Marelen Hotel

Well what can i say,just returned (25/9) it was an ideal location 200m from the beach & a short walk from the resort centre. It was clean comfortable & functionable rented a fridge for the week (well you have to keep those beers cool) cost 30e a tad expensive, didn't need air conditioning as the evenings were cool. Did not make use of the pool or the snack bar but did look nice (prefer the beach & trips) Had a few drinks at the bar & i must say the barman (didn't know his name) but very pleasant as were the rest of the team that ran the hotel keep up the god wk . Would i return? yes i would without a doubt well recomended

P.S. from the message below. Rate of Safety deposit box was 20euro for two weeks. It is cheaper up the road but obviously not as convenient. We had AC in our rooms (307/324) for no extra charge. Reference FANS..they are cheaper to hire from the supermarket. Only downside was you had to eat out in eve as hotel services no food. Recommended eating places: Buon Amici (italian-we tried snails there...ignore the thought just eat them..beautiful!); Mickolas (on road to zante town (turn left at end of kalamaki and 200m on lefthand side...traditional cooking par excellence) and of course Mermaids.

Tip:Ask for the house wine for a significant reduction in you final bill and don't forget your 10% tip and to say Eukha'ristos (ef-harri-stow) [Thankyou]

RE: Vicky Clarke. DOesn't matter really matter about location of apartment from hotel Marelen as Kalamaki resort is only a maximum of 15mins end to end. 5euro in taxi (set fare for the region).

Holiday was superb and my little lad Harrison loved it.
All the staff were SUPERB, especially Nic the bar man and Anastasia the receptionist.

Word of WARNING. DONT BOOK THE AIRTOURS TRIPS,GOTO THE TOWN AND BOOK DIRECTLY AS THE PRICE DIFFERENCE IS SIGNIFICANT. ALSO the Kethalonia visit by coach is crap, unless you are into jumping on and off a coach, being rushed about with just enough time to take a photo and only getting to VIEW the "most beautiful beach in the med" (Myrtos). MY ADVICE-Hire the car from reception (through circuit) £120eure for 3 days unlimited mileage and insurance (cheaper than avis) and get the ferry there yourself!

HAVE FUN...Si Michelle and little Harrison(5) Room 307/324 10-24th Sept 03

Hello Myself and husband Neil are coming to The Hotel Marelen on Wed 24th Sept, 2 relatives are also staying in Kalamaki at the same time in
( The Athina Apartments) could someone please tell me how far they are away from the Hotel Marelen.Thanks

We have just returned from a fortnights stay at the Hotel Marelen. There Were 16 of us in our group of ages from 6 to 72. We all thought the Hotel itself was very clean, the pool brilliant and snack bar very appetizing. The inside loung area was very hot dut to no ac.
We had a s.c. room, clean but s.c. facilities very basic, however we did have the option to pay extra for ac. which was well worth the money. 2 parties in our group had BB, but found the rooms unbearably hot, as they could only hire a fan. We didn't find the aircraft noise a problem, it was amazing to see the planes landing and taking off, they were so close you could almost see the people on board.

If you are looking for a very relaxing beach holiday you should love the Holel Marelen, but if you like to be close the shops and tavernas of the resort you'll probably find this hoel a little bit off the beaten track. The nearest supermarket is about a 5 to 10 min walk away which doen't seem that far but it is when it is very hot. If you keep walking down the main stretch you'll come across other shops and tavernas, they are a bit spaced until you get nearer the centre of Kalamaki. There is a Taxi rank right outside the hotel which only charges 6 euros to Kalamaki and 7 euros to Lagana.

We enjoyed our stay at the Marelen but would have really liked to have been closer to the shops and bars of Kalamaki.

we were residents from the 10th July for 2 weeks. What a top place, snack bar food was excellent, Pool brilliant. ok not on the doorstep for nightlife but the walk home wasn't too bad. Only one moan...... the hotel bar was unbearably hot ...turn the air con on guys!
Watch out for Avril in the bar ,,,,,,drinks like a fish !

Christopher
We're going to Hotel Marelen on the 17th September. It's the 3rd year for us. The aircraft are so close you'll be able to inspect the undercarriage for faults! But don't worry about the noise as they will almost certainly be landing with throttles off. If the wind turns, you get the occasional take off past the Marelen but this is rare. Anyhow, as the airport only usually takes about 3 aircraft at a time and there's no night flights 'cos it disturbs the turtles, aircraft are more of a novelty than a nuisance.

