Paradise Apartments & Studios

You get what you pay for at the Paradise Apartments, where the no-frills approach is evident from the shabby-looking entrance, and signage points to the property's biggest selling point -- its pool bar. Party vibes here are full-on, with cheap drinks and food, twice-weekly foam parties, and all-you-can-drink happy hours, but resulting noise and intoxicated behavior aren't for everyone. They suit the crowd of largely 18 to 30 year olds that dominate during peak season, and older couples make the most of quieter periods. Despite the kiddy pool and home-like rooms, the atmosphere here isn't suitable for families. 

Much like the lounger-surrounded outdoor pool, interiors are worn, but bright. The indoor bar's pillar structures and wood-paneled ceilings overlook a tired array of sit-up stools and retro seating in pleather maroons, reds, and oranges, alongside billiards and arcade games. Tired surfaces and exposed wiring here hint at the basic accommodation, but guests spend little time in rooms. Rock-bottom rates attract club employees, as well as leisure travelers here, and guests mostly give the bar's breakfasts, meals, and adjacent restaurant the thumbs-up. A supermarket virtually next door is handy, particularly since the main drag is far. Note, the hotel has no elevators, Wi-Fi is generally only reliable around the pool, and the property is only open April through October.

The hotel's location a 20-minute walk from Laganas' bar and club-packed drag keeps rates low here, and guests are generally fine with the walk, which is straight south down Laganas Road. Busses a seven-minute walk away shorten journeys (and also run to Kalamaki and capital, Zante), and taxis are cheap. Add on another five minutes on foot for Laganas Beach. The region is home to the Caretta Caretta turtle, which can be spotted here, and at other beaches, which are generally within a 30-minute drive. A supermarket can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Zakynthos International airport is a quick seven-minute drive away.

Facing the street or pool (in upgraded units), straightforward studios and apartments are outfitted in simple decor. They have light-tiled floors, russet fabrics in drapes and striped bedspreads, and deep woods in headboards and furniture. Rooms range from two-person Studios and group rooms with extra beds (some bunk-style), to Houses sleeping six. Houses with stone archways, wood-beam ceilings,nd framed artwork, a curved headboards have character, but furnishings are lackluster, and rooms can have musty odors. Still, desks, flat-screen TVs, mirrors, hairdryers, furnished balconies or terraces, and kitchenettes offer comforts. Use of mini-fridges, sinks, microwaves, two-ring hobs, and utensils is free, but fees apply for toasters, kettles, AC, safes, crib fittings, and Wi-Fi (which is often weak). 

Houses have sofa-equipped living areas and dining spaces, plus tubs in bathrooms. Modern or dated bathrooms can be awkward, with handheld or leaky showers, and no toiletries are provided. Housekeeping is provide twice-weekly. Note, upper-level rooms are reached by stairs and rooms are occasionally subject to noise.

Features here are good for the low rate, and they're heavily geared toward the party-minded traveler. Paradise Restaurant (adjacent to the hotel) serves popular Greek and pizza dishes, but it sees less activity than the pool bar, which offers cooked English breakfasts, all-day snacks, meals, and cheap drinks (these turn unlimited during fixed-price happy hours). Tables, chairs, and stools indoors are mostly surrounded by posters advertising the property's foam parties, although spaces with green flooring offer pool tables, foosball, and arcade games. 

The outdoor pool is decently sized, surrounded by blue-mesh loungers, umbrellas, and terrace dining furniture with straw umbrellas. Its kiddy pool is hardly used, but guests make full use of the entire area during notorious foam parties. Expect a steady flow of music, drinks, and buzz until late here, when both the indoor and cabana pool bars are in full swing. The hotel has nighttime security. Coin-operated laundry facilities, free parking, and free Wi-Fi (in common areas) round out amenities. Pets are not permitted.