Reviews of Venus Beach Hotel, Paphos, Cyprus

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Med Hotels

Submitted By:

Miss AK Martin

Comments:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN!! The Hotel itself wasn't too bad and the area it was in was a good spot just outside of Paphos centre. Although me and my boyfriend (both age 18) did have a very nice week away we noticed one vital downside to the hotel. The beach that the hotel sits on (as it claims to be a beachfront resort) was very small and rocky which we knew before we went, but the waves were VERY dangerous. At first they seemed big and quite fun to play in (which we did on the first day) but after that we realised it really wasn't safe as there was, what is called a 'rip' in the sea. The waves hit eachother at an angle which take people out and they can't get back through it. 3 people on different occasions were taken away in an ambulance after being saved by guests, and one local 34 year old Cypriot drowned when we were there. The hotel does not inform guests about it a it doesnt do wonders for their beachfront credentials but this has to be known to people who are going. I would definatley not allow any children of mine in there. The pool is nice and there is a lovely coral bay beach a short bus ride away with good watersports. I agree with other reviews that it shouldn't be a 5* resort however if you don't go expecting this you will have a nice holiday.

My husband and I have only just...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Med Hotels

Submitted By:

Mrs Wendy Lawrence

Comments:

My husband and I have only just returned from a 10 night stay at this hotel, opting for the half board basis. I booked this holiday as a last minute bargain, one week before departure, through an internet only agent - but after doing so, was concerned by some of the negative reviews of this hotel.



The ABSOLUTE truth is, realistically, it may not be quite up to it's 5* rating (more like 4*), but compared to other accommodations of a similar standard in the area, we considered it to be one of the better choices!



It is certainly very well located, being the RIGHT side of the busy main road, for both the beach (it has it's own, accessible by short footpath from the poolside area of hotel) and bus stops (going North, to Coral Bay or South, to Paphos central & Harbour). There is also a small supermarket and half a dozen Tavernas directly opposite (offering beverages at non - 5* prices!)



The accommodation itself is well facilitated, as you would expect, with Indoor pool & Gym, Sauna/steam bath, Beautician/hairdresser and Wedding/conference rooms. The 'thoughtfully designed' outdoor pool area has a well positioned snack bar overlooking the sea, a large irregular shaped pool (with waterfalls) and a Jacuzzi. The communal areas (reception, 3 dining rooms, 3 bars and 2 function suites) were all immaculately presented, with (regionally inspired) floral arrangements and wall hangings. The rooms were very clean and spacious, although the decor maybe just a little 'tired'. The food buffet, presented each night with a different country theme (possibly to cater for all tastes), offered many healthy options as well as delicious desserts. The staff were discreet, but helpful when approached.



We would most definitely go back to this hotel again - If you shop around the internet carefully, you can find this hotel through certain accommodation only sites (booking your own flight separately) for a very reasonable price!

Six adults stayed for 10 nights,...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr A Eacret

Comments:

Six adults stayed for 10 nights, hotel very clean and in good order, food was plentyful and of good quality, Facilities were good, all the staff very friendly and helpful, previous reports said that the beach was a bit rocky, we found it very sandy in places with good walkways into the sea. although it is a public beach, the locals tended to arrive late afternoon. The pool area always kept clean with plenty of sun loungers and umberellas around. Pictures on the Venus Beach website all accurate. Entertainment was ok with various activities happening throughout the day & evening. Since the changeover to the Euro prices seemed to have soared for drinks, snacks etc in the hotel, however, Joannas, Staveros & Georginas across from the hotel and The Rocking Chair Pub about 300 meters towards Paphos, offer good food and drinks plus a very warm welcome all at good prices. We all had sea view rooms which were all sun facing for most of the day until sunset, which turned the rooms into ovens until the a/c kicked in. Taxi into Paphos Harbour 10 Euro, buses run every 15 mins, The harbour area is undergoing redevelopement at the moment, but still plenty to see / do, watch out for cafe / bar owners trying to tout you inside, Time share reps seem to hang around the harbour area also. ... All in all, apart from the hotel bar prices, i would reccommend to anyone and we all will be returning next year to the same hotel ....

