Helios Bay Apartments, Paphos, Cyprus
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £43
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
This self catering accommodation has a relaxed atmosphere and all the comforts and facilities of a hotel. Set on the beach (accessed via a path), between Paphos and Coral Bay. Shops, bars and restaurants are close by and Paphos harbour is approximately 6km away. loading...
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Helios Bay Apartments Reviews
" WHAT A FABULOUS PLACE!!!! "
Submitted By: rodney9673
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A QUITE RELAXING WONDERFULLY SPREAD CHILL-OUT HOLIDAY THEN THIS IS IT!!!! I'VE HAD THE PLACES WITH LOUD MUSIC AND CONTINOUS NOISE AND DID NOT WANT IT THIS TIME. I'M NOT ASHAMED AT BEING 'OLD' AND THERE ARE SEVERAL PLACES IN CYPRUS FOR THE YOUNG TO HAVE A REALLY GREAT TIME. I DID WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. THE HOTEL APARTMENTS ARE NOT 'DEAD', MERELY QUIET AND ALL RUNS SMOOTHLY WITH NO FUSS.
RICOS, THE MANAGING DIRECTOR EVEN TOOK OUR BAGS TO THE ROOM-A FAMILY RUN COMPLEX WITH A VERY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE. ALL THE STAFF ARE GREAT. THE WEATHER WAS TERRIFIC. IF YOU WANT A MEAL IN THE 'SNACK BAR' IT'S SUFFICIENT. JUST OUTSIDE YOU HAVE A SELECTION OF INDIAN. ITALIAN, GERMAN. VENETIAN AND ENGLISH CUISINE. I HAD TWO OF THE BEST MEALS EVER IN THE WISDOM AND SIENNA RESTAURANTS. THE HOTEL HAS A MINI SUPERMARKET 24 HRS FOR BASIC NEEDS AND THERE IS A LARGER ONE 100 YARDS AWAY. THE BUSES STOP OUTSIDE THE COMPLEX EVERY 15 MINUTES BOTH WAYS, TO PAPHOS TOWN AND CORAL BAY FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT.WE WENT IN OCTOBER BECAUSE THE HEAT IS LESS-STILL 30%C PLENTY ENOUGH TO LIE ON A SUN BED-FREE AND LISTEN TO THE SEA LAPPING ON THE SAND. THE GARDENS GO ON FOREVER AND THERE IS A POOL SUFFICIENT TO SWIM A BIT. THE BEACH IS NOT GREAT BUT WITH THE POOL AND GARDENS YOU REALLY DON'T NEED IT. ONE POINT BEFORE I FORGET THE AIR-CONDITIONING IS FREE-IT COST SOME OF OUR FRIENDS OVER £100 FOR A TWO WEEK STAY IN ANOTHER HOTEL IN PAPHOS. BE CAREFUL OF THE EXTRAS. THE ONLY ONE IN THE HELIOS WAS 8 EUROS FOR A SAFE FOR THE WEEK. POEPLE WERE COMING BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR TO THE HELIOS. I CAN SEE WHY. IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO FULLY RELAX.
