Exotica Hotel, Kalamaki, Zante
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Hotel Description:
This hotel is special because... ...of its attractive setting with a lovely central terrace area around the pool and a variety of facilities for a great family holiday. While kids have fun and play games at the children's club, parents can enjoy a refreshing drink from the poolside bar or laze on the golden sandy beach, just a few minutes' walk away. loading...
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Exotica Hotel Reviews
" Kalamaki Experience "
Submitted By: shazman
Want to try and give a very truthful review on this hotel and the resort.
We have just spent a week in August 2009 at the hotel, which I must say should be rated 3* and not a 4*. Rooms need some updating. We booked independently and had a 2 bed family duplex (for 5 of us). I went with my 2 daughters and 2 grand children - aged 4 and 6, and although we have plently of sleeping room, the balcony was very small with a great big air con hot blower on it thus taking up even more room, also far too hot to sit out there with it blowing. The rooms could really do with a sitting area rather than just 2 bedrooms as when you come back and put 2 young children to bed you have to just sit on the other beds in the other room. Hired a fridge and air con for the week costing us a further 87 euros, but an absolute MUST in August. Felt the fridge should be standard though. You can only book this 2 bed apartment independently and not through Thompsons, but down fall is they won't let the children into the Childrens Club, so we had 2 very disappointed children. Had a few problems with room, but must say Stefi was brilliant and all was sorted out immediately. All the negatives out of the way, now all the positives. Hotel pool is lovely and is a very family oriented place. Pool bar was lovely and food and drinks really good and very reasonably priced for a hotel. There is a supermarket right next door to the hotel which is pretty reasonable too. Breakfast was ok in hotel, but same every day and basic. Out of the hotel (one to the left and one further down on the right) serve great english breakfast. 2 bacon, 2 eggs, 2 sausages, beans, toms, mushrooms, hash browns, toast, tea or coffee all for 4 euros and was great.Hotel is in great position, just a very short walk to bars, restaurants etc. If you come out of the hotel, turn left and then directly on the right hand corner is a lovely traditional greek restaurant spelt something like Zakaya??? Booked for my birthday and my daughter ordered me a cake. We had 3 starters and lovely bread for kids, 5 main courses with extra greek salad, 2 ice creams and 3 drinks and a lovely home-made chocolate and kiwi birthday cake all for 62 euros. One of the best meals we had there. Turn right and continue up a little way and there is another restaurant just before a big shop that sells amazing fake bags etc - restuarant begins with a 'P'. We ate there 3 times, food is amazing and they do childrens menus for 1.75 euros and are brilliant with the kids. For 5 of us our meals with drinks were averaging 40-50 euros. Also further up the strip is Heavens Kitchen, absolutely gorgeous food - had amazing fajitas one night and home made lasagna another - a definite must!!!! Ate in Mermaids one night, was very nice - childrens meals 1 euro, but my least favourite. Absolutely loved the resort of Kalamaki, very friendly, lovely food, lovely people, short transfer from airport(10 mins), short walk to beach from hotel which was lovely - shallow, warm, not too crowded and only pedaloes to hire because of the protected turtles. You can hire 2 sun beds with umbrella for 7 euros, which I thought was reasonable. Overall we had a brilliant holiday and would definitely go back to Kalamaki (wish I was there now ha ha!). Although the hotel was ok and I wouldn't disregard it in the future, I felt it was let down by a lack of evening entertainment for both children and adults and if you went with a family of 5, and wanted your children to go to the kids club you would have to book 2 rooms and hope they were next to each other to get this benefit as the 2 bed family duplexes are not contracted with Thompsons, who run the club???? Tried to pay for the kids to go into it, but they refused because they wouldn't be insured. Have been to Zante before, but would highly recommend the resort of Kalamaki - was pleasantly shocked with the prices of everything there considering the state of the euro.