If you have a seat on the right side of the aircraft, you'll see the Marelen. It's the last hotel on the far side of the road before you land. Don't worry about the noise, just enjoy the holiday.

PS Give the Buon Amici retaurant a try, it's superb.
PPS Did anyone else receive a Christmas Card from the Marelen?

With reference to the airplane noise they start flying over about mid day and finish by 11.00 pm
To be honest they are close but it made no difference to our holiday enjoyment. Our little 4 year old loved watching them.
Don't worry about the noise it is not frequent enough to be annoying.
Dave

Going to stay at the Marelen 18th September for a week can anyone tell me if you get a lot of airport noise & if so what times please,

We have been visiting the Hotel Marelen for the last three years both as a group of friends and as a child friendly holiday. We have become friends with the owners and staff who will remember you every year you return. We have travelled to many places and stayed at many hotels around Europe however, the Marelen is the best. We will be back again and again to see our friends.

Were are the Marelen Hotel from 10 July and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were S/C and had a 2 bed apartment. The apartment was very spacious and well equipped, fridge etc. We paid extra from the air con 43E per week and certainly well worth it. My 2 kids (9 and 4) enjoyed the swimming pool which was very safe and well maintained. The food at the snack bar was excellent and we spent most days eating lunch there. Yes it is a bit of a walk to the restaurants and shops but is really quite nice and who wants to be accommodated at the centre of shops, bars and restaurants!! Aircraft noise is not a problem, in fact it was quite nice to watch them go by. Kalamaki itself is in my opinion the best resort of Zante especially for families. Mermaids restaurant was one of the best and we went back quite a few times. Down Under was a great pub even with the kids who enjoyed the presence of Skippy. I would definitely go back to this Hotel and to Zante - it was really great. Would recommend hiring a jeep for a few days to see the island which is wonderful. Guess what I even saw some turtles!!

We were a party of 6 in SC studios. Had a wonderful time! Generally very clean all round, staff very friendly and helpful, and altogether a very relaxing holiday.
We paid for AC, and did not regret it!
Pool area was pleasant when we first arrived, but was getting very busy on the day we left, with a great influx of young families.
The pool bar kept us fed and watered every day, and we had very good food throughout. The staff were courteous and efficient.
Went on 2 excursions through the TO, but the sea trip around the island was a disaster because the sea was choppy, causing people to be sick and preventing us disembarking at the various places we should have visited and the information system failed so we had no idea about which bit of cliff we were staring at at what time! The coach tour of the island was much better. The guide, Spiros and driver Dimitri gave us a good experience of the island which made up for the other trip!
Aircraft disturbance - not an issue. In fact we spent our days around the pool trying to identify the various planes as they arrived and then seeing if the hotel had new clients a little later!
(I had finished reading Harry Potter by then!)
The hotel is situated away from the main town centre and it was fair walk to get to some of the restaurants, but we needed the walk back to use up some of the calories we had piled on!
would we return? Yes, definitely.
Thanks to The management, owners and all the staff concerned.

