Larnaca District Hotels

• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1365

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Antonis G. Hotel Apartments: A Good Bargain!

This is the second time I visit this hotel in Oroklini.
Some years back the hotel was working in full. Now I was the only visitor here but I still enjoyed it because I had all the attention.

I was given a very comfortable apartment for just 28 euros a night, but it seems that because of the economic crisis this hotel has not worked at all this year.
The hotel manager explained to me that there are 5 apartments which are in use these days and the rest of the hotel is closed up.

Be sure to arrange the exact time of your arrival when you book because in the evenings the owners leave the hotel and stay in their house in Larnaca. I suggest that you have the mobile phone of the owner too.
Larnaca is not very far and there is a bus-stop outside the hotel, however I believe anyone interested to book here should have a car.

At the side of the hotel there is a restaurant called Lithos and which belongs to the owners’s children. Once a week different events take place here and its popular with English people who come to have fun. You can dine here for a change and enjoy your evening out. It is 7 days a week.

I would recommend the hotel to people who are on a budget. You might feel a bit uncomfortable in the very beginning but as long as you close the door behind you and you are in your apartment for this little money I am sure you won’t care much if there are other people around or not!

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Address: Oroklini, Larnaca District, Cyprus
• Website: http://antonisg.com/
• Written March 25, 2011

The kitchen in my suite

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1365

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"Gabriel House" in Kato Drys: An Exceptional Stay and Hospitality!

‘GABRIEL HOUSE’ KATO DRYS

I have only the best to write concerning “Gabriel House” at Kato Drys.
Starting from the unforgettable hospitality of the couple, Mr. Gabriel and Eleni treated me as if I were a member of their family.

Although it is a 200 year old building, it is fully restored, and has both floor heating and air conditioning. The house is centrally located between the two historical churches and the agricultural Museum. The stone-built village itself is very old and full of history.

Mr. Gabriel being a licensed producer of organic nuts and fruit welcomed me to his orchard. Guests can try his products for free.

My apartment had a fantastic atmosphere taking me to another era.
This is the reason I always include such houses on my trips. You have to step in the house itself to feel this, and I believe photos cannot give the whole picture of what you will experience out here.

Of course in the house there was both a Plasma TV, and a DVD player but I could not care less. Who wants to switch on a TV when here. Who wants to listen to music when you can hear the birds singing outside in the beautiful garden of the premises and the rain falling outside depending on the weather conditions! I had a big variety of coffee to make to myself, tea, and all sorts of jams and marmalades from the house.
Everything was so perfect. I strongly recommend it, and I wish I could stay longer!

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Phone: +357 99 451250
• Website: www.gabrielhouse-cy.com/
• Related to: Historical Travel, Seniors, Architecture
• Written March 25, 2011

Gabriel's House in Kato Drys

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1365

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The Library Hotel in Kalavasos: An Atmosphere of Elegance and Tranquility

I spent 3 days at this elegant hotel at the Borghes suite.
I have to admit I felt like home with the kindness of both the host Savvas Varnavides, and the staff of the hotel.

The whole atmosphere of the interior décor and style relaxes you and takes you back to the charm of the romantic period of the 19th – 20th centuries. The soft music is so pleasing to the ears and I caught myself spending time in the library lounge either to read or just relax over a cup of tea or coffee. The great variety of books makes it a hot spot and it attracts much attention.

Of course I did not have the biggest suite but it was nice that I could get into my room directly by the lift which opened in my room. In fact it is the only room that has this privilege. A room with not only style but design as well.

The ceremonial mud steam bath and the herbal steam (sweating bath) are free if you are staying in the hotel so with much pleasure I let myself relax and have fun out here.

The gourmet dishes were exceptional, very tasty and healthy, with the local flavour of the Mediterranean cuisine. Finally something that I will always remember was the fresh orange juice served in the morning which was thick and so tasty!

I strongly recommend this hotel to everyone, -people of all ages and any interest. I surely had a relaxing and most inspiring memorable stay here. I cannot wait to visit it again soon.

Read more: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/137ed3/60591/3/#ixzz1HbMSeCNa

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Phone: +357 24817071
• Website: www.libraryhotelcyprus.com/
• Related to: Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Archeology, Spa and Resort
• Written March 25, 2011

My suite in the Library Hotel

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1365

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The Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows: Memorable Holidays my Favourite Larnaca Hotel

I spent the last 2 nights of my two week trip here because I knew for sure that the stay is a guarantee of memorable relaxing holidays as I know it for years. I will not return to Cyprus until the end of September again. For me it is like returning home as there are so many familiar faces around and I believe this is part of the secret of its success. I notice how guests are treated especially with the repeaters. It is a hotel I have strong feelings with and even though this is my 4th stay in the premises I remember the long summers when I would fly to Larnaca how I would always come here at the Palm Beach for swimming. For us, people of Larnaca the Palm Beach was and still is a Gem and it continues to rank first in the preference of thousands of guests who visit it the year round.