ROD LEE
MANY THANKS TO ALL AT THE HELIOS
RICOS, THE MANAGING DIRECTOR EVEN TOOK OUR BAGS TO THE ROOM-A FAMILY RUN COMPLEX WITH A VERY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE. ALL THE STAFF ARE GREAT. THE WEATHER WAS TERRIFIC. IF YOU WANT A MEAL IN THE 'SNACK BAR' IT'S SUFFICIENT. JUST OUTSIDE YOU HAVE A SELECTION OF INDIAN. ITALIAN, GERMAN. VENETIAN AND ENGLISH CUISINE. I HAD TWO OF THE BEST MEALS EVER IN THE WISDOM AND SIENNA RESTAURANTS. THE HOTEL HAS A MINI SUPERMARKET 24 HRS FOR BASIC NEEDS AND THERE IS A LARGER ONE 100 YARDS AWAY. THE BUSES STOP OUTSIDE THE COMPLEX EVERY 15 MINUTES BOTH WAYS, TO PAPHOS TOWN AND CORAL BAY FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT.WE WENT IN OCTOBER BECAUSE THE HEAT IS LESS-STILL 30%C PLENTY ENOUGH TO LIE ON A SUN BED-FREE AND LISTEN TO THE SEA LAPPING ON THE SAND. THE GARDENS GO ON FOREVER AND THERE IS A POOL SUFFICIENT TO SWIM A BIT. THE BEACH IS NOT GREAT BUT WITH THE POOL AND GARDENS YOU REALLY DON'T NEED IT. ONE POINT BEFORE I FORGET THE AIR-CONDITIONING IS FREE-IT COST SOME OF OUR FRIENDS OVER £100 FOR A TWO WEEK STAY IN ANOTHER HOTEL IN PAPHOS. BE CAREFUL OF THE EXTRAS. THE ONLY ONE IN THE HELIOS WAS 8 EUROS FOR A SAFE FOR THE WEEK. POEPLE WERE COMING BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR TO THE HELIOS. I CAN SEE WHY. IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO FULLY RELAX.
ROD LEE
MANY THANKS TO ALL AT THE HELIOS
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Great for a larger Family "
Submitted By: elkint
We have just returned from a holiday at Helios bay late October 2008 with my wife and 2 boys (aged 13 and 8). As my boys are getting bigger we needed a 2 bedroom villa and this is what we booked with Thomas Cook.
I have to say 2 bedroom properties are few and far between abroad unless you want to pay through the nose, however we were very pleasantly surprised on arrival as the Villa we were allocated was super, A large living room / Diner with 2 large bed setee's both of which were sprung ones not the block of foam type. Plus we had a double bedroom and a twin bedroom. A drive way which would easily fit 2 cars and a small garden complete with both lemon and oliver trees in full bloom.
I have to commend the cleaning staff who were thet best we have come across and they cleaned the accommodation on 6 out of 7 days with only sunday off, this was first class as they did a thorough job including a sweep, mop and fresh towels and bedding each day, superb.
The setting is beautiful and right on the beach which is literally less than 100 yards away across the immaculate gardens. There is a small beach right at the villas but Coral bay is a better bet for families and a very steady sloping sand out to sea so very safe, can get choppy which is very good fun for the bigger children even big enough waves for body boarding.
Weather was superb apart from a couple of hours when there was a downpour which went as fastas it came.
We went to water parks at both Paphos (Aphrodite) and Limassol (Fasouri) and have to say that although Limassol is the bigger park the Paphos one was much nicer and family friendly being much tighter and closed in.
We hired a Suzuki 4x4 soft top for the week get a deal in Paphos itself as we saved (€200) against what the rep had to offer with Avis.
I must say a car at this accommodation is the best alternative as a cab to Paphos harbour is €15 and Coral bay is €10, the bus is €1.50 adults and €1 children in either direction and run every 20 minutes or so but can get crowded.
Pool area very nice setting and gardens second to none lots of sun loungers in garden and by the pool always available.
All in all the accommodation was great but there is no entertainment either day or night so don't expect any.
Cyprus is lovely but is expensive which is a trade off as it is relatively cheap to go and stay there (around €70 - €100 for an evening meal 2 courses with a coupls of drinks each).
Would i recommend this accommodation, YES 100%.
I have to say 2 bedroom properties are few and far between abroad unless you want to pay through the nose, however we were very pleasantly surprised on arrival as the Villa we were allocated was super, A large living room / Diner with 2 large bed setee's both of which were sprung ones not the block of foam type. Plus we had a double bedroom and a twin bedroom. A drive way which would easily fit 2 cars and a small garden complete with both lemon and oliver trees in full bloom.
I have to commend the cleaning staff who were thet best we have come across and they cleaned the accommodation on 6 out of 7 days with only sunday off, this was first class as they did a thorough job including a sweep, mop and fresh towels and bedding each day, superb.
