Avalon Palace Hotel Zakynthos - Adults Only

Myself and my wife visited the hotel 3 times pre-COVID, the most recent being in 2019. Prior to the global pandemic and resulting lockdowns, the Avalon was an all-inclusive resort for adults only. Whilst it was an all-inclusive resort, the Avalon was literally perfect. As well as the view being incredible, the hotel being beautiful and the staff being amazing, the atmosphere amongst the holidaymakers made the place. The age of the residents was 35 years old upwards and, as it was all couples with no kids, everyone was relaxed, chatty and friendly. You would go down at meal times and wind up chatting to 5 people whilst you wait for your toast to brown. There was a brigade of waiters who would keep everyone topped up with tea and coffee at breakfast, and with anything else at dinner. There was a group of bar staff, all of whom were professional but good fun, who would mix endless cocktails. The overall holiday experience was second-to-none. Since COVID, the adult-only rule remains, however the hotel now only offers either breakfast or half-board options, which has seemingly been done for financial reasons by the owners. We booked half board with the thought "Doesn't matter. The place will still be the same, right?" Wrong. We arrived in the afternoon in mid-September 2024 and were blown away by two things: the familiar spectacular view, and the thought "where is everybody?". The pool area had around half a dozen guests around it, and the patio was empty. At dinner time we went to the dining room expecting the bustling, vibrant place of old but it was empty. Having got our food (which was consistently good) we walked out onto a patio containing 3 tables of couples and 30 empty ones. Everyone ate their meal in silence before quickly wandering off, leaving us with the feeling of teatime on the Marie Celeste. Gone are the brigade of waiters, who have been replaced with two girls who just clear away plates (but were friendly professional and polite). At breakfast it was busier but, as soon as it was finished, everyone just.... disappeared. I assume that, instead of most guests staying around the hotel as per previous stays, most people now just do bed and breakfast and then leave. Then it was back to a dead lunchtime, Marie Celeste dinner and then bed. Repeat. Around midway through our stay, a guy began appearing at mealtimes (as well as the two diligent plate-clearing girls) who had apparently been brought in to improve the atmosphere. He seemed very professional, but at dinner times was limited to asking people their room number. There is only so much atmosphere someone can drum up amongst 8 diners spread out amongst a huge dining area. My biggest gripe was with a bit of hotel management policy. It is now half-board, so obviously they charge for drinks. A spirit with coke is a fairly steep €8, which intails pouring a large shot into a glass and then topping it up using a 1.5 litre bottle of cheap, flat supermarket cola instead of one of the hundreds refrigerated cans of Coke behind the bar. If it had been all inclusive I wouldn't have cared, but to charge premium amount for a drink and then cut corners with the quality was a bit of a rip off. Pros: all of the staff are amazing, view is brilliant, hotel is lovely. Cons: The hotel is located a 20 minute walk from any restaurants or towns (and via steep hills), making you reliant on either the hotel transport or a taxi to go out for dinner. This was not a problem when it was all inclusive as most people stayed at the resort. Now, it kinda makes you feel a little stranded in a deserted dining room. Did we enjoy our stay? Yes Did we enjoy it as much as previous stays? Unfortunately not. Will we come back again without all inclusive terms? Regrettably no. Pre-COVID they had the perfect hotel, but they have blown it to cut costs. A crying shame.

Staff couldn't do enough for you, very friendly and professional. If you want to have a terrible time in Greece don't stay here, as it's impossible to not have a lovely stay. They do a handy transport service into the town and to Tsvili beach and will also transfer you to and from the airport all free. The food was lovely and a good selection, we went half board. Pool was really great, the whole hotel was very clean. I would recommend anyone to stay here, especially for the breathtaking views. If you're worried about the heat, as we did, the air con works great.

A lovely hotel up on the hills overlooking Zakinthos town. A very friendly welcome from the staff at reception and service throughout stay was top level. The room was perfect and as advertised The hotel was clean and tidy The staff were very good The hotel is up in the hills and takes 20minutes walk down into the harbour which we did a few times as it was enjoyable Some people will struggle with the walk but it is only 10euros in a taxi if needed Overall a very pleasant enjoyable stay.

This is wonderful hotel which you should visit in Greece! We were there with family and it was great time there. Service, rooms were pretty cool and clean. And staff was attentive and responsible with us and especially with our kids. They have space for cars so you can get there by car. It’s not far from the sea and always good atmosphere.

It was a pleasure to be there for 4 days. We’ve met good staff, which had helped us, before we leave. The location of the hotel is perfect, because you the picturesque view from your room and swimming pool. We have taken common room, but it was brilliant, because it was with the entrance straight to the pool, what we appreciate the most. Food was OK, we like it, especially these snacks with feta cheese and sea food dinner. We would like also say thank you to the driver Kostas, who has showed us many places, while we were riding to the town or Tsilivi beach. We just want to say thank you to these hotel, because it has helped me to refresh my mind and get rested. We hope to see you next season!🤗😊🙏🏼👍🏼 P.S: The additional thank you to Anna, the hostess, who had helped us for whole our vacation. Her help, recommendations and suggestions were always great and priceless🥰