Well just got back and thought I would add my views, please bear in mind that everyone has their own tastes.
Hotel itself was nice and clean with the friendliest staff I have experienced. We went Bed and Breakfast for the 1st and only time we will be doing that! The breakfasts need a lot to be desired if you are like me and like your hot breaky, for 7 days the only hot food was scrambled egg, beans and mini sausages.
The room was clean but not big enough for my wife and little daughter. It had 2 single beds and a bunk bed, 1 wardrobe and then it was just table and chairs. Most of the time the suitcases were used to keep the clothes in.
Our room did not have air conditioning or even a ceiling fan!!! Considering it was over 41 in the day and 31 at night I was amazed that it did not have a fan! We hired one from the reception for about £10 for the week which enabled us to sleep in comfort through the night.
We did not have a fridge but hired one also for the week at a cost of about £15. This was also a must for us as we kept our water in it and also bought some fruit and drinks etc from the mini markets up the road and kept them in there.
The pool was very nice with a clean and friendly family atmosphere as most of the hotel is booked by Airtours/Mytravel. The kiddies pool is situated at the end of the main pool but unfortunately if you have a small child who is in the childrens pool there are no sun loungers or area to put one so you can relax and watch your children. There is however a small bridge over the 2 pools where you can sit and watch but this has no shade. It would have been a lot nicer if the childrens pool could have been located where it is possible to view from the sun loungers area.
There is a poolside bar and food area open from about 10.00 am till about 6.00 pm. This is great as you can get hot snacks, drinks hot and cold, ice creams etc. Beware small cappucino's work out about £2.50 for a small cup but mainly the rest is quite reasonable.
When you go out of the hotel and turn right it leads up to a main road where on the junction is a small mini market, this is a good place to buy your small food items etc to put in your fridge and they do take Debit / Credit card.
The main road itself has quite a few restaurants and gift shops and mini markets on it but they are spread about to a degree.
BEWARE - if you are taking small children wth you the main road in most places has absolutely NO FOOTPATH and you find yourself diving into the gravel with the pushchair as some maniac wheelies past you on his motorbike. I was amazed that these roads had no path, this really put us off walking along with our child and we did not go as often as we would have liked.
Car hire is cheap, I would definately NOT use the Airtours AVIS car hire as they really do overcharge. Example = 1 Day jeep hire with fully comprehensive insurance--- Airtours price = 110 Euros, Elsewhere = 50 Euros!!! Thats a difference of about nearly £40 quid. There are plenty of car hire places up the main road but most of these are open in the late afternoon as the Greeks are usually having a nap in the day.
As the brochure states there may be some aircraft noise - Bit of an understatement!!! The planes take off vitually directly over the hotel, I know this may seem bad but they are not taking off all the time and they stop at night time as they are not allowed to fly after a certain time. It is also quite fun to watch and the kids love watching them.
One final point, the airport at Zakynthos is a nightmare. We arrived along with 2 other flights and there is only one baggage belt going around and we had to wait nearly 2 hours for our bags to come through!!! On your return trip take lots of water as you have to queue outside under canopies which can get quite hot and may take some time as it is a very small airport.
I know it may seem that all the above looks like the holiday was bad but I have only really put in the negative points without going into detail of all the good points of the holiday. It was our 1st time in Greece and 1st time with our little girl who's 4 years old. We did have a really good holiday.

We've stayed at the Marelen on 2 previous occasions. 1st time self catering when there was a fridge included at no extra charge, and the second time we went B&B and there wasn't a fridge, but we didn't need one. We're going again this September. It would appear that in Greece, air con, fan rental, safety deposit etc. etc. are all add on costs. If you need a fan, before you rent, check out the cost to purchase from a local shop, it may be cheaper.

Hello. I have booked a self catered studio at the Marelen for September, but have heard that it costs about 40 euros to hire a fridge for the week. Is this right?? Also the air con is 45 euros and the safety deposit box is 25 euro, is this right as well?

http://www.zantehotels.gr/marelen/

Above is the web page for the Marelen hotel, it gives email address and contact details. It also has some pictures and information. Thought this might come in handy.
Regards,
Dave

I am going to the hotel Marlene on 17th July 2003 with my wife and little girl who is 4. I am hoping that this will be a relaxing holiday where we can just meander around and relax for the week.
I don't like to admit it but the Airtours brochure said something about Karaoke and I do fancy a bit of that!!! Any 1 know if they do that at the hotel or local bars?
I am a bit worried about leaving the little one with the Dolphin club (Run by the reps). Can someone please put my mind at rest.
Any 1 else reading this and is staying at the Marlene between the 17th and the 24th July 03 please say hi. You cant miss us, 1 tall 35 yr old white slim guy with an older woman who I envy for getting such a tan and a little girl who will probably be walking about in her barbie costume!!!
Thanks,
Dave

Just got back from Marelen. Apartment very spacious and very clean.We were SC - good sized fridge in apartment at no extra cost. Staff very helpful, maid service and lots of clean towels every day. Air-conditioning extra cost, but we managed without it. Can't understand negative commemts about this hotel as we all found it to be very good.

