Dias Studios & Apartments, Kalamaki, Zante
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
This attractive, family run accommodation is set on a slight incline, near a popular bar, off the main resort road and close to the shops and tavernas of Kalamaki. There is a popular taverna on site and it has its own swimming pool, children’s pool, pool bar which is open late, reception, indoor bar and lift. The property consists of studios sleeping up to 3 people, all with air conditioning payable locally. The sandy beach is 15 minutes walk away. Due to its central location there will be passing noise. loading...
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Dias Studios & Apartments Reviews
" BEWARE THIEVES "
Submitted By: Monkey63
Stayed at the Dias Studios in Kalamaki with my wife and baby daughter, Paid for a meal in the hotel restaurant with my Visa debit card, the owner said the card had been declined, They tried the card again but came back to me and said the card was declined. Paid for the meal with cash. Checked my bank statement on my return home, two payments for the exact same amount had been taken out on the same day from the hotel. I contacted the Hotel but was given the run around and to date I am still waiting for them to return my calls and am out of pocket by £150.
BEWARE IF YOU DO STAY IN THIS FLEA PIT PAY FOR EVERYTHING WITH CASH
BEWARE IF YOU DO STAY IN THIS FLEA PIT PAY FOR EVERYTHING WITH CASH
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:XL
" THIS IS THE ONE TO BOOK "
Submitted By: garryr
if your looking for easability,relaxability,frendlyabilty,easyonthepocketability.and frendlyability this is you. been going to dias for several years not been let down once child freindly pool resturant pool bar what more could tou ask for it's almos an esclusive hotel,what more do you need GARRY-JAYNE
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" HOLIDAYS ATA THE DIAS STUDIO/APARTMENTS "
Submitted By: Linda Pole
THIS WAS OUR 3RD YEAR AT KALAMAKI 2ND YEAR STAYING AT THE DIAS STUDIO & APARTMENTS. IF YOU WANT A GREAT HOLIDAY THEN LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE DIAS IT'S FAMILY RUN HOTEL/RESTURANT BY ARGRISS/JOANNA/LAMBROS (WONDERFUL PEOPLE) ALSO TO MAKE IT EVEN BETTER THERE IS LINZI/HOWARD WHO RUN THE POOL BAR & MAKE THE DAY/EVENINGS GO FANTANICLY WITH THEIR SENSE OF HUMOUR, NOTHING IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR THEM TO HELP YOU. IF YOU WANT FABALOUS FOOD & LOOKING AFTER THEN THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE. LINDA & TERRY POLE.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" the dias is a beutifull family run... "
Submitted By: Mr A A Shepherdson
the dias is a beutifull family run hotel. Me and fiance kelle stayed at the dias for 2 weeks we had the best time ever. Howard and linzy who run the bar are freindly and realy helpfull. the facilities are realy good and well maintained to a high standard. the pool is a good size and always clean. The food at the dias is always cooked to a high standard. there is lots of bars and places to eat The beach is only a 15 minute walk wich gives you time to see the sights. Mamas family and restaurant staff are all very polite and helpfull. from adam shepherdson and kelle hulme 1/6/08 15/6/08
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" August 2008 Review
Dias... "
August 2008 Review
Dias Apartments (Kalamaki)
Overall Holiday score = 10
If you take the Kosmar/Air Malta problem out of the equation
Excellent standard for those found in Greece. Lift to floors 2 and 3. Rooms were basic but very clean. Utensils provided in kitchen. Towels changed regularly and toilet bins daily. Cleaner has been there since the apartments opened apparently and is very conscientious and good at her job. Best cleaning we've had on foreign holidays. Storage space in rooms is limited with one large cupboard. Room comprises of 2 bed side cabinets, large dressing table and mirror, kitchen table and chairs with kettle. Air Conditioning - 50 euros and is very effective - Patio doors on balcony need to be closed for air conditioning to work. Safe Hire - 10 euros (Safe is in top of cupboard at the back and is only screwed into the cupboard - not mounted onto the wall - If you’re 6 foot you can reach the safe easily!)
Pool area is fantastic, very clean pool with free sunloungers and free blue mats.
Pool side bar is open and serves a good variety of dishes and beers. Quite reasonably priced. Floors 2 and 4 are mainly for Irish guests; floors 1 and 3 are for others. Don’t know why – we experienced one very noisy night from the people above. Only annoying thing we found was the very loud sermon from the local church conducted with a microphone and lasted for 2 hours from 8 am in the morning. Sunday sermons start at 7am.