The setting is beautiful and right on the beach which is literally less than 100 yards away across the immaculate gardens. There is a small beach right at the villas but Coral bay is a better bet for families and a very steady sloping sand out to sea so very safe, can get choppy which is very good fun for the bigger children even big enough waves for body boarding.
Weather was superb apart from a couple of hours when there was a downpour which went as fastas it came.
We went to water parks at both Paphos (Aphrodite) and Limassol (Fasouri) and have to say that although Limassol is the bigger park the Paphos one was much nicer and family friendly being much tighter and closed in.
We hired a Suzuki 4x4 soft top for the week get a deal in Paphos itself as we saved (€200) against what the rep had to offer with Avis.
I must say a car at this accommodation is the best alternative as a cab to Paphos harbour is €15 and Coral bay is €10, the bus is €1.50 adults and €1 children in either direction and run every 20 minutes or so but can get crowded.
Pool area very nice setting and gardens second to none lots of sun loungers in garden and by the pool always available.
All in all the accommodation was great but there is no entertainment either day or night so don't expect any.
Cyprus is lovely but is expensive which is a trade off as it is relatively cheap to go and stay there (around €70 - €100 for an evening meal 2 courses with a coupls of drinks each).
Would i recommend this accommodation, YES 100%.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" My wife and I have been holidaying at... "
Submitted By: Mr R Briggs
My wife and I have been holidaying at Helios since 1994 and we have also had holidays there with our children and grand children. We meet up with many other couples who also return year after year.
It is peaceful, clean with a lovely pool area and garden with all amenities closeby. Occasionally entertainment is provided but overall the atmosphere is one of relaxation which suits us. There are excellent restaurants within a couple of minutes walk catering for all tastes. Buses are frequent, fares reasonable and on time, going both to Coral Bay and Paphos town and harbour.
Helios is a family run hotel-apartments that offers a high standard of service. In our experience all staff have been cheerful and more than willing to make our stay as pleasant as possible. The owners and extended family are welcoming, friendly and always ready to assist in any way to make the holiday a happy one.
Our family will continue to go back to Helios and always look forward to meeting up with the many friends, both Cypriot and British that we have made over the years.
It is peaceful, clean with a lovely pool area and garden with all amenities closeby. Occasionally entertainment is provided but overall the atmosphere is one of relaxation which suits us. There are excellent restaurants within a couple of minutes walk catering for all tastes. Buses are frequent, fares reasonable and on time, going both to Coral Bay and Paphos town and harbour.
Helios is a family run hotel-apartments that offers a high standard of service. In our experience all staff have been cheerful and more than willing to make our stay as pleasant as possible. The owners and extended family are welcoming, friendly and always ready to assist in any way to make the holiday a happy one.