We have just spent a week in August 2009 at the hotel, which I must say should be rated 3* and not a 4*. Rooms need some updating. We booked independently and had a 2 bed family duplex (for 5 of us). I went with my 2 daughters and 2 grand children - aged 4 and 6, and although we have plently of sleeping room, the balcony was very small with a great big air con hot blower on it thus taking up even more room, also far too hot to sit out there with it blowing. The rooms could really do with a sitting area rather than just 2 bedrooms as when you come back and put 2 young children to bed you have to just sit on the other beds in the other room. Hired a fridge and air con for the week costing us a further 87 euros, but an absolute MUST in August. Felt the fridge should be standard though. You can only book this 2 bed apartment independently and not through Thompsons, but down fall is they won't let the children into the Childrens Club, so we had 2 very disappointed children. Had a few problems with room, but must say Stefi was brilliant and all was sorted out immediately. All the negatives out of the way, now all the positives. Hotel pool is lovely and is a very family oriented place. Pool bar was lovely and food and drinks really good and very reasonably priced for a hotel. There is a supermarket right next door to the hotel which is pretty reasonable too. Breakfast was ok in hotel, but same every day and basic. Out of the hotel (one to the left and one further down on the right) serve great english breakfast. 2 bacon, 2 eggs, 2 sausages, beans, toms, mushrooms, hash browns, toast, tea or coffee all for 4 euros and was great.Hotel is in great position, just a very short walk to bars, restaurants etc. If you come out of the hotel, turn left and then directly on the right hand corner is a lovely traditional greek restaurant spelt something like Zakaya??? Booked for my birthday and my daughter ordered me a cake. We had 3 starters and lovely bread for kids, 5 main courses with extra greek salad, 2 ice creams and 3 drinks and a lovely home-made chocolate and kiwi birthday cake all for 62 euros. One of the best meals we had there. Turn right and continue up a little way and there is another restaurant just before a big shop that sells amazing fake bags etc - restuarant begins with a 'P'. We ate there 3 times, food is amazing and they do childrens menus for 1.75 euros and are brilliant with the kids. For 5 of us our meals with drinks were averaging 40-50 euros. Also further up the strip is Heavens Kitchen, absolutely gorgeous food - had amazing fajitas one night and home made lasagna another - a definite must!!!! Ate in Mermaids one night, was very nice - childrens meals 1 euro, but my least favourite. Absolutely loved the resort of Kalamaki, very friendly, lovely food, lovely people, short transfer from airport(10 mins), short walk to beach from hotel which was lovely - shallow, warm, not too crowded and only pedaloes to hire because of the protected turtles. You can hire 2 sun beds with umbrella for 7 euros, which I thought was reasonable. Overall we had a brilliant holiday and would definitely go back to Kalamaki (wish I was there now ha ha!). Although the hotel was ok and I wouldn't disregard it in the future, I felt it was let down by a lack of evening entertainment for both children and adults and if you went with a family of 5, and wanted your children to go to the kids club you would have to book 2 rooms and hope they were next to each other to get this benefit as the 2 bed family duplexes are not contracted with Thompsons, who run the club???? Tried to pay for the kids to go into it, but they refused because they wouldn't be insured. Have been to Zante before, but would highly recommend the resort of Kalamaki - was pleasantly shocked with the prices of everything there considering the state of the euro.
Advice: Brilliant family resort and very reasonably priced every where
Activities: Zakaya, Heavens Kitchen, and the one on the right next to the bag shop beginning with a 'P'
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Arrived back from holiday on Aug 25th... "
Submitted By: Ms Jo Gonzalez
Arrived back from holiday on Aug 25th 2008.
We initially chose Hotel Exotica as we had had such a brilliant time there previously, but the Hotel has changed dramactically. The first room we were given was on the ground floor with the 'breathtaking' view of a brick wall! Finally, after many conversations with the VERY rude manager, we were moved to a beautiful room on 2nd floor with amazing views, finally our holiday could start!.... No, then the entertainment team (mother & daughter!) walked out! Again, had another conversation with the VERY VERY rude manager who asked what we wanted her to do about it and that it wasn't her problem!! If it wasn't for my partner Sean and other very goodwilling and fun holiday makers, there would have been NO entertainment at this hotel at all. They spent the rest of their holiday organising football, quizzes, volleyball etc for kids & everyone..... something I'm sure they hadn't imagined on their supposedly relaxing holiday, so thanks everyone! You know who you are!!!
