Venus Hotel, Kalamaki, Zante
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Close to Kalamaki’s gently shelving‚ sandy beach‚ the attractive and popular Hotel Venus guarantees you true Greek hospitality. It has a welcoming atmosphere, and you can unwind by the pool or in the attractive cocktail bar.Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Venus Hotel Reviews
" Venus Hotel, Kalamaki "
Submitted By: gayletWe booked direct with Nick and it is effortless from first email through to payment. We booked a triple room which is kept spotless. Breakfast is good with lots of choice. The snack bar is reasonably priced and the food is delicious.
The hotel bar is where most people start and finish their evening which leads to lots of friendships being made. The cocktails are great, made with great care by Donna & Spiro, who should be on stage as a double act!!
I would certainly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Kalamaki.
Advice: Kalamaki is a great family resort with lots going on and a good base to explore the island.
Activities: The Olive Tree, Heavens Kitchen, Venus Hotel Kitchen, Dias
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Honest review- MUST READ "
Submitted By: pinkypic20I cannot fault the service we received from the hotel staff, the only place we've experienced great service in terms of a holiday. Everyone was so lovely and helpful and do believe what you read because 'they really can’t do enough for you'. The staff in the restaurants along the main strip are very nice and again I cannot fault anyone.
HOTEL/ROOM-
The room was very dark on arrival and I was quite disappointed because it was not very clean. Despite knowing how basic the rooms would be; I still didn’t quite expect it to be like that but this issue was resolved by the hotel without any fuss whatsoever. Although we were on a bed & breakfast basis it is still pretty much self catering so on those terms we both thought it would have been ideal to have cutlery in the rooms etc. The only items available were: kettle, 2 glasses, 2 cups, a spoon and a fridge (which you have to pay something like £55 Euros for 2 weeks) so there’s not even a toaster to say the least. For reference the air con will cost you approx 90euros for 2 weeks that’s if you haven’t booked through the hotel direct. Average room overall, more than happy though.
LOCATION-
The best location, plenty of supermarkets to hand, restaurants, bars and even the beach. Mini golf is just around the corner also. Beach is quite rubbish personally but that’s my own opinion, didn’t like it much although the sea water is crystal clear but also very cold. The restrictions on the beach just ruined the point of going but you have to think about the turtles. If you love the beach than go to St Nicholas beach...the water is warm and it’s a lovely beach and they also do lots of water sports there if that’s any interest to you but its a little taxi journey away.
ZANTE TOWN-
Nice place to go if you want to walk along the harbour or want to do a bit of shopping, I enjoyed it and have got nice photos from it. 8 Euros for a taxi there. A few nice places to eat here also...soo so cheap.
EXCURSIONS-
I noticed when I looked at the reviews once I had booked this holiday nobody really mentioned excursions etc so I’ll give you as much info as I can. We booked our excursions with Thomson because it seemed the safe option, which in all honesty it was. Now, Thomson did not charge too much more than the stand alone companies along the strip (and believe me there are so many to choose from-huge competition out there). The reason we did choose Thomson was because they set out on the trips way before any of those other companies, for example the shipwreck island, we set out about 9am/10am in the morning....we managed to get to the shipwreck an hour earlier than all the other boats (yes, BOATS) which meant we had it all to ourselves etc, but don’t forget to check the weather reports/updates before booking because weather determines everything.
Break down of the trips,
Shipwreck island- really nice place to visit but what you don’t see in the thousands of images is that there’s actually no sand on that island in actual fact its all stones, small and large pure white stones.....so bring decent footwear because it took me about 10 minutes to walk back to my towel from the sea =D seriously painful. Such a nice place and spot for amazing photos. Shame an hour is just not long enough, that’s the down side. You spend more time travelling.
Turtle island- In my opinion, not worth a penny unless your idea of a great day out is sitting on a boat, all day. Sooo boring and time wasting. Good point, we saw 1 turtle, which is just luck if you do. Ignore the descriptions for this trip...really not worth it, we we're told we get to see the lighthouse-we didn’t, we got told we'll have a BBQ on the beach- we didn’t. We were served up food at St Nicholas beach in the snack bar which was far from a BBQ...cold chicken, rice and extra sugary drinks. This really is an honest review don’t waste your money, we went back starving =(
WHAT THEY DONT TELL YOU-
All hotels are open to every and anyone so that means anybody can use the swimming pools, now this is great BUT when you do pay to be at the Venus hotel and you cannot get a sun lounger around the side of the pool this becomes a bit of an issue if people are using it for free. We did not go in peak season (we went in June ‘09) so I dread to think what August is like. There were other hotels to choose from when the Venus was full. I do not agree with the fact that most people at the hotel reserved sun loungers at around 8am and they were left until evening, that’s ridiculous.
