Amaryllis Aparthotel

4 readers found this review helpful

First time on the island and Kalamaki. Amaryllis Hotel was lovely, spotlessly clean, staff very friendly and helpful. pool and area perfect for relaxing while enjoying a cold beer and snack after a lovely walk into Laganas along the beach. Will certainly return and would recommend it to anyone. Visit Time Out along the main strip for a lovely breakfast and friendly start to the day. Our favorite evening restaurant was Bon Amici with steaks to die for. The owners and staff are lovely and like us you will want to return more than once, the views from the balcony are great to watch whats going on. Great hotel, brilliant weather and not too crowded. we will be back.

3 readers found this review helpful

never been to greece before, but glad i chose kalamaki very clean quiet pretty place. you could see the planes going over occasionally was nt a problem. apartment was very good agree with reviews could of done with a toaster and i would of liked an iron! we ate out every evening many resturants to chose from. liked mermaids pedalos. tried many cocktails 2.50 euros bargain! weather was hot reach to 39c. definatley go again. came back today 25 may 2009

2 readers found this review helpful

My Partner and I came here off the back of my recommendation of greece as a destination as went to crete 4 years ago and it appeared to tick all the boxes.........and certainly delivered!
The hotel is in a great location just off the main stretch of kalamaki so very tranquil surroundings, its 7 minutes transfer from the airport-literally! lovely structured building,nice and big,very clean but a traditional look to it. Theres a shop and mini-bar/restaurant within the grounds of the hotel that had everything you would need from a self catering facility and we gained great use from.
We were in the C block of apartments, our room was spacious and had all the amenities required (read other reviews as all accurate). Due to the time of year we went it was a bit chilly at night and the fact the room has stone floors didnt help but on the flip side during the heat of the day it kept the room cool, the doors between the room and balcony are vented panel doors and a set of sliding doors, however we didnt notice the sliding doors so the first two nights we were freezing and wondered why we had to request 2 more blankets when in greece?! but when requesting these blankets they were delivered to our room within 20 mins-great service. Our fridge wasnt working and reported it to reception whilst we went out for a walk,came back 2 hours later to find a new fully working fridge in our room-i cant stress how good the service was from them. All in all we had no complaints about the hotel and would advise it to anyone!
We wanted a chilled out week and kalamaki offers that, i love my food and have eaten some of the greatest food ever. rather than ramble i would advise you eat at mermaids, heavens kitchen,pandesia,maharaja-indian and chinese restaurant mixed together-superb! Theres alot of nice bars to sit and have a drink, would strongly advise melon bar and the shamrock bar.
If you want to go mad and get hammered then the next town lagana is advised, about 45 min walk or 20 min taxi ride, we didnt go but heard good thigs from those within the hotel that did
for footy mad people like myself i would advise going to the drunken corner bar as shows different games on 15 different screens,my understanding girlfriend allowed me to watch my beloved spurs and they screened the game that you would not see on tele in the uk-brilliant.
The Beach was to die for, light sand, and clear blue waters surrounded by the beautiful rocky mountains of greece-simply amazing!
Overall i would advise this place to anyone, the hotel was faultless and the surrounding area was superb!

