Marelen Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Matthew W

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.

Castello - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Matthew W  (22 August 2003)         

Superb pizzas. We had a takeaway and took back to the apartment twice. YUM!

Amaryllis Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Matthew W           

James, there are no beach watersports at all in Kalamaki due to the restrictions because of the turtle nesting.   Suggest you look at Argassi Watersports on the message board.

Amaryllis Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Matthew W           

Have just spent 2 weeks at the Amaryllis and found it to be excellent.  We had a two bed apartment due to the kids needing their own room, but also saw a one bed apartment which was also spacious.  Air conditioning was needed with the temperatures reaching 43C in the shade (64C in the sun) one day.  This was €10 per day or €115 for the full 14 days.  Might seem expensive but made for a very comfortable holiday.

The pool was clean and very welcoming.  Lots of left over lilos, rings and balls to play with.  As usual, the sunbeds get snapped up early, but I joind in and bagged ours too!
 
Thereis an on site mini marhet with everythihng you need, including milk, fresh bread daily, tea, coffee, cereals and all at reasonable prices.  6 large bottles of water for only €1.60 was the cheapest we found, so no need to lug bottles miles.
 
The poolside snack bar was excellent too.  Clean and exceptional service - thank you to Lola and Matilda and the others (sorry, didn't catch your names) and the prices were very good.
 
They also offer a washing service, so we had two big bags done for €8 per bag.  Saves taking dirty clothes home and, by having a travel iron, we were able to wear a couple of things again.  Maybe the hotel could offer (for a small extra charge) an ironing service too?
 
We had a few minor problems, but all were quickly sorted out.  The maids were very good and came regularly.  The crazp paving floor INSIDE the rooms makes cleaning quite difficult and hoovering must be a nightmare!
 
Plane noise is there, but it is quite fun and passes very quickly.  Entertainment was nothing special. Karaoke on Monday nights - well, the first Monday was dire.  We sat on pur balcony listening and howling with laughter!  Thesecond Monday (28 Aug)  there was a fantastic voice coming out.  Unfortunately, we were flying home the next morning and still had to pack.  So we dutifully opted for packing rather than going down to listen.  Silly fools!
 
One slight downside is the noise form the Bitzarro Grande behind.  Aquarobics in the morning, pool games in the afternoon then bingo and quizzes etc. in the evening, its a bit like being at Butlins.   However, with the windows and doors closed you can't really hear it.  When sat at the pool though, hearing their compere on the microphone can get a bit tedious.
 
All in all, an excellent holiday and there were a few tears shed on the journey home.  Highly recommended and we are already studying calendars for 2008 (we cannot go in 2007).  Looking very much firward to returning and missing the place a lot.

Bitzaro Grande Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Matthew W           

The entertainment at the Bitzaro Grand may be OK if you're staying there, but its so nioisy that you can hear it clearly if you are staying at the Amaryllis next door.

It sounds quite in your face and trying to have a quiet relaxing afternoon by the pool can be difficult sometimes.

Olive Tree Restaurant - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Matthew W           

Without doubt this is the best restaurant in Kalamaki.   We ended up eating there on 7 separate occasions.

 
Food is superb, portions are huge, price is very reasonable and service is always with a smile.  OK, when full and very busy, it takes a while to arrive, but that's the same anywhere.  Always people waiting to come in and lots of good comments in the visitors book.
 
Highly recommended is the Beef Athena (we'd like to get hold of the recipe please) and the mixed kebabs.
 
They probably also have the youngest maitre d' in Zakynthos!!
 
Looking forward already to coming back!!

Olive Tree Restaurant - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Matthew W

Mmmmmm!!  Beef Athena.   Does anyone have the recipe for this, we'd love to make it at home byut cannot find it anywhere.

Amaryllis Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Matthew W

Yes, there is definately a kettle in the apartments.   Sadly no toaster though.

However, the shop do absolutely DELICIOUS fresh bread/loaves which is delivered a few times a day.
 
A bread roll & jam or cereals with a mug of coffee starts the day very nicely thank you very much.  Don't cook breakfasts on holiday, get someone else to do it for us!!

Star (Caretta) Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Matthew W

Its right opposite the Amaryllis.  Just drop down to the left off the main Kalamaki to Laganas road heading almost out of Kalamaki and you'll find it.
 

Amaryllis Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Matthew W          9/10

Plenty of sunbeds at the Amaryllis, though if there is a few of you you might want to get there early to get some together.

All the 2 bedroom apartments are on the ground floor.  We had one the first time we were there and it was lovely, no stairs to climb!!!   We didn't feel overlooked or less private even sitting out on the balcony at all time of day or night.

The only thing that bothers us is the crazy paving on the floors in the rooms.  Not easy to clean and can be a trip hazard if you're not careful.

Its a wonderful place and we are booked in again for next August.