I booked this holiday as a 40th...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Ms R Robson

Comments:

I booked this holiday as a 40th birthday surprise for my partner, we arrived there and even though I was half board, I was asked for my credit card details and 400 euros was taken from my account, after questioning this, the amount was returned to my account. I thought this was a terrible hotel, the room very shabby, the hotel was definately not a 5 star, not even a four star, I would rate it 2/3 star, the breakfast was disgraceful and must mention was cold. I complained and we got moved to the Athena Beach, which was lovely. Please for your own benefit, do not go here if you want reasonable quality. Cyprus I thought was lovely though. Athena Beach (beach location) was superb and very friendly, proffessional and helpful.

A friendly greeting awaited us...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2008

Tour Operator:

Travel Lounge

Submitted By:

Mrs H E Phillips

Comments:

A friendly greeting awaited us upon arrival, and throughout our stay staff couldn't have been more helpful.

The room was spacious and clean with a sea view, and facilities for our four children were good.

The food was incredible, a large buffet selection allowing everyone to try various different dishes. The bar as in most hotels was a little pricey, but worth it to relax after each evening meal with a cocktail.

The hotel itself was beautiful, an absolute delight to walk around or sit out on the terrace.

Location was perfect. It was a short transfer from the airport and a quick bus ride away into the town. Market day is Saturday mornings and well worth the visit.

We arrived in Paphos only to...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2008

Tour Operator:

Transferred from other hotel

Submitted By:

Mrs K Harper

Comments:

We arrived in Paphos only to find that our booked 4 star hotel was closed and we were moved to the Venus Beach. We had booked AI, which the Venus Beach does not offer, but they made an exception for the two couples that were lucky enough to be moved there.

We found it to be a lovely hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful, the room good (if a little dated) Lots of sunbeds round a pleasant (but cold) pool.

The food was varied and the service good. It took them a little while to get to grips with the all inclusive aspect, but as we had not done this before it was a learning curve for us too. I think it would have been a very expensive stay otherwise.

I would certainly go there again if I could afford it.

We booked flights and hotel...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2007

Tour Operator:

Expediahotels.com

Submitted By:

Carrie Oakey

Comments:

We booked flights and hotel independently. Flew with First Choice and booked Venus Beach Hotel through hotels.com.



Hired a car through Opodo. First hitch was arriving at Paphos airport, collected bags, and found that my car-hire paperwork didn't say which hire firm we'd booked with - just said Auto Europe. It turned out that we were with Europcar, and queued for around 90 minutes to be served. Advice No. 1 - if there's 2 of you, one stay to collect the bags, while the other gets to the car-hire desk, and beat the queue - don't all do this though, as it will defeat the objective.



Hotel check-in was pleasant, although the travel directions and map from hotels.com were almost useless. Only found hotel by luck and chance. Had booked a side sea-view room, which was nicely positioned allowing us to look over the Tombs of the Kings, and along the coast.



Was not impressed with the room, bearing in mind we'd booked a 5 star hotel; it was a little small, worn and only worthy only of 3 star grading. This opinion of un-worthy grading was substantiated during the rest of our 7 night stay, with some poor service and too many niggly things wrong in the room.



The bathroom was disappointing - tiles appear to have been grouted by a blind person, tap didn't work very well, and basin plug was hanging loose (would expect a pop-up waste in any 5 star). Health and Safety nightmare with an accident waiting to happen due to the integrated soap dish over the bath with a big chip out of it, leaving a razor sharp edge ready to puncture your naked body.



The worst aspect was the poor service. (We were unhappy, yet everyone we spoke to was very happy with this hotel). We booked Venus Beach because we like a bit of pampering, and they boasted a range of holistic treatments, massage, and sauna and spa facilities. To cut a long story short, these facilities did not exist. It may be because we went "out of season" but our hotel choice was based on the fact that we’d be looking forward to a couple of good relaxing treatments.



Massages were provided by a lady, who was never at the hotel, and we had to speak to her to book, so kept going back to the fitness centre to book, but she was never there.



