| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
U2fan from Derby travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
Book direct
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: I'm nearly seven months pregnant and wanted a last luxury holiday before the baby's born. We stayed for 6 wonderful nights at the Four Seasons in Limassol before heading to Paphos to stay at the Amathus Beach Hotel. We booked directly with the hotel and paid approx. £200 (UK) per night bed and breakfast.
First impressesions were good. We were offered a complimentary drink in the Fortuna Bar whilst we waited for our room to be cleaned (we arrived slightly before the 2pm check in time). Afterwards we had a nosey around the communal areas, which are lovely and I'd definately class as 5*. The pool area and comfy setats just outside the Fortuna Bar are particularly impressive. I loved walking around the pool area at night, it was very romantic.
If you like cats, there are some really cute ones which live in the hotel grounds. Three of the cutest kittens you'll ever see have taken residence on the comfy chairs outside Fortuna Bar and are star attractions at the hotel at the moment! The hotel feeds the cats so they don't beg for food all the time, which is good to see.
Other positives...
- The Elton John impersonator in the trendy Nu Bar (Tuesday nights at 9pm, I think) is brilliant. Get there early else you won't get a seat. We had to listen to him from outside the bar.
- The hotel's in a good location - there are lots of good pubs and restaurants just outside around the 'triangle' - our favourite meal was at Cavallini (very friendly service but book a table in advance as it's VERY popular) but we also enjoyed Les Amis (approx. 5 - 10 minutes walk away) and Ficardos. Paphos town centre is walkable, although we didn't attempt it, or you can catch one of the buses which run frequently from outside the hotel.
- It's worth attending the management cocktail party; you get free drinks and canapes.
However...
When you scratch beneath the surface, the 5* rating falls to 4* and sometimes even 3*. Mostly this was due to lack of attention to detail, which I think is vital in a so-called 5* hotel that costs £200 a night for a standard room. Here are some examples:
- The bedrooms are okay but nothing special and certainly not 5*. We booked a pool/sea view, which is worth paying extra for. However, the furniture in the room looks cheap and the bathroom is small and dark. After having a huge jacuzzi in our standard room at the Four Seasons, I was very disappointed with the tiny little bath in this hotel.
- The staff are okay but again, nothing special. The first night we stayed at the hotel we didn't get the turn down service at all. On the second night they knocked whilst we were getting ready to go out and we asked if they could come back in 5 - 10 minutes, which the lady obviously didn't want to do judging by the look on her face.
- There aren't enough staff on at breakfast. We'd nearly finished our breakfast before we were served tea/coffee on the first morning. Other people were being shown to tables that hadn't even been made up.
- If you want a sunlounger next to the pool, you need to be down there by 9.30am or you won't get one. They have a big problem with people getting up early and reserving loungers on mass and not using them until many hours later, and sometimes not until the afternoon. I really think that the management should be doing something to stop this happening.
- We saw six weddings (all British) in the three days that we were there. In my opinion the hotel staff spend too much time dealing with weddings to the detriment of non-wedding guests.
To sum up, don't get me wrong, this hotel is nice but I'd question its 5* rating. If you want real luxury and want to stop in a geniune 5* hotel in Cyprus, go to the Four Seasons hotel in Limassol - it's pure class and walks all over the Paphos Amathus Beach. It's also cheaper to stay there...
U2fan
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Kumar from Chesterfield travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: The hotel defintely deserves its five star rating. It compares on par with the Elysium Hotel in Paphos but the Annabelle is no comparison to the Amathus beach.
As you walk in the reception and the main foyer would impress you with the friendliness of the staff.
At breakfast you have a vast variety of choice to select and it was impressive to have simple things such as chilled water/sparkling water. If you do not wish to walk upto the harbour then there are plenty of restaraunts close by to choose from in addition to bars that serve not only cocktails etc but good bar food.
The hotel is on a beach front with a very large swimming pool and lawns for the sun worshippers. The pool boys do an excellent service all day long and ovrall the staff are very helpful. If you can afford a sea view well worth it. The bar in the evening serves champagne by the glass for those romantics and for those celeberating a special occasion.I thoroughly enjoyed my weeks stay and have already booked next years.
