a welcome sight, especially considering I was hauling my carry-on up and down multiple times looking for my luggage.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, But Mostly a Win:
Now, I'm not someone who needs super-specific accessibility features, but I did notice things. The facilities for disabled guests were definitely present, which is awesome. There's a proper elevator, and I saw ramps in various places. The car park [on-site] seemed pretty easy to navigate, too. However the pathways around the property were a little uneven in spots, so I’d say check specific needs and contact the hotel directly for sure. I know friends who need wheelchair accessible rooms -- and I feel like there was a pathway or two that might not be the easiest to navigate on your own.
Rooms and the Battle of the Blackout Curtains:
My room? (I’m not sure if they're all the same, but I'll tell you about mine!) The Room sanitization opt-out available? Yes please. I was grateful. The room was clean and what I was expecting. The air conditioning blasted out the heat. Additional toilet? A welcome addition. Bathrobes and the slippers? Oh yeah, and those lovely towels felt amazing. The blackout curtains… man, those things were on a mission! The sheer power! I battled those thick things every morning, and it was an Olympic sport. The desk was perfect for catching up on emails (a minor inconvenience). Also, the refrigerator was stocked with water, a big yay! The bathroom phone was a bit… antique, but the separate shower/bathtub was a great comfort after a long day of sun and sea. There was an in-room safe box that was reassuring.
Dining – From "Opa!" to "Where's the Tzatziki?"
Food is crucial, right? And at the Alexander Apartments, they've got options. They have a restaurant, a poolside bar, and a snack bar. The breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Plenty of things! They had Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, the standard, and I loved the coffee/tea in restaurant. The breakfast takeaway service was awesome -- the grab-and-go option was great for early morning adventures.
The restaurants served a good variety of dishes. The a la carte in restaurant had some amazing options from both international cuisine in restaurant and the Asian cuisine in restaurant. The salads were fresh. And the desserts in restaurant? Holy moly! Pure temptation. They also had menus for kids - the kids meal seemed very popular. There was also a vegetarian restaurant. The one thing I'll say is try the bottle of water that's available from the bar.
The poolside bar was a dream, especially during happy hour. Sipping a cocktail, watching the sun sink into the sea… pure bliss. They offered alternative meal arrangement which was a nice option for those of us with dietary restrictions. The safe dining setup was on point, with tables spaced out and staff masked up.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation – Finding My Inner Zen (and a Decent Massage):
This is where the Alexander Apartments really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] and the Pool with view were absolutely stunning. I spent hours just floating, staring at the mountains. And the spa? Oh, the spa! I treated myself to a massage, and it was heavenly. There was also the option of a sauna, spa/sauna, steamroom, foot bath, body scrub, and body wrap -- if you were so inclined! There was also a fitness center, so I'm guessing the "gym/fitness" option was there.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe (Mostly):
I’m a total germaphobe (don't judge!). So, I paid close attention to this. The anti-viral cleaning products were definitely being used, and the staff seemed dedicated to daily disinfection in common areas. I saw hygiene certification signs, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff members were trained in the safety protocol. I also asked about the room sanitization opt-out available policies -- they seemed happy to comply with this. They had professional-grade sanitizing services, but it seemed a bit over the top to me, but I appreciate the sentiment. The staff trained in safety protocol. Now, as for the CCTV outside property, I didn't really pay attention to that, and I never saw it. Still, I appreciated the effort. But honestly, it was a bit too much. It makes you feel like you're being constantly monitored. But hey, safety first, right?
Things to Do – Beyond the Sun Lounger:
Okay, let's be real, I spent a lot of time on that sun lounger. But Kefalonia has so much more to offer. The concierge helped me book a boat trip (amazing!). The gift/souvenir shop was great for picking up little trinkets. I heard about the indoor venue for special events and outdoor venue for special events that they have, but I'm not sure I went to any. They offer some things to do.
