Zante Park Resort & Spa, BW Premier Collection

Removed from Laganas' club scene and beach (but within easy reach of them), this all-inclusive property is a decent pick thanks to 2016 renovations that helped spruce up some rooms and most common areas. Palms, lawns, terraces, and most rooms surround two outdoor pools, where daytime music is monotonous, but a swim-up bar and sunbathing are popular. Evening singers and buffet dining are reportedly average, while the indoor bar's colorful reds are atmospheric, and Greek dancing nights by the pool are fun. Bonuses include ample pool loungers and a pampering spa, but with no dedicated kids' spaces and deep pools, families should look elsewhere. Note, all-inclusive offerings ended at 11 p.m. during our visit, and much like the rest of Laganas, the hotel is seasonal.

A stay here means the best of both worlds. The hotel is far enough from bars and clubs to be quiet, but nightlife is within a 12-minute walk, and Laganas Beach is  half that. Laganas Road forms a straight strip of bars, clubs, fast-food outlets, and restaurants, while smaller streets offer authentic tavernas. A supermarket, ATM, and vehicle rental store are virtually outside. Taxis are plentiful, and quad bike hire is popular for island exploring. The nearest bus stop is a 10-minute walk, and busses to capital Zakynthos (Zante) take about 30 minutes. Turtle-spotting on various beaches is also popular. Zakynthos International Airport is a 10-minute drive.

Occupying the main building and annexes across the street, comfortable rooms are outfitted in dated or modern decor, which respective 2007 and 2016 refurbishment dates reflect. Patterned or embellished bedspreads in varying colors are either shabby or smart-looking, and similar disparages manifest in headboards, which are either masculine and leather paneled, or wooden and old-fashioned. Light floors, walls, and classic or sconce lighting provide continuity, as do amenities. All 12 categories of room have phones, desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, seating areas or sleeper sofas, AC, and satellite flat-screen (or occasional tube-style) TVs. Furnished outdoor spaces are pleasant, as are tiled bathrooms with marbled vanities, hairdryers, toiletries, slippers, and robes.

Upgraded units have canopied poster beds or guest bedroom in Family Rooms, and top-category rooms have private plunge pools with loungers. Drawbacks include fees for safes, occasional hallway noise, and some beds being two twins pushed together (common in Greece). Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

Echoing the hotel's structure, features here largely center around the 2016-refurbished pool area, which consists of raised dining and lawn sunbathing terraces around two outdoor pools. One is better suited to lap swimming, while the other is more leisurely, featuring swanky zero entry, a hot tub, and a cabana bar with swim-up seating. Light stone and wooden-decked terraces have loungers, as do surrounding lawns also housing tables and chairs for al fresco dining. 

All-inclusive packages cover poolside and indoor drinks and snacks, plus buffet meals at the Windows Restaurant. Stark-white decor and glossy marbles here are polished. Buffet breakfasts include cooked and continental options, while lunch and dinner offer Greek or international fare. The main bar has character from red sit-up stools, woods, and pendant lamps under glossy ceilings, but the adjacent lobby lounge is uninspiring. Bingo, karaoke, and guest singers are mediocre here, but weekly Greek nights are popular. The small mood-lit spa provides a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool facilities, alongside a basic gym, plus treatments. Meeting spaces and a business center are available. Pets are not permitted. Parking and property-wide Wi-Fi are free.