Our family will continue to go back to Helios and always look forward to meeting up with the many friends, both Cypriot and British that we have made over the years.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I have just returned from Helios Bay... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Morrison
I have just returned from Helios Bay Hotel Appartments, it was my 10th time. In previous years I have been with my husband and two sons but due to unfortunate circumstances I needed a week to chill out alone so I went to Helios. It is a family run business and over the years I have got to know them very well and it was like going home, I was made very welcome and didnt feel at all lonely. The whole complex is just wonderful, staff very friendly and meticulously clean. There is everything you could need in a holiday, pool, pool bar, beach, tavernas, minimart. Many of the guests you talk to say they have been before and the rest say they will go again. I really cant rate if highly enough, I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else in Cyprus.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" Just back from a week at this... "
Submitted By: Mr ROBERT OWEN
Just back from a week at this resort,and i have to say i was disappointed with the staff and accommodations,we were supposed to have a sea view which we did not have,and it seems to be run by some sort of mafia like family,very grumpy and uncommunicative. if you don't like running your hotel get another job i would suggest.if i were to go back to this area i would go to the coral bay area.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We stayed at the Helios for 2 weeks... "
Submitted By: kenwood54
We stayed at the Helios for 2 weeks in a second floor one bedroom apartment over looking the pool and had a wonderful sea view . The apartments are a little out dated but are clean , which to me is the main thing . The maids came every day but on a Sunday they only emptied the bins . The hotel has a barbeque on a Monday night and is worth going to for 12 Euro each , we went on both Mondays , this is the only entertainment they have . .The hotel is very quiet and you could always get a sun bed if needed one . They have well kept gardens you can sun bath here rather than around the pool . We did a lot of walking we found it cooler to walk than sit under a sun bed ,one day we walked onto the Tomb of the kings which took us a couple of hours or more . if you visit the Tombs make sure you take plenty of water with you , it is very hot and no shelter .they do not sell water in there . after seeing the tombs we had our lunch across the road in a taverna then caught the bus back. The bus stop is right outside the hotel which we found very handy for going into Paphos or Coral Bay the cost of just 1.35 Euro. The Hotel has a 24 hour small supermarket we used this just when we ran out of small items like milk or bread , the rest of the time we used the large supermarket in Paphos behind the harbour , opposite Debenhams , it sells everything and is much cheaper . We had a wonderful holiday and will return maybe not in July is was a little too hot for us .
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We stayed at the Helios for 2 weeks... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Delaney
We stayed at the Helios for 2 weeks in a second floor one bedroom apartment over looking the pool and had a wonderful sea view . The apartments are a little out dated but are clean which to me is the main thing . The maids came every day but on a Sunday they only emptied the bins . The hotel has a barbeque on a Monday night and is worth going to for 12 Euro each we went on both Mondays , this is the only entertainment they have . The hotel is very quiet and you could always get a sun bed if needed one , the pool is cleaned every day. We did a lot of walking we found it cooler to walk than sit under a sun bed ,one day we walked onto the Tomb of the kings which took us a couple of hours or more then caught the bus back after seeing the tombs. if you visit the tombs make sure you take plenty of water it was very hot and they do not sell water in there You can easy get to Paphos or Coral Bay by bus for just 1.35 Euro , the bus stop is just outside the hotel .The Hotel has a 24 hours shop which we found very handy when we ran out of milk etc , we use to go into Paphos to shop, there is a very large supermarket there just behind the harbour opposite Debenhams , they sell everything and is much cheaper than the two small supermarkets by the hotel . We had a wonderful holiday and will return
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:uloolubook
" My then fiancé stayed there when I... "
Submitted By: Mr G Foard
My then fiancé stayed there when I was best man at a friends wedding and staying in Paphos.
I visited Helios Bay and loved it's relaxing slow pace and gardens running down to the beach and sea.
We booked there the next holiday and after communicating with the proprietor was given a courtesy of having one of the lower terrace rooms looking directly onto the sea.
It may be 3 star but I could never fault the politeness and service. Even with children there it was so quiet on the lower terrace.
A guaranteed place to unwind and only 10 minutes by crazy cabbies into Paphos.
I visited Helios Bay and loved it's relaxing slow pace and gardens running down to the beach and sea.
We booked there the next holiday and after communicating with the proprietor was given a courtesy of having one of the lower terrace rooms looking directly onto the sea.
It may be 3 star but I could never fault the politeness and service. Even with children there it was so quiet on the lower terrace.