Just done a search on Google.com for Marelen Hotel:
marelenz@otnet.gr

I haven't got an e.mail address, but information on their in house brochure is:
Kalamaki Post Box 6, Zakynthos 29100.
Tel: (0695) 26 137-40
Fax: (0695) 26 142

I don't understand the dash in the phone number, and you'd need to use an international dial code. Good luck.

Went there last year - had a great time - am going again this year, but would like to contact the hotel before arrival. Does anyone have an e-mail address for the Hotel?

You will get a fridge but you have to pay for air conditioning. Not all apartments have air conditioning though so you will have to hire a fan but they are of little use. BE WARNED: If you dont have air con you will not sleep.

me & my wife stayed here for the first time this year & i must say i was pleased we did the rooms are spacious the staff are very helpful & the food was much better than most others in kalamaki if there was a downside the pool was a bit on the small side for the size of the hotel but apart from that we had a great time thanks to all concerned

Just back from two weeks and would recommend this as a family Hotel, swimming pool was good with lovely well tended gardens. Pool side bar was well operated at reasonable prices. Close to beach and to the town but tucked away off of the main road, we didn't find the aircraft noise to be an issue and generally found Kalamaki to be a clean and tasteful resort perfect for those with families but maybe to quiet if your after the nightlife.

We are going to Marelen in July. SC 2 bed apartment. Does anyone know if this has a fridge and air con? Brochure says that fridge is included in kitchenette (being SC) but air con is extra charge.

we are going to Marlene Hotel 3rd July. Brochure picture looks perfect - is this deceptive??
In SC studio, so is fridge included or extra?
any info would be greatly appreciated!

Avril At the time I booked our Holiday I did'nt notice that you had to pay extra for a fridge, I rung the travel agent to complain and loand behold when we got there, there was a fridge in our appartment!!dont know whether it was my complaint or not.
I think it was 60euro's to hire one, they also hire Fans but if you look around it's cheaper to buy one!!
Hope this is of some help to you
Have a nice holiday.

We are booked to stay at the Marelen Hotel from 10 July for 2 weeks can anyone help in regard to the apartments. We are told there is a supplement for the use of a fridge!! A bit much if you ask me when we are self-catering!!! Has anyone experienced this supplement and if so how much? Thansk

With Reference to your question about aircraft noise, Lorraine you do get quite a bit of noise but you dont tend to notice it after a while I actually liked to see the planes coming in to land so I may be a bit biased!! I must also addmitt we were there late season.
I hope this may be of some help to you.

We have been to the Hotel Maralen twice. This year was the last week of May and first of December. The year before in September we had trouble with wasps, but I gather from other postings that this didn't happen this year, but there were flies, and I gather that, as with the wasps, it was primarily in the breakfast area. In June this year we had no problem with any insects (except the usual mozzies, and they weren't too bad). Aircraft noise in the Maralen area, although very close to the airport, is barely worth a negative comment. In fact, because it is an island with relatively small holiday industry compared with the more popular resorts, I'd go as far as to say that the very low aircraft have a novelty value! Because of the turtle situation, aircraft are not allowed at night. I would have no hesitation in recommending the resort or hotel, especially in June when its hot, but not too hot.

We are going to Marlelen hotel (me, my husand and two children aged 6 and 3) in june. Can anyone tell us if the aircraft noise is really bad? Is the hotel nice for families?

we were at the Maralen in august this year we had a lovely time. The hotel staff were lovely,you find if you are nice to them they are nice back! It is difficult to spot turtles in August as they are almost out of season,but we took a gless bottomed boat to Turtle Island from the beach at Laganas and we did see a Turtle. We had a two bedroomed appartment with air-conditioning which we knew we would have to pay extra for , if you take time to read your holiday brochure before you arrive it does state this.We would definitely go back to Zante as we all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday.

ARE YOU SURE YOU GOT THE RIGHT HOTEL ??

Got back wednesday excellent holiday, try book self catering room as free fridge & air con available(60 euro). Plane noise not a problem but inconsiderate guests are. Hotel grounds immaculately clean, snack bar food good,breakfast ok. Booked with Airtours & ended up having to pay 5 euro for kids club each session, were not informed when booked that there would be an additional charge. All in all though excellent will be going back next year to Kalamaki. P.S. make sure you hire a car beautiful island.

arrived home on thursday. we found hotel staff approachable and helpful. flies in breakfast room a real problem. room very small, but always clean and plenty of fresh towels.pool very deep, but no problems while we were there. hotel greek night was good.location to beach excellent, turtles elusive as loch ness monster!1st and last visit to zante,we had a great time but would not fancy a return visit!

