Letsos Hotel

With some of the lowest rates on the island, this family-run property may not get rave reviews overall, but its central location, beach proximity, and variety of on-site offerings are attractive. Spacious lounge, bar, and restaurant areas continue the contemporary, earth-toned palette seen in the lobby, where cool marble floors are pleasant amid gray and taupe sofas, and large windows keep the room bright. Galleried or terrace seating around the outdoor pool is comfortable, and loungers with umbrellas here offer sun and shade. 

Cheap drinks, meals, and hot breakfasts at the pool bar are more popular than the restaurant's grim buffets, although cleanliness and disparages in accommodation are the greatest source of complaints. While 2010-renovated rooms echo the modern look in common areas, and views of mountains in some are lovely, annex rooms can face walls, suffer noise from nearby bars, or be in a state of disrepair. Renovations set to begin in late 2017 aim to rectify this. Expect to pay for many in-room amenities, though, and note, the hotel is only open May through October. Nevertheless, good lounger availability, a kiddy pool, playground, karaoke nights, and game room offer family and adult fun. 

The hotel sits in Alykanas's center, and it's surrounded by bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and tourist-geared stores. Alykanas Beach is a five-minute walk. Golden sands, clear waters, and distant Kefalonia Island views are lovely here, and boat trips to to the famed Shipwreck Beach are popular. Shores also stretch onto the neighboring resort, Alykes' beach. A nearby bus runs to the island's capital, Zakynthos (more commonly known as Zante). Quad bike or car hire are popular, especially since taxis are expensive. Tsilivi Water Park is a 16-minute drive, with Zante is five minutes farther by car. Zakynthos International Airport is a 24-minute drive.

Occupying the main hotel and annex buildings across the street, straightforward rooms in neutral tones are either dated or more contemporary thanks to renovations in 2010. Studio, Maisonette, or One- to Four-Bedroom Villas offer varied sleeping capacity (most offer a sofa bed), although the wood-paneled attic charm in annex units is compromised by wear and tear or noise. Light-tiled floors, blonde- and dark-wood furniture, and white or colored bedding are functional, and beds are twins pushed together (you'll find this throughout Greece). French glass doors opening onto furnished balconies or patios keep rooms bright, and some offer pretty mountain views, but others directly overlook walls.

Phones, desks, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes with mini-fridges, two-ring hobs, sinks, and utensils come standard, alongside living and dining areas, but no microwaves are provided. Unfortunately, kettles in some rooms incur fees. All guests must pay for AC, safes, cribs, and Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are again modern or on their last legs, with showers and hairdryers, but no toiletries. 

Features are unsurprisingly unfussy, considering the bargain rate. The outdoor pool is the biggest draw, and its rectangular structure and kids' corner are surrounded by well-maintained terraces. Mesh or plastic loungers with white umbrellas here accompany a casual array of wood, wicker, and swing seating, alongside coffee tables. Bolder than the lobby's beiges, the pool bar's reds and whites form a bright indoor space with sit-up stools, hanging lamps, and quirky dangled cartoon characters. An outdoor terrace has a pleasant atmosphere. With the bar's cooked English breakfasts and solid meals, and the wealth of nearby eateries, the restaurant's unappealing buffet spreads are mostly avoided. A game area at the pool bar offers billiards, foosball, and air hockey, while the playground's climbing frame, slides, and seesaw are well-placed by the pool. Pets are not permitted. On-site parking and Wi-Fi in common areas are free.