A guaranteed place to unwind and only 10 minutes by crazy cabbies into Paphos.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" we got this holiday on a last minute... "
Submitted By: Mr M Briggs
we got this holiday on a last minute deal as a allocated on arrival,we saw rep at airport who said we were at helios bay hotel,we had prebooked a 4 wheel drive car to pick up and drop of at airport(recomended).found our way to hotel on coral bay road,as we had not been to this hotel before we did not know what to expect.Hotel is small(only 64 rooms)but in a fantastic position just near small beach,beautifull sea views from most rooms,which were kept very clean(maid service 6 days a week),furniture could do with a bit of an update but no complaints,air con did not work very well so i just mentioned it to reception and a couple of days later we got back from day out and behold,a brand new system had been put in(well done helios).Swimming was was very clean,plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas, snack bar and resturant all in one next to pool very clean beautiful views of the sea, only had 1 meal which was a cyprus night evening but food and service was very good quality. Hotel position about 5km from harbour and about 5km from coral bay beach(best in area) bus stop outside hotel but would recommend having own car as sitting waiting for buses in heat would be too much. Gardens at hotel were really well planted, two gardeners seem to be working on it everyday, hotel being small it was very quiet but would recommend this hotel to couples and families who want a quiet relaxing holiday in a very clean and friendly hotel. Paphos itself is well worth visiting for its historical sites, its harbour, plenty of resturants, and plenty of bars. If you want to go on a boat trip from harbour would strongly recommend going on the Wave Dancer, they do full or half day trips, cyprus nights, firework nights ect. If you go on Wave Dancer speak to Magdy the captain or Mohamed and just say Rachael sends her regards and you MIGHT get a free drink.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" this is a frantic hotel its great i... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Green
this is a frantic hotel its great i have been 3 times and loved it can`t wait to go back when my baby is older my son loved it the staff are great and my husbands grandparents go every year and they all so send a Xmas card every year to all in all a really friendly and family hotel
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" We booked Helios Bay looking for a... "
Submitted By:
We booked Helios Bay looking for a quiet relaxing break by the beach and that is exactly what we got. The accommodation was clean, spacious and cleaned daily. Pool and gardens clean and well maintained.
We ate breakfast and lunch at the pool bar every day, food was good with a reasonable choice of meals and snacks. Staff are polite and helpful. As we were there at the end of September, there were few families, mainly over 40's which meant it was pretty quiet. Plenty of sunbeds by the pool, in the gardens and on the beach.
Helios Bay is located between Coral Bay and Paphos with a frequent bus service between the 2, the bus stop is right outside. Helios Bay put on a BBQ/music/karaoke on a Monday, other bars have entertainment on other nights. There are a number of restaurants minutes away from Helios Bay, all of which are worth trying. Sienna next to Helios Bay is particularly good, though it does get busy. There are a couple of restaurants up the road by the side of the Indian restaurant, we ate in the first one twice, typical local food, not very expensive, very tasty and seems to be popular with the locals.
Would we recommend Helios Bay?.... if you are looking for somewhere quiet to unwind for a week, definitely!
We ate breakfast and lunch at the pool bar every day, food was good with a reasonable choice of meals and snacks. Staff are polite and helpful. As we were there at the end of September, there were few families, mainly over 40's which meant it was pretty quiet. Plenty of sunbeds by the pool, in the gardens and on the beach.
Helios Bay is located between Coral Bay and Paphos with a frequent bus service between the 2, the bus stop is right outside. Helios Bay put on a BBQ/music/karaoke on a Monday, other bars have entertainment on other nights. There are a number of restaurants minutes away from Helios Bay, all of which are worth trying. Sienna next to Helios Bay is particularly good, though it does get busy. There are a couple of restaurants up the road by the side of the Indian restaurant, we ate in the first one twice, typical local food, not very expensive, very tasty and seems to be popular with the locals.
Would we recommend Helios Bay?.... if you are looking for somewhere quiet to unwind for a week, definitely!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We have used this accommodation for... "
Submitted By: Mr B Abbott
We have used this accommodation for most of our visits to Cyprus and have been very satisfied. However, last year and this year we have noticed a definite deterioration in attitude to customers.
Although the establishment advertises use of the lawned area it appears that they are not happy that you prefer this area to the pool area. They insist on cutting the lawned area during sunbathing hours and also put on the sprays.
The Managing director tries to help but they are determined to keep the lawned / garden areas to a standard without thought for the residents.