Overall, we still love Kalamaki. Would highly recommend The Cave Bar, The Olive Garden restaurant, Cava D'oro Roof Top Terrace, Bachaus restaurant and definately Crystal Beach Hotel.
Hotel Exotica however needs a complete re-vamp, starting with the Manager. This hotel used to be wonderful. It is in a perfect location close to beach, shops, restaurants & bars , but the rooms need redecorating and the amenties need to be made full use of.
I would still recommend Hotel Exotica, but would advise you to take quiz books, footballs, kareoke machines and a couple of Greek dancers yourselves, if you expect to be entertained!!
We initially chose Hotel Exotica as we had had such a brilliant time there previously, but the Hotel has changed dramactically. The first room we were given was on the ground floor with the 'breathtaking' view of a brick wall! Finally, after many conversations with the VERY rude manager, we were moved to a beautiful room on 2nd floor with amazing views, finally our holiday could start!.... No, then the entertainment team (mother & daughter!) walked out! Again, had another conversation with the VERY VERY rude manager who asked what we wanted her to do about it and that it wasn't her problem!! If it wasn't for my partner Sean and other very goodwilling and fun holiday makers, there would have been NO entertainment at this hotel at all. They spent the rest of their holiday organising football, quizzes, volleyball etc for kids & everyone..... something I'm sure they hadn't imagined on their supposedly relaxing holiday, so thanks everyone! You know who you are!!!
Overall, we still love Kalamaki. Would highly recommend The Cave Bar, The Olive Garden restaurant, Cava D'oro Roof Top Terrace, Bachaus restaurant and definately Crystal Beach Hotel.
Hotel Exotica however needs a complete re-vamp, starting with the Manager. This hotel used to be wonderful. It is in a perfect location close to beach, shops, restaurants & bars , but the rooms need redecorating and the amenties need to be made full use of.
I would still recommend Hotel Exotica, but would advise you to take quiz books, footballs, kareoke machines and a couple of Greek dancers yourselves, if you expect to be entertained!!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Freedom Direct
" Arrived back from the Exotica Hotel... "
Submitted By: Mrs V Shipley-Armstrong
Arrived back from the Exotica Hotel on the 22nd August 2008.
The hotel is centrally located. The rooms are of a reasonable size however they are dated and need a good clean, the showers are either cold or too hot (dangerous for children) you can't seem to get a happy medium. Also if you are over 5'6 your feet will be hanging out the end of the bed.
All the staff are lovely however the entertainment is terrible, when we were there the two ladies doing the children's entertainment left, if it had not been for the parents (who were great and got together do the entertainment for the children) it would be none existent.
The food at the pool bar is okay however it stops serving food at 5.45 pm.
It is a problem getting your luggage to and from the rooms from the 1st floor up as there are no ramps.
Unless you are up before 8.00 am you have no chance of getting a sunbed.
The beach itself is a good 10 minute walk from the hotel.
Kalamaki itself is nice however travelling within a group of 10 with 4 children aged 5,6, 10 and 11 there is not much going on in the evenings for the children.
The hotel is centrally located. The rooms are of a reasonable size however they are dated and need a good clean, the showers are either cold or too hot (dangerous for children) you can't seem to get a happy medium. Also if you are over 5'6 your feet will be hanging out the end of the bed.
All the staff are lovely however the entertainment is terrible, when we were there the two ladies doing the children's entertainment left, if it had not been for the parents (who were great and got together do the entertainment for the children) it would be none existent.
The food at the pool bar is okay however it stops serving food at 5.45 pm.
It is a problem getting your luggage to and from the rooms from the 1st floor up as there are no ramps.
Unless you are up before 8.00 am you have no chance of getting a sunbed.
The beach itself is a good 10 minute walk from the hotel.
Kalamaki itself is nice however travelling within a group of 10 with 4 children aged 5,6, 10 and 11 there is not much going on in the evenings for the children.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Freedom Direct
" exotica hotel .it is a brilliant... "
Submitted By: Mrs Michelle Williams
exotica hotel .it is a brilliant hotel that provides an excellent holiday for all. a welcoming and friendly hotel that ensure you have a great holiday. we have made several friends, from staying at the hotel and we all return and meet up every year. we visit the hotel every year in july. cant wait to go back again in july 08.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The Exotica is exactly what it says... "
Submitted By: Mr A Lawrance
The Exotica is exactly what it says in the brochure a well run family hotel. The rooms are basic and the one we had needed some TLC. Breakfast is limited choice but always plentiful and timings appear to be pretty relaxed.
