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All-Inclusive vs Self-Catering in Laganas: The Ultimate Guide for Your Zante Clubbing Holiday

  • Writer: Marcus Decelis
    Marcus Decelis
  • 2 days ago
  • 10 min read

Planning your epic clubbing holiday to Laganas, Zante? The biggest decision you'll face isn't which club to hit first – it's whether to book all-inclusive or self-catering accommodation. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the best hotels in Laganas and how to make the right choice for your party getaway.

vivian hotel zante

Why Zante is THE Ultimate Clubbing Destination

Laganas has gone from a small fishing village to Zante's most vibrant resort, with nightlife in the same league as Ibiza. There's a mile-long, neon-lit avenue with more than 50 different venues, from karaoke bars to state-of-the-art nightclubs like Rescue and Waikiki that fly in international DJs throughout the summer.

But here's the thing – your accommodation choice will dramatically impact your entire holiday experience and budget. Whether you're planning a lads' holiday, girls' getaway, or mixed group adventure, understanding the pros and cons of each option could save you hundreds of pounds.


All-Inclusive Hotels in Laganas: Your Party Safety Net

The Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience

All-inclusive hotels in Laganas offer the closest thing to a worry-free party holiday. Meals and unlimited local drinks are included in the price on our All Inclusive holidays to Laganas, so you won't have to worry about setting money aside for lunches by the pool, cool-down cocktails or al fresco dinners.


Top All-Inclusive Hotels for Laganas Clubbing Holidays

1. Majestic Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: Just 300 meters from Laganas Strip (4-minute walk), 6km from Zante Airport

  • Perfect for: Luxury seekers who want the full party experience

  • Features: Large outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, spacious rooms ideal for group stays, spa facilities

  • Why it works: Central location means you can easily stroll back after a night on the town

  • Insider tip: Big comfy beds, clean rooms, strong aircon, and the pool was right next to the bar - perfect after long beach days


2. White Olive Premium Laganas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: 100 metres from Laganas Beach, close to beach and shops

  • Perfect for: Groups wanting premium all-inclusive with beachfront access

  • Features: 3 outdoor pools including children's pool, gym, spa facilities, helpful staff

  • Why it works: Close to beach for daytime relaxation, easy strip access for nightlife

  • Budget: Premium option with excellent facilities


3. Village Inn ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: Prime Laganas location, minutes from the strip

  • Perfect for: Groups who want authentic Greek all-inclusive atmosphere with party access

  • Features: Traditional charm with modern all-inclusive amenities, authentic village-style setting

  • Why it works: Perfect blend of Greek hospitality and all-inclusive convenience


4. Vivian Hotel Club ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: 350 meters (5-minute walk) from Laganas Strip

  • Perfect for: Groups seeking an all-inclusive option with a social atmosphere

  • Features: All-inclusive packages, lively atmosphere, hotel regularly organises events and activities

  • Why it works: Easy to socialise with other guests before heading to the strip

  • Budget: Excellent value with all-inclusive packages

atlantis hotel zante

Self-Catering Hotels: Maximum Freedom in Zante

The Freedom Fighter's Choice

Self-catering gives you complete control over your Laganas experience. Want to eat pizza at 3 AM after hitting Rescue Club? No problem. Fancy cooking breakfast at 2 PM after a big night at Zeros? Your call.


Top Self-Catering Hotels for Zante Party Groups

1. Atlantis Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: Heart of Laganas, walking distance to everything

  • Perfect for: Budget-conscious groups wanting self-catering convenience

  • Features: Self-catering accommodation, outdoor pool, restaurant, free WiFi access in public areas

  • Why consider: Very kind staff, delicious breakfast, very good location, great value for money


2. Cactus Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: Central Laganas, easy walk to all venues

  • Perfect for: Pet-friendly option for those traveling with companions

  • Features: Pet-friendly accommodation with numerous amenities to make your pets feel at home

  • Budget: Great value for money in prime location


3. Canadian Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: Heart of Laganas party zone

  • Perfect for: No-frills party groups who prioritize location over luxury

  • Features: Basic but clean accommodation steps from the action

  • Why choose: Maximum budget for nightlife spending


4. Esperia Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: 250 meters (3-minute walk) from Laganas Strip, central location close to restaurants and bars

