Elpida Hotel

Accommodation in Alykanas

         
Gina H

Hi Linda,

Try elpida_hotel@yahoo.gr (there is an underscore between elpida and hotel.)
 
or phone: 0030 2695083777 which is the number for Elpida.
 
Any problems let me know and i can give you another number for him.
 
gina
 

Linda R

Hi

I'm trying to contact Spiros at the Elpida but the email address has been rejected. I'm sending to: elpidahotel@yahoo.gr  does anyone have a working email for the Elpida? We stayed there last year and loved it and want to re-book
 
Thanks
Lin

Emma G          10/10

 

Hi,

Just returned from a 1 week break at the Elpida booked through Manos.  We only booked 2 days before we flew so weren't really sure what to expect.  We arrived after 10pm and picked up our room key in the bar and was taken to the room.  The decor wasn't too bad, a few cracks in the wall but overall pretty good for Greek hotels!  A big room with 2 single beds (with 3rd pullout), dressing table, small table, dining table & 3 chairs, fridge (with freezer compartment), hotplate, sink & big wardrobe.  The bathroom was nicely tiled and all very clean.  Only a shower tray as in most of Greece with a mop & bucket left to help wash the water down the drain.
 
Air conditioning was 30euro per week and we couldn't of coped without it.  Safety deposit was 15euro per week with a 5 euro deposit.
 
Supermarket in hotel was reasonably priced, bar was small and friendly.  Swimming pool was lovely and irristible after walking back from the beach - about 20mins.  Only a 5 minute walk from the main resort restaurants/bars.  The only thing is that there isn't a path for the first bit so need to be a bit careful if taking little ones, but saying that the road was never very busy even though the main route into resort.
 
our friends who have travelled to alykanas a number of times came for a nose in our room and were very impressed.  i'd consider staying again with no hesitation.click to enlargeclick to enlarge

Chrissybabe S          10/10

 
Faith the contact details for the Elpida Apts are as follows: 
 
Tel: +30 26950 83496
 
E:mail address is elpidahotel@yahoo.gr
 
We have just spent 2 weeks there in May of this year and it was as wonderful as ever!!!  In fact so good me and my husband are going back in September for a week!  Roll on September.. You can book direct just sort your own flights! This works out cheaper than through the Tour Operators and you are guaranteed to stay where you want and not where the Tour Operators decides to put you as Kosmar did last year with a lot of people!!!!
  

Faith S

Hi

I really want to book this accomodation for next year (2008) as I stayed here a few years ago and loved it.
 
I think I have been on every website going and cannot find this accomodation anywhere! Can anyone tell me who to book through?
 
Many Thanks
Faith.

Merrial M          10/10

Well we are back from our hols . Did not want to leave. Back to rainy ol blighty. Spiros Mum Dad and Mimi are such lovely people who cannot do enough for us. We had a wonderful time again. If you are not sure where to go book here. Nothing is too much trouble and the cocktails are hick hick! lovely. If you cant book through Manos then try contacting the Elpida and booking direct. Flights are available and you are sure to get a great welcome. 

Cloe B          9/10

i went to the elpida apartments in june 2004 it was great the pool was lovely the typsy toad was brill me and my family had a great time and had a laugh with terry and jill but it felt like a trek walking home at night from the typsy toad

Gina H

Hi Faither and all the Elpida regulars,

Great to hear from you Ken, hope you are keeping well.
 
We are at Elpida on 2nd August this year. So will only get to spend a couple of days (and nights propping up the bar) with you this year. Glad to hear you are going back again, looking forward to seeing you.
 
Think Kat and Russ arrive on the 5th, its a shame you will miss them.
 
Keep in touch, until August, woooooo hooooo.
 
gina

Ken W          10/10

hi gena & walt

hope you are keeping in good health when are you going to the elpida this summer
i would like to see you again this year as we had such a good  time last year i know
some are going back i won"t see russ & cat as they go the day we come home liela
& the cchildren will be there the same time hope craige & mandy are both well.
i booked direct with spiros this time there will be 4 of us staying at the elpida.
    
i will keep my fingers crossed and hope we meet again
all the best.
 
love ken faither  x

Leila B          10/10

Hi everyone, we had such a wonderful time last year 2006 that we've booked again for two weeks this summer from July 19th 2007 look forward to seeing you all  love Leila, Raven and Myah x x x  ps I lost Spiros email does anyone have it please, I wanted to ask him if we could have the same room we had last year. We recommend Elpida to everyone  definately a 10 out of 10 holiday accomodation.

Ken W           

HI everyone we are going back to the elpida again this year for two weeks

on 22 july hope to meet up with Gina  Walt catt & russ the irish gang and
anyone else who was there last year cant wait to get back i have made
sure i will be at the elpida as i have booked direct through spiros kosmar
are no longer involved anyone looking for a good holiday  with good company
the elpida is the place to go look forward to seeing you old & new.
happy new year to you all.