6 readers found this review helpful

Arrived at the Amaryllis Aparthotel at about 9.30 pm and was pleasantly surprised.
We were in B block apart 2 which was a 2 b/room apartment on the ground floor with a lovely terrace.
The rooms are exactly as they are on the internet or the travel brochures (some man complained of the stone floor but this kept the rooms cooler).
The beds were slightly hard but hey you cant please everyone!!!!! They supplied 1 pillow for each bed a sheet and a blanket but reception were happy to give extra pillows when we asked.
the bathroom was sufficient just a shower type wet room. people complained in other reviews that the shower was to powerful, but so actually adjust the power yourselves so obviously a grumble for nothing!!!!
The kitchen has a 2 ring hob which did not seem to get very hot until we were told that 1-3 settings work the opposite way t ours so hottest would be no 1. Do not expect to go and cook in your rooms they have a kettle but there is not a toaster. (some other families bought a cheap one in the UK and brought it with them as they have stayed previously) but they advise you do not cook as it attracts the ants. there is a fridge and although the power to the apartments is by a magnetic key that you have to insert in the wall once you open your door with it the fridge stays on all the time.
the air con is not included in the holiday price but we survived without it for 4 nights but then did pay the 60 euros per week which worked fantastically (it was so effective my boys needed the blankets). As long as you keep the controller on the settings that reception tell you it works a trewat as again in some reviews people said is was not effective, but hey they were controlling it!!!!!
the rooms were kept very very clean as the maids came in every day to clean apart from Mon when it is just to empty bins (loo roll in the bins as small pipes for sewage) and the sheets were changed twice a week and clean towells.
The pool area was lovely and relaxing we never had any trouble getting a lounger as people rarely stayed by the pool all day as the heat was intense. the hottest part of the day believe it or not is between 4-6 pm.
the snack bar was run by a lovely lady maggie who worked 7 days a week 8.30 -6pm.
The food was very good value and was also very edible.
The main bar was run by Pavos who again was very friendly. They had enetertainment 3 times a week which was ok.
The aeroplanes did fly quite low but not all day and the kids loved it.
The main Kalamaki strip has everthing you need and is only a very short stroll away.
The best restaurants were the bocca (ate there 6 times), Olive tree, Ambosia and Heavens kitchen which is a must for lamb kleftiko!!!!
The mermaid was ok food which were very good portions and also tesoro was very nice. We went to Stanis which you access by going right to the end strip and turn right at the t junction and just keep walking. Very long walk but very worth it.
The Parthenon rest was very disappointing, they were lovely staff but the food took a good hour after you had your starters. but again thats our opinion.
We went to a fantastic bar/hotel called Sophias which had a tribute Elvis playing and this was a great eveing. He played twice a week and he was fantastic. The guy was Simon patrick who won the uk Elvis 2007.
The beach........ well what can i say.......... beautiful........
This is by far the best beach i have been to (even beats the caribbean) The water is so blue and clear and very calm, you can walk out a very long way and still not be out of your depth. beware of the sand it is very hot and flip flops just flick the hot sand on your legs but hey well worth it for the surroundings.
We walked along the beach to the right and there were hardly any people there it was like paradise just listening to the water lapping the shore ........ sheer bliss
We walked into laganas along the beach and hired a motor boat for 50 euros for 2 hrs and went out to turtle island where you can anchor up and go for a swim or sunbathe.
The beach is out of hours after 8pm because of the turtles so if you walk to Laganas (about 25 mins) you would need to return by taxi as there are security guards patrolling.
What more can i say ..... i loved this place and would not hesitate to go back even statying at the Amaryllis which is basic but adequate. I went on this holiday not expecting too much after some of the reviews but the things they were complaining about was in their control and after all you do get what you pay for. try it and you will we back!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy holidays

2 readers found this review helpful

Amarylis aparthotel was very well run, by both the proprieters and the lovely friendly staff. Everyone who works there from the receptionist, the bar and pool snack bar to the cleaners are extremely friendly and will go out of their way to help in anyway they can.
The apartments are cleaned daily, the bedding and towels are changed every few days to a high standard.
The staff go out of their way to find out your name and do well to rememeber it most of the time!!!!
I would recommend these to anyone.
Kalamaki resort itself was great, plenty of lovely bars and restaurants. We mostly ate out at Milos, Artemis and Olive Tree all of these were fantastic and you will have a lovely time and lovely food in any of them.
Drunk Corner, Coconut Joes and Sophias bar on the main strip are very family friendly.
Pay a visit to the Cave Bar lovely bar but a little spoilt by the music they play...
The Olympia Trip is well worth the money and the early start, dont book with your reps book with TEZ, next to The Olive Tree restaurant.

2 readers found this review helpful

We went the end of may begininng of june, so the weather was just right.
It was my daughter's first holiday abroad and she enjoyed it. The hotel was great the pool was great for her as she could walk in it, so she felt safe. The accommodation was ok I had better.
We was also on the top floor with a 2 year old, so to get the buggy up the steps was abit of a drag.
The only down fall was the opposite hotel was really loud at night and would keep her awake.
Kalamaki was nice. The beach was really nice.
Restaurants michello's was really really nice well recommended. The only one not to go to is just outside the hotel up the hill and the very first one it has a little play ground, the service there was really poor and the meals was well I could have cooked it better myself.

