Reviews of Athena Beach Hotel, Paphos, Cyprus

We stayed at the Athena Beach...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs M Heggarty

Comments:

We stayed at the Athena Beach for 2 weeks and we got married in Paphos on our second week. On first impression we were expecting a little something more for our money (with it being a 4 star +).



Even though we had paid extra for a room upgrade (with full sea view) it resembled most travel-lodges that I have stayed in the UK. We spoke to reception and they told us that apart from a suite - this was the best room they had available because the hotel was full.



We decided to unpack and make the most of it and quickly came to realise that the hotel and its facilities were very good. Breakfasts had plenty of choice, with everything anyone could possibly imagine.



The staff were helpful and there were always plenty of sunbeds by the pool and in the gardens. It never seemed over-crowded.



All in all, we had a great time at the Athena Beach. The rooms are a little dated, but they are always kept clean by the maids on a daily basis. The hotel is within easy walk from most amenities, restaurants, bars, shops etc...

Just returned from a week in...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Crighton

Comments:

Just returned from a week in Paphos. Stayed at Athena Beach hotel and it was very enjoyable.



Hotel is set in a great location with the beach seconds away and restaurants for everyone's taste within short walking distance. Hotel is kept very clean and there are always beds available by the pool.



Staff are very friendly in hotel and always on hand should you require anything. This is in keeping with people in Cyprus in general with everyone being as friendly as you could imagine.



Only ate in hotel for breakfast and food was decent, I’ve had better cooked breakfasts, although there is plenty of other choices.



Slight downside was our room looked out onto a busy road and not the pool, but other than this the room had everything you could hope for, fridge, safe etc.



This hotel suits all types of holiday makers from families and couples to young people. Seems to be a popular location for weddings!



Overall a very enjoyable holiday and I would recommend it to anyone.

Not too impressed with the...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs J Housley

Comments:

Not too impressed with the Thomas Cook booking service in Plymouth, but everything sorted out by the resort rep.



The Hotel was fantastic. Have no faults to find at all. The service was excellent but unobtrusive, and the breakfast...



Didn't know much about Paphos before we booked but were delighted to find it was a World Heritage site for archaeology and entrance fees are inexpensive.



The local people were friendly and welcoming, but many of them have a great hatred of the Turks in the North, and are not shy about voicing this, which I found very disturbing.



Not very impressed with Paphos airport at departure. One check-in girl looked at her watch and closed down, leaving her queue to regroup. Once checked in we then had to queue for passport control and security.



Despite having 5 desks only one was staffed, and we had to queue for approximately 1.5 hours. As soon as we were through our flight was called, and without opportunity to buy duty free or water, etc. we were put into a 'holding pen' for some time as our flight was late!



Speaking to a regular user of the airport, this is not an unusual occurrence, so travellers; go prepared with drinks and mosquito spray for the long wait.

A second visit to the Athena in...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr R Barnes

Comments:

A second visit to the Athena in recent years. The hotel and facilities are very well kept and the staff at all levels are superb. The food has a fair variety and is of the open buffet style with plenty of choice to suit all tastes. We booked B&B only then took the up-grade option for three nights at £8 per night once we checked in, (about equivalent to eating out in the many local restaurants).



Plenty of bars, shops and eating houses within a few minutes walking distance, and with five separate holidays in the last 4 years in Paphos, Cyprus, I am still trying to find a bad one.



Taxis always available and regular buses to visit the harbour (taxi £5, bus 50cents). Approx 8 mins traveling time or 20-25 mins steady stroll.

We booked First Choice Flight...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs S Cleaver

Comments:

We booked First Choice Flight Only and booked the hotel via expedia. The hotel sent a taxi to pick us up from the airport (prearranged by ringing the hotel) It was a 15 minute drive from the airport but the planes were not a problem near the hotel.



The breakfast was very good. There was lots of good quality food, more choice than I could imagine and catered for everybody. Despite the hotel being fully booked, it was never manic and we went in at lots of different times (between 7 and 10) on different days. The lunch time food available was adequate (if not brilliant) salads and hot food available and we ate there happily. I am glad we chose B&B, the evening food menu looked limited and not at all interesting.



From the little we saw, the hotel evening entertainment looked dire (although many people seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves!). The hotel is big enough not to have to be part of it.



There was an area with 10 or more restaurants and tavernas within an easy 5 minute walk catering for many different tastes we ate at 5 different restaurants there and enjoyed them all for different reasons. On average we were paying about £35 a night for 3 of us to eat including drinks.