Dawn C           

click to enlarge

I have just returned from two weeks at the Elpida... it was fantastic !!! The family are lovely, the rooms are clean.. and as for comments about Cockerals !!!! whats that all about !! I have also travelled an awful lot and have been to many places, however, i love Greece and the Greek people, they are so laid back and friendly, its a shame that some British appear to complain, over little things like shower curtain, or toasters in the room !! As for bugs, they are every where, even in England !! we also have dogs that bark during the night and keep us awake.. etc etc

 
I would not hesitate to go back again, given half the chance !! Would recommend it to anyone, it is not far out from the centre, just enough so that its not noisy. But beware.. if you try one of Spiros cocktails... they are lethal !!!!!

Steve M           

JUST RETURNED FRON ZANTE-HAD A REALLY GOOD TIME-ELPIDA WAS CLEAN,COMFORTABLE & THE BEST PLACE WE HAVE STAYED IN ON VISITS TO MANY GREEK ISLANDS. WOULD DEFINATELY RETURN TO THE ELPIDA JUST TO WIND UP SPIROS ABOUT GREEK FOOTBALL. EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY-EVEN ENJOYED THE COCKREL(CANT PLEASE EVERYONE).ON THE WHOLE A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY.

Cathy W           

WELL SAID GINA. Some people seem to go on holiday just to complain.

Gina H           

Dear Jon,

Re your comments below.
 
Regarding cockerels and dogs. Not alot the hotel owners can do about these. When you say insects are you referring to bugs in apartments or mozzies?
 
Did you complain and let them know you were not happy? As you also complained about Diana Palace, (which going by other comments most people seemed to enjoy) and Argassi (which again alot of people love this place) obviously Zante may not be the place for you and your family.
 
Sorry you did'nt enjoy your time in Alykanas or Argassi, but there are many people who return to both these apartments and these resorts time and time again.
 
 
gina
 
 
 

Jon H           

A few more things I have thought of, insects are a big problem, here, all three of us got badly bitten, the bed linen continues to be holed and of poor quality, to qualify my comments, we have visited 55 countries and have much to compare it too, very poor, please do not spent your money on this place

Jon H           

 
these are my comments on the elpida, i hope you find them usefu, we stayed in room 335, sleep was impossible, behind the block a pair of cockrels went c**k a doodle doo from about 2 in the morning till 8, the sound of barking dogs was also incessant, the bathroom stank and the toilet dripped water constantly from it's rear end which was noisy and offensive, room cleaning was poor, the beds are thin and hard and the rooms are dark and depressing, the place is in poor repair with overgrown verges and litter and wasps nests untouched for the two weeks we were there, i have travelled widely in my time - i am 40 with a 3 year old child who came and i would honestly not recommend it, please give it a miss, others we spoke to there were also not happy. please feel free to e mail me at jonm4sherman@yahoo.com

Ken W           

I have recently retuned from an excellent two weeks at the elpida ( no thanks to kosmar) and there

meddling with bookings its with many thanks to dennis denise the owners and there son spiros i
was able to stay with them at the elpida they are such a lovely freindly family nothing is to much
trouble to make your stay a happy one although they have a limited menu but what they do
serve is very good especially the toasted cheese burgers made by spiros or mimi they have a
well stocked shop and you are served by the smiling face of aliki there daughter who speaks
very good english.
i must thank my drinking buddies gina walter mandy craig kath paul helen layla cat & russ
also the irish gang  the swedes & danes plus anyone else i have missed i will deffinatlly be
goingf back next year and look forward to seeing as many as can make back again so we can
prop the bar up spiros keep those mean cocktails comming.  YAMMAS
 
  ken (faither)  xxx  .

 

Ken W           

 

I have recently retuned from an excellent two weeks at the elpida ( no thanks to kosmar) and there

meddling with bookings its with many thanks to dennis denise the owners and there son spiros i
was able to stay with them at the elpida they are such a lovely freindly family nothing is to much
trouble to make your stay a happy one although they have a limited menu but what they do
serve is very good especially the toasted cheese burgers made by spiros or mimi they have a
well stocked shop and you are served by the smiling face of aliki there daughter who speaks
very good english.
i must thank my drinking buddies gina walter mandy craig kath paul helen layla cat & russ
also the irish gang  the swedes & danes plus anyone else i have missed i will deffinatlly be
goingf back next year and look forward to seeing as many as can make back again so we can
prop the bar up spiros keep those mean cocktails comming.  YAMMAS
 
  ken (faither)  xxx  .

Chris J           

Just returned from a stay of two weeks at the Elpida Apartments. We had a fantastic time and would go back again although maybe not in August as it was extremly hot.

 
Rooms were good and Spiros and his family were very helpfull and did their best to make sure that everyone had a good time.