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Mr & Mrs Hudson from Blackpool travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
Independent
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: This was our third visit to this hotel and again we were not disappointed. Many of the staff were the same and went out of their way to recognise our return visit.
The pool and lawned grounds are super with plenty of space for everyone, the pool attendants are very attentive and supply you personally with sunbeds and parasols.
Breakfast is an absolute feast with a plentiful supply. If you have an Italian meal in the hotel, be aware the aperitif offered at the entrance is not free, even though they make it sound like it is - you have been warned.
If you have not been before, believe me you will have a fabulous time - enjoy!
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The Gibsons from Sheffield travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2005 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We stayed here as a special treat as we got married whilst in Paphos.
We were very impressed with everything about the hotel from the moment we walked in. Our luggage was collected from us and we were given a welcome drink.
We loved how there were beach towels for us to use at the pool and were changed every day and the way that they drew back the sheets in an evening and arranged my pyjamas on the bed. Also how they laid the slippers out at the side. All these little touches made it that little bit more special.
We only ate in the restaurant in the evening once as we had made other plans to meet up with friends and relatives but the meal was very nice. Not the usual food I would eat though!
The breakfasts were fabulous with more than enough to choose from.
It was about 20 mins walk to the main shopping area/bars in Paphos but that was fine by us as we enjoy a good walk.
Entertainment wise, all I saw was a guy playing to the restaurant the evening we dined there but as I said we didn't go there looking for entertaintment.
It was my birthday whilst we were there and I even got a voucher to use at the Beauty Spa and another bottle of champagne. They could not do enough for us.
All in all it was a fabulous place to stop and I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel.
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Harris Family from Fleet, Hants travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday. There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We have just returned from Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel and can honestly say it was one of the best hotels that we have ever stayed at. We travelled with our 8 year old daughter who was made to feel just as welcome to the hotel and its facilities as we were.
All the staff are extremley child friendly which really made for a completely relaxed holiday even during meal times which in Cyprus tend to be an all evening event. The hotel cleanliness was excellent, from reception to the pool, spa, rooms etc. We had a standard room which was cleaned/serviced twice daily, and was really lovely however some of the upgraded rooms/suites look fantastic - take a peek at the ground floor suites with private pool!!! On two occasions we ordered room service - once at breakfast which was an experience in itself - not the standard plates piled up on trays instead the meal wheeled in on a table all beautifully prepared and set out. The second occasion was our very final night - we had extended our check out of the room as we were on the midnight flight home and ordered a light snack - same great service and same great presentation of food.
We booked half board which was great as there was a choice of restaurants to choose from, the main one being the Amarosa which was inside as well as a fantastic Italian restaurant outside on the terrace - there was a £ per head additional supplement for eating there but really worth it -fabulous food, service etc and child friendly. There was also another indoor restuarant which we didn't use - no reason. There was also a pool bar serving really good quality food and drinks as well as a couple of coffee shops. Breakfast was served either inside or outside - again fantastic.
For us the hotel was in a great location, although a 15-20 min walk into Paphos Town you can also take a local bus however the walk is very pleasant passing along a parade of restuarants and local shops. There were also a selection of restuarants and bars just across the road from the hotel which other guests had used and said were excellent. Wherever you went in the hotel the staff were so friendly and helpful - all speak very good English and like to stop for a chat.
There was entertainment whilst you ate your evening meal which varied from singer/pianist, musician and some themed Gala evenings in the main restaurant. There was also an events program during the day for adults which varied from silk printing, fitness etc. There was also a Juniors Club for children aged 3 -12 years which had a variety of activities all hotel based. We would definaltely return to this hotel infact are already planning our next visit in 2005.
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J.Owen from bridgend, Wales travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
thomson
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: stayed in this hotel for first time after extensive review site readings.All staff friendly, pool great and never crowded.Short taxi or bus ride to nightlife centre and some good restaurants nearby.Got married in paphos and organised reception and evening meal for our guests at hotel with the catering manager. Everything went fantastic, with great food at a very reasonable price.Only minor disappointment was the beach.Will be going back.