Kosmar Travel Company
The only problem we found booking to go to the Dias with Kosmar is that they used Air Malta as their carrier.
What a nightmare – Flight changed from 05:40 to 07:40. Got to Manchester at 05:00, found out that we had to go to Birmingham on a coach at 08:00. Coach left – overcrowded at 09:00. Swissport the agents at Manchester were pathetic. Advising people 1 hour to get to Birmingham. It took 2 as we told them it would! No-one knew we were being sent to Birmingham when we arrived. We were told flight was due to leave at 13:30, then we were told 14:30. No-one to ask at Birmingham – lots of frustrated people. Finally left at 16:00. Landed in Zante at 21:15 and got to Hotel at 22:00. Over 9 Hours late.
Very poor service from Air Malta
Eating Out
Mermaids Restaurant serves excellent evening meals averaging 7 Euros. Very large portions - Breakfast is a disappointment in our opinion though. If you don’t get a 10% discount card after your meal - ask for one - However it is only valid for evening meals we found out (It doesn’t state that on the discount card - Beware!)
Michaelos Greek Taverna is a taxi ride away and we would strongly recommend you try this. Its 5 Euros to get there in a taxi or 30 minutes walk - road is mainly unlit however. Taxis are only few minutes walk away on the main road.
The service at Michaelos is superb and nothing was too much trouble. Even to the point of filling your glass up as they pass - Taking care of their customer’s springs to mind!
Beach
Is about 20 minutes walk away and hire of umbrellas sun loungers is expensive - 7 Euros for umbrella and sunloungers. Best thing we found was to buy an umbrella from the shop for about 6 Euros. All loungers etc are in a line near the sea as turtle nesting pods are scattered around the beach and you can’t sit near them.
Shops
Locally quite a good selection of shops. The better more stocked shop was directly across the main road from the apartments.
On average 1.50 Euros for 6 x Litre and ½ bottles of water.
Mythos is the local beer and costs around 2 Euros for a large bottle.
All branded stuff is available in the shop.
The shop on the same side as Drunks Corner bar offers a free bottle of wine with every 40 Euros spent at the shop. All you need to do is keep your receipts.
We found better value at the other shop opposite.
Trips
Reps charge around 32 Euros boat trip, locally you can obtain for about 18-20 Euros.
If you go to the shipwreck cove, we went by car and regret not going by boat.
The roads up to the shipwreck are quite dangerous. The signs to get there are quite misleading, and we were told it was done so people went on coach excursions or on boat trips. When you follow signs for the shipwreck and you come to a small village when it appears you can only go left up a very steep hill, you should turn back around and take the next road on the left, when you come to a big tree in the middle of the road turn left and follow signs. We went about 10 miles out of our way due to bad signing. When you get there, there is a small viewing platform which juts out from the cliff face. If you get there when coach parties get there it is quite a struggle to see the shipwreck. Facilities when we went (i.e. toilets) were non-existent.
Bars
Due to the nesting turtles on the beach and conservation requirements, all the bars turn down the music at midnight. The best bar we found was Cocktail Joes, good music, friendly and prompt service and reasonable prices – on average 3 euros for a large Mythos and 2.50 for a cocktail (They are 4.00 in Aliykes).
Overall a great holiday, we have booked to return
Dias Apartments (Kalamaki)
Overall Holiday score = 10
If you take the Kosmar/Air Malta problem out of the equation
Excellent standard for those found in Greece. Lift to floors 2 and 3. Rooms were basic but very clean. Utensils provided in kitchen. Towels changed regularly and toilet bins daily. Cleaner has been there since the apartments opened apparently and is very conscientious and good at her job. Best cleaning we've had on foreign holidays. Storage space in rooms is limited with one large cupboard. Room comprises of 2 bed side cabinets, large dressing table and mirror, kitchen table and chairs with kettle. Air Conditioning - 50 euros and is very effective - Patio doors on balcony need to be closed for air conditioning to work. Safe Hire - 10 euros (Safe is in top of cupboard at the back and is only screwed into the cupboard - not mounted onto the wall - If you’re 6 foot you can reach the safe easily!)
Pool area is fantastic, very clean pool with free sunloungers and free blue mats.
