Kalamaki Beach Hotel

me and my husdand and 2 boys are going next week ,lm dreading it with the comments some people have made.any nice places to see and do? anybody going that week? will update when get back.

Each to his own I think the comment goes! We have been to Zante three times now and the Kalamaki Beach Hotel is the worst place we have stayed in. I agree the location is good, but the hotel isn't!

Hey stop whining about the hotel!! What did you expect at a beach hotel on a Greek islan? Yes the breakfast was dull but the pool was excellent, despite the floating light. Loads of sunbeds all with mattresses and brollies. Nikos at the pool bar was as friendly and helpful guy as you are likely to meet as was his young lady assistant. Petrula the afternoon receptionist and Anna the Albanian barmaid were always chatty and friendly. It was basic but that comes with the territory of such a holiday. The proximity to the beach way outweighed the peceived problem of the walk to the heart of Kalamaki. We overhead other visitors from the other end of Kalamaki complaining how far it was to walk to the beach. There aint no pleasing some folks!!It wasn't that far and the beach is quiet and has loads of space to chill out!! After lounging about in the sun in temperatures of 36-39 degrees C we welcomed the evening stroll. Michaeloes and Mermaids were by far the restaurants we we were in, and if you go to the Rose and Crown say hello to Heather from Edinburgh who runs the bar with her husband. Everything was much more expensive that it had been on our previous visit in September 2001 probably with the advent of the euro. The airport departure lounge is still a disaster and when you depart prepare youself to be herded around in the sunshine whilst the reps try to get you into the terminal building. It's all a bit farcical and long overdue for a complete rebuild.

I have got to agree with the comment below. Maybe we got out a little bit earlier one morning, but we also found a used nappy floating in the pool!!!! Time for a day at the beach. The breakfast consists of not much more than semi stale bread, butter and jam... that's about it. Waking up in the morning never seemed so thrilling.

We wanted the air conditioning on for one night, and thought it was on a 24 hour timer, it didn't turn off and we were charged for three days usage.

The Tavernia coast more for a round of drinks, than a whole meal in Kalamaki and insisted on the worst ever, over loud kareoke act ever. He still wouldn't give up after his adoring croud of four people stopped clapping.

Most residents seemed to go to the other hotels for drinks if they wanted to stay close to the hotel, and I can't blame them.

we have just returned from the malakaki b***h hotel. enough said really! if you are going, watch out around the swimming pool, the steps are loose at the deep end, and there is some loose raised paving. the light at the shallow end keeps floating loose. we pointed these out as it didn't seem very safe, but when we left nothing had been done about it. if you are on an early morning flight (ie out of your room at 12 midday the day before), and get offered a room downstairs - don't take it! it smells really bad! the hotel bar is expensive too compared to everywhere else! on the plus side the maid and the gardener are really nice. the beach bar food is ok if you stick to the basics - don't have the 'special food'. much better to travel out to hera, mermaids or spaghettomania!

butter up the receptionists, change your money away from the hotel, cos when we were there they were only giving 1.32 per pound, up the street it was 1.51.

dont think u can hire a fridge. As for the location, it is about 200m from the main road, right next to the beach. Its not in the main part of kalamaki, it's the other end, towards laganas.

I am going to stay at the Kalamaki Beach Hotel in September with my partner and 8 month old son, and wondered if anybody knows if you can hire a fridge for the room there?
Also, does anyone know where the hotel is in relation to either Hotel Venus or the main Kalamaki high street? Many thanks.

My husband, my 6yr old daughter and myself are staying in Kalamaki for 2 weeks at the end of this week. Can anyone tell us of any outings they have enjoyed - and the best place to book. Do not want to go to the Shipwreck though!
Many thanks.

could anyone please tell me whether the rooms in the kalamaki beach hotel have a fridge or kettle? we are going their in 2 weeks - wots their for my 11 yr old daughter to do ?

i am stopping in kalamaki beach can you tell me hoe it is to walk to nearest shops and bars thanks

Re Kalamaki Beach Hotel : There are no facicities in the rooms for making drinks so either take your own or buy it there. A kettle can be bought for as low as 15 euros cups for 2 euros, you can nick tea bags from the dining room at breakfast but they are not very good.

am hoping to go here in july, worried about spending money, any up to date (2003) info appreciated.