The Resort is located in an ideal coast with direct access onto a sandy beach only 6 Kms from the city of Larnaca and 12 Kms from the new Airport. There isn’t a better beach in Larnaca than this lovely coast with the safest shallow lagoon like sea bathing waters. The tropical gardens that surround the premises provide the perfect setting for business and pleasure. The high Palm trees in the beach-front give you the idea that you are having holidays in an exotic destination.

I am staying at a luxury garden studio bungalow on the new wing #535 which is at the very back with much privacy. Families with children have the ground bungalows next to the pool and all of them overlook a large lagoon shape swimming pool. The choice of a bungalow is preferable for families than ordinary rooms on the main building because kids have a kind of private garden to play in and they are next to this amazing swimming pool at the same time.

My bungalow is so beautifully furnished that honestly gives the feeling of a home away from home. There was a pot of flowers in the room but I love making flower arrangements and I created a few which decorated the bungalow the two nights I was there. Very simply they filled the place with colour and positive energy. The beautiful colourful curtains match with the bedspreads and there is a semi divided wooden partition that separates the bedroom from the sitting room area. The interior reminds me of hotels I visited in Asia as it has touches of Indonesian décor. It gives me the privacy I need just ideal for what I was after. The facilities in this specific room are those of a 5* hotel and the sofa in the sitting room area can accommodate two children as it opens to a double bed. Coffee facilities are ample with a variety of different brands of tea/coffee and milk. I had a bottle of champagne brought in the room and a platter of seasonal fruit and cool water upon arrival.
The marble bathroom is spacious with a huge mirror, and the toiletries here are the Geneva Guild brand. The soaps are aromatic leaving the skin soft and silky. There is plenty of hot water and beach towels are provided in the bathroom.

Breakfast was ample with rich variety of different kinds of bread, croissants, cakes, variety of cheeses -even grilled “haloumi” was on offer cooked by Niki who was also in control of the omelettes. There was ham and bacon, lountza, boiled, scrambled eggs and the most amazing on the minute mixed omelette. It was the very best, well cooked and rich in ingredients (cheese,onions, green and red pepper, ham/bacon). The restaurant can get crowded if you get there early in the morning and I noticed this happening the 2nd day when I had to leave the premises early. Maria is the lady I remember from my previous stay, efficient, professional as always and alert to meet the needs of the guests. By all means try the plums in cinnamon/orange syrup. They are yummy! I truly cannot understand some tourists and how they react when they come across food…as if they have been starving for days and they suddenly storm in the restaurant and start piling up their plates!! This reaction made me for years avoid buffet dining.

On Saturday the theme night had to do with Greek/Cypriot cuisine and I happened to be out at the Sea Breeze restaurant much earlier taking photos and waiting for some friends. The palm trees give the whole resort a touch of a tropical scene. The beach-front path is always busy with people who constantly pass by –exercising or having an afternoon stroll. The Mediterranean waters are calm and serene and the sky changes colours as the sun sets. For seconds all this beauty travelled me to an exotic distant destination…while in reality I was in my hometown! The surprise came when I saw the amazing dishes on display that evening and for the first time I can honestly say that I enjoyed an amazing buffet. I thought for a minute to get in the kitchen and congratulate the chef. He would surely be busy that time so I am doing this through this review. The rich variety included the best and most popular Cypriot and Greek dishes. The presentation, quality, and taste could be easily graded with an A+. This menu gave the opportunity to holiday-makers get a good picture of the authentic Greek/Cypriot cuisine and taste. There was more to come later on when a small group of 4 from the popular “Karotseri” dancing band showed up and the evening turned to be a memorable big party with almost everyone participating. Guests seemed to be having a hell of a time.

The Sunday night dinner was indoors at the elegantly decorated Omega Restaurant with live guitar music and singing of international classic pieces just like the international theme night. The buffet was amazing and food varied, and I preferred having sea food this time which was unbeatable. Cyprus is popular for its wines and the cellar of the resort houses some of the finest Cypriot and European wines. I had the opportunity to taste a few. The majority of waiters and supervisors are professionals and they are very polite and helpful and I can name Pambos, Pavlos and Mr. Diplis.

