4 Star Zante Holidays

Elīza Stabulniece

We’ve been loyal guests at Diana Palace Hotel for years, and it’s disheartening to see so many negative reviews simply because some guests overlook important details when booking. At first, we booked through a tour operator, but we quickly realized that booking directly through the hotel’s website is a much better option with no hidden costs or unexpected fees. Most of the negative reviews seem to come from guests who book the cheapest rooms through tour operators without realizing that extras like air conditioning and the safe aren’t included. Then they blame the hotel, even though the information is right there when booking. The hotel has two blocks of newly renovated rooms, which you can book directly on their website, and then there are the older, more basic rooms available only through tour operators. We always book the new room type now, and everything is included—safe, air conditioning, even a free private transfer, so you don’t have to deal with the tour operator’s long coach ride. With over 100 rooms, the hotel is always lively and fun. There are two pools, plenty of sunbeds, and the drinks are good. The atmosphere is great, and many of the staff have been there for years. Elena, for example, is always welcoming and keeps guests entertained with daily activities like darts, aqua aerobics, and stretching. Animation has slowed down a bit since COVID, but there’s still fun to be had. Reception staff changes often, so communication can be tricky sometimes, but in the end, everything gets sorted. The food is plentiful with lots of variety, and our favorite theme night is always the Greek BBQ. The addition of Nonna’s restaurant and the spa in recent years has been a fantastic upgrade to the hotel. So despite all the negative reviews you read, remember to do your own research and read between lines, I promise you if you book online or through their website you will never have problems with your room.

Evelina L

My boyfriend and I had an amazing time at Diana Palace! 🥰 The hotel is full of life, and booking directly came with great perks like a free transfer, a safe deposit box, and a lovely welcome sparkling wine in our room. We stayed in a newly renovated room, which was modern and comfortable, though there is also a non-renovated block 💯 The hotel has two pools—always lively but still great for relaxation. The all-inclusive package offers food all day, with plenty of options from the buffet, making it a great value. Drinks were standard for an all-inclusive, but the wine was particularly enjoyable. Our favorite night was the Greek Night, and on other evenings, live music added to the atmosphere. While we loved relaxing at the hotel during the day, the nights were perfect for exploring beyond Argassi—taking a walk to the beach, dancing at Magic Club, or playing mini golf. The resort is small but well-located, just a short distance from Zakynthos Town. The highlight of our stay was the incredible concierge, Ian, who arranged the best turtle tour for us and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our visit. Overall, Diana Palace is a fantastic all-inclusive hotel with great service, a lively atmosphere, and a perfect location for both relaxation and adventure! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Karma Lewinsky

My stay at Diana Palace Hotel in Argassi, Zakynthos, was fantastic. The location was perfect—just a short walk to shops, restaurants, and the beach. The staff was incredibly friendly and always ready to help, whether it was arranging taxis or booking excursions. The pools provided a relaxing atmosphere, and the all-inclusive package offered a great selection of delicious meals, especially lunch and desserts. The overall experience was wonderful, with a welcoming environment and excellent service. I would definitely consider returning for another stay.

Philip Noot

My wife and I have all inclusive holidays 5 or 6 times a year, and have done so since we both retired 10 years ago. Stayed at this hotel in October this year (2024). It has got to be one of the best we have stayed at. The whole place was spotlessly clean, the furniture in the foyer, the rooms, and the poolside was as good as new, and this was the end of the season! The food was perfect. Good choice and well prepared. The staff were very friendly and courteous. The pools were clean and quiet. So many hotels have music blaring away at their pool but not this one. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, and I would definitely go back there.

Richard Kane

Family of six of us went in July. The rooms are rather basic and we were disappointed that there was a charge for air-conditioning (10 euros per day per room). Have to say the food was good but with the restaurant air-conditioning turned off it wasn't a pleasant dining experience. Get your drinks from the pool bars is our advice, the member of staff at the reception bar upset both my son's partner and my wife with her attitude, definitely not in the right role as she has no idea how to talk to and treat customers. Over all, a two stars from me, not a place I would recommend unfortunately.

Graham Walsh

Had a great week here,all the staff were happy and helpful. All areas were clean and well looked after. All inclusive menu was very good,drinks were what you would expect (beer is not strong) for the cost level. Only downside is the rooms are basic and do need updating. Other reviews have said it is remote; yes it is, can't believe you would book somewhere without looking at location on a map beforehand!

