Pallas

When I booked this hotel for myself and two friends, I booked purely on reviews and was a bit naive in that I had no idea Lagana is a clubbing area. This was pointed out, after booking, by my daughter, and my friends’ son. However I need not have worried. The hotel is tucked away with roughly a 10 minute walk to the strip. ALL staff were very welcoming, polite and friendly. On arrival the receptionist asked if we wanted to have lunch before checking in to go straight to the restaurant as it would be closing in 15 minutes. Having been travelling since the early hours of the morning, lunch was much needed and appreciated. When we went back to check in we were told that the resort tax of 70 euros was payable in cash. We knew there would be a resort tax but it was not evident on the TUI website when booking that it should be cash. Being all inclusive and having debit/credit cards, we didn’t have a lot of cash. But between us put together the 70 euros. The local ATM charged £3.95 for me to take 30 euros out. On arriving in our room we noticed a smell coming from the drain in the shower. After reporting this to reception a member of house keeping came and sprayed some disinfectant. We noticed the smell a couple of times after, but it appeared to be when people in other rooms flushed the toilet. So wasn’t a forever lingering smell. The room was clean and comfortable, although a little cramped. Another odd thing is that the sink is in the bedroom. The shower room is small and felt a bit claustrophobic. On the plus side there was always hot water, and fresh towels. The food was delicious, with plenty of choice whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, and there were snacks in between main meals. One small negative is that the juice served at breakfast is concentrated rather than fresh. This was also the case with cocktails in the evening, making them a little sickly. The inclusive cocktails were the same 6 or 7 everyday made with local spirits. Branded drinks were charged. On a few evenings we took a night cap back to our room. We were under the impression that all branded spirits had a charge of 5 euros, as per the price list on the bar. However when we received our bar bill (we put these on our room tab) we had charges of 9 euros for certain drinks. Thinking back this was probably because we had liqueurs. Evening entertainment was Bingo, a quiz night, musicians, a singer, and the best of all Greek dancing which guests got involved in and was very enjoyable. We went early June and there were guests of all ages, but with more party goers arriving as the days went by. The hotel seems to have a zero tolerance policy and although we didn’t hear any noise, we were told that a small group of lads were spoken to about being more considerate to other guests. The pool is fairly small and the same depth, apart from on the stairs, all the way along. We did find that a couple of small groups of younger guests tended to take over the entire pool when playing catch, or similar ball games. Although not intimidating it did feel like they were a bit inconsiderate of others in the pool. If you are of an age where you don’t want to be out numbered by party goers, don’t go between mid June and- mid September. There didn’t appear to be any public toilets around the pool area, and the toilets on the lower floor were blocked both times I used them. I think this was more a guest issue than a cleaning issue as unfortunately people had attempted to flush toilet paper. There also didn’t appear to be any non smoking / vaping areas around the pool or bar . Being non smokers this was a little irritating. All in all this is a lovely family run hotel which my friends and I will definitely recommend. Owners are often present ensuring everything is running smoothly. On the other hand TUI were a bit misleading. We booked a half day trip to the ship wreck. We were told that the coach journey to the port would be 50 minutes. This turned out to be 2.5 hours. We were picked up by mini bus, driven for about 50 minutes before we stopped and were told we would be joining a coach. The coach arrived about 10 minutes later, then waited almost an hour, for 2 more guest to arrive from somewhere, before carrying on to the port. The boat trip lasted about 1.5 hours, and was pleasant enough. However we then had a 2 hour journey back to our hotel. As we were picked up at 7.30am the hotel supplied a takeaway bag for breakfast. Being a half day trip we expected to be back for lunch. However we arrived back at 2.35pm. Lunch finishes at 2.30pm. Fortunately the staff were kind enough to let us take some food as they were Clearing away. Another negative for TUI was our journey home. We were told that we would be picked up at 10.50am for our journey to the airport by coach number 36. We were advised to be ready 10 minutes before as coaches can arrive early. At 10.40 Coach number 46 pulled up. About a dozen people from The Hotel Pallas started boarding. I went to check with the driver just in case our coach number had been changed. The driver started yelling at me and was very abusive. A young couple who had already boarded and heard the commotion, then asked him if they were on the correct bus. He was also abusive to them, and at this point decided to check if our names were on his list. Which they weren’t. All the while he was cursing and probably swearing at us in Greek. His coach number was 46 and registration numberZAH-1798. If he is ever your driver , beware. It was a very upsetting end to what had been a very enjoyable, lovely holiday.

We arrived very late 2 adults and 16 year old. The room we were given was awful! 2 single beds pushed together and a COT!!! Was told by chap he was new and only security and didn’t know what to do. Finally someone came and removed cot to give my daughter the hardest small bed possible ! When I asked if bigger rooms we were told all the same. Which was a lie as next day one was being cleaned and was loads bigger. No talk of upgrading nothing. Then we heard baby night after in that room so clearly gave us wrong rooms Our shower leaked badly into toilet area we were given more towels to put down by cleaner . The sink is in bedroom not bathroom so annoying in night if you need loo and want to wash hands you wake everyone. Last night air conditioning kept going to holiday mode so it was mega hot!! Food was basic and only breakfast lunch, two things for late afternoon noon normally chips and something from lunch. Coffe is from machine nothing special Worse thing is it was full of youngsters very loud in pool. It’s a very long road to strip and horrible at night as dark and bending its dirty area. The turtle boat trip wasn’t great saw one turtle. Best one was in the harbour by someone’s boat! Coke at hotel was vile!!! Worst I’ve ever tasted as this was the only diet soft drink it made it hard so spent loads loads on soft drinks from shop. Entertainment was shocking !! More for old people yet hotel full of 18 year olds No showers to use before flying out so have no choice but to keep room on at £40 for 4 hrs so we then had to sit in lobby for 3 hrs with very little if no air conditioning. Hotel toilets are vile! Wouldn’t go again