The hotel is very popular with wedding venues and there was one such out at the Gazebo. The couple was from Larnaca and I had the chance to see many familiar faces and friends who came to congratulate the couple. I was even given a “lokoumi” which is the traditional Cypriot delicacy given only at weddings.

Don’t miss visiting the Leisure Club which is amazing. Mr. Christos Papamichael is the manager and the business runs on a separate to the resort basis. I have local friends who urged me to visit because they are members themselves and they know that it is one of the best Clubs and Spas in Larnaca. I came to book an appointment for an hour’s hand massage and I was indeed feeling a different person by the time the massage was over. The skilful and professional hands of Maria Istvanne proved to be miraculous. She knew exactly where to put more pressure on. I had this amazing feeling hours after the massage! For residents the use of the pools, table tennis, aerobic classes are free. For non residents it costs 18 euros.
Residents however pay 10 euros to use the Jacuzzi and Steam Bath. Kids are not allowed in the gym area. The products at the Spa for the body/facial treatments are the “Thalgo” brand.
The Hot Stone Massage (50 min) costs 65 for residents and 70 for non residents and an hour’s Hand Massage costs 65 and 70 euros respectively. A 20 minute massage would cost 30 and 33 respectively but I highly recommend the one I had because that includes a full body and scalp massage. If I were living in Larnaca I would surely be a member.

There is a bus stop just outside the hotel. Bus #430 drives you to the city centre in minutes. The cost is one euro but if you want to use the bus the day long it is preferable to buy the 3 euro ticket. If it is just to go and come back prefer two singles. Bus # 431 goes to Finikoudes, Makenzi, Airport and Perivolia and ends up at Faros. Ayia Napa and Protara are easily accessible by bus if you stand on the opposite side of the road and there are two alternatives. There is the Osea Bus #714 taking you as far as Protara and Ayia Napa for One euro. (More info on the net) It passes through a number of villages to end up in Paralimni. The other alternative is the InterCity Green buses which are faster and the fee is 3 euros.

Wi Fi internet connection is free on the grounds of the main building. In all my stay at the Resort was great. For this reason I highly recommended it and I can’t wait to be back!

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Address: P.O.Box 40394, Cyprus 6303 Larnaca.
• Phone: +357 246 45919
• Website: http://www.palmbeachhotel.com/
• Related to: Family Travel, Beaches, Seniors
• Written June 17, 2012

Luxury bungalow #535

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1365

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E Hotel Spa & Resort: Style & Simplicity, Highly Recommended!

I arrived at the E Hotel after a 12 day tour visiting different cities around Cyprus for business and gathering information and photos for my Guides and I was happily surprised with this amazing new discovery of mine. I come from Larnaca and I have been leaving for the last 37 years in Greece but I could never have imagined the existence of such an amazing hotel so close to Larnaca. The round area has been upgraded in the years with amazing villas and mansions but still the location is serene and quiet away from busy traffic and crowds. I only hope and wish the area won’t become like crowded Protaras or Ayia Napa which are amazing but when summer comes it is just for tourists who are after the beautiful sandy beaches, café bars and theme parks for children.

If I decide to book at hotels that I have never been before like this one, the first thing I do is to check the good and bad comments to get an idea if it is worth booking or not. I check the dates and see if they are recent or very old. In this case some bad comments were the first year of functioning and all the rest were positive so I decided to book. Besides being a Writer I am also an Auditor and I know exactly how hotels should function.
Some of the staff comes from neighboring European countries, and the ones I came across were extremely polite, efficient and professional. I was welcomed by Valeria the moment I stepped in although my friends were already waiting for me having come much earlier. Valeria helped me check in when I was almost panicked seeing everyone waiting for me. This meeting was like a mini reunion, meeting friends after 36 years so I had arranged it here at the premises of the hotel to give them the chance to see the hotel as well. The staff at the bar and Franke Restaurant were extremely polite and offered to help us with some pictures that we wanted to have. The other lady that impressed me was Katarina at the reception of the Eden Spa when I went to arrange a treatment after my friends left. I did not have to wait long and she settled the matter shortly arranging for me an early treatment before checking out the following morning.

I find the location ideal for holiday-makers who are leaving the country and want their last couple of days to be memorable and magic. I advice that they book here by all means! The hotel is minutes from the airport. I have read one or two reviews recommending that a hired car is a “must” here but I am against hiring. I am using the buses all over Cyprus to prove that Cyprus is affordable even to people who cannot afford to hire or move around using taxis. Bus #431 starts from Faros and goes up to C.O.T. Beach, Port, Phinikoudes, Makenzy, Airport, Tourist Area Perivolia. Bus # 430 gets from Finikoudes to C.O.T beach every half an hour. The reception desk will give you more info so ask for a copy of the time table to be sure.
With just one euro, I got the bus from the bus stop (100 metres from the hotel) and I was driven to the Dhekelia road (c.o.t. beach) where my next destination was, while if I hired a car or called a taxi this would cost me more than 30 euros! Stand on the left hand side if you want to get to Larnaca…I was a bit confused at first until I came across the bus stop.