The children really enjoyed the kids club which is well run by the Thomson Girls.
We had a good holiday and would recommend this hotel to anyone with younger children and who are looking for a relaxed stay as opposed to all the creature comforts.
Other points of interest ants are a real pest any crumbs what so ever and they are in. Aircon/Fridges Safety Boxes all extra.
The children really enjoyed the kids club which is well run by the Thomson Girls.
We had a good holiday and would recommend this hotel to anyone with younger children and who are looking for a relaxed stay as opposed to all the creature comforts.
Other points of interest ants are a real pest any crumbs what so ever and they are in. Aircon/Fridges Safety Boxes all extra.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We have been going to this hotel... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Newton
We have been going to this hotel twice a year for the last 4 years and it fabulous.
Friendly welcoming nothing too much trouble for the staff. Lovely rooms clean and comfortable. Great place to relax we love it and you will too.
It’s a beautiful island with plenty to do. Greek nights, boat rides shopping trips to Zakynthos town. Water parks, jeep safari and you can even go on a 2 day trip to Athens.
Recommend hiring a jeep and driving up into the mountains try the small village of Exa Hora for lunch or a trip to Keri it’s beautiful.
Lovely people genuinely nice. This is my paradise island can’t wait to go back.
Friendly welcoming nothing too much trouble for the staff. Lovely rooms clean and comfortable. Great place to relax we love it and you will too.
It’s a beautiful island with plenty to do. Greek nights, boat rides shopping trips to Zakynthos town. Water parks, jeep safari and you can even go on a 2 day trip to Athens.
Recommend hiring a jeep and driving up into the mountains try the small village of Exa Hora for lunch or a trip to Keri it’s beautiful.
Lovely people genuinely nice. This is my paradise island can’t wait to go back.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The Exotica is a wonderful hotel for... "
Submitted By: Mr M Webb
The Exotica is a wonderful hotel for those with a young family.
Children are very well looked after by the kid's club reps, who go out of their way to keep the children happy and entertained.
This is a family run hotel and the owner, her sister, her mum and everyone there will do everything to make your stay as happy and enjoyable as possible.
Breakfasts are basic but fresh and more than sufficient. The pool is large and well maintained, the poolside bar has everything you need and for those that can't bear to be out of touch, internet access is available.
Kalamaki is a nice town, very pleasant and the people just love children. They are made to feel most welcome, especially in restaurants of which there are many along the high street, most of which are superb.
Food is excellent and look out for the lager served in glasses straight from the freezer!
The mini-golf is a must, the owner is mad. A visit to smuggler's cove is also well worth it, as is a Greek night (fire dancing!)
A point of note; when hiring a car, make absolutely certain that you are fully insured as some of the smaller companies will tell you that you are fully covered, but if you have a problem, you may find out that you have to pay. Don't be fooled by cheap prices.
All in all, Kalamaki and the Exotica make a fantastic family holiday.
Children are very well looked after by the kid's club reps, who go out of their way to keep the children happy and entertained.
This is a family run hotel and the owner, her sister, her mum and everyone there will do everything to make your stay as happy and enjoyable as possible.
Breakfasts are basic but fresh and more than sufficient. The pool is large and well maintained, the poolside bar has everything you need and for those that can't bear to be out of touch, internet access is available.
Kalamaki is a nice town, very pleasant and the people just love children. They are made to feel most welcome, especially in restaurants of which there are many along the high street, most of which are superb.
Food is excellent and look out for the lager served in glasses straight from the freezer!
The mini-golf is a must, the owner is mad. A visit to smuggler's cove is also well worth it, as is a Greek night (fire dancing!)
A point of note; when hiring a car, make absolutely certain that you are fully insured as some of the smaller companies will tell you that you are fully covered, but if you have a problem, you may find out that you have to pay. Don't be fooled by cheap prices.
