Hotel Athina in Sami

Nice hotel near the beach. Makis is a character to know, if you need something or know someone... he is there! If he bought some treats and you meet him... he will share without hesitation. In short, the Athina hotel should be called Makis and Sakis Hotel. His son is there too. Recommended.

We booked the Athina Hotel through Jet2 as part of a large group trip to Kefalonia, after it came highly recommended by friends who have stayed there many times. We arrived very late but were greeted with a wonderfully warm welcome from Makis, the owner, and our friends who had arrived the day before. After dropping our cases off in the room, we enjoyed a quick drink at the bar before heading to bed. The hotel is spotlessly clean, and while the rooms are simple, they are comfortable, well-maintained, and cleaned daily with fresh bedding and towels. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Makis (“I fix it!” as he likes to say), he arranged taxis, car hire, a boat trip, and even ordered food for us to enjoy at the bar. His genuine care and hospitality make such a difference. Our friends have been returning year after year for over a decade, and it’s easy to see why, Makis remembers everyone by name and makes you feel like family. The family-run hotel next door offers use of its pool, sunbeds, and gym, which was a great bonus. The location is ideal, set on the outskirts of Sami, it’s about a 20-minute stroll to the harbour with its fantastic tavernas. The famous Melissani Cave is also within walking distance and well worth a visit. A huge thank you to Makis and the wonderful team at the Athina Hotel for making our stay so special. It’s clear why guests keep coming back.

Amazing stay at these lovely friendly apartments. Were well looked after by the wonderful Makis the owner he couldn't do enough for us. Lovely clean complex with the use of the facilities of the neighbouring hotel. Would highly recommend 👌

Just returned from a fabulous two week holiday at the Athina hotel. The welcome upon arrival was friendly and efficient. The hotel boasts the most friendly and enjoyable atmosphere hosted by Makis and his team who are all friendly and attentive from the cleaning ladies, breakfast lady and reception. Nothing is too much trouble .. already booked for next year .. but be quick it sells out fast!

What a fabulous 11 nights we had at Athina beach Makis made us feel so welcome and couldn’t fault how well we were looked after Had a beautiful sea view room which was immaculate Fresh bedding and towels every day Everywhere was immaculate and spotlessly clean We can’t wait to go back Hotel pool next door was fab and could always get a sun lounger Plus lovely walk into Sami 15-20 mins Fabulous holiday

If you like crazy greek people, you'll be happy here, Makis the owner couldn't be more helpful, Athina is in a quiet village, 10 minutes walk along the promenade (over a couple of steep bridges) not great for buggies or wheelchairs into Sami, lots of restaurants and a few bars. The village of Karavomylos has a couple of restaurants, one in the square (nice) and one on the beachfront. There is a lovely cafe called vito squared which also does evening meals. Emerald Ionian next door, do meals at the bar. People here go back to Athina year after year. It is a place where you make life long friends. The bar closes now at 1pm. The rooms I believe are all getting upgraded but not sure of the completion date. It's the people and Makis and his wife Elena that make this holiday what it is and it is well worth it. He also has apartments and villas. I stay in the Malena apartments just across the road which are being upgraded. You can use the pool at the Ionian hotel (owned by his brother) next door and there is a small private beach.

What makes this hotel special is the owner. Makis could rent out a cardboard box and you would feel like you were living the life of a king.

This hotel and its owner Makis are a wonderful find. The hotel is 3star but you get to use all the facilities of the 5star hotel next door. The rooms are small but clean and comfortable, the only downside Is the showers they are hand held showers and in a very small space but Maki’s can fix it! He very kindly gave us another room without us asking him as he could see my partner is quite tall. You do get used to the showers after a couple of days. Already booked for next year we loved it so much.

Have returned from a stay at Athina Apartments. We actually stayed in an apartment in Karavomylos village owned by Makis. It was spotlessly clean with fresh towels daily. Makis was so helpful and couldn’t do enough to help with any queries. Extra bonus we could use the pool situated next to the main apartments. Would definitely recommend Athina Apartment. Thank you Makis for a great holiday.

We love this hotel stumbled across it but chance and have been back 4 times, we just love Makis he absolutely makes this hotel what it is. The position of the dining room is stunning and the pool next door is beautiful as is the beach amazing and of course we will be back.