There were other options, but I was too lazy to even look at them (they’re probably great). The bicycle parking was good in case you want to explore the area.
Internet and Wi-Fi – The Modern Traveler’s Curse… and Delight:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bless you, Alexander Apartments! But the Internet access – wireless was, let's just say, up and down. Fine for basic stuff, but streaming movies… not so much. The Internet access – LAN was available too, but I can't remember plugging into it (who even does that anymore?). There was Wi-Fi for special events and I'm guessing Internet services.
The hotel had a business facilities and it included a Xerox/fax in business center. Maybe a place to print things if you needed to.
For the Kids – Did I Mention Family-Friendly?
The Alexander Apartments are seriously family/child friendly. They had babysitting service, a kids meal, and what looked like a whole bunch of other kids facilities. Seems like this is an especially great pick for families.
The Quirky Stuff and My Honest Thoughts:
- The Staff: Generally lovely, helpful, and patient with my attempts to order in Greek.
- Bathroom Phone: Seriously, is that thing from the 80s? But hey, it worked.
- The View: Still blows my mind.
- Daily housekeeping: Very useful
The Minor Annoyances (Because Even Paradise Has Flaws):
- The Wi-Fi: Okay, it’s free, so I’m not complaining too much, but improve that connection, guys!
- The Suitcase Incident: Still stings a little. But, in the end, that’s just life.
In Conclusion:
Would I recommend the Alexander Apartments? Absolutely. It's a solid choice for a relaxing
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, Alexander Apartments edition, Kefalonia. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Let's get messy!
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret…er, I mean, Adjustment
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Wake up at a ridiculous hour, courtesy of that infernal internal clock that never adjusts. Airport madness! The usual: panic about whether the passport is actually in the bag, wrestling with luggage that clearly outweighs me, the triumphant victory of actually finding the right gate.
- Mid-morning (8:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Flight. Let's just gloss over the cramped seats, the aggressively enthusiastic guy next to me who "loves to talk" and the slightly questionable airplane food. The anticipation is killing me.
- Early Afternoon (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Kefalonia! Sunshine! And the moment of truth: the actual Alexander Apartments. Oh, it's…charming. Okay, it's a little more "lived-in" than the photos suggested. The balcony does, however, offer a direct view into a neighbor's life. This is going to be interesting. Check-in is a breeze, or so I thought. The keys are too heavy, the lock seems to have a mind of its own, and I feel like I'm competing with a particularly determined ant colony trying to invade the apartment.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Grocery run! Armed with a hastily scribbled list (mostly consisting of "wine," "olives", and "something green"), I brave the local supermarket. Language barrier? Absolutely a thing. I ended up accidentally buying a jar of pickled…something…that smells suspiciously like feet. (Spoiler: it was not good.) Found the wine, though. Consider it a win.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Unpacking. More like, "unearthing." My suitcase exploded. Clothes are everywhere. The unpacking process has revealed a concerning number of wrinkle-resistant shirts. I am officially in vacation mode. First sunset on the balcony. The wine is flowing. I feel like I'm going to make out with Greece.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. The restaurant around the corner…oh, the sheer joy of that first Greek salad and grilled octopus! (Okay, it was a little chewy, but still AMAZING). The joy of a vacation is knowing it's okay to ignore the waiter's attempts to get you to eat more.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Stargazing. The sky here…it's unlike anything I've ever seen. Pure, unadulterated beauty. I'm convinced I saw a shooting star, and made a wish for… well, that's a secret. But it involved more sunsets like this.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (Mostly) & the Great Sunscreen Disaster
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Beach day! Finally, that turquoise water and white sand that I saw in all the travel brochures. Arrived at the beach and nearly got a second sunburn just from looking at the scenery.
