Despite the low rate, standards are high at this family-run establishment, where a mostly British crowd form a loyal following. Zeus Hotel is a simple affair -- expect basic breakfasts, often-dated rooms, and no full restaurant -- but a sunny outdoor pool with comfy loungers and dining furniture fit the bill, plus a kiddy corner caters to families. Interiors sport a mix of dated and shabby-chic decor, including the lobby and indoor bar's cream couches and black tub chairs on gray marble floors. The pool bar's mosaic-tiled burger and cocktail motifs are fun, and al fresco seating is nicely shaded under awnings. Potted plants, palms, and terra-cottas here are typically Greek, as are the popular weekly barbecue nights. Note, there are no elevators, and the hotel is only open in summers.

The hotel sits on Kos' western peninsula tip, occupying a calm, but not inconvenient, spot a five-minute walk from a sandy beach, as well as a bar and restaurant-filled drag. Surrounding cafes and tavernas are mostly cheap options, offering British or Greek food, and they stretch west along Kamari's Bay. Travelers generally hire quad bikes or cars from a rental company around the block, where's there's also a small supermarket. Nearby busses or drives are alternatives to 20-minute beachfront walks towards the harbor, where boat trips to Nisiros are popular. Busses also run to Kefalos, Kos, and popular Paradise Beach. Kos International Airport is 18 minutes away by car.

Clean rooms are outfitted in modern or dated decor, depending on the category. Entry-level rooms (which can be in the basement) have orange or green palettes in old-fashioned bedspreads, walls, and either childlike or smart finishes from butterfly motifs or blond woods, respectively. Superior Rooms, meanwhile, have white walls, light-wood furniture, and neutral-tone tile floors that are softly accented by powder blues in beds and sleek backlighting. Similar disparages include tube-style or flat-screen TVs. The compact bathrooms have smart-looking cubicle showers and vessel sinks in upgraded units, but older showers flood floors. Additionally, beds can be twins pushed together.

Desks, mini-fridges, hairdryers, towels, hand soap, and crib fittings come standard. No kettles are provided, and sadly, there are fees for safes, AC, and Wi-Fi. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, but while pool or meadow views are pleasant, some rooms face parking lots, and those near the bar are noisy. Note, upper-level rooms are reached by stairs.

Limited features here reflect the budget rate, but guests find them sufficient, and fantastic staff here get a mention. The good-sized outdoor pool is the hotel's focal point. Its tidy terraces have umbrellas and comfy padded loungers that are a bit close together, but this encourages mingling. A kids' pool offers family fun. The pool bar's lightweight dining furniture is presentable under hanging lamps, and tropical wall murals here are upbeat. Salads poolside are especially popular, and all rates include a free breakfast spread of breads with cucumber, tomatoes, and jams, plus tea, coffee, and juice. Cooked English options are available for a fee. On the downside, there is no full restaurant on-site.

The indoor bar is underwhelming in design, but the lounge area is large and houses a TV. Guests reportedly enjoy the weekly Greek nights, which offer barbecue, home-cooked food, wine, and dancing poolside for a reasonable rate. Pets are not permitted. Free parking and Wi-Fi in common areas round out amenities.