The hotel is ideal for short breaks, romantic outings, and from what my relatives told me it is very popular with wedding venues as well.
It is supposed to be a boutique 4 star hotel but I believe it could be considered a 5* just as easily. It has a style and an unbeatable character. It is so skillfully designed with great attention given to detail that makes it an amazing place to stay. It has fine amenities and elements that you scarcely find in other hotels especially hotels of the same rank.
It is set in lush landscaped grounds overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea and it expands across the road where the Beach Bar is. There is a path across the road for people who love walking next to the coast. The day I arrived it was unfortunately windy and nobody was at the beach and neither in the swimming pool. They were only a few relaxing on the beautiful grounds around the pool though. The pool grounds are unbelievably charming with a mixture of beds and sitting features spread around it including racking and ‘caged’ swings. It is an amazing place to unwind and fulfill your batteries.
I had room (#103) that opened onto a spectacular uninterrupted front sea view. The balcony might be really small, but who really wants to sit out there since there are so many beautiful spots to sit, unwind and relax throughout the residence! The room was spacious comfortable stylish and spotlessly clean. Coffee facilities are provided, something that usually is expected in 5* hotels. The interior décor was smashing, with simple lines, cosy and intimate. There was a very thin carpet around the huge bed and the floor was concrete with some colour. There were 3 different waste-baskets for recycling things. I had a complimentary plate of some fruit and a bottle of cool water and that was a nice treat. There was a sofa in the room, and the bathroom was extra long with overhead rain shower. The toiletries were the (Minus -417 brand) of the Dead Sea Cosmetics.

Dinner at the Franke Restaurant was another nice surprise, but I felt like ordering some sea food that was cooked for me that moment. It was very tasty and nicely presented with asparagus on the side.

Buffet breakfast the next morning was nicely set and adequate with a variety of anything you could imagine. Lots of seasonal fruit, yoghurt, honey, that I won’t bother to mention. I believe the most demanding guest would have been satisfied with the quality, the nice presentation and taste of everything that was there.

Minutes after my breakfast which is always light I had my appointment at the Eden Spa where Katarina was waiting for me, had me to fill a form and handed me to Natasha who was the lady who promised that after this massage (Thalisens Orient) my possible tension and stress will just float away. The Spa is unbelievably beautiful and it takes you to a world of total luxury, style and taste, in a tranquil environment. It takes after its name and literally it is exactly “the Eden” Spa that worth a praise. There was a special discount on this amazing massage so I decided to surrender myself to the absolute bliss and let Natasha do her miracle! I relied completely on the skillful and professional hands of my therapist and an hour later I truly felt a different person but very sad that I had to leave this beautiful place and people here. Katerina gave me a handful of samples of products used in the Spa just before leaving and they were all in a silk packet tied with an orange string. What a nice treat indeed!!
I highly recommend that visitors should definitely treat themselves to the use of the Spa when coming here.

I consider including the E Hotel among my favourite from here on and it won’t be long when I return. In the meantime I highly recommend it and I honestly feel proud that such a beautiful hotel, -a gem in reality, is so close to my hometown. I found nothing negative and I can grade it with an A+.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Address: 1 Faros Road Perivolia, 7560, Larnaca, Cyprus
• Phone: +357 24 747000
• Website: www.hotel-e.com
• Related to: Spa and Resort, Luxury Travel, Eco-Tourism
• Written June 15, 2012

My Room # 103

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• samanthacy
• Reviews: 10

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1365

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The Library Hotel Wellness Retreat: Elegance and Comfort - The Gem of Kalavasos!

