Ionian Blue Hotel

My boyfriend and I stayed here for 2 weeks from 23rd June - 7th July this year. When we arrived I had actually been suffering with food poisoning from home, and it was at its peak in the 40 degree heat. I was grumpy and irritable when we got there and I was relieved to be helped to our room by Dennis the owner.
Our room was on the ground floor, which at first bothered me, as we didn’t have much of a view from our balcony, however I came to realise that after a few drinks on a night time it was very convenient!! This also became more apparent in the daytime, as we were so close to the pool. The room itself was very nice, especially the double bed and spacious room. The bathroom wasn’t the nicest I’ve seen, black dirt on the shower curtain, however I found that nobody else had this problem and figured ours was a one off, which didn’t really bother us. The staff, Dennis Maria and Georgina were excellent managing the place on their own, especially Georgina who ran the bar and kitchen alone, the food was lovely.
As for the location it is situated perfectly in-between the beach and the main strip, both closely. The main road was a pleasant 2 minute stroll up the road (which was a plus side to the hotel as many youngsters who couldn’t get booked into Laganas often stay in hotels on the main strip) this left the hotel in a nice little spot on its own. The beach about 10 minutes to walk to down a winding road with a few hotels and lovely home grown fruit shop perfect for the beach. The hotel was by far the nicest to look at in the whole of Kalamaki, especially when lit up at night. The pool was also lovely and refreshing, and at the time when I went, lovely and warm.
I am 18 and my boyfriend 20, however we just wanted a quiet holiday, with Laganas closely if we wanted the nightlife. In 2 weeks we only visited Laganas once, which was good, however we found that many bars in Kalamaki stay open till 2am which was good enough for us.
The restaurants are also lovely...our favourites were Bon Amici, Parthenon and Maharaja. Also, we heard about the famous mermaids which is promised to be fantastic food, but we wasn’t impressed at all the 2 times we visited.
The airport is very close by, which we enjoyed having, as its nice to watch the planes landing whilst laying on the beach, as the runway is just off the beach which feels like its landing on top of you! There are no flights in or out after 10 pm though due to the turtles which is good. I would definitely recommend taking a walk to the airport as well, you literally turn right down a small local road right off the strip and follow it round. We went at night to watch our friends plane take off, it was slightly scary being around all the local farmers fields, however you could stand right next to the runway gates and when the plane took off the adrenaline rush was fabulous.
Overall, Fantastic! Lucy and Phil, Cleethorpes, England

My husband and I have just returned from "Ionion Blue" and it was our first time to Zante, and I can honestly say we fell in love with the place.
We were greeted by Dennis the very funny and friendly boss (so hardworking, bless him) and taken to our room. This was a lovely room. Excellently clean with everything we needed (except the TV is in Greek! but we still watched the football). We also were so happy to have the brilliant air con which we paid 42 euros as the weather went to the mid 40s! Also a double bed, which you don’t often see. Our balcony looked over all the pool area as all rooms do which is great! At night it is so quite, you sleep soundly.
Our pool was really gorgeous and plenty of quality sun beds with umbrellas. There was also a baby pool.
There is also Georgina. who will rustle up anything you wish off her menu at the pool bar and she’s the bar lady too, keeping it lovely and clean. Thanks so much Georgina you were "fabulous!". Maria is the other help at the complex, again anything you want, they will make sure you get it!
There are lots of bars and restaurants for you to stroll along, which we did, and found our favourite "Dias" to eat at and the Marajah Indian was like being at home! There are loads of choices. Also you can walk a bit further to see the old Kalamaki, which was lovely too.
We didn’t really venture much as it was a much needed distress holiday, though we did visit Zante town and its harbour, this was a lovely place, very interesting, we used the taxi and this cost 8 euros.
Our beach was lovely too and we walked lots along here, stopping for drinks and snacks, and swam in the very shallow waters, brilliant for kiddies. The only thing I didn’t like were the dreaded mozzies! As the weather was really hot, there were lots of them so please take good quality repellent.
I would just like to thank Dennis, Georgina and Maria for making our holiday so lovely, and we will be returning to you soon, can’t wait! Lots of Love, Lou-Lou and Scotty! Xxxx

Anyone with any concerns about this place can be assured that in our opinion it is one of if not the best self catering accommodations you could wish for. The rooms are spacious and exceptionally clean.
The owners are very friendly and are always there if you need them. All the rooms have balconies overlooking the pool that is kept spotless by the owner. In your room you have a microwave two ring cooker fridge and TV at the moment it only shows programs in Greek but he has a large screen TV in his poolside bar.
The sea and shops are not far away depending on how desperate you are. We used to have a steady stroll and it took about 10 mins. You don’t rush because of the heat it was lovely. Changing money is no problem Sophie’s supermarket staff are friendly and always seem to have a smile they will change anything, and give you the best rate.
While we were swimming we even saw turtles. The sea is clear and shallow very safe for children no undercurrents so go and enjoy, we did.