The Contessina's exterior doesn't make much of an impression. It's housed in peach-colored concrete buildings with terra-cotta tile roofs, and looks like a typical condominium complex. It is, however, set on a peaceful street surrounded by residences and other medium-sized hotels. Families with adolescents and couples constitute a large number of the guests, and the hotel is particularly popular with British tourists.

The Contessina sits at the eastern end of Tsilivi (also known as Planos), a resort town on the northern shores of the island of Zakynthos. The hotel is situated on a street at the end of the town's main drag; numerous bars and restaurants are within a five-minute walk away. The nearest beach is also a five-minute walk from the hotel along a paved road. Zakynthos Airport takes 20 minutes to reach by car.

The incorporation of natural wood in the exposed beams, along with country-style touches such as slatted lacquered wood headboards and furniture, do a lot to infuse the Contessina's simple rooms with charm. Many bedspreads have cheerful patterns that coordinate with art hung on brightly painted walls. All rooms have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and balconies, and receive generally positive reviews for comfort and cleanliness. There are extra fees for safes and fridges as well as to use the air-conditioning, and the rooms can get hot without it. Pool-facing rooms are noisy, particularly at night when the poolside bar can get rowdy. Bathrooms are small and most have tiny stall showers and updated tiling and fixtures.

There are few amenities at the Contessina apart from a medium-sized pool, which has an adjacent kiddy pool and a bar, and a playground. The pool bar has a nice lineup of attractive wood and wicker stools overlooking the patio area. Past visitors warn that lounge chairs around the pool get claimed quickly in the morning. There's also an Internet terminal in the lobby, and while free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, signals are at their strongest in common areas.