Hi me and my hubby are going to the Kalamaki Beach Hotel on the 26th May would like to hear from anyone staying the same week.

Hi, I am stayiny at the Kalamaki Beach Hotel with my girlfriend and two friends we were wondering if rooms have cutlery,cups, and a kettle in them?. We are going on the 29th of May for one week and would like to hear from people who are also going that week.

The nearest shop is 10 minutes away. Not bad. The beach was very close. The only problem is that people raced in the street and the airport planes fly straight over head.

I am sorry Terry had such a bad time, but I have to say that it’s really not that bad. We went on a last min. cheap JMC hol to the Kalamaki Beach hotel, late Sep/Oct. We wanted to chill out, catch some sun and eat well (we did all that very nicely) The Hotel is not the Savoy (and we did not pay for that) but it is clean the staff are fine and it is near the beach. The pool was clean and the food fine. The beach shuts at 7pm to let the turtles do their thing (but who wants to sit on the beach at 7pm) The main street is about 15 min. walk and is ok (could get a bit dull after a week) Restaurants were good for the money and friendly (23eu for 2) Planes are very close, but it adds to the fun and they stop at about 10pm. The island is very green and one of the better Greek island. Well worth a trip, we will be going back. Simon Ps. how Terry paid £80 for a cab to the airport is beyond me; we went to Zante town for £6 (well past the air port) PPs. Airport is tiny and very slow. (but then it is Greek) PPPs my advice is, that if you want a luxury holiday you have to pay for it, if you want a break in the sun at a good price, that’s what you will get, so chill out and enjoy your self. (and remember, some poor sucker is in the UK getting wet or sitting on the M25) “Your not”

It resllly isn't that bad!

canany one advice me whether the kalamaki beach hotel is suitable to take kids too aged 6 ,4 and is there anough in kalamaki to keep them amused in the evenings..please emails to jrpotsy@aol.com

I would recommend that all people intending to stay at this hotel think again. We booked it thinking that its close location to the beach, and supposed 400m to the nearest taverna would be ideal with a young child. You were not allowed on the beach in the evening (no mention in the brochure), the nearest taverna was 400m away as it said in the brochure, however it was part of the hotel and was only available during the daytime. All other tavernas were 1 mile away, and the locals treated the street like a race track. We dared not let our daughter out of her pushchair when going out in the evening. The hotel room had wires hanging from the wall which were live and even after requesting them to be looked at, were never fixed. There was constant power cuts and loss of water. The air conditioning cost 100 euros and when you went out, you often returned to find it switched off. Breakfast consisted of toasted bread, boiled egg, cornflakes coffee or orange every day for 2 weeks. Sometimes the egg was switched to yoghurt and peaches ( but this was an extremely rare treat ) There was a lounge area, but if you tried to use it, you were told it was out of bounds and asked to leave. We travelled with JMC, who I have to say were absolutely useless and we only managed to get a plane after talking to their head office in London. The local rep wanted us to pay 400 euros to return home early, but after speaking to london this turned out to be only 250. Add to this an 80 pound taxi back to our airport and it wasn't cheap. Just so you know JMC have contacted us stating that they believe the holiday was as stated in the brochure. ********* BEWARE OF JMC ************* We have been to Greece before, and so are aware of the basics that come with a greek holiday. We have enjoyed them until now. This was not our first greek island holiday, but it will certainly be the last. Its a shame really, because Zante is a beautiful island which just begs to be explored.

Michael - this hotel is roughly 20 mins walk from the Antonis apartments. Coming out of those apartments, turn left upto the corner of the road (where the taxi rank is)then turn left again towards Laganas. Go past the Down under bar and Mermaids, continue until you get to the Artemis restaurant on a corner. Take a left there, follow the road round past the Amarylis Aparthotel and then do another left. The Kalamaki Beach hotel is around 150 yds on the left hand side. We walked that 2 or 3 times a day with a pushchair !!! - if you go, you'll like it I'm sure.