Gina H           

Not long back from Elpida after spending another brilliant two weeks there. (No thanks to Kosmar)

Going back again 28th September, just cant keep us away. Would like to say a huge Girdy, Girdy, Girdy to all the old friends we met again and all the new friends we met this year. Hope you all manage to get booked up for next year. Kat and Russ has started the ball rolling, we will get sorted when we come back in October.
 
Lots of love to Cath, Paul, Ken (faither), Helen, Layla, Pete, all the irish mob and all the swedes and danes. Look forward to seeing you again and promise to e-mail you all soon.
 
Gina, Walter, Mandy and Craig.
xx
 

Kat & Russ           

For those of you who know us, we'll be at the Elpida from Aug 5 2007 for two weeks - might bump into some of you again. Yamas!

Merrial M           

We are going back to Elpda next year and have booked. So if you have trouble try booking direct and get flights from the net. It works out about the same as Kosmar who seem to have let a lot of people down. We were booked this year in Elpida as we had a great time last year. Our holiday was in May this year and we were told that the Elpida had been withdraw from Kosmar. The family are lovely people they and cannot do enough for you so stick out if you have booked and to all you who want to book. Speak to Spiro direct if you cant sort things out.  Good luck to you all and if I can help please leave a message   

Kat & Russ           

click to enlargeclick to enlargemore pics  - Spiros making just one more TVR for Russ and just one more Greek Kiss for me - gurt lush my lover!

Kat & Russ           

click to enlargeclick to enlargeclick to enlarge

The hotel is a 15 minute leisurely walk from the beach.  Just wanted to say that it was great going back up to the Elpida to see everyone again - the added bonus was seeing friends we met last year. Many great evenings with the master of heap strong cocktails Spiros. We were so disappointed at not being able to stay at the Elpida having been relocated by Kosmar to the Alikanas Beach Hotel - see my comments re that hotel. Returning to the Elpida was like coming home such is the ethos of this hotel and generous family. Am currently organising our return visit for next year. Gina & Walt, hope you still have my email address as am having problems sending the photos as promised to everyone we exchanged emails with on your last night - could have had something to do with having a few drinkies! 

Karen W

How far are the apartments from the beach ? There is not much information as to the location in the brochure.

Carrie

Hi, came to Zakynthos last year, stayed in Argassi and absolutely LOVED it!! I'm looking to book a hol for two of my older friends, single ladies in their fifties looking for a beautiful place with (just a little bit of!) peace and quiet coupled with lovely restuarants and tavernas/bars for them to have lovely fun evenings. Does anyone who's been here think this resort and apartments would be a good choice for them??

Pen L           

2 adults 2 teens 15 & 18 returned from Elpida 13/07/06 having had a great week . Elpida was everything we wanted to 'chill out' and we spend the week rotating from sun-bed (of which there were plenty) to pool (kept spotless) and bar (where we drank too much) Spiros and his family could not have been more welcoming, nothing was too much trouble (even when the kids locked their key in the room for the 3rd time). Our rooms (clean and tidy) were in the new building at the back so there was no problem with noise. There were some great restaurants with traditional Greek menu's and plenty of bars close by.  Greatful thanks to Spiros who took my son to the night clubs in the south of the Island.....and brought him back again.... would reccommend these apartments to all

Stuart T           

JUST COME BACK AFTER 2 WEEKS,HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE ELPIDA IT WAS CLEAN TIDY AND THE OWNERS WERE VERY HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY  FOR TWO STAR PLUS IT HAD AIR CON GOOD POOL AND GOOD FOOD WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ASK FOR!IT WAS OUR FIRST TIME IN GREECE WOULD DEFINETLY GO BACK!!!THANKS...

Steve M           

 
Hi Spiros,
i guess you run the Elpida apartments.
 
I have booked a party of 8 for 20 August 2006. I have spoke to kosmar regarding our booking. They say everything is ok.(Dont believe them)
Can you confirm our booking is OK. If it is OK would it be possible to have
two rooms together in the new building. Cant wait to come to Zante & the Elpida.
Many Thanks     Steve Manby 

David W           

We've just got back from 3 weeks at the Elpida where we had a wonderful time.  The complex has everything you'll need during your stay and Spiros and family will look after you as if you are one of the family.  The apartments are kept clean and tidy, the grounds are immaculate, the snack bar has a good range of meals and the supermarket is well stocked and reasonably priced.  It was our first visit to Zante but it will not be our last - and the only place we'll look for accommodation will be the Elpida.  Thanks to all for making our holiday extra special.

Nicky O           

was going to elpida 20 08 06 was informed on saturday by post that kosmar are no longer dealing with elpida so be warned

Gina H           

Hi John,

I'd check, check, and check again. Kosmar has no contract with Elpida any more and therefore are unable to guarantee you a room here. A lot of people have been left very disappointed as we love this place too.
 
Gina
 
 

Sam A

Just a Little info for Kosmar Customers, I contacted my Travel Agent today and they have confirmed that they have cancelled their existing contract with Elpida, i would advise anyone who has booked here to contact their travel agent ASAP to try and arrange an alternative place to stay.

