Crystal Beach Hotel

Crystal Beach Hotel is a quiet hotel in a beautiful spot, surrounded by natural terrain and the sea. The front entry is beautiful, inviting guests into a relaxing space: A stone wall with a fountain is encircled by a double staircase, set in a lush garden of flowering bushes and trees. Inside, the lobby is a quaint, comfortable spot with plenty of space for guests to gather. A lounge area with pale yellow and orange sofas circling pillars is complemented with wood tables holding matching flower arrangements. Fanciful mirror frames, gold-painted furniture, and beautiful vases add an elegant touch to the space. Guests love the peaceful surroundings, and warm hospitality delivered by the family of owners. Couples are especially attracted to this hotel for the cozy atmosphere and remote locations that's still within walking distance of restaurants and shops.

Crystal Beach Hotel is on the beach of Laganas Bay, on the southeastern end of the Greek island Zakynthos. The gorgeous beach is a big draw, particularly as it is a nesting location for sea turtles. Some guests might even be lucky enough to catch the hatching of baby sea turtles, with the right timing. The hotel is in a quiet spot, a minute from a supermarket and a few minutes’ walk from a road with several restaurants, bars, and shops. Further down the road, a 10- to 20-minute walk away, there’s a popular strip with many more eateries and clubs. A public bus stops directly in front of the hotel. It is a 10-minute drive to Solomos Square in the heart of the city of Zakynthos, from which there are museums, historic sites, and plenty of shopping within walking distance. Zakynthos International Airport is a seven-minute drive from the hotel, and the port in the city of Zakynthos is a 10-minute drive away. 

Standard rooms are small and simple, but well-maintained and comfy. They are done mostly in neutral tones with some pale blue in a wall or two, and little embellishment beyond a couple of paintings. Two twin beds take up much of the space, leaving enough room for a desk and a chair. Some of the furniture shows wear -- like peeling laminate or scratches -- but everything is clean and functional. Quadruple Rooms have an extra bedroom with two sofa beds and a dresser, but are tight for four people. All rooms have a flat-screen TV and a mini-fridge. There is a fee for both the air-conditioning and safe. 

Most rooms have furnished balconies and some have amazing views of the beach and sea. Bathrooms are also small, outfitted with a shower/tub combo, a glass stall, or a shower tray on the floor with a curtain. Some guests notice an unpleasant smell from the bathrooms, while others are not bothered at all. A hairdryer is provided and free toiletries include soap, shower gel, and shampoo. As there's no elevator, guests with limited mobility should request a first-floor room.

The gorgeous beach is a highlight of this hotel’s limited offerings, plus a good restaurant and a pool make it a solid choice for a relaxing vacation. The beautiful sandy beach has sunbeds for a fee and crystal clear shallow waters. An outcropping of rocks to the west and undeveloped land to the east makes it a quiet stretch, with a bit of a private feel. The hotel also has a small pool with a wading section on one end for children. The wooden deck has plenty of blue loungers under white umbrellas. It is a lovely spot, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. On the downside, there are no gym or wellness facilities.

The restaurant serves a free breakfast and Greek, Italian, and international dishes for lunch and dinner, with a half-board options available. Guests may also have breakfast delivered to their room. Most guest enjoy the food, and find the breakfast buffet plentiful and good. A grill is available for guest use, for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is also available for a fee, and guess find the signal to be weak. On-site parking is free.