Went out there from 1st August to 15th, Good clean hotel, - pretty basic rooms, but that's what you can expect from most places in Greece! The staff were all very friendly and the maid changed the linen every 2nd day but cleaned the rooms on a daily basis. Some Aircraft noise due to the proximity of the hotel (you can almost see the peoples faces in the windows of the plane as they fly past !!) Swimming pool was excellent, as was the poolside bar/cafe - they do some lovely food and very reasonable. A pint of Amstel for 2.5 Euros - most dishes around 3.5 to 5.5 Euros depending on what you want. Literally 2 minutes walk from the beach - oh yeh - there's a taverna right on the edge of the beach. I felt sorry for those people that stayed on the Island the week before us because they had some really bad weather (plus an earthquake I was told) - we experienced a small earth tremor, but not that bad really. Overall a really good hotel. Pity the area it is in is a bit of a distance to the Kalamaki bar/restaurant areas, but taxis should only cost you 4-5 Euros max to either Kalamaki or Laganas (the Blackpool of the Island !) Will be back !!!

wondered were abouts this hotel is .thinking of booking for 2003.we know were the antonis apartments are and the crystal beech hotel can any1 help?email me at mickuk3169@aol.com thanks

we have stayed at this hotel 3 times, twice in main building and once in annexe.Rooms are very basic but clean and comfortable. Its family run, the pool is great, there is just a short walk to the beach with a cafe right next to sea. the cocktails are lethal and the bar area is spacious.Small play area for children, went on see saw after a few cocktails, fell off and got covered in mud, but had a laugh. There are taxis waiting outside to take you anywhere on isalnd, Laganas is great for clubbing but kalamaki itself is great for family beach holidays. Try Paulos restaurant (up the road and turn right)Fantastic food and friendly staff. Mermaids have a greek evening which is entertaining and free but you have to book a meal there on that night. Well worth it. Every restaurant we tried had fantastic food and cheap booze.Dont worry about aircraft noises, just to see the planes coming in to land just above your heads is a great experience.We didnt get up for breakfast very often as we were out to late but when we did, it was very adequate. We have booked to go back again this May and probably go again in sept or October.You will not be sorry to stay here. Enjoy your holiday. Any other questions e-mail me patcole60@hotmail.com

Does anyone know what the accomodation is like - specifically the 4 bedded rooms ? Also, anyone who has photos of the hotel - i'd appreciate some. email to troy@home.swinternet.co.uk

We've booked for next August - can anyone provide me with any info/photos? Got the holiday brochure information, but the picture doesn't do the Hotel justice.

good clean hotel nearest the beach,friendly staff,but poor bar,bar tender turned the lights off while several couples and families were still drinking so he could sit all night watching tv,in general a very good hotel with nice pool and taverna on sea front

You know your in the right Hotel as it's the one with tyre marks on the roof. The airport shuts at night due too the Turtle nesting, so aircraft noise is only during the day and it's not that bad. Excellent Hotel mind.

hi Sue i have had a report that the hotel is very noisy due to aircraft and that the staff shoot birds in the gardens, this was late 1999 the report was on JMC-UNWRAPPED as you have just been there can you tell me what it is like now

Lovely holiday, will book to go next year. Could see beach from hotel pool. Taxi ride away from shops & restaurants. Excellent for families. We loved turtle spotting! Sue & Robert

i am staying at the kalamki beach hotel i would really like some news about this hotel i am travelling in two weeks thanks Jason

rod & beth stayed here in may and it was fanatstic, a nice small hotel with lots to do nearby, the beach was lovely and its just a short walk to the resort and shops i would go again

It's 220v everywhere in Greece. Just remember the plug adaptor.

what is the voltage, 110v or 220v

Excellent family run Hotel. Good location, right on the beach. Good sized pool with childrens section and pool bar serving snacks although there is a Taverna on the beach 20 metres from the pool.