Linda R           

We just got back from 2 weeks at the Elpida and it was great. Spiros and his family made us very welcome, the apartment was clean and comfortable the pool was lovely and the grounds are kept really nicely by his dad. He's had some problems with Kosmar (local politics) but we went with MyTravel and we had no problems at all. Anything we needed, like I wanted some extra plates & towels , just arrived with a smile. I'd recommend these apartments to anyone.

The resort is good, plenty of friendly bars & restuarants within easy walking distance, the beach is lovely and clean and there are horse carriages to take you into Alikes if you want even more bars & shops etc.
 
The only thing I would say to anyone going to Alikes or Alikanas is to make sure you take any medical stuff you may possible need as there isn't a chemist within reach and unlike supermarkets at home, the local shops just sell the very basic requirements. The mossies are also out in force so take plenty of DEET based repellant.
This was our 4th trip to Zante and we will certainly go back to Alikanas and the Elpida again.

Wendy L           

 
Just want everyone to know I was a party of 10 who stayed at the Elpida May 2005 for 2 weeks enjoyed it so much we booked for 28th May for 2 weeks we were notified by Kosmar 8 weeks before that we had to stay at the Letsos or lose our £300 deposits.  We stayed at the Letsos which was basic but clean.  We had know explanation.  We later found out that Kosmar had paid in advanced for so many rooms at the Letsos which were not being filled due to the bad reviews on various websites.  That is why people were moved from the Elpida to the Letsos.  Absolutely out of order.  We won't book with Kosmar again.

Cazza W           

Hey all, just been reading about the disgraceful way in which Kosmar have been behaving...it really doesn't surprise me!!

Unfortunately we will not be coming back to Elpida for a little while yet as i am due to have a baby in 5 weeks time, but i hope that all the visitors this year and next will have as great a time as Jamie and i did last year, and if your new to Elpida, you MUST try Spiros's cocktails, they are to die for....but not litterly  Tongue

Spiros S           

Hi Phil

I checked your reservation with Kosmar and they gave me your name and your booking so i can say with certainty that you will be staying at the Elpida when you arrive. Sorry again about the trouble with the bookings this year but it seems that Kosmar has decided to take the guests werever they want this year...
I will see you soon
Spiros from the Elpida

Phil S           

Hi Spiros,

    My partner and I are booked to stay at the Elpida on the 18th of june for two weeks, we booked through Kosmar and we too had been told that you were overbooked, but after a much heated discussion and various threats, on my part, they now say that they have found space for us with you. Is there any way you can verify this for us as its only a couple of weeks away and i'd hate to start our holiday by arriving on Zakynthos and having a blazing row with a tour rep about changes of accommodation
 
And thanks for posting your message on the boards, maybe my mistake was not booking direct with you in the first place.

Georgina H           

Hi Kat,

 
We are travelling to Elpida on 23rd July so will be on our second week by the time you arrive.
Glad you are returning. You must have had a good time last year. Dont they make you feel so welcome?
Mimi is back behind the bar again this year too did you meet her last year? Mad or what???
You can find us in the Elpida most nights, (usually sitting with Spiros) Come up and say hi.
 
Gina    

Spiros S           

Hello everyone!

 

We recently found out that a lot of people who had booked and paid for the Elpida got sent letters that said that they were canceled and moved to the Letsos Hotel for various reasons, like us being overbooked or that we don’t do business with Kosmar anymore.

I just want you to know that none of that is true!!  We have had plenty of available rooms in the complex so far and we do have a contract with Kosmar so there is no real reason for Kosmar to be altering your bookings.

Last Sunday as I went to welcome some guests that had just arrived, a family of three got off the bus and asked me if I had any rooms available. I told them that I did (Kosmar has filled seven out of the thirty five rooms they have so far), and they then turned and asked the rep in front of me why had he told them that we were overbooked! I asked the same question and all we both got in return was that he didn’t know anything about that and that the guests had to go to the Letsos although he now knew we had empty rooms. The people refused to go and the rep had no choice but to let them stay and changed their booking again. These people were not notified by a letter from Kosmar they just found out that they got changed to the Letsos when they got here.

I’m still trying to find out what is happening with Kosmar and why this happened last week but all I got so far was that no one knows anything. The office in zante told me to call the office in England and the office in England told me to speak with the people in zante so I think I have little chance of finding out…

Kosmar has given me a list of bookings that are sure to come to the Elpida and so far the people have been coming as expected so if you are worried about your booking or you have been canceled please contact me at www.elpida_hotel@yahoo.gr and I will do the best I can to sort things out.

I’m very sorry all this is happening and I hope ill get answers from Kosmar soon, for the moment if you can’t get a room here try ringing Mytravel and asking there they should be able to sort something out.

 

Thank you for your time and your support and I hope everyone has a good holiday

See you soon

Spiros from the Elpida.