Mr B

We have just had a week at Kerri Village, we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary there, the flowers that was organised for me from my husband were absolutely gorgeous. what can I say, wow, wow, wow it was so relaxing, the staff were very friendly and work so hard there to make sure you have the best time, nothing was to much for them, the food is fantastic, the suite we staid in was really nice, the room was cleaned every day, we will definitely be coming back next year.

Ioannis Kontesis

The perfect budget-friendly retreat for a peaceful week far from noise and traffic. It is located on a hill and the views are wonderful. I truly wonder about previous negative ratings! The food is GREAT, the variety and the taste as well! The staff is helpful and always with a smile. No problem with the wifi, no congestion, perfect signal in all the Hotel grounds. The free bus service to the beach nearby is added value to the wonderful time we had!

asha patel

If I could give no star, I would. The hotel is not a 4 star. A travel lodge in the UK is better than this place! I world say this is a 1 or 2 star at best Arrived to find some sort of body fluid on the door frame of the hotel The rooms looked worse than a hostel; beds like for kids Towels were old,frayed holy, and a set give even had blood staines. The food is not fresh at all. Bread is stale, lucky if the toaster works, no fresh eggs all precooked and left. Dry salad, I can't even get chips right. The heat of the food is not up to food standards. I would be very vary to eat anything. The drinks.. no alcohol in them i am 100%they are watered down, I asked for 3/4 vodka, and all tasted nothing and don't get me started with the study drinks even the wine is on tap... yukkkk! Snacks consisted of old ham sandwiches, chips, and fruit salad out of a tin. No water or tea/coffee in the rooms They treat you like kids, and no glasses are allowed apart from the dining area. The only good part was free shuttles to the beach, and the van is subject to safety standards! All in all, I would not even have my worst enemy stay here

Ella FG

Excellent staff! Especially the bar staff and waiting staff always on the go and happy to help! Food was always good. Mini bus going to and from the beach daily however not much else to see nearby so recommended getting a car. Could benefit from more evening entertainment. We requested double mattress 3 months in advance however this never happened even when we checked in and asked. Bit of mould in the bathroom ceiling but not bad. Room was very clean and cleaned well daily. Overall good experience and enjoyed our stay :)

Jakub Poreba

Amazing place to spend your holidays at! The food was just delicious and there was always something to choose from, so the dishes were not repeatable. You also have a chance to try different Greek dishes and desserts, which is great. There are plenty of different salads and vegetables, olives and cheese (with amazing feta). The pool bar is great, however drinks are rather basic and you have to pay for brand alcohol. The rooms are spacious, however they could use some renovation, but it's rather comfortable anyway. All rooms have pool view and a terrace, but the windows are blocking most of the noise coming from the outside, so you can still enjoy your siesta. Towels and linen are exchanged daily, so rooms are very clean. Even though we booked our stay through an agency and we didn't have AC included, the hotel provided free air-conditioning for everyone because of hot temperatures in summer (this was in early September). Obviously the hotel is far away from the beach, but there is a shuttle mini van that departs from the hotel. It runs only 4 times a day and I'd say it should be more frequent, but I spent most of the time at one of two swimming pools, cause I found it better than the beach (sea was rather dirty at the time). Mind you, there aren't many shops in the vicinity - the closest one would be an 8 minute walk and most restaurants in Tsilivi are 15 minutes on foot. You can go to Zakynthos town by public bus which costs 2 euros per person, but it doesn't depart from the bus stop right in front of the hotel entrance, so it was a bit misleading. The staff is always very kind, helpful and extremely chatty! I'd definitely recommend Filoxenia. It isn't a huge hotel, but for me it's a big asset. If you want to party, go to the beach often or travel with children and seek animations, I'd probably advise going somewhere else.

BEN PLATT

On arrival check in was easy and room was ready within the hour, The rooms are a bit dated but comfortable and very large with plenty of hanging and cupboard space for clothes etc. Coffee and Tea making facilities topped up every day. Cleaners did a lovely job room was spotless on our return in the evening. We only had breakfast and dinner which was fine and the nice thing the plates not huge so no overloading . All the staff were hard working and friendly and happy to help with questions. Pool areas plenty of sunbeds but as usual the early towels put down but a minor issue as always somewhere to sit. 15min walk into the resort which was full of bars and restaurants and lead down to the beach. All in all a lovely week at a good price , would return to this hotel.