  • Perfect for: Groups looking for comfortable accommodation in a central location

  • Features: Good-sized rooms and welcoming pool area, proximity to both strip and beach

  • Why it works: Versatile choice for groups with varied interests


5. Pythari Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

  • Location: Quieter part of Laganas but still walking distance to strip

  • Perfect for: Groups wanting slightly more peace for recovery days

  • Features: Budget-friendly with essential amenities

  • Why consider: Better value accommodation with easy party access

cactus hotel zante

Month-by-Month Analysis: Laganas Edition

JUNE: The Smart Money Month

Weather: 25-30°C, perfect for pool parties with comfortable temperatures

Laganas Scene: Great month in Laganas, events all running from start of June, major bars and clubs open, weather hot but not too hot

Strip Activity: All 50+ venues operational, good deals available


All-Inclusive Advantages:

  • Early season pricing still reasonable at hotels like Majestic, White Olive Premium, and Village Inn

  • Pool areas perfect for daytime socializing before strip adventures

  • Hotel entertainment programs complement Laganas nightlife

  • Easy transition from pool bar to Laganas strip


Typical AI Costs: £600-800 per person per week

Self-Catering at Atlantis/Canadian: £400-500 + £300-400 food/drinks = £700-900 total

Verdict: All-inclusive marginally wins for convenience and predictable costs


JULY: Peak Zante Madness

Weather: 30-35°C with up to 13 hours of sunshine per day

Laganas Scene: Peak month in Laganas, masses of people from UK, strip as busy as ever, events selling out, clubs full to the brim

Strip Reality: Laganas comes alive late in the evening, especially after 11 PM, vibrant party hotspot best suited for travelers aged 17 to 25


All-Inclusive Advantages:

  • Guaranteed meals when Laganas restaurants are packed

  • Pool bar refuge from scorching heat before evening strip crawls

  • No budget stress during most expensive month

  • Majestic Spa facilities and White Olive Premium pools perfect for hangover recovery

Typical AI Costs: £800-1200 per person per week

Self-Catering Equivalent: £500-700 + £400-600 strip spending = £900-1300 total

Verdict: All-inclusive wins hands down for July Laganas chaos


AUGUST: International Laganas Mix

Weather: 30-35°C, peak temperatures with minimal rainfall

Laganas Scene: Busy first few weeks, popular with Italians, real mix of nationalities, events still selling out

Strip Vibe: More international crowd brings diverse energy to the famous Laganas venues


All-Inclusive Advantages:

  • Cultural mix means varied hotel entertainment to complement strip nightlife

  • Consistent meal quality when some Laganas restaurants get overwhelmed

  • Peak summer weather ideal for hotel pools during scorching afternoons

Typical AI Costs: £750-1100 per person per week

Self-Catering Equivalent: £500-650 + £400-550 Laganas spending = £900-1200 total

Verdict: Marginal advantage to all-inclusive for convenience during peak season


SEPTEMBER: The Laganas Sweet Spot

Weather: 25-28°C, perfect temperatures with about 10 hours of bright sunlight Laganas Scene: Events generally end on 2nd week of September, cheap last minute deals for first two weeks, perfect for chilling out

Strip Experience: Quieter, more relaxed vibe, cheaper flight and hotel prices, good weather continues


All-Inclusive Advantages:

  • Major Laganas events continue running until mid-September

  • Smaller crowds mean better service at hotels like Majestic and White Olive Premium

  • Still warm enough for full pool experience before strip nights

Typical AI Costs: £550-750 per person per week

Self-Catering Equivalent: £350-450 + £250-350 Laganas spending = £600-800 total

Verdict: Both options offer excellent value – choose based on your style


The Brutal Truth: Laganas Pros and Cons

All-Inclusive Pros in Laganas:

Strip Recovery: Always have food/drinks when you stumble back at 6 AM

Budget Control: Know exactly what you're spending on Laganas strip

Quality Assurance: Hotel drinks have quality control from both hotels and tour operators, security standards higher than bars

