Budget-friendly property popular with groups of friends
Gorgeous beach is a five-minute walk away
In a quieter area of town, so no noise from main drag's nightclubs
Nightclubs on main strip are a three-minute drive away
All rooms have balconies, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges
Kitchenettes come with stovetops, cookware, and kettles
Sunny outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and a hot tub
Snack bar serves cheap but good food until late
Free parking
Fees for Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, which are both unreliable
Not a good option for families or older couples seeking a quiet beach holiday
Some guests complain about room cleanliness and wear
Fee for safe (located at reception)
Lacking in style throughout
A party hotel popular with young groups of friends, the budget Canadian Hotel is thankfully not trying to be anything it's not. It appeals to those who are looking for a place to recharge their batteries between nights spent in Zakynthos nightclubs -- a three-minute taxi from the property -- and afternoons spent on the gorgeous beach, which is five minutes away on foot. However, Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, which are both fairly unreliable, come with fees. On-site, there are a sunny pool deck and cheap-but-good restaurant, and all of the 88 rooms have kitchenettes. For those whose M.O. is dancing (and drinking) the night away, this property offers a good value. Travelers looking for a relaxing beachside holiday might want to try Logothetis Farm, a romantic, two-star retreat.
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Scene
No-frills party hotel catering to those in their 20s
Built in a typically Mediterranean style -- think white stucco and red roofing -- the effect is somewhat marred by a plethora of neon signs and colorful, large, and rather unappetizing photos of food above the poolside bar. Renovated in spring 2010, the interior is starkly functional, with generic white tile, walls, drapes, and furniture. Laganas itself is popular with young adults and families, and it has a reputation for being a hotspot on the island thanks to its lively bars and clubbing scene that goes well into the night. Canadian Hotel itself is really popular for girls' trips, "lads' holidays", and other groups of friends in their 20s.
Location
Five-minute walk from a gorgeous beach, but removed from the area's main drag
The Canadian Hotel is a five-minute walk from the five-mile-long Laganas beach, which boasts crystal-clear, shallow water. The beach is public, so guests will need to rent loungers and umbrellas if they want them. Given that it's a protected marine area -- it has a large population of loggerhead turtles -- water sports aren't allowed, though scuba diving is available.
Laganas itself is the most popular resort area on Zakynthos, thanks to numerous lively clubs in the Zante party district, which Canadian Hotel is a bit removed from. Pure Beach Club is a 10-minute walk away from the hotel. On the main strip, which is about a 20-minute walk away or three-minute cab ride, it's possible to find almost any type of international cuisine, as well as a solid selection of American fast-food restaurants. On the side streets, there are some tavernas offering Greek food, live music, and traditional dances. It's not a pretty area, and it gets hectic and noisy, but it caters to those whose vacation mantra is club-sleep-beach-repeat.
The island's airport is 10 minutes away by taxi.
Rooms
Mostly dated rooms with basic kitchenettes and balconies
The hotel's 88 rooms are mostly dated and generic, outfitted with beige tiles, wood furniture, and patterned bedspreads in warm earth tones. All of them have balconies, many of which look out over the pool area. Note that some guests have complained of occasional cleanliness and wear/tear issues. Also on the downside, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi are only available for fees, and both are unreliable. Safes are also available for a charge, but they're located at reception. Flat-screen TVs and desks come standard.
All units come with kitchenettes, supplied with a mini-fridge, two-burner stove, and an electric kettle, as well as basic cooking supplies. Apartments sleep up to five and come with better kitchenettes, thanks to the addition of an an oven and toaster, plus dining tables. Bathrooms have showers and come with toiletries and hairdryers.
Features
Simple features cater toward nights out (and inevitable hangovers)
The hotel is pretty low on features, but it's a good pick for recharging between nights at the clubs. There are a good-sized outdoor pool and hot tub in a sunny terrace with plenty of sun loungers. A poolside bar gets the evenings started with drink orders often coming alongside free shots. There's also a half-hearted playground with two swings and a slide, but due to the few kids that stay here, it's rarely used.
Breakfast goes until mid-day and is included with some room rates -- many take advantage of being able to take it away and eat it in the room. A pool table is located inside the snack bar, where food is served until late. Food there is simple but good and relatively cheap.
Wi-Fi is available on-site, though for a per-person (not per-room) fee, and it's often slow. Free parking on the property is available for guests.
