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Our first trip to Cyprus. We were dropped of outside the hotel from a minibus that only had three drops so not too long on a coach.
The Balmyra is set back from the main street and tucked behind the shops so is in a quiet location on a very busy, very long street in Limassol. First impressions were not good as it seemed to be never ending shops and restaurants selling the same tourist tat. However we were there for two weeks and there was no use dwelling on that.
The hotel appeared to be clean and after we were given our key we headed up in the lift to our room.
We had been given a two bedroom apartment for two of us. Went into the apartment and opened the curtains and thought we had died and gone to heaven. Two walls of windows with panoramic views of the sea in the sitting room and three windows in the bedroom one of which led onto a balcony. It was small but just fine for sitting on for a drink at night before we went out.
We found the hotel staff were not too friendly but they were polite.
Breakfast was served - at £2.50 each but we only went for this a couple of times. I never saw the dining room open at night but that was not a problem as we ate out every night. The pool was ok and the pool bar served a good variety of snacks.
The view from the pool area was over the sea and so peaceful.
The beach in front of the hotel is stony, we never ventured in there but plenty did and it must have been good as they stayed in for ages. There is a small beach quite near the hotel and a large beach within walking distance. The advantage for no beach in front of the hotel is that the view is not spoiled by umbrellas.
The town seemed enormous and I regretted having picked this area and not a smaller resort. However we tried various restaurants but eventually settled on one -The Fiesta - the service was pleasant not always perfect or quick but done with so much charm we couldn't get mad. The view once again over the sea was to die for. Our favourite watering hole was The Step Inn Irish bar. A large pub with a Karaoke where we felt at home as we always got a good welcome from the staff.
By the end of the fortnight we felt quite at home. Trips we took were the mini cruise to Egypt –wonderful. Troodos mountains- great scenery, interesting stops wonderful food and wine. Kyrenia-once again wonderful
We walked into Limassol old town - 4km lazy walk stopping for drinks and lunch where the fancy took us.
I can honestly say before I went on holiday I needed to rest and I found that Cyprus allowed me to do that. They are beautiful people.
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