The harbour and main town (with many many more eateries) was about 20-25 minutes walk away or £4CYP in a taxi. The bus went that way too. There were ample taxis to hail at any time.



We stayed in a Sea-view double room with an extra (put-me-up type) bed for a 7 year old. It was big enough for us (after I rearranged the furniture a little) with plenty of storage space which made things easy enough. The bathroom was also up to 4 star (UK) standard. The balcony was plenty big enough for 3 with a lovely view. Everything was clean, fresh and in good working order. The empty fridge was a god-send for keeping water and wine/beer in. Some rooms that only had 2 windows (ours had 3) looked smaller.



There was a shop in the hotel which had more than enough of what you might need at acceptable prices. It was open for long hours too. But there were also local shops within a 10 minute walk.



The many different pool areas were very good, there were plenty of sun beds and shade (there was an indoor pool and jacuzzi that was open by large doors to the outdoor area too). We always got somewhere acceptable to sit despite not reserving beds with towels at 5am everyday (which a lot of people seemed to). The free use of as many Health Club towels as you wanted for the beach and pools was very good.



The beach was adequate and looked good compared to many others in that area.



There was also a gym, tennis, golf, playground which we didn't use and table-tennis and pool tables which we did.



I would not have wanted to stay in a room that wasn't a sea-view. The view over the road may not have been too bad or noisy but a lower floor room over the car park and where the transfer buses were would have been awful.



We also paid £27CYP for a 6pm check-out which was well worth the extra money - I suggest you arrange this in advance as the hotel were doubtful when we arrived about whether we could have it.



The waitresses in the bar were slow and surly and when I complained they were most displeased, but why sit in a bar when you have a shop selling cheaper beer, a fridge, a couple of candles and a private balcony with a lovely view.



We hired a car, it was delivered to the hotel and there was always a space to park it.



This is an ideal hotel for families with children aged 3 to 12.

Overall I was happy with this hotel. I would stay in it again but would still go B&B only. (I particularly liked that they did not do all-inclusive - I think this has a bearing on the type of people staying at the hotel - I was happy). It is what you would expect from a larger quality 4 star hotel, no local character but a great base.



I would not recommend First Choice (although I guess they are the same as most other tour operators and it just depends on your luck on the day) and I would strongly recommend you avoid Pafos airport on a Wednesday.

Booked this holiday with First...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs G Waddell

Comments:

Booked this holiday with First Choice on the internet, where the price was much cheaper than competitors Thomson. Have been very impressed with the service received from First Choice and would use again in preference to Thomson who we usually book with.



On arrival at the Hotel after a short coach transfer, the checking in procedure was made very easy by the proficiency of the staff at the hotel. Every staff member was polite and helpful.



The Hotel itself has a beautiful pool area which has plenty of sun beds! The room is basic but comfortable.



We only had breakfast but it was good. There are plenty of restaurants nearby for dinner.

Weather great.



All in all, a fab holiday and we are planning to return next year!

This hotel was beautiful from...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss T Nicholls

Comments:

This hotel was beautiful from the outset. The lobby area was gorgeous nice and clean and welcoming. The staff at reception were helpful and friendly. Large rooms with twin beds and my room had a lovely terrace leading on to well maintained gardens.



The hotel was right on the sea front with a reasonable beach. Although to the front of the hotel there is a main road the noise was minimal.



The food was served buffet style for breakfast and evening meal. The dining area large clean and well staffed. The food was well topped up and of a varied choice. The restaurant did offer theme nights too.



The swimming pool although looked very inviting i never actually used being as my holiday was in the cooler January month. One outside pool is heating so is quite warm during the cooler spells.



The hotel also offers a nice indoor pool and spa, although the pool and Jacuzzi were not all that warm.



Hope you enjoy.

We have been to the Athena Beach...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss C Seekings

Comments:

We have been to the Athena Beach a couple of times now, and have always had a fantastic time. The Hotel is lovely... right on the beach, and you have a choice of lounging round the pool, on the grass under the palms, or on the beach itself!.

We have always found it to be really relaxing!



Food is also pretty good, especially the breakfasts! you can literally take your pick of whatever you want!



The hotel is in an ideal location - near to lots of restaurants and bars, and about 20 minutes walk from the town centre - where there are lots more bars and restaurants.

