Hotel Lara

3 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from a fantastic fortnight at the Lara. Never been to Kefalonia before but would love to return. The hotel is clean and although basic, more or less what you would expect. Ericos, the owner, took a little time to get used to us, but after a couple of days he was friendly and couldn't do enough. He is certainly not grumpy or rude... he has a lovely sense of homour.It is very quiet in Lourdas but we had done our homework and knew what to expect. A perfect holiday for "just chilling!"Must mention Lorraines Magic Hill taverna..great food and lots of it, Spiros, again food to die for and Klematis, where we made several visits when we couldn't be bothered to walk up the hill.
Yes the hill is a killer..just don't do it in the heat of the day.
Wouldn't really recommend Lourdas for families with small children... I would't want to push a buggy up that hill!!
On the whole a great holiday. We met some lovely people who have benn going back year after year, so there can't be too much wrong!

We have just enjoyed a fantastic two week holiday staying at the Lara Hotel in Lourdas, it was brilliant. I cannot understand all of the negative comments being made about the Lara these people must come from another planet. The hotel was clean and the staff were really lovely and very helpful. The resort was great and with the mountains behind you it is a breathtaking destination. I would recommend this hotel, our holiday was great value for money, our First Choice rep was fantastic and nothing was too much trouble, we had a wicked holiday!.

2 readers found this review helpful

My daughter and I have just returned from 2 weeks at the Lara in Lourdas and I can honestly say it was one of the best holidays we have ever had. Some of our previous destinations have included Hawaii, Gran Canaria and Portugal but I can honestly say I have never returned from holiday sooooooo chilled!! How anyone could NOT enjoy themselves is beyond me. The owners is certainly NOT rude, reserved would be a much better description and at least they weren't in your face. If we asked for anything, nothing was too much trouble. Yes, the guy that cleans the pool is crazy (but very funny!) and is very friendly. I was really worried as I thought my daughter would have been bored (she's 13) but she just soaked up the sun and truely amazing relaxed atmosphere for 2 weeks of pure bliss. All Greek accommodation is basic and the Lara is no different. You must try some of the cocktails and desserts at Muses cafe bar, they are the BEST. We met some really nice people and I now have some wonderfull memories of a great holiday. Thank you so much!!!

We came to the Lara Hotel in the second week of August as must say that anyone who has complained about this hotel before must either be extremely stuck up or have no idea about the Greek islands!!! I found the Lara Hotal and it's staff fantastic.
OK it's not the Hilton but then again, where is in Greece! The family who run the hotel are always smiling and very helpful and the little baby is just so cute!!! The Hotel is ideally located and is no more then a 5 minute walk from the beach where there are plenty of lovely Tavernas (Klimatis & Lorraine's Magic Hill are the best ones! you must try the cocktails at Lorraine's!) and beautiful clear seas! OK, it's a steep walk back up the hill but it's only a short walk! Lourdas town is about a 10 minute walk up the hill in the opposite direction where again there are numerous Tavernas and Bars, my favorite being Spiros! The grilled Octopus is to die for!
The rooms are basic studios but are cleaned daily and the sheets and towels were changed twice a week. The air con is a god send for 5 euros a night! The only reason the lights go out when you leave the room is beacuse the Electricity is operated by inserting the key fob into the wall, much as you have to do with most hotels around the world. The owner does not come in your room and take the fuse out!!! Lol!!! I thought if anyone knew that a hotel manager would! Admittedly the sun loungers are a little worn but they are certainly not falling apart! On Saturdays the owner does a Greek BBQ, he prepares and cooks all the food himself and you can eat as much as you like for only 12 euros! The staff who work throughout the hotel are very friendly and the guy who looks after the pool is crazy and funny... but in a nice way!! ;o)
I would recomend this hotel to anyone who wants a relaxing holiday at the simple but fantasically run hotel!!

Just arrived back from The very bleak and tired Lara hotel. The Hotel owner and his staff would benefit from a customer care course or anger management tuition.
The Hotel is desperate for thousands to be spent on it. the sunloungers are threadbare and down to the metal spine as the cloth has been over worn. The white plastic furniture by the pool and on personal balconies are cheap and uncomfortorble.
We purchased aircon as the rooms on the fourthfloor loft are stiuflingly hot, we didnt mind paying the extra 5 euros per night for this service, however as soon as we had left for dinner the owner would enter our room and take the fuse out of its box therefore turing the aircon off. On one of his visits he left our apartment door wide open, thankfully we paid for a safe deposit box for out valubles, as anyone could have entered our room.
The repeat guests which we met during our stay say the Lara used to be a nice place to stay but what happened ?
On one occasion I tried to purchase a pint from the poolbar after 20 minutes of waiting i gave up and went elsewhere for a drink and got fantastic service.
We were so looking forward to our family holiday and had a lovely time in the resort and found the rest of the kefalonian people fantastic, however the Lara was a total let down and waste of money.
As a hotel manager in england i would rate this hotel a half a star as we got clean linen twice and plenty of toilet rolls and towels.

