The Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel recently invited operators and agents along to see the results of its £2.3 million revamp.
The hotel has a new oriental restaurant, Asiachi, and a stylish lounge called Nubar. The indoor pool has been extended, the spa overhauled, and every room has been given an upgrade.
“Our business is driven by operators,” said Amathus Hotels sales and marketing manager Georghios Kyriacou. “We invited these people to sample the hotel and then inform their clients and websites about the improvements. ”
Operators’ opinions
“Paphos appeals to families and older visitors. It has the Old Town and the harbour area but you’ll also see plenty of modern influences. There’s a reasonable range of hotels from three star to five star. The sand on the beach is dark but there is a good range of water sports. Some hotels have a grass area for guests to sit on, but others import sand from Greece.”
Emma Stewart, senior product executive, MyTravel
“The hotel has lots of facilities to offer children and the elderly. The indoor pool overlooks the outdoor pool and the beach and isn’t tucked away in the basement. Both pool areas were very clean. The rooms are spacious and tasteful. The choice of restaurants is good, especially the oriental restaurant. The Nubar is trendy and is an ideal venue for pre-dinner drinks.”
Claire Buckland, buying manager, British Airways Holidays
“The flexi-dining options here are really good; it’s surprising, as other five-star hotels can be restrictive. Guests on half-board can eat in any of the hotel restaurants. I would recommend Asiachi – the food was fantastic and they used top ingredients such as saffron and foie gras. It’s one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in Cyprus.”
Russell Fleming, call centre manager, Olympic Holidays
Hotel review: Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel, Cyprus
The fixtures and fittings in the rooms seem out-dated and the overall décor of the hotel is classic rather than contemporary – though this is in keeping with the tastes of its older clientele.
The Nubar cocktail bar looks more modern, with white leather retro chairs and blue-glass walls, but live entertainment – a man at a keyboard singing classics like Lady in Red – is dated.
Oriental restaurant Asiachi, with red glass windows, subtle lighting, dark furniture and a mosaic tiled bar, serves exceptional food. We ate 12 dishes, including deep fried prawns with wasabi, mayonnaise and salmon caviar – all delicious and exquisitely presented.
The spa has a Turkish-style hammam, three treatment rooms and a whirlpool bath, and there is a wide range of treatments and a well-equipped gym. Unfortunately it lacks the atmosphere of competitors such as Aphrodite Hills and Le Meridien in Limassol.
The outdoor pool is surrounded by palm trees, lawn areas and shaded seating. There is a pool especially for kids and a poolside bar, and tons of space for sun loungers. Pool attendants are constantly there to serve drinks.
The beach is disappointing but Paphos is not renowned for its beaches – and most of the guests seemed content with the pools.
Facilities: 273 rooms and suites, six restaurants, gym, spa, three bars, four conference centres, hairdressing salon, watersports centre and souvenir shop.
Location: About 20 minutes drive from Paphos airport (see the location on Google Maps)
Verdict: 4 / 5
Book through: All major tour operators.