The apartments are kept very clean with maid service 6 days per week, with regular changes of linen and towels. However the apartments are now in need of an update and some investment, which does not appear to be forthcoming.
The apartments are good, clean, and well maintained but need a change in attitude and update.
Although the establishment advertises use of the lawned area it appears that they are not happy that you prefer this area to the pool area. They insist on cutting the lawned area during sunbathing hours and also put on the sprays.
The Managing director tries to help but they are determined to keep the lawned / garden areas to a standard without thought for the residents.
The apartments are kept very clean with maid service 6 days per week, with regular changes of linen and towels. However the apartments are now in need of an update and some investment, which does not appear to be forthcoming.
The apartments are good, clean, and well maintained but need a change in attitude and update.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We arrived very late at night to be... "
Submitted By: Mr R Stevens
We arrived very late at night to be met by Peter the night porter, a very friendly polish chap who was an absolutely excellent host and immediately showed us to our room and then opened the bar in the reception for us so we could have a relaxing nightcap and a chat before retiring for the night.
We awoke the following morning to beautiful views across a very well kept garden looking out to sea, we then proceeded to inspect our accommodation which we found to be very clean but quite dated and in need of some re-decoration, however, at least the bath had been given a fresh coat of white gloss, (no I’m not joking they had painted the bath). We then went for a walk along the beach which is at the end of the garden and found this to be quite rocky but nice sandy areas could be found and there is a very nice pathway along the coast which is ideal for a gentle stroll.
We then had a nice breakfast at the pool side snack bar which we found to be reasonably priced with very good service while it was open, unfortunately it was closed from about five o clock most evenings and the advertised Cypriot barbecue and entertainment didn't happen, when we asked the owner about this we were told that it was too early in the season. So if you wanted a drink before going out for dinner the only choice you had was the bar in the rather small reception area where there is a very large TV which does nothing for the atmosphere.
As you leave the hotel to your right there is an extremely good restaurant immediately next door and another quite good one next door to that, next is a car/scooter hire shop then a small supermarket and then a pub that has some live entertainment a couple of nights a week which we found to be quite good. There are a couple of small tavernas in the other direction on the opposite side of the road but unfortunately this is all you have nearby, although while we were there a restaurant was being built directly opposite the hotel so that may be open by now.
There are bus stops right outside the hotel heading in both directions to Coral bay and Paphos with a good cheap service during the day but in the evening you will probably need to get a taxi which will cost you around 10 euros to either destination.
Paphos has a very nice little harbour with some nice restaurants overlooking the sea and lots of gift shops. Various boat trips can be found day and night but you will be pestered by the time share brigade. Coral bay is quite a lively place with some good restaurants and plenty of bars but unfortunately they are mostly full of drunken English holidaymakers, luckily I only had to break up one fight whilst I was there.
We hired a jeep and travelled around quite a bit finding some very nice little villages away from the Paphos area and took an organised excursion to Famagusta which was very pleasant and informative, we also took a hot air balloon ride which was fantastic although quite expensive, (140 euros each) and we hired a speed boat for a couple of hours from the harbour in Paphos which was very enjoyable.
If you are looking for a bit of luxury this hotel is probably not for you, however if you are looking for cheap and basic accommodation with a nice pool then you will not be disappointed.
Having visited the Greek islands many times, my wife and I were hoping to find that fantastic Greek hospitality but unfortunately it was not in abundance in Paphos or Coral bay which are more like English seaside towns with karaoke bars/discos and live English football matches on enormous TV screens night and day.
All in all we had a relaxing enjoyable stay here but if we were ever to return which I don’t think we will we would probably spend a little more on a better hotel with better facilities, many of which can be found nearby.
We awoke the following morning to beautiful views across a very well kept garden looking out to sea, we then proceeded to inspect our accommodation which we found to be very clean but quite dated and in need of some re-decoration, however, at least the bath had been given a fresh coat of white gloss, (no I’m not joking they had painted the bath). We then went for a walk along the beach which is at the end of the garden and found this to be quite rocky but nice sandy areas could be found and there is a very nice pathway along the coast which is ideal for a gentle stroll.