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Genrin from Warrington travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
Sovereign
on a family holiday. There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We travelled outside the school holidays with an 18 month baby, to avoid masses of kids which we've been told can over run the hotel in peak season. It's a perfect place for young children as it's very clean and child friendly. In fact the staff love babies and make you feel really welcome.
The service is personal attentive and efficient. To me that's the difference between a 4 and 5 star hotel. Nothing is too much trouble and lazing about by the pool is easy. No one is allowed to put a towel down before 8 am and beds around the kids pool are reserved for families.
The food is good, breakfasts are the best with an amazing choice as you'd expect from 5 star. There's no waiting or shortage of tables inside or outside.
The main restaurant is dated in decor and needs a refurb desperately! Don't go to any of the Gala Nights in this restaurant either as they are appalling. However the outside Terraza Italian restaurant is fabulous.
Entertainment is nil apart from a singer in the bar. Ok when you've got a baby and going to bed earlier (than you want to) but boring otherwise.
Despite it's failings in a few areas this is a great lazing by the pool holiday and you feel very looked after here. Your business is really appreciated. It's the only place we've been back to twice which we said we'd never do!
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Trish from Surrey travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
First Choice
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: I do not need to say much except it lives up to its 5* rating. The hotel is clean and has a very luxurious feel to it. The service is outstanding from the maintanence department to the reception.
The guys around the pool are the most hard working people you could meet. You do not have to move from your sunbed to be served with drinks and food. If you do want to move from shade to sun or vice versa one of the pool attendants will do it for you. Complete decadance. You only have to ask and your wish is their command.
The hotels proximity to some really great resturants is fantastic and the walk down into Paphos itself, although it may take 20-30mins, is worth it.
I would not consider any other hotel in Paphos. You get what you pay for and for a completly relaxing and indulgent holiday this is the place to come.
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AC from Chesterfield travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
Amathus
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We have been back to this hotel 3 times now. Why? because its so relaxing, unpretentious and extremely friendly. We only ever book B&B and chose to either eat out (try Cavellini's - next door, excellent!) or eat at the outside restaurant.
Breakfasts are great, eggs (freshly cooked), bacon, croisants, fruit, cheeses, ham etc. etc.
The staff are extremely friendly and the hotel manager is often round the pool introducing himself to everyone and asking if everyone is okay.
If you want your sunbed moving, or the umbrella put up, you just signal to a pool man and he's by your side, nothing is too much trouble. One of the porters even came up to my partner and said, "Welcome back, it is lovely to see you again"!! This might be all PR, but it was nice anyway!
The rooms are clean and spacious with plenty of storage. Your bathrobe and slippers await! Pool towels provided on a daily basis and the room is cleaned twice a day.
Everywhere we go, its compared to the Amathus. We recently stayed at the exclusive Anassa in Cyprus. Nice hotel..... but still prefer the Amathus Paphos. You relax as soon as you get there. Its not unusual to find people who had been there more than once!
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JamesWW from UK travelled to Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel with
Unknown
on a Unknown holiday. There were Unknown adults and Unknown child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2003 |
rated the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Am sure this is a very nice hotel really and looking at most of the reviews it appears everyone has a great time when they visit. Overall it isn't bad but unfortunately when my wife and I had a weeks stay at this hotel in the summer we were disappointed. This was due to a 4 inch long COCKROACH walking along our shower rail in our bathroom when my wife was in the shower. Now I guess some people would expect to find this in a hot climate and possibly even in a 5 star hotel if for example the cleaners haven't done their job properly.... but you wouldn't expect the attitude of the senior management in this hotel when you complain - it was appalling!!! Arrogant and dismissive, and frankly you do not pay £2,000 for a week to put up with that.
As for Thomson Holidays who we wrote to when we got back - well frankly they were about as much use as a chocolate teapot!!
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