- Mid-day (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): The Great Sunscreen Disaster. After a blissful morning of splashing around, I realize I haven’t put enough sunscreen, or any in some places. I get back to the apartment looking like a lobster. I’m now a walking, talking, sunburned tragedy.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): In the apartment, desperately searching for aloe vera, and not finding it. I settle for something that might be after-sun lotion. It's like smearing cold yogurt on myself. Mildly soothing, but it's making me want ice cream.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Attempting to escape the heat by taking a nap, but a swarm of mosquitos have also decided that the apartment's the next best thing. I retreat to the balcony, where I start mentally composing angry emails to the resort.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Decided to skip the fancy restaurant tonight. No, my lobster-like skin is not ready for it. I cook something up myself. It's okay. (Maybe a little salty – I might be a bit delirious from the sunburn). But it's food, and I'm alive. The sunset over the harbor is beautiful, anyway.
Day 3: The Cave Adventure and the Goat
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Decided to be adventurous and booked a day trip to the Melissani Cave. Drove there. It's gorgeous. But crowded. Very, very crowded. The boats are pretty, the water is an impossible shade of blue, it is utterly, breathtakingly beautiful. But the sheer mass of humanity, trying to take selfies in the cave, is a tad overwhelming. I feel a primal urge to just chuck the camera into the water.
- Mid-day (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Drove to Sami and decided to randomly explore. And what did I find? The infamous Goat. Ran into a herd of goats. One of them looked at me, and the stare down was intense. The goat won. The goat always wins.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The best lunch of the trip. A humble taverna overlooking a breathtaking view. The food? Forget about it. I have never had a fish-like plate of food, and it was the best plate ever. It was incredible, and the waiter was so charming and friendly.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Driving back to the apartment, my hair is a mess, my skin is still red, and I'm covered in goat hair. I am absolutely content.
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): My apartment is peaceful. It feels like home. I can't wait to go.
Day 4: The Verdict
- Day (9:00 AM onwards): Breakfast on the balcony. I realize, I have no desire to go home.
Final Thoughts (and Regrets):
- I should have packed more sun cream.
- I should've learned more Greek.
- I shouldn’t have eaten all that cheese.
- I need a bigger suitcase.
- I am utterly, completely, irrevocably in love with Kefalonia.
This trip has been messy, beautiful, ridiculous, imperfect, and everything I could have hoped for. I'm going to miss the sunshine, the food, and the sheer, chaotic glory of Greek life. But I'll be back. Oh, I'll be back.
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Escape to Paradise: Alexander Apartments Await in Kefalonia! (Or Do They?) - FAQ, Ramblings, and Totally Honest Opinions
(Buckle Up, Buttercups. It's Not All Sunbeams and Unicorns)
Alright, spill the beans – Is Kefalonia actually as beautiful as those Instagram ads make it out to be? (And more importantly, are the Alexander Apartments *really* paradise?)
Okay, fine, I'll be honest. Kefalonia? Stunning. Jaw-dropping. Like, seriously, pack your camera because you're going to need it. The turquoise water? Yep, it *is* that color. The rugged coastline? Gorgeous. I mean, I spent a good hour just sitting on a rock, staring at the sea, and feeling… well, mostly *not* stressed. (Which, if you're a parent like me, is basically paradise in itself.)
The Alexander Apartments? That's where it gets… complicated. They *look* amazing in the photos. Clean lines, modern design, views to die for. And they *are* nice, don't get me wrong. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. And my devil was, let's call her… *the hairdryer*. More on that later.
Location, Location, Location! Where are the Alexander Apartments *actually* located? Do I need a car? (Because driving on Greek roads makes me sweat.)
Right, location. Important stuff. The Alexander Apartments are... well, they're *somewhere*. (Don't judge, I'm terrible with directions). They're a bit outside of Argostoli (the main town), which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: Quieter. Less touristy mayhem. Curse: You *absolutely* need a car. Trust me. We tried the bus once. Once. It involved a lot of frantic waving, broken Greek, and a very hangry small child. Rent a car. Seriously. Embrace the chaos. Greek driving is… an experience. Expect horn-honking, questionable lane markings, and a healthy dose of faith in the other drivers’ sanity. You'll get used to it… eventually.