Jeremy Jacobs

Overall it was a reasonably good stay. Some good points and some areas for improvement/not so good. Top line. This isn’t an expensive hotel. It’s rated 3 Plus stars by TUI which I think is very generous. It’s listed as a 4 star hotel on Google which it definitely isn’t. If you’re staying for a week you will be OK. I would struggle here for any more time. For context we would usually stay in 4 or 5 star hotels so keep that in mind when reading this review. Not meant in a judgy way, we’re not snobs but we wouldn’t return. We also visited in mid September when the kids are at school. Can’t comment on what it’s like when kids are here. There’s not much for the kids to do and there entertainment is patchy. We didn’t go to any of it so can’t comment. It’s a very clean hotel. There are some places where it falls down. Like missing toilet seats in the public areas and some outdated furniture. Also it seems to be a Greek thing that they don’t put locks on toilet doors. We stayed all inclusive so we had air con in our rooms but I heard some rooms you have to pay extra for. There are two pool areas one has much newer sun-beds which a modern and comfortable. The other area had cheaper ones. If they are intended for different guests it’s definitely not enforced. Staff are friendly enough. The front desk are amazing and the bar and restaurant staff are friendly. The odd sour faced ones but nothing to spoil the trip. The rooms are very spacious and the maids do a brilliant job. The rooms and bathrooms could do with modernising but it’s not terrible. The TV is so tiny it might as well not be in the room. We never used it. Beds are a bit hard and pillows are what you get in any hotel of this class. We slept well. It’s mostly British people. A few Germans. An older crowd so reasonable peaceful. The hotel is right next to a single lane road which can get busy but the road noise isn’t too bad. It’s located close to the airport runway so bonus is you’re close to the airport. Downside is you’re close to airport. The noise of the aircraft taking off can be pretty loud. We always use ear plugs at night so didn’t bother us. It’s not crazy loud but loud enough. Now onto the food and drinks. I’ll start off by saying the drinks are mostly awful. If you’re the hotel and reading this, change them! Beer is OK, wine is an insult to wine. It’s vile. The mixers are equally as bad. Off brand trash. We ended up going to the supermarket to buy our own. The staff are well aware the drinks are awful. A real disappointment. You might love them but not for us. They also use single use plastic and always throw your cup away so much go through so much plastic which I’m not a fan of. Food. It’s a tricky one. If you’re expecting great Greek dishes reset your expectations. The food options are very limited BUT they do some really great dishes BUT proper home cooked food. The sort of food a Mother would cook. It won’t blow you away but overall we always found something to eat and whilst the quality isn’t great we really enjoyed a number of dishes. They have a good range of salad items and some cheeses and the tomatoes were so ripe, fresh and red. So not all bad news. If you’re a food snob then you probably NOT enjoy this place. Location wise it’s a little out of the way. If you rent a car you can get around the island in a few days. There are some mind blowing beaches. You’re a 15 minute walk (95% pavement and flat) walk to the town which has loads of bars, shops and restaurants. It’s definitely less hectic than Laganas Beach. You can also walk to the local beach but it’s not nice. Overall it’s OK, would be return. Probably not but we didn’t hate it. If you usually stay in 3 star or below places you will enjoy it.

Graham McKee

I'm doing this on behalf of my partner who enjoyed a fantastic 5 night stay with her sister at the end of September, I should of been there but stayed at home to look after our daughter who suffered a recent neck injury. Linda is a fussy eater, to the extent that local restaurant managers always ask her is ANYTHING is OK when she dines. She loved the food, the quality, quantity and variety and the white wine although not so taken with the red. She found the room spotless and spacious with comfortable beds. Bathroom was excellent in every respect. Unfortunately there were no U.K. T.V. channels but we don't go on holiday to watch TV so it didn't matter. She commented on the cleanliness throughout and the exceptional kindness and helpfulness of the staff, she was also impressed by the way the management dealt with a couple of inconsiderate guests to ensure they did not spoil the stay for other visitors. It's rare that Linda would say so but she's keen to return next summer, this time with the whole family.