PLACES TO EAT/RESTUARANTS-
You have to visit the Italian restaurant opposite Denis supermarket (called Buon Amici), the food is so fresh it’s just amazing I wanted to go every night…don’t be put off by the guy outside…he’s pushy but if I didn’t give in I would never have discovered the food. If you want Greek cuisine which of course you would, visit Michaelo’s to find the best food and amazing service. Must visit the taverna right at the end of the strip also, called ‘VAKHOS’ we discovered this place on the last day (typical) but it was the best Greek food we had on the whole island and I wish we had known about it previously, visit this place first it really is a must, such lovely people that own it. If you visit Argassi you must go to ‘peppermint’ lovely restaurant but always so busy that you have to wait for a table, worth it. It’s located off the strip down a side road opposite the church. You must try the bakery on the main Kalamaki strip, 2 min walk from the hotel....best baklava on the whole island, the ones in the restaurants just aren’t the same. If you want to try the best chocolate cake go to the time out bar just opposite Denis supermarket, we always went there for lunch because the guy was lovely and looked after us....cheap but very nice food (approx 15euros for both lunch time meals with drinks).
OVERALL-
I would rate this holiday an 8/10 on the terms that it was extremely cheap as we usually go on long haul holidays, places which always tend to be much more luxurious. Kalamaki is a very enjoyable place to spend your holiday. Recommend you avoid breakfast if you can, boring by the end of the first week because it’s the same everyday. Just not worth an early morning start especially if you can save money from it for your own benefit.
LOVED BEST-
Cheap food, cheap place to visit, the people/staff, the restaurants, the pool...list goes on.
Hope this review helps you decide on your holiday, I would agree that 90% of the reviews posted are honest and fairly accurate which is why we made our decision on this particular holiday/place.
Advice: of course! nice place for a cheap holiday
Activities: VAKHOS restaurant, Buon Amici restaurant. sightseeing- shipwreck island
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" All round nice holiday "
Submitted By: nikki_louThe pool was nice, if a little cold in May!! Food was nice and reasonably priced at the hotel snack bar. There was always plenty of sunbeds, annoyingly though you have to pay a euro for each "sunbed mattress" that are quite clearly not new anymore!
The breakfast food and room were both very nice. Lots of food available and always being topped up.
The rooms in the hotel were very small and cramped and the balcony was also very small.
As a young(ish) couple i'd say we were a bit out of place here, the other people staying at the Venus were either older couples or families.
Wouldn't return for any special reason other than a cracking deal in price if there ever was one. Lots of hotels in Kalamaki appeared to be just as nice as the Venus.
Pleasent enough stay though.
Kalamaki is a nice resort, there are lots of hotels/apartments and lots of restaurants, bars and places to eat/drink.
The beach isn't spectacular. You are much better off walking the 2mile or so walk along the beach to Laganas where there are plenty more places to sunbathe, eat, drink, hire pedaloes and go on boat trips to see the turtles etc.
As Kalamaki is so close to the airport its actually quite a nice sight watching the planes land or take off.
We went to Kalamaki in May so the resort was VERY quiet, especially after 10pm. Most of the bars were almost empty except the most popular ones (eg. the cronulla, the rose and crown, the fire club and the iguana bar).
I would return, but only if i got a cheap deal!
Advice: Small family orientated resort
Activities: Hera was our favourite restaurant. A small boat trip from Laganas beach to turtle spot is a must!
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Kalamaki May 2009 "
Submitted By: Deb09The hotel also offers some very good packages if you book direct.
Advice: Kalamaki is a great place to stay for a relaxing beach holiday.
Activities: Very good choice of restaurants along the main road in Kalamaki. Heaven
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The Venus Hotel was an absolutely... "
Submitted By: Venus Venus- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" The Venus Hotel was an absolutely... "
Submitted By: Miss Sharon Longstaff- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" WOW what can i say, from start to... "
Submitted By: Miss Fay HiltonThere were so many guests there that have been going back to the hotel for years i can see why. THe staff are kind, polite and all speak English. It is 10mins from Laganas for those wishing to party and trust me its well worth it, the restaurants in Kalamaki are lovely, i personally found Kalamaki a little too quiet for my self but my pals loved it. We are looking to go back in September, this time we know what is what.
This resort is fit for any one, families, singles couples or even those who wish to travel alone, one of the best holidays i have ever had.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We have stayed at the Venus many... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Sharp- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Hotel.
Very clean, stylish and... "
Very clean, stylish and classy.