We would definitely recommend it!

This was our second visit to...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Argo Holidays

Submitted By:

Bloggs15

Comments:

This was our second visit to Paphos and the Athena Beach

This hotel continues to be excellent value for money.



The staff at Athena Beach are very helpful and friendly, the rooms are very well equipped and everything is kept very clean and well maintained . We will certainly return here and we would recommend this hotel to anyone.



The hotel is in one of the best positions in the area with several other hotels right on the shore the grounds are lovely and there are excellent views which are particularly good at sunset.



There is quite a nice beach, it is man made but doesn't look it , its kept very clean and is great for sunbathing but getting into the water directly from the beach is a bit tricky with lots of rocks just under the surface. All of the hotels have pontoons which go out to the deeper water so the stronger swimmers can get in without having to tackle the rocks but for the weaker swimmers or kids the 3 swimming pools are a better bet.



There's a path that runs along the shoreline through all of the hotels and into Paphos harbour, it takes a gentle 25 to 30 minutes to walk into Paphos and its a really nice walk for an evening, but go before dark because there is small section (about 150 yards) which is unlit and crosses a bit of rough ground. Alternatively you can walk along the road which has lots of tavernas and restaurants to tempt you. Or take the frequent and cheap bus which takes about 5 minutes to the harbour. The only problem we find at meal times is deciding which of the many good and cheap restaurants to eat in.



We recommend the Almond Tree in Paphos town , its a little pricier than most but the food , atmosphere, and staff are fantastic. Also St Georges tavern is well worth a visit, this is a family run restaurant on a small holding just a short taxi ride outside of town, . The food is a set menu local meze which is made from all home grown organic produce , they just keep bringing out the dishes until you say stop, then there is dessert !! and their own organic wines which are fantastic and its cheap too.

Paphos is an excellent resort...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss A K Reeves

Comments:

Paphos is an excellent resort for those who don't like partying till they drop. Even off peak there is plenty to do & see. It is a very safe place to holiday.



The Athena Beach Hotel has excellent swimming and bowling facilities which would be hard to match. The breakfast is one of the best I've had at a hotel. The staff are very helpful and friendly. This Hotel offers very good value for money.



The flights with First Choice were very good apart from the seats that were on the hard side for a four & half hour flight.



One tip, take plenty of cash as most shops charge between 3 & 5% for credit cards.

Return visit to this Hotel, and...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Jones

Comments:

Return visit to this Hotel, and we were not disappointed. Sometimes when you pay a second visit, it is not the same. In the case of the Athena Beach, it was just as good as last year. The service and staff was second to none. From the managers thro to the domestic staff.



They could not do enough for my husband and myself. Unlike last year, we went in September, there was not a lot of evening eating around the pool, this was a shame, but the weather was a little chilly and too windy for this. The room , with a sea view , was first class, and the food just as good as last year. We would recommend this hotel to anyone.

Myself, my fiancé and 5 family...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2005

Tour Operator:

Amathus

Submitted By:

Mrs R McCue

Comments:

Myself, my fiancé and 5 family members spent two weeks staying at the Athena Beach Hotel and found the service second to none. This holiday was extra special as in the second week we took our wedding vows at the Town Hall, Paphos. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and no request was too much. This was most useful as we rarely saw our Amathus holiday rep who, had we not seen about the wedding, would have thought was as real as Mr Kipling! On arrival we were greeted with a warm welcome, upgraded sea-view room free champagne and fruit. The matre de carried out luggage whilst we adjusted to our setting. The hotel was wonderfully clean, and events well organised and the restaurant was superb with the headwaiter running a highly efficient team of waiters and chefs. The food, each night a different theme, was wonderfully tasty with numerous choices for the most sticklers of tradition - my parents - meat and two veg with traditional puddings nestled alongside fresh fish dishes and an array of fruit. The only disappointment was the lack of evening entertainment with the poolside left bare in favour of intimate shows in the highly priced bar.

Holiday was excellent, from food...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2004

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mrs L Smart

Comments:

Holiday was excellent, from food staff and setting. Little extras in the room like fridge, ironing board, hairdryer, everything was thought of. Not forgetting the spotless pools and the lovely grounds no fighting for sun beds and parasols here. Drinks were good my favourite was the Athena Beach champagne cocktail, you must try one. Evening entertainment was good theme nights and the BBQ was well worth going to. Would definitely recommend this hotel and can’t wait to go back again.