Peter Jarvis

It was really welcoming, and we had a lovely holiday. The location is €15 for taxi to main town and this is really nice with all the boats and shops, places to eat etc. There are lots of local places to eat and drink walking distance 10 to 20min. Local beach is nice but can have alot of cigarette butts on floor etc. We went to banana beech this was lovely very clean and restaurant there was reasonably priced. The taxi from hotel cost €120 €60 each way. The hotel in my opinion does need updating the rooms are clean but very dated the showers are not that good either. The pool area is first come first served with sun bed, so you always have those families who wake up in the middle of the night and put there towels out and then turn up about 2pm. So it was difficult if this is what you were looking for. Some of the sun beds were really old plastic and you could tell. You felt like sometimes they were going to break on you so you try not to move. The snack bar was probably the worst I had and it only came out for about 1 hour per day. It was very slim pickings and im not fussy I eat anything. Lastly we booked a trip with the hotels exclusively boat trip guy and we waited outside for him for 1 hour 10 min and he didn't turn up and when we messaged him he just said sorry here is your refund. Basically he is a broker and we didn't know that, so he subs all the trip out including transfers etc, so it was just bound to go wrong. That was bad service and a waste of our time. When asked at the reception they just said it does happen but not for a while. You can make your own mind up. The staff were always very helpful. Maids were great .

Sharon Borowy

We had booked a last minute week away and AluaSoul was perfect for what we were looking for. We upgraded to the My Favourites Club and was so glad that we did, we had a sea front view room and the view was stunning. The food was excellent actually the best all inclusive we have had as normally they are very brand but not here very impressed. Having our luggage taken to our room was lovely and then delivered back before our transfer to the airport. The service of the staff was brilliant, overall I can not find a fault with this hotel. Outside there were a couple of tavernas and supermarkets which was enough as we wanted a relaxing holiday and the thing is the moussaka at the hotel was better than one of the tavernas we tried!! Would definitely recommend.

Niki Fincham

We visited the hotel towards the end of the season. The location was quiet which suited us. There is a busier town a taxi ride away. Rooms were a good size and very comfortable and clean. Some of the team were brilliant. The restaurant guys were excellent and worked hard to keep tables clear. The outside bar staff seemed tired and not as friendly. The evening bar team in the hotel were brilliant. Reception were OK. Food was plentiful. Sadly the got food items were often lukewarm. The buffet was replenished regularly. One night we ate at the restaurant near the bar and thr food was nice. Service was sloppy as we had to go the bar ourselves for drinks. Evening entertainment each evening was good fun.

Bas van den Berg

Good accommodation and friendly personal. Rooms are nice and the location is perfect. Had high expectations on the adults only. Adults only? Plebs only! It is not normal that all the beds at the pool are already occupied at 6:30AM, see photos. During the 10 days stay we were not able to join the pool for just an hour since all the seats remained occupied for the entire day. Made comments about it at the reception, but they said they could not do anything about it….?? What about removing the towels… Expected higher standards from Hyatt and more polite residents

Helen Peake

We went to AluaSoul for our honeymoon and we did not regret it. From the moment we arrived the staff were so helpful, my husband mentioned it was our honeymoon and the lovely reception team made sure we had a bottle of champagne and some lovely pots of honey in our room, they also gifted us a day on the cabanas with fruit and more champagne. Food was great with a large choice and the entertainment was fun. The beach next to the hotel was lovely and had some great snorkelling at the rocks by the hotel. We will definitely be returning soon x

Alison Grieve

The staff were all very nice and the food was good and plentiful. Some rooms flooded when it rained and one friend had a power cut and was not offered an alternative for 2 days so was unable to shower in their room. The worst bit for me was the awful and constant thumping music played around the main pool area. It was like being in a club for 20-30 year olds yet the demographic in the resort was perhaps 50+. If you were located in the more expensive and exclusive area looking out over the gardens and sea, it was much quieter and more peaceful. It was expensive to pay for this luxury though and felt I had to pay or have my holiday totally ruined.

ogorekgrzegorek

On the first day of staying I was very tired after the flight, the cleaning ladies are very loud so that you can hear everything through the walls. On the second day from six in the morning I couldn't sleep. After reminding for one day the situation changed. The internet didn't work in any room when the router was behind the TV. And on the beach it was already working. You have to be prepared for noise from the bar because the walls are paper thin.The shower was broken. The fridge was leaking from the inside and was quite loud.When it rained, none of the staff hid the sun loungers so they were wet the next day.The drinks contain practically no alcohol and are very weak in taste. It's definitely not a four-star all-inclusive. On the plus side I really liked the reception staff. Very helpful, nice and concerned about the customer. The hotel is located in a great location. Very good food.Great decor,clean.