Staff- awesome! Our evenings wouldn’t have been the same without Danny and Donna. They kept us amused for 2 weeks with there banter and delicious cocktails...I recommend the Venus flytrap!!
We will definitely be back next year.
I strongly recommend this hotel to anyone! Lagana isn’t too far away. The restaurants are amazing.
Has to be said, highlight of the week was Danny!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I have just returned from a 2 week... "
Submitted By: Miss B HickeyHotel has been refurbished and is looking very modern. The rooms were lovely, cleaned every day.
Very surprised with the breakfast, only expecting basic but there was lots to choose from - cereal, fruit, bread, toast, beans, egg and more.
Hotel staff are lovely!! Pool area kept nice.
The hotel is in an excellent location, 2mins walk from the main strip and 10mins from the beach. I would recommend this hotel to all ages. - Young couples, families, elderly
I would def go back to this hotel!!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We have stayed at this hotel on... "
Submitted By: KazPThe hotel is a really good base for exploring this lovely island. The hotel is well maintained, extremely well run and all the staff there go out of their way to make your stay comfortable.
We book direct and they make it so easy to complete the booking and also pick you up from the airport and drop you back there at the end of your stay.
The rooms are a good size with maid service daily. Didn't have breakfast preferring to eat at lunch times, the pool bar do an amazing range of snacks at very reasonable prices.
The evening bar is good too with a great range of drinks. This hotel is well placed with the beach 10 minutes one way and the main shopping/bars/restaurants just a couple of minutes the other way.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We have stopped here twice now,... "
Submitted By: misty1Food at pool bar great. Want to book into Ionion blue studios, need direct web site, can anyone help, always get a taxi from airport, 10 euro, and each way.
Some rooms are smaller than other, but you can book direct and also get a private garden, great if you have small children.
Book direct with hotel and its 40 Euros per night for two adults, fridge , TV, and safety deposit box included.
Pool cleaned every day.
Towels and linen changed every day, no problem with the rooms very clean.
Entertainment every night, some good some not so good.
Go to Laganu sea front for best meals, just on the left of the roundabout, as far as mermaids.
- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Travel Republic
" I am 25 and stayed here on a family... "
Submitted By: Miss S BrennanThe rooms are cleaned every day and all your valuables are safe. There was a fee for the safety deposit boxes and for the air conditioning but it wasn't expensive.
The pool is lovely and there are enough sun beds for everyone. The snack bar offers a wide variety of meals all decently priced.
The bar does an extensive cocktail menu and they have a different one on offer every day.
It is a short walk into Kalamaki where there are loads of different bars and restaurants to suit everybody’s taste. Do not miss the cave bar, it is up a hill in a cave but it is beautiful and you can see the whole of Kalamaki from the roof.
The beach is a short walk from the hotel and is very clean and spacious. There are a range of watersports to choose from and restaurants along the front.
I would definitely go back to the hotel Venus again as staying in a nice hotel really makes your holiday.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Cosmos
" We did enjoy the place very much but... "
Submitted By: Mr A ReidThe breakfast was disappointing, the juice was ghastly, the coffee, the same. Tinned peaches most days and various breads. The staff are very nice.
Do not book trips through Thomson they are a complete rip off. You can book the same trips through the travel centre on the main drag of Kalimaki at a much less price and you do get the same standard of trip.
The beach is fantastic but remember it is a nesting ground for the turtles so take all rubbish away with you as the bins provided are usually overflowing.
The Escape taverna is only a few yards from Venus hotel (turn left at the front of the hotel) and very good value for money. Also the Guru Indian and Chinese on the main drag in good along with The Parthenon where Yannis and his staff are only to happy to assist you in any choice.
Overall a great holiday only a few niggles. Beware if booking through Thomson that you have to pay extra for air conditioning, fridge and a safety deposit box, if you book directly with the hotel you get a much better rate for staying, the air conditioning, fridge and safety deposit box are at no extra cost. We met people there who had been several times and now book directly through the hotel and even get picked up and dropped of the airport free of charge as well. When we spoke about the costs of the holidays they were surprised to find that we had paid almost double for the one week than what they had paid for two.
Also must say Zante airport AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Don't buy food there it is very expensive. We bought a tuna salad long roll, a cheese pie and one can of fanta lemon for 12.95 euros! My wife was that mad she told them to keep the fanta lemon as she has a bottle of water with her! And the airport staff said it would now be 9 euros. 3.95 euros for one tin. I realise they have you when in the airport, but there is no need to make a complete fool of us!
Overall a nice quiet resort but not really much for kids at night except for the mini golf and Sofia’s bar for play station etc.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson






Advice: great
Activities: hotel restraunt and chilling out
Good for: Beach