We all enjoyed our holiday in Zante, but certainly not the hotel. Complained about our toilet leak on our second day, and yes it was still leaking when we left. On the room itself we were some of the lucky ones with fridge and air / con but at a price of 40E for two weeks, although they did try and switch it off a day to early and what a job I had getting it back on as my wife was ill and needed a cool room. Flies ? well you’ll be out numbered 20 to one. Pool side ?, the posting before me got it right, VERY DANGEROUS. I Found no problems with the aircraft noise if fact I enjoyed seeing them coming over. If you want a pool side snack go to the hotel across the road, better cheaper and cleaner. If you would like a drink in a cool lounge bar, go elsewhere as the air / con has not been working all year in the Marelen. The hotel reception staff are some of the worst when it comes to asking for any help what so ever. They struck me as being thick or was it just there pure ignorance, perhaps a bit of both maybe. I’m sure my friend Gulio will have plenty to say about it all when he gets out of bed today. Keep it clean Gulio. Regard to all Frank & Ruth

Well debsy, I did tell you about the flies!!!!! And as for your wallet, well we also lost some money in reception, there was only 3 of us there at the time myself, my husband and one of the hotel staff. From dropping it in reception walking down the steps and back up the money had gone and it was just after midnight so there was no one else around, and yes! the guy didnt give a damn. Sorry about your little ones tummy upset, maybe it was the flies all over the breakfast that caused it. Kalamaki lovely, hotel Marelen - definately not my cup of tea!!!!!

we arrived home last night and i thought it best to write my personal views while they were still fresh in my mind not that it is likely going to go away!!! We expected the rooms to be small after reading previous reports on the hotel so that wasnt a big problem and after all how long do ya spend in ya room?? the rooms were always very clean but we found the lack of storage place a problem and the cases spent the whole 2 weeks on the balcony! the bathroom was tiny and when my daughter picked up a tummy bug i found it very hard to get in the bathroom to rub her back. As for brekkies that was just a huge joke! the same everyday and there was a problem wiv flies i dint fancy toastin bread after flies had been sittin on it! but hey call me fussy! in the end we just stopped getting up for it and waited till the snack bar opened which did sell lovely food but then again we did pay top dollar for it! The pool isnt very safe at all there is a 2foot section of tiles before the pool and i saw countless children and a couple of adults slip on these, the shallow end is 1.3m for about 2 foot and the rest of the pool is 3m (10 foot) deep and very cloudy, we dropped a bright yellow snorkel and u couldnt see it at the bottom of the pool! The pool was also filled with a hose pipe and the first thing your told on the arrival coach is dont drink the local water it will give ya tummy ache!! Maybe my views are a little biast being as we had a terrible experience my hubby had his wallet stolen from the hotel bar, and the staff didnt give a damn about it unfortunalty the rep was off for two days so we had to sort it all ourselves and the cheeky sods even charged me 10euro to call home and cancel our cards and 5 euros to replace the safe key !! Kalamaki is a fantastic place and id go there again in a heartbeat just a rubbish hotel !

We just arrived back from the hotel Marelen on the 07/08/2002, the hotel was good, the staff were ok, But the heat was amazing. The main town Kalamaki was only 5-10 mins walk away and all the bars and restaurants were great and cheap apart from the famous mermaids where you had to stand for around fifteen minutes before they found you a table but the thing was there were 2-3 table free so there were no need for us to stand for so long (Pain in the A****) you must hire a 4x4 jeep (I can recommend a company called euro-zante or zante-euro this company is around five minute walk from the hotel. Up the road turn right and the shop front is on the other side about 100 yards and take a trip up north of the island to St Nicolas beach/port where you can take a two hour boat trip to see the blue caves and the shipwreck (You must do this trip) Well worth the money 45 euros= £29.60 for two adults and two kids not bad really... Also try and eat in the nice family run Stani restaurant. Get a taxi from your hotel costs five euros, Again well worth the taxi ride…

IS THAT THE ROB JONES WHO OWES US A FIVER FROM THE OTHER YEAR GULIO ??