Eventually we phoned her and made an appointment each. We'd hoped to have treatments at the start of our week, but it ended up that we got them on the 5th day.



The main issue was that we complained at the front desk, talked it over with the manager, and nothing was resolved, except a free bottle of house-red was sent to our room. Another manager DID manage to organise a facial for my wife, but as it was attempted by a seriously overweight therapist (I use the term generically) perched over a hair-washing salon basin, doing a one-handed treatment because she couldn't move, while being chatted up by the hotel Romeo. My wife said Stop, Stop, Stop - I can't go on with this. It's quite funny now we look back at it.



The other frustration was Internet Access. It was down for 6 out of our 7 days, yet they still sold me a £3 CP card. At least they refunded me when I complained. It's just that It felt a bit awkward having to ask at the desk 2 or 3 times each day "Is the Internet fixed now" to be told, it will be OK later or tomorrow.



There were some positives though - food was good and varied, although still not 5 star quality. Drinks were not too expensive and a good range of cocktails were nice. The public areas, restaurant, and bars were good, clean, comfortable, and well furnished. The staff were pleasant and some quite friendly. Many other guests seem to have been

Regulars, coming to the Venus Beach Hotel once or twice a year. One couple said they booked through Olympic Holidays and paid half of what we had.



It was our first time in Cyprus. We chose Paphos because we like history and prefer holiday locations with some interest and things to see. It did not disappoint on that count, but it's unfortunate that current un-controlled development is creating huge swathes of white box-like structures, specifically to sell to Brit's as holiday, investment or retiring homes.



The overall landscape is quite boring, and suburban around Paphos.



We ventured out quite a bit, and some of the countryside is lovely and unspoiled (so far). We like natural and interesting places, where you can get a feel of local life. We avoided larger towns and found some nice villages. The highlight for us was Imogen's Taverna at Kathikas - good food, nice surroundings and as cheap as chips. We drove part way up the west coast into the Akamas Peninsular, which is breathtakingly gorgeous, if a little harsh on the hire-car.



Overall we enjoyed the holiday, even though the hotel was not as good as we'd have liked.



If we go again we'd probably aim to pay a bit more to see if we can get a better class of hotel. The Venus should be investigated and regarded - but I doubt that will happen as their corporate logo on all their paraphernalia includes 5 stars - that's presumptuous if they can't maintain the standard they earned when they first built it.

Myself and my friend and 3...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Full Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Libra Holidays

Submitted By:

Mrs S Kaur

Comments:

Myself and my friend and 3 children went to Cyprus and stayed at this hotel in August this year. We had problems from day 1 when trying to book the holiday with Libra Holidays, however eventually they got the booking right in the end! But having said that our flight was 3 hours delayed so you can imagine how the kids were feeling when we arrived!



OK now the hotel - the staff were great when we got there cos we had not eaten they arranged for us to have some sandwiches which was nice of them. We had 2 rooms adjoining each other they were clean and looking out the window we had the pool view and side view of the beach. The pool was very clean and enough sunbeds!



The food was excellent as we were full board enough to choose from but the drinks I would say were expensive. The only thing that I was disappointed with was that there was no tea and coffee facilities in the room but when I enquired about that they said we could have that but there would be a charge of around £5.00 per day which I was not to happy of. The entertainment at the hotel was not too bad it was ok.



Getting into the harbour was cheap by bus number 10 and 15 but the only fall back was that you would have to wait 15-20 minutes and the bus would be absolutely jam packed! Not a good idea if you have young children to go on with! We went on couple of excursions one was the Cyprus day trip which was good and the other one was a trip to Akamas by jeep.... if you fancy a bumpy ride go 4 it!!!!!



Overall I would say we had a fantastic time and Paphos is beautiful we would go again! P.S the Cypriots LOVE children!!!!!

Me and my fiancée went in June...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Argo Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss J Sayer

Comments:

Me and my fiancée went in June and found nothing to complain about! Must admit the room wasn't quite what you'd expect for a 5 star but still really nice, the rest of the hotel was fantastic, we had a wonderful view over the tombs of kings and the sea.



