Troodos Hotels

• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1174

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Forest Park Hotel in Platres: Nature Lovers' Spot for Exploring and Relaxation

As I start writing my comments about Forest Park I have a quick look on what other people wrote. I really cannot understand the nonsense of some people. I am sure there are those who write deliberately to harm the hotel. I am a guide writer and I am on the go most of the time. I visit different hotels very often. I believe the majority of people don’t know how to ask politely for something. For instance…yes there are no coffee or tea facilities in the room. I have politely asked for one and I was brought in my room in minutes.

I am reading complains about the management of the hotel, and out of my experience I found the most professional people here. The owner Mr. Hercules and his brother Antony who are the directors seem to know well their business.

Forest Park hotel is an imposing building with great history standing amidst 20 acres of forest and gardens. It is well preserved, and if you are a bit romantic you can imagine the late King Farouk of Egypt, and Princess Royal Mary of England staying here and Daphne du Maurier spending a whole month at the premises writing “Rebecca” ….these to mention a few! Many Arab Sheikhs used to come to this hotel in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The Forest Park Hotel is family run and under the personal supervision of the owners, now in their fourth generation. I spent 3 nights here on this visit, but many years ago when much younger I visited it again. This stay brought good and happy memories of the past!

Both my room and bathroom were spacious and comfortable, very clean with many towels and toiletries. I surely appreciated the pre-filled water jar with cold water and the mini bar. There was a satellite TV… but who cares watching TV if in such a beautiful environment! My balcony was overlooking the beautiful gardens with the very high trees and lush vegetation with the swimming pool. I used to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun and hearing the birds singing. In May, Platres is full of nightingales and this was one of the reasons I am here. Breakfast was adequate and there was a variety of different things to choose from. I loved the idea of how they had halloumi in warm liquid (milk)? So, it looked like gum when you were chewing it. I only had dinner once at the premises which I enjoyed, because most of the time I am eating light and yoghurt will do for me in the evening. A treat I had from the owner Mr. Hercules was a glass of some fine very old 150 old Commandaria Cypriot wine. (see photo)

The hotel is ideal for people of all ages coming here to either relax, take long walks, cycle, ski, enjoy horse riding, climbing and in all, nature lovers. The Kalidonia and Millomeri Falls in Platres and the many other paths scattered all around the Troodos range are within a short distance. I used to walk a lot after breakfast covering a distance of at least 13 kms each day. In the evening the heated indoor swimming pool was the perfect place to exercise for another 1.30 minutes, making my stay here at this hotel unforgettable. I long to return again in winter with snow outside and me swimming in the indoor heated pool on the 2nd floor.

The only drawback which I have to mention is the fact that there is no free internet access. The card costs 2.5 euro for 30 minutes and the worst is that you have to sit in the lounge to do your work. In all, it was a pleasant 3 night stay, with much to see and do in the whole round area and in the hotel as well. I strongly recommend it, and I urge people to come here to relax and have fun.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Skiing and Boarding, Cycling, Photography
• Written May 12, 2011

The garden entrance of the Forest Park Hotel

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1174

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Ambelikos Traditional House in Potamitissa: A Small Paradise,Tasty Food,Excellent Hospitality

I spent 4 days at Ambelikos in March again, visiting it for a second time because it is a place for peace and quiet which is what I really needed.

This time I told Aki the manager about the one and only bad comments I read concerning Ambelikos from one reader commenting on the scrambled eggs and the trout and I wanted so much to check this out. There was another couple that day and we asked Aki to make some scrambled eggs for us. This time we had a big laugh because Aki informed me that from that day on his scrambled eggs are called “Aki’s scrambled eggs” and I can assure they were very tasty, and we all loved them.
As for the trout I cannot find words to describe the passion with which Aki was filling them with lemon slices, garlic and parsley. They were the best I have ever tasted without cream or silly sauces.
The small village of Potamitissa at this time of year was a paradise. The trees and plants in full blossom, wild orchids and violets on the banks of the river, and all guests taking long walks out in the country-side or short trips in the beautiful round area.

Aki is always present to advice or help his guests and what I observed all these 4 days out there was that he would always bring more and more extras to the guests to taste many of which for free. We had friendly chats and he was telling me that what he really wants is to please his guests….and he surely succeeds in doing this.