We need our tea and coffee in the morning, can this be made in your room ? ta Frank Ruth Gulio Chyrle Aanai & Joel. Arriving there Thurs 8th see you all pool side

fantastic holiday......lovely hotel apart from NO AIRCONDITIONING nightmare .we hired a fan for the fortnight but it was a waste of money.....staff all friendly...food excellent in the snack bar but breakfast the same every morning.....kalamaki is lovely plenty of shops and restaurants serving lovely meals...great place to stay would definately go again

we are going to the maralen next week .is there a separate bedroom in the room as we have two children aged 12 and 8 as some of you are stating its difficult to get 4 beds in.whats this about the flies?? in the dining room...

We have just spent the last two weeks at this hotel and before we left we were really looking forward to it after seeing all the good things about it on this web site....I think all the staff must have changed when we arrived, they were rude and very unfriendly, Anastasia the receptionist needs to go and take a course on Customer Service. Everytime we went into the reception area, the staff (all related) were having slanging matches with each other (in greek of course) and bawling and shouting across the reception area where everyone was stood, very embarrasing. Also, if you are going thinking everything is paid for, you can forget it. We wanted to hire a fan (it was 40 degrees) Oh yes! a fan for two weeks, was an extra 32.50 euro, and the safety deposit box, that was another extra 25 euro, and if you wanted a fridge, well thats another 70 euro and on top of that, the air conditioning, well that was also extra. There were 60 safety deposit boxes and more than a hundred rooms!!!!. Breakfast was the same every day, bread, scrambled egg, cold beans, cereal etc, but be careful, if you get there around 9.15am, there is nothing left and the waitresses were very reluctant to refil anything. The dining room was full (and I mean full) of flies, there were insect lamp things but along with the airconditioning in the reception, they were never turned on. (got the impression they were penny pinching all the time) You could get a fantastic english breakfast if you were prepared to pay 4 euros for it. The snack bar food was exceptional but then again it's what you pay for. The pool is 3.3metres deep at the deep end and not much shallower at the shallow end, certainly not safe for children! The rooms were kept very clean and were probably the best thing about the hotel. Kalamaki was wonderful! The hotel Marelen - DREADFUL!!!!! Thought it was me but when I asked around, there were loads of people complaining about paying for all the extras (fridge, fan etc) Hope I havnt spoiled anyone's holiday but all the above is TRUE.

just returned from the Marelen yesterday,rooms for 4 are very small but clean..only air conditioning in certain rooms and it costs 90 euros for two weeks..you can hire fans but they just seem to move the warm air about..it was very very hot when we were there..there is no air conditioning in the lounge and it is swealtering

Can anyone tell me if there is airconditioning at the Marelen Hotel?

Hotel marelen is a lovely hotel but however it is not suitable for disabled persons and you will never be guranteed a downstairs room. There are steps everywere. It is also a long way out of town and the roads are very dangerous so be careful!

The Hiotel was in a good location close to the beach and not too far from some decent restaurants. Although very close to the end of the runway we actually enjoyed watching the aircraft landing( only about 6-10 a day anyway), and the noise didn't bother anybody. One complaint was on the facilities for infants - only 2 high chairs in the resteraunt and the cots were rusty(complaints to the reception were no good, but the rep did get it changed, for another rusty one!)**AIRTOURS - take note** The pool was usually clean and tidy and the staff friendly. Would go back. Hire a car for a few days to get further afield. The entertainment was very infrequent and never turned up on time for the children. Some of the adult entertainment was dire.. The hotels across the road had somevery loud and horible Kareoke (Just hate that stuff don't you?).

We got back yesterday and we loved the whole holiday. The room was basic but always clean and the hotel was very quiet except for the passing planes which, I'm sorry to say, made my holiday! Didn't have many breakfasts as I found it hard to get out of bed before half 9, but those I did have were good. I'd go back tomorrow if I could and never leave as the island is beautiful and the people are so friendly. Of all the restaurants mentioned on the just-zante website we found one that was very under-rated called Hera on the main road in Kalamaki. We kept going back and no other place we went could beat it! Overall, a fantastic holiday and can't wait til next year as I'm most definitely going back!