We arrived at midnight but still got drinks and a sandwich from the bar, the bar staff were lovely, very friendly and down to earth, very relaxed atmosphere.



The beach was very private and we went in the sea every day - but it was quite rocky under the water so be careful where you stand.



Breakfast had every choice imaginable which we took advantage of! Just across the road was a row of little restaurants, we tried them all! Our fav was apparently Italian but had loads of Greek food too, cant remember the name though. Even though in a lot of reviews it says Joannas is the best, we didn't really like it, too English and we got served by an older man who was a bit abrupt.



Two little supermarkets there as well. So we would definitely go there again, it was a lovely relaxing holiday.



Oh and even though they charge for you to put items in the fridge, just put a bottle of water in when you go to bed then take it out before you leave the room in the morning - nice cold drink and no one will know ;-)

Visited this hotel for our...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mrs F Lamont

Comments:

Visited this hotel for our honeymoon (it is rated as 5*) - we didn't get anything extra for this! The food was excellent and the entertainment wasn't bad.



The drinks are really expensive, and although the hotel lobby looks like 5*, the rooms are more like 4*. Paphos is beautiful and people are very friendly.



Even though we went in November, the temperature didn't drop below 20 degrees.

We were 4 adults with two rooms...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Mc Grath

Comments:

We were 4 adults with two rooms on arrival having paid for a sea view we realised that we had been allocated side sea views which limited the amount of sun. On approaching the reception within 10 minutes we were in front sea view rooms.



The breakfasts were excellent with a wide choice of food and very good service. The room was cleaned every day to a good standard and every member of staff that i dealt with was most polite and went out of their way to help. We had three evening meals in the Hotel, yes they do cost more than eating outside but you get what you pay for and they were all excellent. The public transport provided buses every 20 minutes and there is one charge of 75 cents where ever you seem to travel (one way).



If you are waiting by the bus stops all the Taxi drivers will stop and to Paphos Harbour or the old town was £3 and very good value. We visited numerous restaurants in the area and i never had a bad meal paying on average with drinks £20 per couple. Opposite the hotel there are a number of Restaurants and bars. One is run by English people so if you want a typical English night out of fetch your own beer and receive slow service visit them. Or you can go next door be met with a shake of the hand sat down and be waited upon i leave that to you.



The swimming pool area I found in clean good condition with plenty of sun beds, the beach does leave a little to be desired but the sea was warm. (not suitable for young children due to rocky surface). Our flight home was a nightmare taking 20 hours due to a technical fault we had to spend a further night in Cyprus (what a shame) but I am booking to go back as soon as possible. Lovely place lovely people. Weather never dropped below 75F during the day around 13 at night.

Stayed here 19 – 26 March...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2005

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Mr S Walker

Comments:

Stayed here 19 – 26 March 2005



We booked on the web site of Olympic Holidays and flew by Eurocypria Airlines from Manchester on a 747-800, these planes are quite small and the seating arrangements are three seats each side of a central gangway. The flights both ways were on time and the Cypriot staff extremely pleasant and helpful. The seat spacing seemed better than some other flights we had been on and overall we were very pleased with the travel arrangements.



The first impression of the hotel was quite good with the exception that the hotel sign was only half lit.



The hotel reception staff were very good, efficient and helpful; we were quickly registered and allocated a room. The room was clean and well presented; it had a view over the local petrol station, the road, and the tombs of the king’s site, a few restaurants and a side sea view. (We had opted to not pay for the sea view)



As we were three adults sharing I was a little concerned regarding the discounted third bed, however, it turned out to be a proper bed, not too comfortable, but at least a real bed. The room was struggling with three beds but it wasn’t too bad. The minibar was fully stocked together with the price list for replenishing it! The information stated, with the exception of medicines and baby food, any item placed in the fridge by the guest would be charged at C£1.00 (£1.20) per item per day. We locked the fridge and left the key in the room safe deposit box!!!!! The replenishing cost was very high.



The safe in the room was a digitised type which was quite good and charged out at C£0.75 (£0.90) per day



Although we never met the maid, the service was always very good and the standard very high.