The dreaded "Amenities" question. What's included? Pool party? Breakfast buffet? Or am I roughing it?
Okay, amenities. The Alexander Apartments had a pool. A lovely, refreshing pool. Which, if I'm honest, was my personal highlight. (And no screaming kids at 7 am, which is a MASSIVE win in my book). There wasn't a breakfast buffet, sadly. It's self-catering, which has its pros and cons. Pro: You can stock up on delicious Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Con: You have to *actually* stock up on delicious Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. And wash the dishes. (Insert dramatic sigh here). They did have air conditioning, which is essential, especially in August. And a balcony. Worth its weight in gold for evening drinks and watching the sunset. (When you could actually find a place to sit during sunset).
Let's talk about the *actual* apartments. Are they clean? Modern? Do they have that weird "rental apartment" smell? (You know the one...)
Cleanliness? Generally good, yeah. Modern? Pretty much. That "rental apartment smell"? (shudders). Thankfully, no. Which is always a win. The apartment itself was spacious, with a well-equipped kitchen (though, like I said, prepare to do some grocery shopping). The beds... well, the beds were *beds*. Comfortable enough, I suppose. My main complaint? The lighting. It was… *harsh*. Like, interrogation room harsh. I spent the entire trip trying to create a cozy ambience with strategically placed lamps and strategically *avoiding* looking directly at the overhead lights. (The hairdryer situation also contributed to my mood. See below.)
The Hairdryer Incident. (I saw you mentioned it. I'm intrigued. Were lives lost?)
Alright. Brace yourselves. The Hairdryer Incident. It’s a story that will be told in hushed tones around campfires for generations. No, lives were not lost. But a significant amount of my sanity was… compromised. The hairdryer. It was… ancient. Possibly salvaged from a museum of electrical appliances. It barely produced any air, which trickled out at a temperature best described as “lukewarm-ish.” My hair, already subjected to the humidity of Kefalonia, became a frizzy, static, *thing*. It resembled a bird's nest that had been struck by lightning. Every. Single. Day. I considered buying a new one. I seriously *contemplated* shaving my head. I eventually just gave up and embraced the chaos. So, let this be a warning: if you’re relying on a hairdryer, bring your own. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case.
Okay, putting aside the hairdryer apocalypse, what are the *best* things about staying at the Alexander Apartments? And the worst? *Be brutally honest.*
Alright, the good, the bad, and the slightly terrifying.
The Good: The pool. Seriously, the pool was a lifesaver. That view, just the sheer beauty of the place, is unmatched. The privacy. It felt secluded. It was a welcome break from the crowds. The location, away from the insane summer madness, but close enough to Argostoli.
The Bad: … The hairdryer. Seriously. The kitchen could have used a few more basic supplies. The Wi-Fi was a bit patchy at times. (Kids' reactions varied, because, you know, modern life). And, well… the cleaning service seemed a little inconsistent.
The Ugly: The stairs. There were a LOT of stairs. (I'm not complaining… much. Okay, I am. My legs felt like jelly by the end of the week). And the limited interaction with the hosts - it was more a "get the keys, leave the keys" kind of arrangement, which isn't necessarily bad, but meant no insider tips about secret beaches.
Would you recommend the Alexander Apartments? Honestly?!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I recommend the Alexander Apartments? It's complicated. If you're looking for a faultless, luxurious experience, maybe not. If you're a low-maintenance traveler who values a good pool, a stunning view, and a bit of peace and quiet, then yes. Just. Bring your own hairdryer. (And maybe some earplugs for the Greek holidaymakers' exuberance). And be prepared for a bit of… *character*. Kefalonia itself? Go. Absolutely go. It's a slice of paradise. The Alexander Apartments? They're a decent base camp for exploring itLow Price Hotel Blog
