Virgin view of Paphos - part one: Papheissa Hotel (Paphos)

Member Name: MeganFF

Product:	Paphos
Date:	06/07/09 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean, tidy, comfortable

Disadvantages: Entertainment could be improved, but fun none the less

I am not a travel writer, so if i make a huge faux-pas please forgive me.

I have just returned from a trip to Cyprus, my first to this split island. This is my thoughts and ramblings about the places we visited. This one, concentrates on the hotel and surrounding area.

Papheissa Hotel & Apartments, Kato Paphos, Cyprus

We'd read some reviews on holiday sites about the hotel where we was to stay between booking and going, and were mildly concerned. Some people were less than complimentary about it for different reasons. For the record, we did not share the comments others had written.
The hotel is split into two, with some studios the other side of the road to the main area. We were placed in this 'other side' and for us it was great. No matter how long the entertainment went on in the bar, we could go to bed in peace!

The room itself was just what we expected from a self catering studio in Greece. Two twin beds pushed together, with a mini-kitchen area, balcony and bathroom. I have to say, the shower was probably the best I'd ever encountered abroad. It had plenty of water pressure (nothing worse than a weak shower!) and also plenty of hot water. Ok, so the shower curtain was attracted to my wet skin, but hey, who can blame it!

As is normal, the air-con was payable locally. This means it's an extra cost, but one I wouldn't dream of not paying. Although it was a noise, it was one you can sleep with, once you've found the right temperature of course.

The decor was not modern. But then we didn't expect it to be. Who would? It was clean and tidy. The communal areas were comfortable and clean, the staff always polite but friendly.
As we were SC I can't really comment too much on the food, although we did have a lunch snack twice. It was edible and filling. Was nothing like gourmet, but again, we didn't expect a bar snack to be anything more than it was.

The hotel is situated the other side of the main 'Tombs Road' to the harbour and the majority of the restaurants and bars. For us, the location was great. Just a short stroll (about 5-7 mins) from the 'Bar Street' where there are lots of tavernas, restaurants and bars.

You could never go hungry in Kato Paphos (Kato means lower, as the town is kinda split into two. Old and Tourist effectively, Kato being the harbour area for the tourists, though some locals do live in the area) as there are so many different cusines to choose from. Not just Cypriot/Greek, but we also spotted Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican and American. And those offering 'English' dishes of course.

Just a short distance further takes you into the harbour area (about 7-10 mins from the hotel) where there are more restaurants, fast food outlets (yes, KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Pizza Express have made it to Cyprus) and souvenier shops, along side Designer Clothes Shops (Lacoste etc) and gorgeous looking jewellery shops.

One word of warning here, Touts! In the harbour area they are plenty. And surprisingly, mainly English. From giving you a voucher for cheaper drinks, to pushing boat trips, to time-shares. My advice, just say no!

Back to the hotel, a quick paragraph on the pool and bar area. The pool itself was a very good size. Plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas. There is also a 1m deep paddling pool for younger children, which I thought was a very good idea.
The bar itself was very well stocked, the barmen friendly and knowledgeable. There are stools against the bar, and tables all around it. As it's so warm, you can easily sit outside aswell, with out missing any of the entertainment.
While we were there, it was Wimbledon 2009, and they always had the sports channel on so people could watch the tennis if they wished, which I thought was very good of them.
I can't say all of the entertainment the hotel laid on was worthwhile, but the majority was lighthearted and good fun.

In summary, you get what you pay for as far as Greek Hotels go. We were very happy with the Papheissa Hotel, and would be happy to return.

Summary: its a Greek 3* SC hotel - delivered what we expected