Georgina H           

Hi Merrial,

Re What is going on?
As spiros has told you they have been having a few problems with bookings through Kosmar.
Reading other reviews and comments lots of people have had bother booking up at Elpida this year. And many of the regulars have had to change to other accommodation.
We are due to go to Elpida again this July, so far everything is fine, but cant get booked up again through Kosmar for next year.
I will be doing this myself through Spiros.
Glad you had a good time on holiday, not too long to go for us now.

Spiros S           

Hi everyone i am Spiros from the Elpida apartments. I would just like to let you know that from the next summer you will be able to book a holiday to Elpida not just from kosmar but from Manos, Mytravel and directly through me as well. For this year you can book rooms with kosmar, Mytravel and through me, just send me an email at elpida_hotel@yahoo.gr and ill get back to you.... You can also visit www.gozakynthos.gr and check us out there 

Have a nice holiday everyone and thanks for your comments

Mandy C           

due to travel to elpida on 23rd july not heard of any problems re over booking.  kosmar still has availability for elpida and are taking bookings. hovever, 2 years ago kosmar tried to change us to anouther hotel telling us they had overbooked. we insisted that we were ataying at the elpida and done so. so this isnt the first time this has happened with kosmar.  hope you make it to where and when you want.

Wendy L           

 
We are a party of 10, we should be staying at the Elpida on the 28th May 2006 for 2 weeks stayed last year and had a great time.  Just found out over the weekend that Kosmar are not doing holidays to the Elpida in May.  Don't know why as yet.  We booked this holiday in July 2005 with it being school holidays and a group booking.  I am fuming.  Kosmar are now trying to find us accommodation but places are booked up.  After looking at reviews for Akis Studios people have also had to change accommodation for June due to Kosmar overbooking.  I fear the same thing has happend to us.
 
I would advise anyone staying at the Elpida to get in touch with Kosmar asap.
 
 

Sharon D           

anytime nicky pat n charley yet again another great time on hol wi thee

Nicky O           

forgot to say a big thanks to mark and sharon our regular drinking buddies on holiday  

Nicky O           

click to enlarge

We had a brilliant time here. The owners Dennis and Sula are fab. We didn't get to meet their son as he was away at uni. Mimi who worked the bar and cooked was absolutely stark raving mad. The room we stayed in was great. we stayed in room 342 which had two bedrooms which meant our daughter Charley had a room of her own. The apartment was cleaned regularly and we had no complaints whatsoever. We would definately come back again.

Sharon D           

we have just come home from zante on 25.09.05 and we stayed at the elpida what a great place clean,tidy,friendly people,brilliant pool. the owners denis and denise are lovely people we never got to meet their son as he was at university. but we did get to meet we did get to meet the lovely mimi she is off her head!!! one crazy lady but an angel and will do anything to help, if you have any queries she is the one to go to as her english is brill. the food at elpida was good sometimes the white of eggs on the breakfast a bit under cooked but hey just scrape it off!!. i recommend the club sandwich its to die for yum yum. zante was yet again lovely a few cloudy days but great. plenty of good places to eat we recommend the romanza which is on ya way down the beach and mantalena and medousa they did a beautiful fish platter. we also ate at the greedy greek and got the greek meze for two was very nice only thing was you got different meats but they all had the same sauce on them but it was nice all the same but very big. we would go back to alikanas and also elpida anytime lovely lovely place. thank you to mimi denis and denise for a lovely time xx ps if buying olive oil go to the little shop below catacomes bar,its their own olive oil that they have pressed and its beautiful the bar above is also very good plays great music and good drinks at a good price!!! great people too xxxx

Jay            

click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge A big hello to Kat, Russ (pint of tea and a TVR chacer please!!) Micheal & Lauren
Chris & Tab
Ken & family.

Myself and my partner stayed at the Elpida for 2 weeks from the 31/07/05, we found the Elpida apartments to be pretty good compared to other Greek apartments but as always basic.  Rooms were cleaned frequently with bedding and a change of towels (seems you have to buy your own bog roll!).

This is a family run business which is run by Denice (mama), Denis (papa) and their young son Spiros who makes wicked cocktails (Denice makes the strongest cocktails that blow your head off!).  Nice pool and bar area which does get busy at times but you always seem to get a sunbed, if you are around the pool you can always get a toastie from the bar and other bar snacks which we did often ans was well priced.  Cocktails were 3 euro which was well worth it as they were laced heavily with booze!

There are plenty of taverna's in Alykanas, Alykonis which was run by Kevin ans Maria who are british, very nice friendly couple who would always say hello when walking past of an evening even if we didn't eat there (not pushy at all) you would also get a 1/2 caraf of red/white wine with our meal which would make you shake your head after taking a gulp...bloody strong stuff!!  We ate here 3 times in our stay.