Hangover Helper: Pool bar hydration before hitting Laganas strip again

Social Hub: Hotel pools perfect for meeting people heading to same clubs

Strip Safety Net: Can eat at hotel if too drunk for Laganas restaurants


All-Inclusive Cons:

Missing Local Gems: Might miss authentic tavernas and local restaurants in Laganas

Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive booking for Laganas trip

Limited Freedom: Tied to hotel meal times instead of flexible Laganas dining

Strip FOMO: Might feel obligated to stay at hotel instead of exploring strip


Self-Catering Pros in Laganas:

Strip Freedom: Eat what you want, when you want around Laganas schedule

Local Experience: Try authentic Greek tavernas and local specialties throughout Laganas

Budget Flexibility: Can live off €1.50 pizza slices if you aren't too bothered about quality

Group Bonding: Shopping/cooking together before hitting Laganas strip

Strip Strategy: Can fuel up cheaply before expensive strip drinking


Self-Catering Cons:

Strip Temptation: Easy to get swept up in hedonistic holiday atmosphere and blow all money in first couple days

Quality Risks: Most bars in Laganas owned by foreigners who illegally serve bad quality, untaxed alcohol

Hangover Decisions: Having to think about food when you can barely function

Hidden Costs: Strip spending can spiral out of control quickly


The Laganas Financial Reality Check

Daily Budget Breakdown for Laganas

Expense Category

All-Inclusive

Self-Catering Budget

Self-Catering Splurge

Hotel Cost

£80-120/night

£30-60/night

£60-100/night

Breakfast

Included

Skip or €1.50 pizza slice

€15-25 proper meal

Lunch

Included

€1.50 pizza or €15 taverna

€25-40 quality meal

Pre-Strip Food

Included

€30 self-catering for day

€40-60 restaurant

Pre-Drinks

Included

€20 drinks by pool/balcony

€30-50 premium

Strip Night Out

€30-50

€50 should see you right for strip

€80-120 VIP experience

TOTAL/DAY

€110-170

€125-190

€250-405

Weekly Laganas Reality Check

All-Inclusive Week: €770-1,190 (£660-1,020)

Self-Catering Budget: €875-1,330 (£750-1,140)

Self-Catering Splurge: €1,750-2,835 (£1,500-2,430)

The Laganas Verdict: Budget around £100 per day total – all-inclusive delivers predictable costs, but self-catering can work if you have discipline


Laganas Strip Survival Guide

All-Inclusive Strip Strategy:

  1. Use hotel as base camp: Perfect for pre-drinks and recovery

  2. Pool bar networking: Meet people heading to same clubs

  3. Strategic timing: Eat at hotel, then hit strip after 11 PM

  4. Recovery routine: Hotel breakfast essential after strip marathons


Self-Catering Strip Survival:

  1. Stock Atlantis/Canadian fridge: Water (€1.40 for 6x2L bottles), hangover snacks, breakfast basics

  2. Pre-strip fuel: Cook pasta or grab cheap bites before expensive strip drinks

  3. Budget discipline: Only take out how much you can afford for the night - once spent, that's it

  4. Emergency stash: Stuff emergency €5 into phone case for late-night gyros on stumble home


Hotel-by-Hotel Recommendations

JUNE: Getting Started Right

Winner: Slight edge to All-Inclusive Top Choice: Majestic Hotel & Spa – Perfect introduction to Laganas with luxury safety net

Premium Option: White Olive Premium – Beachfront all-inclusive with excellent facilities

Budget All-Inclusive: Village Inn – Authentic Greek all-inclusive experience

Self-Catering Pick: Atlantis Hotel – Great value self-catering in heart of Laganas


JULY: Peak Laganas Chaos

Winner: All-Inclusive dominates Premium Choice: Majestic Hotel & Spa – Spa facilities essential for recovery

Beachfront Choice: White Olive Premium – Three pools perfect for scorching weather

Party Choice: Village Inn – Traditional atmosphere with all-inclusive convenience

