Cactus Hotel

This hotel is well-suited to young adults looking for a lively atmosphere and budget room close to Laganas’ party scene. Guests are often groups of friends; older guests and families tend to find the night scene too loud and disruptive for a decent sleep. The lobby shares space with the pool bar, leaving little doubt as to the party vibe of this hotel. The bar is accessible from inside the lobby or out at the pool. Inside, bar stools sit at a long shelf in front of a funky speckled mirror, and there are a billiards table, TV, and computers with internet access. Outside, a paved patio heads back toward a few room buildings. The pool is at the front of the hotel, so rooms at the back get less noise from music and loud guests.

Cactus Hotel and Apartments is near the beach of a large bay in southern Zakynthos, an island off the western shore of Greece’s mainland. The area is a bit rundown, but in peak season it's full of young travelers looking for a party scene. Next to the hotel, there are a market, internet cafe, karaoke bar, and bike rental shop. It is a three-minute walk to a wide beach, popular for its golden sand and shallow waters. From the hotel, it is a four-minute walk to a street full of bars, clubs, and fast food, where there is an active nightlife. A public bus stops at the corner where guests first reach the road. It is a 30-minute walk (six-minute drive) to Cameo Island, a small island connected to the mainland by a pontoon bridge, with stunning views and a party scene all its own in peak season. The main city of Zakynthos is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, where guests can explore historic sites, museums, and lots of shops and restaurants. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Zakynthos Airport, and a 15-minute drive from the port. 

Rooms are basic and outfitted with simple decor, but they're spacious and generally well-maintained. Walls and tile are either white or ivory, and basic wood furniture is either natural or painted a dark color. A few bright red accents, and sometimes a whole accent wall, add pops of color. Rooms that are not remodeled have less appealing color schemes, but similar setups. Air-conditioning and safe access cost extra, while Wi-Fi is free but unreliable in rooms. Small kitchenettes come standard, equipped with a mini-fridge, sink, and electric burners. Flat-screen TVs are also provided. Balconies are small with a table and chairs; rooms over the pool have a close spot to hear the music at night -- which may be a con for some. Suites add a sleeper sofa and dining table with a couple of chairs. Bathrooms are likewise low on frills. The curtained shower has a handheld showerhead and a lip to contain water. There are a frameless mirror and a tiny shelf for toiletries, as well as a hairdryer and free soap. 

Some guests find themselves lodged in another building than advertised on the website. They complain of dirty rooms, broken furniture (including beds), lack of air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, and abysmal water pressure in the showers. Guests lodged at the main building are more positive about their stay, finding rooms generally clean and sufficient for a budget vacation. 

The lively pool area is a highlight of this hotel, for guests who come to party. It is a decent size for the hotel, and is surrounded by free sunbeds under umbrellas. Hydromassage jets alongside underwater music and lighting are fun touches, which add to the revelry at night. The pool bar serves breakfast -- not included -- drinks, and snacks during the day, and at night a DJ plays loud dance music for a party atmosphere. It has an outdoor lounge area with padded wicker seating on a shaded terrace with a collage of photographs depicting classic American culture. A tiny gym has a few cardio machines and weights, plus a sauna. A kiddy pool is also available, though given the party-centric atmosphere, families are rarely present. Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere in the hotel, though guests find the signal strongest in the reception area, and unreliable elsewhere.