Some of the rooms at the Maralen are a bit small for 4 beds - when we stayed there years ago we started off in a room on the ground floor which could only just fit 4 beds after a few days we were moved to an upstairs room which was a bit bigger.

Just want to say, I hate being home, the hotel was brilliant.But it wasnt that that made my holiday, Just want to say what brilliant bar staff they have, Nick and Kostas. Kostas baby, I love you, and I miss you terribly, please call. Will see you here in Liverpool in the winter. the hotel was fab, miss it all already. Fab food and swimming pool was massive. a definate 10/10 for me! ;-)

i am staying at the Marelen in July with my 2 kids and my mam...are the four bedded rooms big and do they have air con or fans..or can you hire them...thanks

just want to say, after the 10th stay at this hotel everything still remains the same. the people are friendly,the hotel is clean, and in a most amazing location!- i will always be coming back here. love to you all there, thankyou again for a lovely stay--- see you in sept!!!!!!!!!! karen, tony, kristi and laura xx

an excellent place to stay and airtours childrens club was excellent ,we saw a turtle , but i warn you that the the horse and carriage ride to kalamiki from hotel was 20euro ,taxi between 4 and 5 euro walk along beach is very nice to lagana,road walk quicker but don't walk it at night, very much enjoyed this holiday would go again tip 2 bedroom apartment have fridge and very nice apartment much nicier then 1 bedroom

We are travelling in May. Where are the best beaches? Do you need to hire a car to get to them? Are there any quiet ones? Wheres the best place to eat traditional greek food? I would appreciate any help/information you can give...thanks

Stayed at the Maralen in Sept 2001. Going back on honeymoon for 2 weeks May/June. Breakfast option well worth having. Only downside was wasps in September but shouldn't be a problem in May. Hopefully sorted for this year anyway. Great location with a short walk to the beach, decent sand, safe water. Pleasant walk to a wide selection of restaurants and shops. Aircraft were very close but infrequent enough to have novelty value, and they don't fly through the night 'cos of "Amy Turtle". There I've given my age away! I can't think of anywhere offering a better package for couples or young families unless you want to party all night, then it's just a short taxi ride to Lagana.

We have booked to stay in the Marelen Hotel in August, can anyone tell us if there is air conditioning or just fans.Also is the swimming pool salt water or chlorine.The hotel rooms that sleep four seem quite small is there adequate room.

I have booked to stay at the Marelen in Kalamaki in May 2002. I have three children and will be with another family with three small children. We enjoy travelling around and eating at friendly restaurants with good food/wine etc. Any recommendations?

we went in september this year for 2 weeks. the hotel is lovely the pool is great snack bar nice although i did find it more expensive this year than rhodes last year. the barman of this hotel lacking in personatlity in a big big way and very ignorant. That is the only thing lacking. I though all greeks were suposed to be friendly sorry he failed badly all in all lovely place.

An excellent place to stay for a quiet week in the sun. Hard to think of anything we didn't enjoy. But here goes!! The evening entertainment is lacking (if that's what your looking for). All the nearby hotels including Marelen seemed to engage dodgy "pub singers" to "entertain" their guests. Don't worry there is PLENTY to do in nearby Kalamaki. You get used to aeroplanes roaring overhead but one night last week we had a tremor and the whole apartment block shook. Nick the barman (referred to elsewhere on this page) trivialised the tremor as something that happened all the time. Despite the other positive contribution, Nick is just a (half Australian, half Greek) cocky know all who should be ignored except to pour you a cool cocktail during the Hotel's daily happy hour. Make sure you hire a car and see some of the island. TIP!! There are lots of boat trips from all over the island to the Blue Caves. Take the car as near as you can get to the caves by land and you will encounter two guys with a small glass bottomed boat that can get right into the caves. The others can't!! Well worth it. Back at the Marelen...don't talk too loudly, the walls are thin and sound seems to travel very easily. All in all it's very good, and with weather still at 29-35C last week and the beach just down the road, and Michaloes Restaurant nearby, you'll have a great time

BRILLIANT!!! to paul gillingham was you on ground floor with a son called connor if so watch your head on the concrete terrace!! we were next door to you. best holiday we've had want to go back some day. 1 minute walk to beach very hot but nice breeze to go with it best hotel we saw staff made you very welcome and an excellent pool didnt get to see turtles as clare got sea sick on the pedalo(ha ha) if you want a lively night out pop into lagana only £3 in a taxi if you get there

Isn't the owner a miserable old bugger? He certainly didn't like children. For anyone heading here with children it may be worth checking out your room beforehand. We were cramped in one room (four of us) which wasn't very private, but apparantly the rooms in the two outlying blocks have twin rooms and are quite palatial. Otherwise thumbs up.