We also ate at Dionisos, La Caretta, Posidon - (tried lamb in the oven in the poseidon Taverna which you get loads of and is just devine as the lamb is tender and just falls off the bone...a must for lamb lovers!).  We tried several other Taverna's, didn't try the Greedy Greek as there was mixed reviews and didn't try Lavante as this always looked quiet, but these were the Taverna's that we remembered most of our stay.

We did try a restaurant/bar in Alykes (the next town up) which is called the Olympic Kitchen bar/restaurant, a fully air-condidtioned restaurant.  Inside it was very contemporary looking with suede sofa's in the waiting area and excellent decor, the food was very good and well presented with friendly service, the prices were not too bad a little more expencive than some taverna's but well worth the money.  Also just to say that it might be worth your while booking a table before you go as you may have a long wait.
We went to the Olympic Kitchen 2 times in our stay and one visit was for my birthday.
Have a look at the Olympic Kitchen website for pics:- http://www.olympicbar.com/  the pics dont actually do it justice, its much better in the flesh!

Whilst over there it is most probably better to do your own thing with excursions as doing it through the rep can be a little pricey, also worth hiring a vehicle for a day or so as you get to see some excellent views of the island, some are just breath taking!
Overall a very good holiday and the Elpida was a good choice for us and well worth the money spent and would defo come back again in the future.

P.S This is for chris if you are reading, im sure you will never forget your experience of a certain greek man at the wheel of a quad bike, talk about going off road!.... lol


Kat S           

  Re my last comment I want to alter the thumbs up, it was all great - forgot to alter the bullet.

Kat S           

In answer to some of the comments earlier.  On arrival the towels provided in the rooms were small, but became bath towels as we know it on the third day.  Air con is available at 55 euros for two weeks, 35 for one.  We enjoyed Katerina's, but would recommend going further into town as the Apollo is great cooking at cheaper prices.  If you like Indian/Chinese, turn right before the Greedy Greek and 4 minutes down you'll see the restaurant where you can mix and match.  Be warned, you will run the gauntlet of people trying to entice you into their taverna's, but can pick up some discount cards on the way.  This resort was lovely, but beware, it can get a bit manic of an evening with the traffic with little pedestrian paving.  Re the hotel, it was lovely although we were in the new block Rm 326 and we did have to buy loo roll! The room was cleaned regularly with towels and sheets changed also - would recommend this hotel if you like a small family atmosphere (ramps available and lifts to upper floors).

Kat S           

click to enlargeclick to enlargeclick to enlarge  It was a pleasure to stay at the family run Elpida.  It was a real treat to have 4 beds and not 2 + pull out settee - definately the best greek accomodation experienced to date, but as is the norm in Greece, still basic.  The views from the back apartments were stunning.  What a relief not to have to fight for a sun bed, as management reserved the right to remove towels - not that it ever happened.  The Elpida is about 5 minutes stroll from the centre of Alikanas and 10 to the beach.  Would recommend the Apollo to eat out, great cooking at good prices.  Got ripped off at the Greedy Greek.  The Greek night, booked via the Jam Bar was great value.  Highpoint of the holiday was the Speedboat trip, booked via Levante Speedboat in Tsivili - Spiros was great and you actually got into the Blue Caves, don't go on the big boat tours.  Hubby and kids went diving at St Nicholas beach which excelled in safety - a bit pricy but worth it - got the underwater DVD to prove it! This island is beautiful - enjoyed it so much we have booked up the Elpida for 2006 - can't wait!

N J           

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Stayed at Alikanas Apartments last year.. Elpida on par..this year.. Good morning stroll to the beach never did anybody any harm? 10 - 15 minutes at lightinfantry pace or 15 - 20 minutes wifey pace. Elpida pool ok make sure your kids don't do back summersaults (Richard) likewise Dad duck when youre on the balcony. Enjoyed our stay would go back tomorrow if I had the dosh.. Spiros cocktails ok I like orange with vodka or lack of it as the night goes on. On a whole very nice place clean and tidy in the new block never got invited to the old block but, just as good as long as the birds don't wake you up. Would like to shoot the boy racer on the motorbike but, hey after 10 pints I always sleep well... Spiros I hope I've converted you to watching cricket NOT.. Have posted pictures

Cazza W           

What can i say... We (my partner and myself) had a wonderful holiday at Elpida, the owners Denis, Denise and their son Spiros made us feel more than welcome.  Our apartment was in the new block at the very back of the complex on the top floor accessed by either stairs or a lift (when you've had too many of Spiros's cocktails!!)  As with all Greek accommodation its was basic but very clean and tidy, the linen was changed every 2/3 days with fresh towels and the bins were emptied every other day and the apartment was cleaned frequently the only down side to this is they do wake you early in the morning about 9am which when you've been sat in the bar til 2am is a little early for some.  We had no problems in getting sun beds around the pool area, although i do feel theat some of the guests took advantage of the hopitality of the owners and did leave it in a bit of a mess for them to clean up, which i think is a little rude!  I would highly reccomend taking in a few of Spiros's delightful cocktails after you've had your evening meal, not for the faint hearted!!  While we were on holiday it was my partners birthday and Denis organised a cake for me which was more than yummy.  All in all we totally enjoyed our stay, food good, drinks better, hospitality great..I couldn't fault it, and to all the others who have need to lower their expectations of greek accommodation, it wasn't the best on the island but it was far from the worst and at the end of the day you get what you pay for!!