The Luxuriously furnished and Harmonious décor of the rooms, the Friendly staff and Excellent cuisine, were some of the reasons I wanted for a year now to go back to this hotel. I have included the Library among my favourite Hotels in Cyprus and I wanted so much to spend at least 2 nights here. Unfortunately the dates that suited me was fully booked so I decided to drop by even for a night since I was in the round area.
I was glad to see one or two familiar faces again. Svetlana was one of them and she really impressed me. I stood back and watched the way she would handle everything, so delicate with elegant manners and figure, a dashing young lady who has become professional and efficient in her post, with a constant smile and as always would look to the demands of the guests. Andrea is the other person I knew from my previous visit, working in the kitchen and I saw him for seconds –polite as always he dropped by to say hello.
There were new faces this time but in minutes we got acquainted with each other. There is a new chef now in the kitchen coming from Greece. It is Odysseas and he did not disappoint me at all with his authentic Greek cuisine. In fact I had some guests from Australia and because I spoke highly of the Library they dropped by to see me and joined me for dinner. They were curious to see this hotel and when they did they said that they will return for a relaxing break. Our dinner turned to be a feast and everything seemed to be perfect counting on the fresh ingredients, presentation and excellent taste. George is the other guy coming from Greece who seems to be responsible for the bar and kitchen. I found him efficient and very positive with the guests. Svetlana was off hours after I arrived to my disappointment, but she was replaced by Rafaella who was new to me but she was also caring and polite with the guests.
The hotel was nearly full and guests seemed to be enjoying the tranquillity of the place. It is a hotel mostly for couples and small groups of friends who come to spend a few relaxing days to unwind and recharge their batteries. The 19th century stone-built mansion is the gem of Kalavassos and it blends harmoniously with the environment. An atmosphere of elegance and comfort is what you get upon entering. On the right there is the unique Library Lounge with its open fireplace ideal for the cold winter nights, and the elegant Italian design furniture features a collection of different books that are available to guests –books that have to do with health, philosophy, nature and literature. I love taking my coffee there with the company of a nice book from the shelves.
I noticed a number of positive changes and loved the colours of the exterior walls, yellow, navy blue and the colour of brick blending harmoniously with the stoned-walls of the courtyard on the ground floor matching with the environment and the round area. The Spa treatments are now taken on the first floor opposite the suites and next to the new Conference room. The amazing interior of the Potamonde Spa adds to the relaxing atmosphere which is now in the hands of Jacqueline, the new Spa professional who besides body and facial treatments expertises on Baby Massages. Before having my massage I met three British ladies who had come all the way from Larnaca. It was a treat from one of the ladies and one of them kept saying that this experience was the best in her whole life. They had a snack before leaving and we had a long chat as well. They felt reborn and their skin was so soft and clean they kept saying after the 20’ mud therapy in the Rasul bath and the sauna. Their excitement was obvious! The ceremonial mud steam bath and the herbal steam (sweating bath) are free if you are staying in the hotel so with much pleasure I let myself relax and enjoyed the moment.
On my previous stay I spent 2 nights at the Borghes suite. This time I had the Constantinos Cavafis elegant suite on the opposite corner. Each of the 11 unique suites is named after famous poets, thinkers and writers and they are furnished with pieces of art and books related to each room theme. The ceilings are high and are covered in wood with ceiling fans but there is of course air conditioning. I am always happy when I find coffee facilities and a mini bar or an empty ice box to keep some water or fruit and these are provided here. I usually don’t bother with what mini bars include….but you never know! In this case it was a mini bar.
After a good night’s sleep the next morning I enjoyed a rich Breakfast Buffet with organic ingredients and healthy balanced meals. I appreciated the fresh thick orange juice and the aromatic coffee. I did not sit outside with the rest of the guests but preferred to sit inside the so beautifully decorated Mitos Restaurant where I could enjoy my breakfast better and more relaxed over the soft music that was all around the trendy atmosphere of the place.
I was so disappointed because I was leaving the next day but luckily I had the time to leave much later, at 4:00 pm as I was to be met by a cousin of mine who would drive me all the way to Paphos -my next destination. I am mostly moving around Cyprus using buses wanting to prove that this is possible in Cyprus because busses are prompt and very cheap. It was a holiday that day so buses were scarce. When I mentioned this to Odysseas he kindly offered to drop me to the meeting spot a few Kms from Kalavassos.
With much pleasure I noticed that there is a Free Wi Fi Internet connection, something that was missing the previous year. Children are not allowed in the premises since those who choose the Library really want to relax without the disturbance of cries and noise from children. It is like an oasis and I urge people to come and experience this even for a weekend or a short break. I am sure they will be back. I noticed that there are some Exclusive Spa All-Inclusive packages for weekend getaways which are really affordable. A lady was telling me that she is here because of these packages. To be honest I long to be back!

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Address: 3 Anexartisias Str. Kalavasos, Larnaca, P.O. Box 45
• Phone: +357 24 817 071
• Website: www.libraryhotelcyprus.com
• Related to: Spa and Resort, Food and Dining, Seniors
• Written June 14, 2012

Inside courtyard and suites

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