We then had a nice breakfast at the pool side snack bar which we found to be reasonably priced with very good service while it was open, unfortunately it was closed from about five o clock most evenings and the advertised Cypriot barbecue and entertainment didn't happen, when we asked the owner about this we were told that it was too early in the season. So if you wanted a drink before going out for dinner the only choice you had was the bar in the rather small reception area where there is a very large TV which does nothing for the atmosphere.
As you leave the hotel to your right there is an extremely good restaurant immediately next door and another quite good one next door to that, next is a car/scooter hire shop then a small supermarket and then a pub that has some live entertainment a couple of nights a week which we found to be quite good. There are a couple of small tavernas in the other direction on the opposite side of the road but unfortunately this is all you have nearby, although while we were there a restaurant was being built directly opposite the hotel so that may be open by now.
There are bus stops right outside the hotel heading in both directions to Coral bay and Paphos with a good cheap service during the day but in the evening you will probably need to get a taxi which will cost you around 10 euros to either destination.
Paphos has a very nice little harbour with some nice restaurants overlooking the sea and lots of gift shops. Various boat trips can be found day and night but you will be pestered by the time share brigade. Coral bay is quite a lively place with some good restaurants and plenty of bars but unfortunately they are mostly full of drunken English holidaymakers, luckily I only had to break up one fight whilst I was there.
We hired a jeep and travelled around quite a bit finding some very nice little villages away from the Paphos area and took an organised excursion to Famagusta which was very pleasant and informative, we also took a hot air balloon ride which was fantastic although quite expensive, (140 euros each) and we hired a speed boat for a couple of hours from the harbour in Paphos which was very enjoyable.
If you are looking for a bit of luxury this hotel is probably not for you, however if you are looking for cheap and basic accommodation with a nice pool then you will not be disappointed.
Having visited the Greek islands many times, my wife and I were hoping to find that fantastic Greek hospitality but unfortunately it was not in abundance in Paphos or Coral bay which are more like English seaside towns with karaoke bars/discos and live English football matches on enormous TV screens night and day.
All in all we had a relaxing enjoyable stay here but if we were ever to return which I don’t think we will we would probably spend a little more on a better hotel with better facilities, many of which can be found nearby.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Manos
" Helios Bay Hotel is the worst holiday... "
Submitted By: Mr J Steele
Helios Bay Hotel is the worst holiday resort i have ever been in. When we arrived the air con wasnt working, there was too single tiny beds and our room smelt funny. In the First Choice brochure it said we had a room with a sea view. The room faced onto a restraunt the pool was like a puddle and no entertainment whatsoever (any time of the year). Then to top it off I went too the bar to order food I had traditional fish and chips which looked nice when it was brought out but after biting into the fish i swear it was still alive. I asked to speak to the manager and he said these things happen, I'm affraid he wasnt interested at all, two days later i was sick all over beach! I would not recommend Helios to anyone! If you are looking for a good night walk down to Elani Village its a great atmosphere and the staff are fantastic!!!!!!!!!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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I even made a massive mistake in booking our accomodation this year, only to realise on our arrival that I had failed to confirm my initial request for accomodation. (It's an age thing you know). The owners bent over backwards to offer us alternative upgraded accomodation. Even going so far as to transport us personally from Helios to the alternative destination, which I may add was an absolutely outstanding facility. I can't thank Nicos and the family for the effort they made in ensuring our stay was without further difficulties.
We were unfortunate enough to have booked our flights with XL Airways for this weeks break (yes they went bust on our second day). Once again the family came to our assistance in offering us use of the internet free of charge in order for us to arrange flights home. We had to leave two days early and true to form we were only charged for the five days we stayed instead of the sven we had intended to stay.
Lovely people. Lovely place to stay. Cypriots are very nice people. Get to know them.