The Commodore is part of a chain of hotels, which started with the Captains Hotel & has progressively grown from there. I have never actually stayed there, but I have visited a few times. There are two nice "authentic" restaurants nearby. They are "Edem" which is very nice and directly across the road from there is the "Ilysion" which is owned and run by Panayotis a.k.a. "The Secretary". He also owns a large supermarket beside the Commodore. Both of these serve very nice food and the people although quiet are very pleasant.
To the best of my knowledge it's not in Argassi-I've been going to Zakynthos since '86 usually two or three times a year. I suspect it's in Laganas but no doubt someone will be able to clarify this.
This has got be the best Hotel in the whole of Zakynthos. It is owned by Georgia & Panayotis Ambelas who are a lovely couple with a terrific "family". The hotel bar is run by Dinos and yes he has become legendary for managing to run what's reputably the busiest Hotel bar on the island and still managing to give each and every customer individual attention. Dinos' beautiful sister Megi runs the pool bar during the day. Once you have been there you will return year after year. Don't take my word for it - pop in some night and see for yourself.
The Papillon is in an ideal location,right in the centre of the village. The pool is one of the best in Argassi and there is never a problem obtaining a sunbed or a parasol. The pool bar is run by Toni and is fairly good value. The Magic Mushroom bar which is attached to the Papillon is a great bar & across the road you will find the Green Frog restaurant which is always busy. The beach is a two minute walk. Argassi's beach is very good for watersports, but as far as beaches go it is just a narrow strip of sand. Best bet if you want to use the Argassi beach is to go to the "Waves" bar which rents out sun-beds on a grassy area in front of the bar , looking out to sea. The guy who owns it, Panayotis originally owned the bar now known as the "WRECK". Hope you have a great time, I am still trying to book flights for May & July, but I haven't decided what I'm doing yet.
The Stars was one of the first restaurants in Argassi along with the Three Brothers Fish restaurant. It was great in 1986 and it is even better now, with weather being a hit or a miss in off-season, Andreas has spent a considerable sum of money making the restaurant "weather proof". This is a family run restaurant and the owner have lived and worked in Argassi all there days. The "Greek Nights" are brilliant but because these nights are mobbed, the food on these nights can be failry humdrum.
Great restaurant, owned by Panayotis (A.K.A. The Secretary). The chef used to work at the restaurant opposite "Edem" however he was head hunted. Both restaurants are good, so it's worth going there and if one is too busy you can always try the other. Panayotis the owner is very fond of "Bears", so if you want to amuse yourself, tell him you've just seen a wild bear in the olive groves behind his restaurant. He is also justifiably proud of his sports car- which we call the Yellow Sardine Tin.Don't tell him that!
Where are these apartments located in Argassi?
The first time I saw the Argassi beach it was so narrow that I thought the tide was in! Okay, so I'm not too bright I know. The Argassi beach is not built for sunbathing, the water once you get over the initial few feet of shingle is actually very good. You can walk outwards for a fair distance and surprisingly it gets shallower at one point. The water is usually warm and clear and because it is quite salty it is easy to lie floating on your back looking up at the backdrop of the Skopelos mountain which is thickly forested with trees. If you are an avid beach lover then you can take a taxi down to the Vassilikos area which is very scenic and has lovely beaches. If you are hiring a car and are not of the timid variety then ask someone for directions to Dafni beach. The steep drive down to it is well worth it, as the view unfolds you will see what I mean. It is very quiet and has one maybe two beach bar/tavernas & no watersports. I have finally managed to book flights for two weeks in July and can't wait to return (I'm getting withdrawal symptoms just thinking about it! Zakynthos is a wonderful island with a great climate and wonderful scenery. However, it's greatest asset is the genuine warmth and friendliness of it's people.
I noticed that the scorecard for Argassi said that "One person hated it". I'm not sure how that is evaluated as I can't see from anyone's comments that they suggested they disliked it.
Doug the main problem with the beach is that it's very narrow. There is a restaurant/bar on the front called the "Waves" bar run by Panayotis. He hires out sun beds etc in a garden area looking onto the watersports part of the beach, which is quite handy. There aseveral brillant beaches within taxi distance I.E. Porto Roma, Porta Zorro,St Nicholas, Banana Beach, Dafni, Gerakas. As you can see you are spoilt for choice.
Another massive hit for the Grammateus. This restaurant is brilliant, the staff are really nice. Hi Emma Hi Kim. I take my hat off to you and now that the menu has been expanded, I'm sure that you will grow from strength to strength. I hope the new restaurant "Elena" is as much of a success. Panayotis - We hope to see you again in September. Wishing you alll the best for the future. David (Scotland)
Just thought I'd correct my previous score. all the facilities at the Family Inn are excellent. Not sure if that was an oversight on my part or if there is a default somewhere.
I have been eating at the Stars since 1985 and I have no idea what the previous person is referring to when he says they "charge you every time they visit your table". It has now become a victim of it's own success in that because it is so popular it's very busy in high season. This is the reason why he may have experienced a delay. However I see this comment about all Greek restaurants and I am always puzzled. In general most of us go to Greece to chill out and watch the world go by. If you have ever watched Greek families eating out, you will see that they are in no rush, so you know how the old saying goes "When in Zakynthos.....
I have heard a lot about this hotel, especially the warmth and friendliness of the "Family". I have relatives in Cyprus who have also visited this island and have given it five stars. I hope to visit the beautiful Zakynthos at the start of May to check this out for myself.
Jayne There is a hotel down in Vassilikos that has a form of a waterpark (a very little one!). Look for courtesy buses marked "Water Mania". NB:It's worth noting that the drinks are quite expensive though. There was a rumour of one being built around Laganas & why not indeed, I think it would be an excellent idea.