All in all, Kalamaki and the Exotica make a fantastic family holiday.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" This hotel has it for everyone!
... "
This hotel has it for everyone!
Not having children myself I was a bit dubious about moving to this hotel. However, the fun and games around the poolside are fantastic for children and adults alike. In fact, there seemed to be more rivalry between the adults than the children. The older children are occupied by the children’s holiday reps and the younger ones have their own little pool to play in
The food is good and a welcomed cool drink was great.
Not only is the hotel children and disabled friendly but so is the resort.
I was amazed at the facilities there were for disabled people. Most places had changed the steps into their restaurants and shops into ramps and there were dropped curbs everywhere, however steep they maybe.
There were alot of people in wheelchairs and using sticks. It was very easy to get around and the people of Kalamaki were very accommodating and friendly.
We would definitely stay in Kalamaki again and also at the Exotica, however, I think Thomson are not having the Super Family fun emblem next year. <br>
Not having children myself I was a bit dubious about moving to this hotel. However, the fun and games around the poolside are fantastic for children and adults alike. In fact, there seemed to be more rivalry between the adults than the children. The older children are occupied by the children’s holiday reps and the younger ones have their own little pool to play in
The food is good and a welcomed cool drink was great.
Not only is the hotel children and disabled friendly but so is the resort.
I was amazed at the facilities there were for disabled people. Most places had changed the steps into their restaurants and shops into ramps and there were dropped curbs everywhere, however steep they maybe.
There were alot of people in wheelchairs and using sticks. It was very easy to get around and the people of Kalamaki were very accommodating and friendly.
We would definitely stay in Kalamaki again and also at the Exotica, however, I think Thomson are not having the Super Family fun emblem next year. <br>
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Hotel Exotica is beautifully located... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Wright
Hotel Exotica is beautifully located and well presented. The staff at the hotel will go out of their way to help you with anything. This year we travelled to Zakynthos with a small baby and the baby facilities on site were superb. The Thomson reps were brilliant with the children and entertainment was great. There are numerous activities throughout the day to keep the kids young and old entertained as well as a park, football pitch, and indoor play area for under 3yrs. Close to all local amenities and there are many wonderful places to eat e.g. Diaz. Hotel bar food is amazing and ice cream galore.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2005
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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Good flight times and landed early.
Kalamaki is very close to the airport...7 min transfer.
First impressions of hotel Exotica were great. Good Location-just off the main strip, next to a supermarket, on the main road to the beach (not a beach lover’s beach-it is protected for turtles).
We had a ground floor room. Clean, could do with a little updating but similar to many Greece hotels. Bathroom with shower. Double bed, TV, Table and chairs on balcony, lots of space for clothes. mini fridge in room, but had to rent it-we didn’t, its not needed.
Went to welcome meeting, holiday advisors very good. Sorted air-conditioning and safe deposit- total of 45Euros for the week. Thomsons kids club was still running even though it was low season.
Accommodation was bed and breakfast-breakfast was continental-cheese, ham, waffles, boiled eggs, cereal, toast, tea, coffee and fruit juice. Was fine-sometimes we went for cooked instead...pool bars holiday breakfast nice (sausage, eggs, bacon, beans, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes, tea and fruit juice-all for 4euros).
pool is really nice-although very deep in places. Lots of sun loungers. food and drink from supermarket or anywhere other than pool bar not allowed around pool (this is standard at all hotels with pools) we found the food and drink from the pool bar very reasonable. Pool open from 8-8 no lifeguards.
In the evening George takes over the pool bar, making cocktails and entertainment.
There are lots of lovely places to eat in Kalamaki- along the main strip. U can get anything u want, Greek, English or international. Great value for money. for 2 of us for starters and mains plus drinks we never paid more than 30 Euros. Great places to go-zanalthe(on right as u walk up to main strip), Tesoro, heavens kitchen, milos, mermaids and the Chinese/Indian.
Myself and my partner’s biggest complaint with the holiday was the planes which flew us from Doncaster and back. It was a 737-300 series. Very small, noisy with no entertainment-no radio or TVS. Now i can understand on maybe a 2 hour flight but not nearly 4.
Overall a great holiday at a nice hotel in a fabulous resort.