We attended the welcome meeting where we met the rep, Susan, who gave us a good account of the local attractions and the trips and services on offer by Olympic. We had been to a number of places recommended during a previous visit to Cyprus when we stayed at Protaras some years ago, therefore, as we were only staying for a week, and as usual these trips are never cheap so we decided to stay local.



The pool was really nice, there were plenty of sunloungers and these were also provided on the lawns leading to the sea. However, as the week went on the hotel got busier and the loungers got rarer, although it wasn’t a problem for us at that time the number of guests likely to be there in the summer season will definitely create a problem. Pool/beach towels are provided daily at no charge.



The beach is non-existent; it can only be described as the place where the sea meets the land! It was rock and totally unsuitable as a location where you can enter the water. Whilst we were there work had commenced to suck sand slurry from the sea bed off shore and pump it to a settling lagoon where a machine dug out the sand and stockpiled it ready to create the manmade beach. This may well be finished by the time you get there.



The indoor pool is not a relaxing indoor alternative to the outdoor pool, but a part of the fitness centre in the basement and is only really suitable for swimming lengths for exercise. The gym seemed to be reasonably well equipped but I only saw one tanning bed and that was quite rusty. The changing facilities in the basement were very poor with paint peeling off the door and mirror frames, the shower bracket was broken and the whole area a little dingy. The pool area is ready for an upgrade, the paint on the ceiling is flaking and discoloured, the matting around the pool has seen better days and the garden is beginning to grow through the windows. On the whole not a place to be!



The hotel charges were very high for food and drink – a pint of coke was almost £4.00, cocktails £4.20, tea £2.40, coffee £2.40, hot chocolate £2.52, local bitter (Keo) £3.36 and spirits from £3.60 - £9.00. Another guest we spoke to produced the brochure detailing the holiday they had booked which stated tea/coffee making facilities were provided in the room, this was not the case, and despite their protests they were told this facility was not available until April – the brochure never stated this!



The hotel has an entertainment programme and appears to be run by one Italian lady who is a little too ‘in your face’ she seemed to be constantly perplexed because the majority of the guests simply wanted to be left alone during the day and didn’t share her enthusiasm. The evening entertainment was varied and appealed to the majority of the elderly guests – Bingo, quizzes, Cypriot dancing and a fashion show.



We stayed on a bed and breakfast basis, the breakfast was fine with plenty of choice and as much as you liked. Evening meals were available at C£9.00(£10.80) which we thought was a little expensive, ‘Flambé nights’ were even dearer at C£15.00(£18.00)

We ate out at Joanna’s over the road once (food was fine but had an unkempt feel about the place), O’Neill’s halfway to Paphos and Karlinas just opposite the entrance to the tomb of the kings. The latter was the favourite spot, good food and drink at a reasonable price run by a family and very close team. We were made to feel welcome by all especially Harry (Zavros), Luigi and Andraious



We were very obviously there out of season, in Paphos there was very little open and what was available closed around 1900hrs, with the exception of a few restaurants. Although we travelled there by taxi (£4.80 each way) there is a bus service about every 10-15 minutes, which cost £0.60 each way. At the time we were there this ceased to run after 1830hrs, presumably because everywhere was closed! During the day we walked into Paphos harbour along the coastal footpath and returned along the road, quite a nice walk (around 4-5k) if the weather is a little overcast.



Temperatures varied but generally warmed up by the middle of the week reaching the mid 80’s. But the evenings were still quite cold especially as there was always a breeze. If you’re going anytime in the next month take a jacket with you for the evenings



We went to Coral Beach, on the bus, (C£0.70(£0.84) each way per person, which was really good value) unfortunately they hadn’t yet built the seasonal beach.



Overall the holiday was quite good but spoilt by the excessive prices charged at the hotel and the fact we clearly travelled just before the start of the season, which significantly reduced the choices, we had. The star rating for the hotel is too ambitious, it is now 12-15 years old and is beginning to show its age. It was a nice place to stay but too expensive and I think the rating should be certainly no greater than four.