In the evening after dinner we would gather in the dining room and together with the other couple we would chat and enjoy some wine next to the fireplace, -a treat from the hotel mostly. Aki’s father would visit us for a game of backgammon after dinner. He played with one of the guests. It was great fun believe me. I felt like home with all this hospitality and kindness.

I have only the best memories from this hotel once again, and I recommend it to people who really need to be out in the nature and clean air. Potamitissa is a very small village, so don’t expect to find anything there, but I can assure that you can find everything you need in the hotel of Ambelikos.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Seniors, Family Travel, Food and Dining
• Written April 2, 2011

The bedroom at Ambelikos

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1174

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Semiramis Hotel in Platres: A Classic Hotel, and an Amazing Stay!

Surrounded by a forest this beautiful hotel has a Classic style and gives you the impression that you are at home. The owners were really friendly. Mr. Iacovos looks after the hotel, and his son Agi is the owner of the Village tavern.
Centrally located in the heart of Platres, a superb family run hotel that you want to go there again and again.

There are different rooms small and much bigger, and even if I was given a small one it was cozy and comfortable and clean -besides most of the time I was out walking. Platres is not a place to sit in but be out in nature, walk next to the waterfall and listen to the gurgling of water and the singing of birds.

I noticed that there was not a coffee teapot in the room and I asked for one and I was immediately given. I was also given a clay pot with some cold fresh water to have next to my bed for the night because there is not an ice box in the room. There was an extra electric heater brought to my room because Iacovos told me that after 10:00pm the main central heating is off. That was very kind of him and it was not a problem at all.

The hotel’s main areas are nicely furnished and decorated. There was no buffet in the morning but you are asked what exactly you wish to have for breakfast and you are brought the moment you get in the dining room. I find this very clever because everything is fresh and prepared the moment you want it.

My balcony was overlooking the wood and the high pine trees. I could sit for hours out there just looking at the trees and listening to the birds. My stay was really short but I will arrange and spend more days on a next visit.
I highly recommend it, and I left with the best impressions and all positive thoughts.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Hiking and Walking, Skiing and Boarding, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
• Written March 31, 2011

The yard of the Semiramis Hotel in Platres

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1174

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'Lofou Agrovino": “The Real Authentic Cypriot Hospitality!”

I spent two nights at Agrovino studios. My studio was number 3 and it was amazing, cozy and comfortable. The en-suite facilities were of a high standard.

My studio had a washing machine and a big fridge. It was fully equipped for self catering, but I had no intention to cook inside. In my private courtyard there were two studios but I was just on my own the days of my stay. The studio had the traditional Cypriot décor with a comfortable bed, a sitting room and kitchen all in one.
The walls were all made of stone, and the colours of the whole interior décor were natural and so warm.

Costa the owner has the tarvern of the village which is usually closed on Mondays, but he always opens at night if he has guests in his studios. There was no other tavern open for lunch and I did not find even a bakery to buy something during the day. It was a bit difficult for me, but in the evening the tavern was open for the people staying in the studios so it was fine as there was a variety of dishes to choose from, all tasty and fresh. Costa told me that the products are mainly from the family’s garden.

There is no internet access in the studios, but there is the Agrovino Coffee shop where people who need internet access can go there instead. I was disappointed though because it was a Monday and this was closed as well.

The owner Mr. Costa Violaris is an excellent host and a very good cook himself. I saw a certificate on the wall from the Cyprus Tourism Organization for his excellent Cypriot cuisine valid till the 20th November 2008. It is a family run business and I strongly recommend a visit to Agrovino hotel to people who want to get a taste of the real Cypriot culture.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Luxury Travel, Hiking and Walking, Architecture
• Written March 31, 2011

The courtyard of the apartment in Agrovino

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• greekcypriot
• Reviews: 1174

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"Olga's Katoi" in Kalopanayiotis: A Traditional and Hospitable House to come to!

I spent 2 nights at Olgas Traditional House. From the very first moment I arrived the landlords Mrs. Agni and Dinos Papaioannou made my stay exceptional. I have never met such hospitable people, a couple whose only abstraction is to make their visitors feel comfortable, like home.

My room had a panoramic view from its huge verandah , overlooking the Marathasa Valley. It was as if I was standing in front of a painting!
I felt the Traditional human touch of Authentic Cypriots two people I will never forget. Mrs. Agni wants to please her guests, and I had the chance to taste the real Cypriot cuisine here.