Mehmet Ziya Yucel

You should come to this hotel with right expectations that it is a 4 star hotel with all inclusive. This means dont expect 5 star and top quality of food and drinks. However rooms are clean, all furniture and equipment work. Staff is nice, smiley and helpful. Location is very good. With that, be ready for some level of night noise from surrounding cafes, bars and restaurants. Not too loud fortunately. One low side of the hotel is the quality of drinking water in the breakfast. I would suggest you bring your own water bottle… 😉 The other point we did not like is that we are a given a single key for a 4 bed family room with 2 teenager kids, which limited our freedom. We requested from hotel and they said there is only one single key which is funny but reality… ☹️

Milad Jafari

On the positive side, the staff were friendly, and the hotel is conveniently located near the beach and city center. However, I wouldn’t recommend this hotel for an all-inclusive stay. I booked an all-inclusive family room with a sea view, but the view was obstructed, and the room was smaller than expected. The shower had drainage problems, and room service only handled basic tasks upon request. The food lacked variety, Wi-Fi was unreliable.

Mark F

Absolutely amazing service received from staff members Andreas and Irine. They were both super professional in accommodating us at short notice for a hotel transfer midway through our trip. Both super courteous and respectful and made us feel welcome as well as resolving any queries we had expeditiously. Super friendly staff reflective of the Gardelli brand image. Great Breakfast buffet with direct beach access from the hotel and free sun beds (other hotels in the area charge for this).

Isabelle

Hotel is advertised as a 5 star, adults only, all inclusive hotel with a gym & spa. On site there is no gym or spa. Children are allowed to access pool & it is definitely not five star. This was quickly realised when I found bed bugs in my bed & maids cleaned twice in the whole week. Not to mention the DISGUSTING, rude manager who screamed in my face telling me to sleep on the beach because my friend accidentally hit a car with his ball which he apologised for. Food is overrated & not much selection. Would never stay there again. Don’t recommend unless it’s available for very cheap.

James Lyne

An excellent family run hotel with the most relaxed experience we have had. Good food, good entertainment in the evening and really nice rooms. Meal times are very relaxed and cater for early or late risers and those who prefer to eat earlier or later in the evening. If you want to go out for the day they will make you a packed lunch. The food itself has a variety to cater for all tastes and there is always a freshly cooked option. The staff booked us trips which were exactly what we wanted for no extra charge. Picked up from the hotel. For me the best thing was that this hotel is small enough that the staff all knew who we were and when we asked for help they remembered and just came over when they next saw us. It's rare for us to experience this level of personal attention and it really made a difference. We have had a fantastic time here and would certainly love to come back.

Andrew Moore

We had a very happy 10 days at the Castelli. It’s small enough to be friendly and welcoming but large enough to have the facilities you need. We were combining a holiday with my daughter’s wedding on the nearby Cameo Island and the folks at Castelli did absolutely everything they could to ensure we had a great stay. The staff are the standout feature of the hotel. Friendly, helpful and professional, it’s obvious they really care about the place and that their visitors enjoy themselves. The food was lovely - and plentiful. The hotel itself is really clean and well maintained. A great place to stay on Zakynthos.

Eden Wachendorf

What can I say, never have I seen such amazing staff at any hotel. We're feeling like in heaven during our stay - staff helped us out by pointing at good beaches, good services like quad rentals and where just absolutely heartwarming. The hotel has an amazing ambient, food was very good, even as vegetarians. Our room is spacious, with a beautiful balcony with a view (we can see the coastline when looking to the right and the olive trees on the hills when looking straight forward). The pool area is very well maintained and on the evening program is very nice and not obnoxious like in some other hotels. Yesterday we relaxed by the pool while listening to an amazing acoustic rock duo. If I could give more stars than 5 I would without any hesitation.

Preston Tambe

My name is Preston Tambe and I am a football player from America. They took great care of me while I was there. They gave me good food and always made sure I was comfortable. This is the best place to go to if you are looking for a vacation because is it luxury but also feels like home with the very nice people that work there. I am truly grateful of the time I was there because of this great experience. Go and book Castelli now and I promise you, that you will do yourself a favor going there.

Lucy Powell

we stayed in castelli hotel in october for a joint birthday and anniversary and we were thoroughly impressed! my partner had paid for the surprise room package which was decorated beautifully and were gifted a bottle of wine! we had a swim up room which was perfect to wind down in the sun. the only improvements we could suggest is the small buffet. although the food was always delicious there wasn’t a lot of options. it says online that it has an international buffet however it is mostly greek. we also noticed that there was a strange smell coming from the bathroom however when we closed the sink plug it did stop. However we would still return with it being in walking distance of towns,beaches and lots of activities! nothing is ever to much for the staff.