Elena's Luxury Studios & Apartments — Hotel in Zakynthos Municipality

And, oh well, that we are in Greece, and, oh well, that it's still summer, and, oh well, that Zakynthos is an island that thrives on tourism... But we paid the full price so the information provided should be correct and truthful and covenants should be respected. Even in the Greek islands.|This is our experience.|Four weeks in advance, we booked a flexible rate (in order to possibly be cancelable) but, only AFTER having paid the deposit, we were informed by email that “This is a last minute booking. Last minute bookings cannot be modified or canceled without penalty (i.e. the loss of the deposit paid = €90)”. And, oh well, we'll go there, we have no other choice anyway.|On the online booking sites of Elena Studios it is clearly specified: "Superb breakfast" (continental breakfast at €8 per person), "Room service" and "Tavern just 200 meters away" (see photos) these are the reasons that have contributed to making us choose this structure since, although a little far from the city, at least it would not have given us problems in terms of food.|Unfortunately, what pompously advertised was not absolutely true: there is no breakfast service nor room service (the only unpleasant alternative is to order from delivery restaurants with limited choices at obviously much higher prices: when asked if we could have at least a hot espresso, we were told "just a Greek coffee"). Also there is no tavern "only 200 meters" as described, but more than a kilometer and a half: "The Green Boat".|The room - studio - assigned to us was small and very noisy (the structure is in fact located on the main coastal road, but, fortunately, by closing the windows - an essential condition for the air conditioning to work - the external noises are attenuated), the towels from the bathroom, changed only every 3 days, looked like "emery paper", the pillows were overly puffy (overstuffed with kapok), the - very very tiny - bathroom smelled strongly of mold and lacked shampoo or other basic amenities.|The island's water is not drinkable (very salty) so it is essential to use only bottled mineral water.|And, oh well, we will buy everything we need…: easy to say but only if you have your own means of transport. With no public buses and very expensive taxis, the only option would be to go well over 2 + 2 km - loaded and on foot - under the scorching sun.|And, oh well, ….. but at least we can swim in the sea whenever we want!!… The panoramic "natural marine pool" in front, in the online photos, is unfortunately not suitable for bathing (shallow and with large slippery stones).|And, oh well, net of all these unpleasant surprises, the view of the sea is pleasant, and Elena is nice, smiling and kind.|Tip: it is essential to have your own means of transport (otherwise, stay close...

We had an amazing stay at this place! Mrs. Elena and her daughter were absolutely wonderful – truly the heart and soul of the experience. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel at home with their kindness and warmth.

I had a mild sunburn during the trip, and Mrs. Elena’s daughter immediately helped me with some aloe vera gel – such a thoughtful gesture. They also helped us with our luggage, gave us great restaurant recommendations, and even pointed us to some hidden spots on the island.

The rooms were cleaned every single day – everything was spotless and perfectly maintained. It’s rare to find a place this well taken care of, both in terms of comfort and hospitality.

Another big plus is the location – the property is just steps away from the private beach with sunbeds and umbrellas included and they offer private parking. Super convenient and relaxing!

I highly recommend staying here if you’re looking for a peaceful, clean, and truly welcoming place in Zakynthos. We felt like family by the...

E vabbè che siamo in Grecia, e vabbè che è ancora estate, e vabbè che Zante è un’isola che vive di turismo… Noi però abbiamo pagato il prezzo pieno per cui le informazioni fornite dovrebbero essere corrette e veritiere, e i patti andrebbero rispettati.....Anche nelle isole greche.|Questa la nostra esperienza.|Con alcune settimane in anticipo, abbiamo prenotato uno studio da Elena's “Luxury” Studios & Apartments con tariffa flessibile (per poter essere eventualmente cancellabile)|Solo DOPO aver pagato il deposito, ci è stato comunicato che “This is a last minute booking. Last minute bookings cannot be modified or cancelled without penalty (cioè la perdita del deposito versato = 90 €)”. |E vabbè, andremo lì, tanto non abbiamo altra scelta.||Nei siti di prenotazione online di Elena’s Studios è chiaramente specificato: “Superbo breakfast” (continental breakfast a 8 € a persona), “Room service” e “Taverna a soli 200 metri” (vedi foto), motivi questi che hanno contribuito a farci scegliere tale struttura: vabbè che è lontana dalla città, ma almeno non avremo problemi riguardo al cibo… |Purtroppo, quanto pomposamente reclamizzato non era assolutamente vero: non c’è alcun servizio di breakfast ne tantomeno un room service (l’unica alternativa è ordinare da un paio di ristoranti di delivery - con scelte limitate e a prezzi ovviamente ben superiori: alla richiesta se, almeno a colazione, potevamo farci un espresso caldo - invece di quello tiepido delivered -, ci è stato risposto “solo caffè alla greca”). Inoltre non c’è alcuna taverna “a solo 200 metri”, come descritto, ma a circa un chilometro e mezzo: “The Green Boat”. |La stanza assegnataci era molto piccola e molto rumorosa (la struttura si trova infatti sulla strada costiera principale, ma chiudendo le finestre - condizione indispensabile per poter far funzionare l’aria condizionata - i rumori esterni vengono, per fortuna, attenuati), gli asciugamani forniti somigliavano a “carta da smeriglio”, i cuscini erano eccessivamente gonfi (troppo imbottiti di kapok), il minuscolo bagno puzzava fortemente di muffa e non era provvisto di shampoo o altre amenità di base. L’unica “lusso” del “Luxury Studio” erano decorazioni con fiori di plastica! |L’acqua dell’isola non è potabile (molto salata) per cui è indispensabile usare solo acqua minerale imbottigliata.|E, vabbè, compreremo tutto quello che ci serve…: facile a dirsi ma solo se possiedi un mezzo di trasporto personale. |Mancando gli autobus pubblici e con i taxi costosissimi, la sola opzione sarebbe farsi quasi 3 (+ 3 al ritorno) km - carichi e a piedi - sotto il sole cocente. |E, vabbè,… ma almeno possiamo fare il bagno al mare quando vogliamo!… La panoramica “piscina marina naturale” antistante - delle foto online - non è purtroppo adatta alla balneazione (poco profonda e con fondale di grossi sassi scivolosi).|Al netto di tutti queste sgradevoli sorprese, la vista sul mare è piacevole, e Elena è simpatica e sorridente. |Tip: è indispensabile per disporre di un mezzo di trasporto personale, (altrimenti alloggiate vicino...