This hotel had so many positive points, and the first thing to get a mention is how wonderful the staff are. Always smiling and helpful, from the front desk to the bar and restaurant staff including the chefs just passing through - everyone we spoke to was just lovely. We travelled with a baby and I don’t think there was one person who didn’t stop to say hello and interact with him throughout the day. They really brought joy to our holiday so thank you everyone! As for the facilities, the aircon and wifi in the rooms were great, very clean, comfy bedding, enough storage, beautiful decor, good lighting, our bathroom was very small but useable, water pressure and temperature excellent. We loved the pool umbrellas and interior design in general throughout the hotel (it’s a shame the public toilets by the pool and reception are yet to be refurbished, but I’m sure are on the list!) Entertainment - the atmosphere of greek night was incredible, we wished there were more nights like this one or other shows/dancers to watch. A few areas we felt needed improvement below: Soundproofing in our room wasn’t great, you can hear footsteps and everything said in the corridors. Not ideal if situated next to the stairs/lift like we were (or have noisy room neighbours who come back late!). Unfortunately the lift access doesn’t cover the pool and outdoor bar areas so if you have a pushchair, it would need to be carried down 2-3 sets of steps as there are no ramps here (apart from one out the front of the hotel) which is difficult with a baby. The only lift to the rooms is also very small for two people and a pushchair. I didn’t like that smoking and vaping is allowed all round the pool area and not segregated to specific areas or just balcony’s. For me it is off-putting to breathe in other people’s smoke especially with a baby. The all inclusive drink, particularly the juices in the dispenser, were very artificial tasting and watery - after a googling the brand, the orange juice is a 9:1 water to concentrate ratio and there was no fresh juice in jugs or smoothies at breakfast and no mocktails on the menu. As someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, this was disappointing. Soft drinks weren’t the typical branded ones either so I didn’t feel like I was able to make the most of drinks and I needed to buy my own juice and smoothies from the shops. I also didn’t feel like single use plastic cups were very eco friendly especially in a turtle conservation area. No manned egg station for breakfast omelettes or fresh meat cooking in the evenings - would generally expect this from a 4* hotel. Occasionally there were strawberries at breakfast but they would go within minutes and were not replenished so felt we missed out if we didn’t go down early. The food however as a whole was delicious. Despite the above points, the hotel itself and especially the staff were so incredibly lovely we would still give it 5 stars and left feeling like we had a wonderful holiday.

It is a pleasure to review this hotel. The staff, from reception through to house keeping are friendly and happy to help solve any problems you might have. The hotel is not too small and not too big. It is extremely well maintained by the family that own and run it. Set in olive groves it is a 10 minute walk to the main strip and from there a further 20 minutes to the beach. The rooms are an average size, clean and recently redecorated. The beds are comfortable but firm with a choice of two pillows. The shower/toilet was very clean but it can take some time for the hot water to reach the room we were staying in. The room had a balcony. The food was excellent. There was a wide choice at all three meal times. It was very tasty and of an Anglo/Greek style. We were all inclusive. The bar had a wide range of drinks and premium brands were available to buy. There are lots of car hire companies. We used Ionian. They were based just a 10 min walk from the hotel. Call and book your car and they bring it to and collect it from the hotel. If you are older just check that the company you choose can provide you with full insurance. Some only offer it up to 65. Ionian can do it up to 74/75. A one day rental allowed us to see the island, visit the main attractions and enjoy a number of tavernas. Porto Schiza Taverna has spectacular seating above vertical cliffs and serves a superb orange pie (cake) with thick yoghurt cooked by the owner's wife. The thirty minute walk to the beach is well worth the effort. Lots of shops to enjoy but first thing in the morning it does look awful with rubbish everywhere from the previous nights partying. Once at the beach turn right. Walk along the sand and then through the clear Ionian water to the Patio Restaurant for a more rustic traditional Greek style taverna. Further round the bay are all the boats for hire. A three hour booking is well worth the 80 to 110 Euro booking costs. Beautiful cliffs, caves and arches adorn this coast but make sure you take time to slow down and look out for the Loggerhead turtles. We saw three and if you are quick, you can get in the water and swim with them. Finally, take the bus into Zakynthos. It's an experience. Catch the bus as it heads down towards the beach, outside the gokart track. That way you will get a seat. Expect crowds and pushing on the return! This hotel is well placed. Close enough to the the town but far enough away to give you peace and quiet. Butterflies and swallows fill the air in late May and June creating a joy for life as you cool off in the wonderfully warm pool. A place we would go back.

We stayed here recently with our 11-month-old daughter as we were attending a wedding nearby. We wouldn’t usually stay so close to a party town; however, this hotel is a relaxing oasis, with a lively atmosphere close by if you want it. We stayed in a swim-up room, which was perfect with our little one, as it meant we had everything we needed right on hand. Our daughter was treated like a VIP by the hotel staff. A massive shout-out to the ladies in the restaurant and on reception – our daughter loved waving to them every day. We do not usually choose buffet restaurants; however, the food was amazing! We ate there most nights, and our daughter thoroughly enjoyed the food too. The hotel also offers entertainment on most evenings, including interactive quizzes and live music. We sampled this on a few nights and really enjoyed it. Overall, we had a wonderful first family holiday abroad and would like to thank the amazing staff for making it so special.