Pool side bar is open and serves a good variety of dishes and beers. Quite reasonably priced. Floors 2 and 4 are mainly for Irish guests; floors 1 and 3 are for others. Don’t know why – we experienced one very noisy night from the people above. Only annoying thing we found was the very loud sermon from the local church conducted with a microphone and lasted for 2 hours from 8 am in the morning. Sunday sermons start at 7am.
Kosmar Travel Company
The only problem we found booking to go to the Dias with Kosmar is that they used Air Malta as their carrier.
What a nightmare – Flight changed from 05:40 to 07:40. Got to Manchester at 05:00, found out that we had to go to Birmingham on a coach at 08:00. Coach left – overcrowded at 09:00. Swissport the agents at Manchester were pathetic. Advising people 1 hour to get to Birmingham. It took 2 as we told them it would! No-one knew we were being sent to Birmingham when we arrived. We were told flight was due to leave at 13:30, then we were told 14:30. No-one to ask at Birmingham – lots of frustrated people. Finally left at 16:00. Landed in Zante at 21:15 and got to Hotel at 22:00. Over 9 Hours late.
Very poor service from Air Malta
Eating Out
Mermaids Restaurant serves excellent evening meals averaging 7 Euros. Very large portions - Breakfast is a disappointment in our opinion though. If you don’t get a 10% discount card after your meal - ask for one - However it is only valid for evening meals we found out (It doesn’t state that on the discount card - Beware!)
Michaelos Greek Taverna is a taxi ride away and we would strongly recommend you try this. Its 5 Euros to get there in a taxi or 30 minutes walk - road is mainly unlit however. Taxis are only few minutes walk away on the main road.
The service at Michaelos is superb and nothing was too much trouble. Even to the point of filling your glass up as they pass - Taking care of their customer’s springs to mind!
Beach
Is about 20 minutes walk away and hire of umbrellas sun loungers is expensive - 7 Euros for umbrella and sunloungers. Best thing we found was to buy an umbrella from the shop for about 6 Euros. All loungers etc are in a line near the sea as turtle nesting pods are scattered around the beach and you can’t sit near them.
Shops
Locally quite a good selection of shops. The better more stocked shop was directly across the main road from the apartments.
On average 1.50 Euros for 6 x Litre and ½ bottles of water.
Mythos is the local beer and costs around 2 Euros for a large bottle.
All branded stuff is available in the shop.
The shop on the same side as Drunks Corner bar offers a free bottle of wine with every 40 Euros spent at the shop. All you need to do is keep your receipts.
We found better value at the other shop opposite.
Trips
Reps charge around 32 Euros boat trip, locally you can obtain for about 18-20 Euros.
If you go to the shipwreck cove, we went by car and regret not going by boat.
The roads up to the shipwreck are quite dangerous. The signs to get there are quite misleading, and we were told it was done so people went on coach excursions or on boat trips. When you follow signs for the shipwreck and you come to a small village when it appears you can only go left up a very steep hill, you should turn back around and take the next road on the left, when you come to a big tree in the middle of the road turn left and follow signs. We went about 10 miles out of our way due to bad signing. When you get there, there is a small viewing platform which juts out from the cliff face. If you get there when coach parties get there it is quite a struggle to see the shipwreck. Facilities when we went (i.e. toilets) were non-existent.
Bars
Due to the nesting turtles on the beach and conservation requirements, all the bars turn down the music at midnight. The best bar we found was Cocktail Joes, good music, friendly and prompt service and reasonable prices – on average 3 euros for a large Mythos and 2.50 for a cocktail (They are 4.00 in Aliykes).
Overall a great holiday, we have booked to return
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" myself and my boyfriend are just back... "
Submitted By: Ms L Mc Kenna
myself and my boyfriend are just back frm dias studios, we had a great tim. the aprtments were first class really clean and de pool was lovely. the staff are all very friendly. it is more than a 2 star studio. the town its self is lovely lots of bars and restaurants. its very cheap to eat out and drink. i will defo be going back as i really enjoyed myself!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" me and my sister stayed at the dias... "
Submitted By: Miss Em Knight
me and my sister stayed at the dias studio's for 2 weeks and it made the holiday even better.The staff were so friendly always willing to help.The food was amazing when we ate in are hotel restaruant.It was also never busy so we could just relax and sun bathe.
I personally am looking to go again in 2009.It was the best place i have ever stayed.
I personally am looking to go again in 2009.It was the best place i have ever stayed.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" My boyfriend and I went to the Dias... "
Submitted By: Miss C Barnes
My boyfriend and I went to the Dias studios for one week in October, it was brilliant. The weather was fantastic and the owners and staff were very friendly!