Just arrived back from The very bleak and tired Lara hotel. The Hotel owner and his staff would benefit from a customer care course or anger management tuition.
The Hotel is desperate for thousands to be spent on it. the sunloungers are threadbare and down to the metal spine as the cloth has been over worn. The white plastic furniture by the pool and on personal balconies are cheap and uncomfortorble.
We purchased aircon as the rooms in the fourthfloor loft are stiuflingly hot, we didnt mind paying the extra 5 euros per night for this service, however as soon as we had left for dinner the owner would enter our room and take the fuse out of its box therefore turing the aircon off. On one of his visits he left our apartment door wide open, thankfully we paid for a safe deposit box for out valubles, as anyone could have entered our room.
The repeat guests which we met during our stay say the Lara used to be a nice place to stay but what happened ?
On one occasion I tried to purchase a pint from the poolbar after 20 minutes of waiting i gave up and went elsewhere for a drink and got fantastic service.
We were so looking forward to our family holiday and had a lovely time in the resort and found the rest of the kefalonian people fantastic, however the Lara was a total let down and waste of money.
As a hotel manager in england i would rate this hotel a half a star as we got clean linen twice and plenty of toilet rolls and towels.

1 reader found this review helpful

Myself my husband and two friends have just spent a week at the Lara Hotel, room simple but clean and comforable. Breakfast again simple, boiled eggs, cheese, ham,bread cerals.
The only problem was a plague of flies, the breakfast table was covered in them, the sun beds the surface of the swimming pool, they were in the bedrooms, just everywhere, and the hotel managment were not interested in doing anything about it, some guests bought citronalla candals,once you left the hotel you left the flies behind.

I can honestly say that this years holiday at Hotel Lara was utterly fantastic. The staff were excellent and so friendly and very helpful. The room was simple but very comfortable and the air con was not included but very reasonable and very welcome.
The staff were very polite and always eager to please. The location is marvellous, yes there are some steep hills but nothing too arduous and the guys at all the local car rentals will pick you up and drop you off so there's no problem. Don't go here if you want loud nights and nightclubs! We don't! If its a relaxing holiday with FANTASTIC food and refreshments then this is the place.
Whilst Lara provides snack type meals and excellent breakfasts don't fail to visit The Triffilli Restaurant opposite the Lara's front gate. We went there 6 times in a fortnight! The staff and food is superb and you sit under lime trees in the balmy evening surrounded by the chirp of chicattas. It's wonderful and the food is UTTERLY breathtaking. Your host speaks virtually any European language and is totally charming.
Behind the beach are allotments providing the local restaurants with produce so, how fresh can you get? One minute its growing and the next, its on your plate.
GO THERE

Just come back from the Kefalonia and the Lara Studios and had a superb holiday.
Although small the accommodation was spotless. Hotel owner and family were a little rude and unhelpful.
Beach is fantastic but you must like walking. The hill is very steep and the village seems to be in three areas across the hill. The top has some restaurants and shops. The middle area appeared to have only one open restaurant. The rest were closed as apparently tourism was down around 60% and they hadn't bothered to open.
Down on the beach there were four restaurants and one supermarket. We ate down by the beach most nights as after a day’s walking and exploring I couldn't face the walk uphill.
Kalmatis was good but food always came too quickly. Magic Hill very nice setting and super stifado but potatoes came cold. Breakfast although quoted at 3.95 Euros each came to 14 Euros for 2?
I would say that we didn't have the perfect meal anywhere, something was always not quite right. Cold mains, mains coming straight after starters etc etc. We have travelled far and wide in Greece and never experienced this before. I would say all meals were passable but not memorable.
However, Lourdas is quiet, peaceful, and great if you really like walking and exploring the beach is fantastic. There are no lager louts. The resort isn't suitable for children, teens or those with walking difficulties.
Lots to see round and about but a car is needed. Assos and Fiskardo are well worth a visit. Ignore the guides when it says Fiskardo is expensive to eat, it is on the front, but we found a super taverna on the back street and still with a view of the sea. Prices and food were good (best meal).

The room is very small. Not much night life although there are a few tavernas up the hill and a couple of mini markets. It is about a 5-10minute walk to the beach and the water is blue. Not very ideal for kids and teens as not much entertainment. You will need a car as it is very hilly. When my daughter and I went, we had to get air con in the hotel room. It is 35 euro for the week, 5 euro a day. The heat is near enough unbearable in high season.