The first comment on this page, with my name on it was NOT written by me, We love the people of Zante, and wouldnt have any thing said against them...L.O.L

going to stay there in may 2002 can u tell me what the cots r like or best to take travel cot and weather ?

The Staff are very friendly. The childrens reps are also very good

Nice place great staff, good atmosphere! Nick and Costas brilliant bar staff. Dont bet with Nick, as he always wins!! Nice sized rooms, and it was very comfortable. Good english speaking receptionists. Breakfast consists of continental choice, as well as cereal, yogurt, eggs, also tea, coffee, and orange squash. Buffet style. Nice sized pool, and plenty of sun loungers. The Snack Bar provides food between 10:30-6:30, and is of a very good standard. To hire a frdige for a week costs £25, very small. We took our own fans, but you can hire them. Some apartments have air conditioning (about £30 a week) BEWARE OF THE MOSQUITOS!! Take plenty of insect repellent and after-bite cream, you will need it. Avoid airtours greek night, as it was not such a good deal. Bad food and wine, not suitable for children. 200yards away from the safe beach (you can swim with the turtles) 400yards from the supermarket. 1300drch to Kalamaki by taxi, or 20-30min walk. 2000drch approx will get you as far as Laganas. Beware, as the taxi drivers do not run their meter, so agree your price before getting into your taxi. Fishing is poor, everywhere!! Laganas is the place to be for clubbers, as it is very lively. Drink loads of water and have a great time.

A very good very tidy hotel, the rooms are very basic. The pool and snackbar where very good plenty of sunloungers. The Blokes behind the bar were excellant all the hotel staff were very friendly. Just up the road from the beach. If you go you must take a pedalo from the beach and see the turtles. Early morning or after 5pm is the best time to go. As far as eating out Mermaids about 10 minutes walk from the hotel was the best place by far. We certainly enjoyed staing here and would deffinately visit again, it was a great family atmosphere. If you have kids you'll love it there.

is there any tea or coffee making facilities in the rooms and are the rooms nice?

I am going here on 5th July is there some where to go fishing or is it a protected area????

thankz Rimmer

Andy - Usually mid 30s in the shade, so a lot hotter in the sun. no problem as long as you use a high factor cream and drink plenty of water.

in june is is so hot they recomend you dont go out between 12pm and 3pm but nobody realy listens to them, they go out anyway!!!!!

does anybody now how hot it is in the 27 june

Local shops hire fans for £1 per day. Watch out, some accommodation owners charge you for the electicity. Hide it in the wardrobe during the day!

We are visiting Zante in July can anybody tell me if you can hire fans for your room at the hotel?

some aircraft noise early morning ie:0630 hrs apart from that good alround.

Information Marelen, Kalamaki, Zante, Greek Islands Rating: B class Rooms: 100 Tel: 00 30 695 26137 Fax: 00 30 695 26142 Facilities: Type: Hotel Location: ¾ ml west of resort centre, on quiet road near other hotels. 70 yds to shop; 250 yds beach. Possible aircraft noise. Bus 70 yds. Exterior: Series of small cream-coloured 2-storey oblong blocks. Attractive wrought-iron decoration. Greek-style columns and arch at entrance. Built 1989. Interior: Roomy and modern, complemented by vibrant abstract print seating and spot lighting. Small cool dining area in private alcove behind wooden reception. Pool table and video games in corner. Large breezy terrace with second pool table, TV and seating. Grounds: Abundance of exotic flowers and lawns. Pool with sunbeds on good-sized terrace. Unusual small terrace in middle of pool. Opinion: Attractive family-run property with lovely grounds and exceptional pool. Conveniently situated.

Whats the weather like there in May?

Had to be the best hotel in the whole world. I cannot praise it enough. I think what made it were the staff, and the area is just beautiful, and I would be there forever if i could, see you in may!