Ann B

We are due to go Elpida apartments this weekend and have just found this site, Do I really need to take my own bath towels? and can you give me advice on where to eat in the area that is good and clean food and preferably not to expensive, Any info would be helpful as we have a disabled person in our party thanks.

Kelly P           

Well i loved it here and i can honestly say that it was one of the best holidays i have ever had, our room was huge and very clean we had pleanty of towels and the beds were changed twice in our 1 week stay. The staff were fab and always happy to help, the pool was empty all day and there were pleanty of sun beds to go round. After reading some of the reports on this site i was worried but after seeing it for myself all i can say is SNOBS you get what you pay for at the end of the day and i considered this holiday a bargain for the money. I hope you all enjoy it as much as me and my family did (I've booked up for next year already)

Donna M           

elpida apartments are exellent just got back would go back tomorrow, every1 helpfull and very friendly, yes the apartments are a little basic for some but its only whats to be expected, cleaners are round every other day and all of the apertments i saw where kept clean and tidy, the elpida its self is also clean and tidy, yes the pool does get busy but only as expected with the amount of people there, but saying that niether my family or i had any problems getting in to the pool or getting a sun loungers.

owners can not do enough for you they even let you throw them in to pool.(spiros)

Kev & Nat           

having read certain reports on this accommadation we were a little bit worried as we we have children aged 11, 8 and 18months. we soon found out that all the are concerns we short lived. our apartment(studio for 4) was on two levels(room313) and was basic which is what we expect but very large and are overall opinion of the room was v. good.the maid service was also good, cant remember exactly how many times towels and sheets were changed but it seemed often. the pool was spot on and clean, kids loved it, the owners were freindly and dennis the boss always gave the kids free pool tokens everytime they went up for them. supermarket on site was good and not expensive so we got most of our stuff from their. pool bar prices were also good, 2 1/2 euros for a bottle of mythos and the food was reasonable aswell. we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and were very pleased with the elpida.

Wendy L           

 
We stayed at the Elpida for 2 weeks end of May.  All had a lovely time rooms were very clean, the pool was not overcrowed at all, you could easily get a sun bed no problem.  We are hoping to go back for a week in August we would definitely stay at the Elpida again.  We could not fault the holiday at all, it was a fantastic holiday.  If you have kids Buster's bar is very friendly and Steve gets the kids involved so they don't get bored. All the restaurants are nice our favourite being the Lemon Tree up the road from Busters it is easier to get on the horse and carriage for 5 Euros.   In all it was a fantastic two weeks. 
 

Faith S           

We stayed at the Elpida appartments w/c 5 June 2005 and stayed in the old block, room 301. Although basic,our room was clean and spacious, had a lovely terrace with a view over the pool. The room is right by the main road in Alykanas, I found it a bit noisy at night from the mopeds going past but my fiance did not hear a thing!

The pool area does get a bit busy and one day we could not even get near the pool but when you do get to sit by it, it is really nice. The pool is clean and everyone seemed to enjoy going in it. It is a bit annoying though when some people leave their towels on the sunbed and then disappear for about four hours or more and no one else can use them!
 
The owners are extremely friendly and gave us numerous games of free pool.
 
They have a snack bar which serves breakfast and toasties and it is all reasonably priced. If you want to take any food or drink by the pool, this needs to be purchased from the pool bar, not the shop.
 
All in all, we have had a fantastic holiday and would be happy to stay at the Elpida again next year.

Rob D           

We arived in Alpida on the 29 May  at about 14.00 and got off the bus and 3 of us were ushered with the holiday rep up to a room 316 on the old part of the building to say the least it was Dissssscusting.   had not been cleaned wet towells inthe shower tray rubbish every where ,dusty splinters on the staircase "not very practical for a 6 year old" The Settee bownstairs which doubles up as the third bed  was minging and i would never ever let my dog sleep on it never mind my daughterTook plenty of photos of our findings but the rep by this time making a hasty retreat to the bus so we explained we were not prepared to stay in the hoval, he left us and promised to sort it out. 