Avoid: Self-catering during peak chaos unless you're very experienced


AUGUST: International Laganas

Winner: All-Inclusive for safety Best Choices: Majestic Hotel & Spa, White Olive Premium, or Village Inn Self-Catering: Only Esperia Hotel for experienced party groups

Why: International crowds can mean language barriers at restaurants


SEPTEMBER: The Perfect Balance

Winner: Your choice – both work brilliantly Luxury Option: White Olive Premium – Premium beachfront as season winds down

Traditional Choice: Village Inn – Authentic Greek hospitality

Party Base: Atlantis Hotel – Perfect for last hurrah with cheaper costs

Budget Champion: Canadian Hotel – Maximum strip budget allocation


The Ultimate Laganas Decision Matrix

Choose ALL-INCLUSIVE at Majestic/White Olive/Village Inn if you:

  • Want guaranteed quality and safety during Laganas chaos

  • Need cost certainty for strip spending planning

  • Plan to use hotel pool as social hub and recovery center

  • Are traveling during July/August peak madness

  • Want spa facilities for hangover recovery (Majestic) or premium pools (White Olive)

  • Prefer organized activities alongside strip adventures

  • Love authentic Greek hospitality with modern convenience (Village Inn)


Choose SELF-CATERING at Atlantis/Esperia if you:

  • Have excellent budget discipline for strip spending

  • Want maximum flexibility around Laganas schedule

  • Love exploring authentic Greek restaurants in Laganas

  • Are comfortable with potential strip overspending risks

  • Want to save accommodation money for VIP strip experiences

  • Are traveling in June or September shoulder seasons


Laganas Insider Secrets

All-Inclusive Hacks:

  1. Pre-book strip events online – Hotel price was €275 vs online prices around €100-150

  2. Use Majestic spa strategically – Book treatments for worst hangover days

  3. White Olive Premium pools – Three pools mean you can always find a quiet spot

  4. Village Inn authenticity – Best Greek breakfast to fuel strip adventures

  5. Pool bar networking – Best place to find strip companions

  6. Late checkout requests – Many hotels accommodate if you ask nicely


Self-Catering Strip Survival:

  1. Atlantis Hotel kitchen strategy – Stock hangover cure supplies and late-night snacks

  2. Canadian Hotel location advantage – Stumbling distance from all major clubs

  3. Esperia pool positioning – Perfect pre-strip socializing spot

  4. Cash is king: Bringing cash saves money and some venues add extra discount for cash payments

The Final Laganas Verdict

For July peak season chaos: Majestic Hotel & Spa or White Olive Premium (All-Inclusive) The spa facilities/premium pools, guaranteed meals, and central location provide perfect safety net during busiest time.

For June/September shoulder seasons: Atlantis Hotel (Self-Catering) More flexibility and great value when Laganas is more manageable.

Best Budget Compromise: Canadian Hotel with all-inclusive budget Book cheapest accommodation but budget as if you're all-inclusive. Use savings for VIP strip experiences.

The Sweet Spot: Esperia Hotel (Self-Catering) in September Perfect balance of comfort, location, and value when Laganas crowds thin out.

For Authentic Experience: Village Inn (All-Inclusive) Traditional Greek hospitality with modern all-inclusive convenience.


Your Laganas Adventure Awaits

Laganas boasts the longest beach on the island and likes to rival the elite coastal nightspots of Spain when it comes to after-hours fun. Its mile-long party strip is home to state-of-the-art clubs, where international DJs fill the bills for the whole of summer.


Whether you choose the safety net of all-inclusive at Majestic Hotel & Spa or the freedom of self-catering at Village Inn, your Laganas experience will be legendary. The key is matching your choice to your party style and travel month.


The strip will be pumping, the clubs will be packed, and the memories will last forever – regardless of where you rest your head between the chaos.


Ready to book your Laganas party holiday? Check out the latest deals on TUI.com and Jet2holidays.com for all-inclusive options like Majestic Hotel & Spa, White Olive Premium, and Village Inn, plus self-catering gems like Atlantis Hotel and Esperia Hotel. Book early for guaranteed availability during Laganas peak season.

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