This traditional house surrounded with this natural beauty is unique for relaxation, for outdoor excursions, for people who want to feel the warmth of the Cypriot hospitality.
I however, have noticed one or two cons which I owe to mention. I could have stayed longer if I just had an internet access but I was told that very soon this will be arranged. A need of small refrigerator is a must in the room.
The main house consists of a huge sitting room where guests can gather around the fireplace during winter, listen to music or watch TV. There is no tv set in the rooms but people who come here surely don’t bother watching tv since there are other more interesting things to do here.
The price for each bed is 35 euros including a rich breakfast which I find very reasonable. Agni is a specialist in the Cypriot cuisine. She can cook for you anything you ask.
I could never believe that I would have the chance to become such good friends with these people because their kindness and hospitality is obvious!
Thank you Agni and Dinos….I am coming back really soon to see you.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
• Related to: Eco-Tourism, Hiking and Walking, Skiing and Boarding
• Written March 31, 2011

Olga's Katoi in Kalopanayiotis

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• iggypop1965
• Reviews: 1

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Acorn Villa: The best accommodation I have stayed in Cyprus.

We stayed at Acorn Villa last month, it's a 3 bed villa in Lania ,Limassol, on the foothills of the Troodos mountains.
We loved having the house to ourselves and having the breakfast things ready for us when we arrived, all the tea /coffee /cereals /orange juice and breads, there's a kitchenette with kettle / toaster /fridge and microwave (no cooker though)and all the crockery. plenty for what we needed, as we ate out everynight at the local tavernas.
The 4 poster bed was a great plus, and the views from the villa are fantastic.
It is very peaceful and private,and was the holiday I was looking for, close enough if we wanted to go to any other towns and beach yet in the tranquil surrounds of the Troodos.
A few minutes to Trimikilini village which as a fantastic bakery and supermarket.
Lania also as a taverna / cafe and a coffee shop , museums, winery, olive press,a treat to step back in time, and quite popular with tourists.
I would definately recommend to anyone, it's prices are unbeatable, we paid 300 Euros for 1 week and that was including breakfast things and drinks. and because there were 4 of us , we would have had to book 2 rooms, so we saved a few 100 on this alone.
Ideal for walkers / nature lovers/ touring around the island .
I feel as though I've seen the real side of Cyprus on this holiday.

The views are the best I've had in accommodaton in Cyprus.
The rooms are spacious, and the lounge has windows facing south /west /north.
Very clean .
Loved sitting out on the garden swing to watch the sun set.

• Opinion of Price: least expensive
• Related to: Wine Tasting, Family Travel, Hiking and Walking
• Written June 9, 2010

Acorn Villa

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• nikki-the
• Reviews: 26

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Campground

We haven't stayed here but have ridden through on our bicycles many times.

This looks like quite a lovely campground with lots of trees and picnic tables. Facilities include grilling areas ("fireplaces"?), bathrooms (of the "hole-in-the-ground" type) and a children's playground. Not having stayed there myself, I'm only listing what I've seen to be available.

So there may not be much in terms of facilities but this is more than compensated by the environment (really nice), the weather (pleasant mountain air) and the price. The price? Free. (Can't get much better than that.)

Situated in a lovely pine forest, this campground has been completely empty since I first discovered it. This, I would attribute to the lack on interest on the part of the locals (they're much more "into" 4 star hotels and such and would find "camping" to be quite a miserable affair) and the lack of information on the part of tourist agencies and tourists themselves.

• Opinion of Price: least expensive
• Related to: Budget Travel, Eco-Tourism, Camping
• Written May 25, 2005

Campground in the Troodos Mountains

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• M.E.R.V
• Reviews: 363

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The Churchill Pinewood Valley: Pedoulas 1067m above sea level

We were invited to have dinner at this hotel during our stay in the Troodos. It took us an hours drive from our hotel through the mountains which I literally feared for my life as there were hardly no lights on the roads and we were turning at deep drops with very low safety barriers or nothing at all sometimes! The hotel was a beauty set in the surrounding nature with its own pine forest and a cherry orchard. Although it does get chilly at night in the Troodos, the day can be swarmed with flies so you are best keeping your windows shut at all times!

• Opinion of Price: N/A
• Written October 19, 2002

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