It was very clean and the pool was fantastic even for small children. There were plenty of bars and restaurants just around the corner and the one at the front of the apartments was good also.
We went on a boat trip around the island which was fantastic and there was some amazing scenery.
A beautiful place to go! Highly recommended! Thank you Linzi and Howard for a great week! love Chloe and Martin x
It was very clean and the pool was fantastic even for small children. There were plenty of bars and restaurants just around the corner and the one at the front of the apartments was good also.
We went on a boat trip around the island which was fantastic and there was some amazing scenery.
A beautiful place to go! Highly recommended! Thank you Linzi and Howard for a great week! love Chloe and Martin x
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" My 2 daughters and I stayed here for... "
Submitted By: Mrs B Bagnell
My 2 daughters and I stayed here for 1 week, which we booked ourselves as we were staying elsewhere in Kalamaki.
We had the best time ever! The rooms were extremely clean and well maintained and all staff made us feel very welcome.
The Hotel is family run and every part of it is kept to the highest of standards and we couldn't have asked for more.
The Hotel has a wonderful pool, with pool bar which we used daily - the food is excellent! And is very well situated if you fancy eating or drinking elsewhere, or maybe shopping.
Our very best thanks and wishes to Dia and family for making our holiday truly wonderful. We can't wait to return!
I would highly recommend this Hotel. 10/10 - first class - excellent. Thank you all!
We had the best time ever! The rooms were extremely clean and well maintained and all staff made us feel very welcome.
The Hotel is family run and every part of it is kept to the highest of standards and we couldn't have asked for more.
The Hotel has a wonderful pool, with pool bar which we used daily - the food is excellent! And is very well situated if you fancy eating or drinking elsewhere, or maybe shopping.
Our very best thanks and wishes to Dia and family for making our holiday truly wonderful. We can't wait to return!
I would highly recommend this Hotel. 10/10 - first class - excellent. Thank you all!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" The Dias apartments are very well... "
Submitted By: Mr B J Pickering
The Dias apartments are very well situated for all Bars, Restaurants, shops and supermarkets. Although 10 to 15 minutes walk from the beach this is a pleasant stroll which allows you to see areas of the resort you might not visit.
The Dias is very clean and the staff attentive and helpful, rooms are cleaned most days and are also large for Greek standards. The restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Kalamaki with Michaelos a close second. This restaurant is on the main road to Zante Town just turn left at the top of Kalamaki main street and keep walking for about 750metres and it is on your left. You can't miss it.
Back to the Dias. The pool is small but more than adequate with a very well run pool bar. The apartments and restaurant are run by the Koltoukis family who are helpful, friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Labros the son runs nearly everything with the efficiency we have come to expect when travelling to these Islands. His mother and father are mainly in the restaurant which as I have said is excellent value and the food and service second to none.
Kalamaki itself has more than enough snackbars, restaurants, tavernas and shops to please most people and the beach is large, clean and safe. Getting around the island is possible by moped, hire car or bus and as you would expect dozens of excursions either by boat or coach. Shop around in the resort as your reps prices will be much higher for exactly the same trip. Enjoy your Holiday
The Dias is very clean and the staff attentive and helpful, rooms are cleaned most days and are also large for Greek standards. The restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Kalamaki with Michaelos a close second. This restaurant is on the main road to Zante Town just turn left at the top of Kalamaki main street and keep walking for about 750metres and it is on your left. You can't miss it.
Back to the Dias. The pool is small but more than adequate with a very well run pool bar. The apartments and restaurant are run by the Koltoukis family who are helpful, friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Labros the son runs nearly everything with the efficiency we have come to expect when travelling to these Islands. His mother and father are mainly in the restaurant which as I have said is excellent value and the food and service second to none.
Kalamaki itself has more than enough snackbars, restaurants, tavernas and shops to please most people and the beach is large, clean and safe. Getting around the island is possible by moped, hire car or bus and as you would expect dozens of excursions either by boat or coach. Shop around in the resort as your reps prices will be much higher for exactly the same trip. Enjoy your Holiday
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" Dias studios are set quite far away... "
Submitted By: Miss T North
Dias studios are set quite far away from the busy resort centre of Faliraki.
The studios are run by a lovely family, who are very friendly and helpful. Mammas cooking is amazing! There is a 24 hour bar downstairs which serves everything from draught beer to fish bowls! Prices are fairly cheap too.
