We just got back from a week at the Zakantha Beach hotel and it was EXCELLENT.

We've been to Zante before (last year) and stayed in a b&b rather than hotel. The Zakantha Beach hotel was much more than we expected.

The room we had 125 (said as 'eno-theo-pende' taught to us by the very-funny Aussie-Greek evening receptionist Danny). It was very spacious and kept very well by the cleaning staff. We had a TV (all stations in Greek - obviously) and a radio thingy built into the bedside cabinet. We had a fridge that was locked and could pay €18 to use it for the week - although being tight we didn't!

The bathroom was very clean, although some people (usually those who have never been to Greece) will be disappointed as it's quite basic. Compared to most Greek Hotel bathrooms however made it look exceptional!

The lights in the room were at waist level so children and wheelchair users will have no problems. The room we had was on the first floor and we used the stairs although there is 2 lifts which will take you to any floor.

The cleaners would usually appear between 11am and 1pm to change the bed linen and towels. They always knocked first and were pleasant enough to return later when we were not in, or clean around us as we sat out on the balcony and read a book.

The first thing that struck me when walking into the Hotel was how grand it looked. The receptionists are extremely pleasant and reception is manned 24hrs a day 7days a week. ALL hotel staff we encountered (receptionists, waiting staff, cleaners, bar staff) ALL understand and speak perfect English, although learning a few Greek words such as 'thank you', 'good morning', 'hello' etc go a very long way and will be more than appreciated!

From reception, there is easy access to the lifts, to the toilets, to the breakfast area, bar area, beach front, safety deposit boxes (€21 per week), telephones, post-box, and a designated area that the holiday companies post their info. We went with Thomas Cook and were able to look up emergency numbers, flight info, guided tour info etc in the designated tour operator area mentioned.

You can walk through reception out into an outside area where you can rest by the pool, on the grass by the palm trees, on the beach, or in the shade. The only real disappointment was that the sun loungers on the PRIVATE beach are chargeable at €3 per day. This wasn't mentioned anywhere, we were just apporached and asked to pay. However, the sun loungers by the pool and by the beach but not on it are free.

The beach is a private one and it has a bar/snack-food area right next to it. There is a bar inside which opens around 6pm and is staffed by a young lady called Monica who is really lovely. Be warned though - Glenfidich is about €7 a glass - although as a measurement it mut be at least 8 shots - I kid you not. Any shot you ask for will be filled up in a glass nearly to the brim. Most shots are around €3. Soft drinks are around €2 which is quite pricey for a small coke. Bottled water is around €1 and 500ml bottles of Mythos is crazily cheap at around €2 a bottle which means for around £3gbp you get a litre of beer! The only annoyance with the bar is that the pool table is €2 a game which can add up a bit.

The bar outside and the breakfasts in the morning are run a by a guy (can't remember his name) who is very friendly too.

During the daytime reception is looked after by a pleasant lady (her name escapes me) and in the afternoon by a lovely lady called Spirodula. She has lots of friends and familyt that run tavernas so speak to her and she'll send you to her friends for free drinks! In the evening there's a great guy called Danny who looks after reception. He gets the unenviable job of humouring the drunkards that are knocking around at 5am etc!

The Tavernas around are excellent. Anyone who goes to an 'English-Food' taverna is missing out. For the best Tavernas, speak to the staff. We mentioed to a fwe who recomended us from the hotel and were often treated to free drinks. One one occasion we were given free deserts, and free wine all evening. We ended up drinking 4 jugs of red and not paying a penny (well a cent) for it. Mind you we gave a good tip which will keep you in favour for the next visit!

Zante airport was a bit of a nightmare in and out, but bear in mind the amount of people coming in and out and the small size of the airport and you have to forgive them for being a little slow. Mind you the prices are a RIP OFF at the airport €4 for a bag of crisps and about the same for a small bottle of water. My advice is make use of the all-you-can eat self-serve breakfast feasts that are layed on each morning and take some water with you.

I think i've pretty much covered everything regards the Zakantha Beach hotel, but i'll update my comments if anything else comes to mind.

Have Fun!