After waiting by the poolside for three hours with all our luggage and many calls from the area manager we were finally ginen a new room 333 in the new block , basic,clean and cleaned  every other day was'nt a palace but was compared to the old block otherwise enjoyed the holiday,the pool is very crowded so pack your towells and go of to the mill bar and have some luxory treatment.
I purchased aircon in alpida for 55euros for 2 weeks and 25 euros for a safebox in the room, but in the old blocks there are no safes in the rooms so you have to keep your stuff in safes in the supermarket "no way"
But other than a few hicups it wasnt a bad holiday but it could have been

Annette H           

 Just spent two weeks at Elpida.    We were in the block at the back of the complex  room no. 332.on the ground floor.   It had a front balcony and an open patio area facing the vines and the mountains at the rear  so we got the sun in the morning and the sun in the evening.    Basic accommodation - maid service every second day but towels only changed three times in the fortnight (they were only handtowels at that)- so if you need more than a tiny hand towel to dry yourself - then bring your own.    Pool area was a bit congested and I felt a bit claustrophobic but there are loads of other places nearby who have nice pools and make you feel welcome.   Try next door at the Plessas Pallace or The Mill Bar on the beach road near the harbour.     The food in all the resturants was fantastic, especillay the Moussaka in the Greedy Greek. Terry in the Tipsy Toad makes a mean cocktail.     We had a lovely time in Alikanas and hope to return some time.

Denise E           

We have just returned from the elpida apartments and can say that although they are basic (we stayed in the old rooms 303) they were clean.  The swimming pool is a great hit with adults and kids alike.  All the restaurants including the greedy greek are only a few minutes walk away.  Although on the roadside it was still quiet at night, we also found that we didn't need the aircon with the room being shaded.  Very good value for money. 

Hayley R           

just returned from 2 weeks at the elpida and for all of you who have read the negative reviews lets put this right.our apartment was 326 in the new block lovely and spacious,very clean and the location was fine about 5 mins walk from the center of town. the elpida shop is well stocked and must be the cheapest in the area. we ate at katerinas kitchen the first night which was nice but very pricey then for the next 13 nights we ate at the apollo which was fantastic excellant value for money and the service was fab so we decided to stick with what you know. also in town a launderette which was only 10 euro for a wash and dry and the clothes were lovely and clean and folded so they didnt even need ironing.the cuba bar was a great night out and i would recommend to anyone

a drink at the tipsy toad the couple who own it are terry and jill and are lovely people and great fun.hope anyone who reads this has a holiday as fabulous as we have had

Diane C

Coming to Zante in August 2005 and staying at Elpida Studios. I am a little concerned at the comments about these apartments. Are they really that bad?

Faith S           

Hi

I have been to Alykanas before but we did not stay at the Elpida appartments. Just so I have an idea of where these appartments are, could anyone tell me how far away from the Greedy Greek they are?
 
Thanks.
 

Cazza W

"HELP"....please could anyone tell me if there are safety deposit boxes in the apartments at the Elpida Studios and how much did they cost..going in Aug 2005 so will need the air-con, again how much did this cost..if there's anywhere anyone can recommend places to eat/visit...and information/recommendations of where to hire a car...many thanks cazza

Katrin S

We're staying at the Elpida in Aug 2005 and I'm a little concerned about some of the comments about the accomodation. We have two kids, 15 and 12 - what are the sleeping facilities like and is air con available?

Nigel R           

With reference to Can u Help? We stayed last July, there was not a kettle in apartment, only 2 ring cooker and there is a cash point at the main supermarket on the way to the beach. Hope this helps. See my comments July 2004.( Best holiday we`ve had)

Lorraine S           

stayed at elpida in 2004 june it was very friendly sakis was mad a real scream apartments very clean a bit to quiet for me but found some nice restaurants posiden and magdelana and had a laugh in typsy toad with terry and jill worth a stay if you like peace .

Jane H

Coming to Elpida Apartments Alykanas May 2005, a little worried about some of the comments on apartments. Also, is there a cash point here or at Alykes, or do I need to bring travellers cheques.

Patsy

Could anybody tell me if they have kettles in the apartments as i'm trying to cut down on the amount of stuff i take.

Holly            

Me and my boyfriend stayed at the elpida in July 2004 and thought it was excellent. The staff were always friendly and happy, we met loads of lovely people and both got gorgeous suntans. It was exactly what we had hoped for. Being a young couple, we wanted nightlife (bars and restaurants) without being in the thick of it in Laganas. Alykanas was the perfect resort for us!!!Would recommend for couples familys and those wanting a fun but also relaxing holiday. We would definately go back.

Liz O           

Just back from Elpida Apartments. Can't understand how people put in comments saying that the apartments at the back were much cleaner. I'd hate to have seen the ones at the front. The first day we got there we had to go out and buy cleaning gear.. bleach etc. The apartment was filthy, not to mention the smell coming from the bathroom for the entire two weeks or the disgustingly dirty blankets on the bed. We received 2 small hand towels and they were only changed twice in our two week stay. Owners were so unfriendly, they have a supermarket on site but you are not allowed to sit by the pool and eat/drink anything you buy in the shop. Must be bought from the bar instead. Definitely wouldn't go back to the Elpida.

Alykanas Taxis

Alykanas Taxis

Alykanas Buses

Alykanas Buses

Alykanas Video Tour