Came in May 2007. Searched the whole internet and brochures to see if we could find a better deal/amenities. So came back again May 2008! Deja vue! All the families that had been there last year all turned up this year, so we can't be alone in thinking it is perfect if you have small children: the play area and pools kept them entertained all day.
Staff could not have been more welcoming. Rooms clean & spacious. Nothing too much of a problem. Amaryllis is a perfect size: not too big/small & well maintained. A great place to relax. The planes going overhead were in fact an added bonus as all the kids stopped whatever they were doing to watch & wave - even the adults!
Pleasant walk to all the bars & tavernas, especially walking the small roads behind the main drag. Would recommend Michaelo's, Dias, Ambrosia & Hera. Again, staff falling over backwards to help entertain the toddler & baby. Didn't even mind when the potty came out and was waved around by a proud 2 year old! My husband knows staff at Cronulla from 15 years ago, so went there for lunch a few times, again would recommend it, and also for the TV sports coverage.
Last year we hired a car for 3 days to see how things had changed in the 15 years since we had both been to Zante. This year we decided not to bother as Kalamaki was just right for us. Please do not get too big and please do not get too loud....

2 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from the best and most relaxing holiday we have ever had in any of the Greek Islands. The Amaryllis is spot on for cleanliness, location and friendliness. The pool bar is great and has great staff, and good prices. If you get the chance visit the Time Out Restaurant just five minutes walk away, best food in Kalamaki.

2 readers found this review helpful

I stayed at the Amaryllis on the 26th September for one week with my boyfriend.
I am a travel agent and booked this as a very last minute deal not expecting too much when I arrived!
I couldn’t have been happier.. the location was fantastic, close to all the bars restaurants and shops. It mentioned being noisy in the brochure but we didn’t have any problems at all with any noise.
The hotel staff were really friendly and the pool area was very chilled out and relaxing.
We had an apartment (room 13) with a double bed in one room and 2 beds in another so plenty of space! They were spotless and cleaned every day by the maids.
Tsilivi itself was a great resort and great nightlife for couples and families.
The beach was lovely and there was a fantastic taverna at the end of the beach serving traditional Greek cuisine that I would recommend!
I would recommend the trip to Kefalonia too.

1 reader found this review helpful

We had a fantastic holiday in Kalamaki and we could not praise it highly enough.
The Amaryllis apartments are lovely, we had a third floor studio apartment with a balcony. It was clean, well maintained and the staff could not do enough for you.
Gemma, our First Choice rep was the best we have ever had. She was at the resort twice a day every day and was very clear about when she could not be there due to airport commitments. She was helpful, very well informed, and sorted any little problems we had quickly and efficiently.
The rooms in the Amaryllis are basic but very clean. The beds are very hard and so are the pillows (we asked for extra pillows and they were delivered immediately) the only small problem we found was with the air conditioning. It is very expensive (65E for two weeks) and not particularly effective. It was over 40oC most days and didn't drop below 30 at night so we really needed the A/C. It does cool the room eventually, but you can't leave it on when the room key is not in the room, so you can't cool the room when you are out.
The beach is lovely. The sea is very shallow to quite a way out and very calm. The sand is extremely hot so make sure you take decent beach shoes (flip flops just caught the hot sand inside!!)
We went on many trips including the jeep safari, Olympia, the island cruise to Smugglers Cove and the Pirates of the Ionian trip to St Nicholas' Beach. All were fantastic, well run, and really interesting. Unfortunately, the sea was too rough to go around the point of the island to see Smugglers Cove (they do not warn you this may happen before you go) but we did get to swim near the Blue Caves. Olympia is not to be missed.
Restaurants are plentiful. We found Zakanoh to be the best. Beautiful surroundings, fantastic food, and wonderful service. We went for my birthday and they had decorated a flower arbour and the table with sprinkles and Happy Birthday banners. What a wonderful meal - we had lobster and champagne! The Italian, Buon Amici is very nice as is Artemis. Paolo has nice food but don't go if you are in a rush - the service is very slow!! We didn't rate the Mermaids or Tesoro very highly.
The taxi service is amazing, there is only one company on the island with set fares, you ring, and they are there within 5 minutes. We didn't bother with hiring a car because it was easier to get a taxi or bus.
Wonderful holiday, wonderful people, wonderful weather, and wonderful food - we will be back in Kalamaki!
Andy and Vicky Spence