The rooms are clean, linen change twice a week, but the rooms are VERY basic. Air con is essential, as it is very hot at night.
The pool is clean with lots of sun loungers. There is a fab shaded seating area outside too.
Music is played around the pool all day, take your own CD's they will play them if you ask.
Go everywhere in Faliraki by Taxi, usually 5 euro. It’s too far and in July was way too hot to walk.
I would recommend this place to groups of people, couples, and families with older children.
Not really the type of accommodation for people with small children or older couples. People with disabilities may find it difficult here as there are no lifts and its set on 3 floors. Do not come here for a peaceful time either as it is a "2wentys" complex, so lots of noisy revellers late at night.
I went with my boyfriend and loved it here, would definitely go back again. Yamas Uncle Bill!
The studios are run by a lovely family, who are very friendly and helpful. Mammas cooking is amazing! There is a 24 hour bar downstairs which serves everything from draught beer to fish bowls! Prices are fairly cheap too.
The rooms are clean, linen change twice a week, but the rooms are VERY basic. Air con is essential, as it is very hot at night.
The pool is clean with lots of sun loungers. There is a fab shaded seating area outside too.
Music is played around the pool all day, take your own CD's they will play them if you ask.
Go everywhere in Faliraki by Taxi, usually 5 euro. It’s too far and in July was way too hot to walk.
I would recommend this place to groups of people, couples, and families with older children.
Not really the type of accommodation for people with small children or older couples. People with disabilities may find it difficult here as there are no lifts and its set on 3 floors. Do not come here for a peaceful time either as it is a "2wentys" complex, so lots of noisy revellers late at night.
I went with my boyfriend and loved it here, would definitely go back again. Yamas Uncle Bill!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" This was the first time I had been to... "
Submitted By: Miss C Chilton
This was the first time I had been to Greece, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The hotel was really nice and the staff were amazing and really made you feel welcomed.
We stayed for two weeks and it went far too quickly, so I will definitely be going again.
The weather was fantastic and the beach is only a 10 minute walk from the hotel. There is everything you need from a holiday right on your doorstep.
We did a couple of the excursions (the boat ride, and the trip to the water park) and they are both really good value. The boat ride was fantastic, the views were breathtaking although the water was a little cold!
We stayed for two weeks and it went far too quickly, so I will definitely be going again.
The weather was fantastic and the beach is only a 10 minute walk from the hotel. There is everything you need from a holiday right on your doorstep.
We did a couple of the excursions (the boat ride, and the trip to the water park) and they are both really good value. The boat ride was fantastic, the views were breathtaking although the water was a little cold!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Cosmos
" Our holiday at the Dias last... "
Submitted By: Mrs P Anderson
Our holiday at the Dias last September was the best holiday ever. The rooms were nice and cleaned every day.
The food in the dining room was excellent and the staff everywhere was really friendly. My husband’s birthday was while on holiday and Labros held a karaoke and disco. everyone young and old had a great time with Nikos and Tacas.
We partied all night and sun bathed all day. We would recommend the Dias to everyone and look forward to visiting this year.
The food in the dining room was excellent and the staff everywhere was really friendly. My husband’s birthday was while on holiday and Labros held a karaoke and disco. everyone young and old had a great time with Nikos and Tacas.
We partied all night and sun bathed all day. We would recommend the Dias to everyone and look forward to visiting this year.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Kosmar
" Had the time of my life it was a... "
Submitted By: Miss G Griffin
Had the time of my life it was a girly holiday 4 girls all 17. First girly holiday for us all. Was a little scary first time wed done it all on our own.
But the hotel was great it was owned but a family who made us very welcome. We got up about 10 sometimes 11 depending on the nitre before really the weather was absolutely gorgeous.
Then wed go and get our glad rags on and hit the town around bout 9- 10 ish the main strip was the place to be starting at posers bar and ending up at bunnies then heading to the night club early hours in the morning q club.
Overall fantastic holiday would definitely go again.
But the hotel was great it was owned but a family who made us very welcome. We got up about 10 sometimes 11 depending on the nitre before really the weather was absolutely gorgeous.
Then wed go and get our glad rags on and hit the town around bout 9- 10 ish the main strip was the place to be starting at posers bar and ending up at bunnies then heading to the night club early hours in the morning q club.
Overall fantastic holiday would definitely go again.
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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Advice: family friendly
Activities: Dias restaurant is fantastic
Good for: Beach