Comments:
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This was the second time I have been to Cyprus but only the first time I had stayed in the Silver Sands Hotel. It is a really clean hotel that is situated very central in the main part of Protaras. This makes it easy to access all the lovely restaurants and bars and as the hotel is located on the beach you don’t have to walk far in the hot sun to get to your little piece of paradise!
Our room in the hotel had the most glorious view of the beach and although the balcony wasn’t huge it was big enough for the two of us. Generally our room was clean and well present with good air conditioning that we didn’t need to pay extra for. Towels and linen were changed frequently and were always clean and fresh.
As we were half board we didn’t have a kitchen but a small fridge could be hired for approx CYP1 per night.
The hotel has adequate facilities...a decent sized pool, pool bar, car park, basic gym, restaurant, reception bar and lounge with TV etc. The reception is open all hours so that’s brilliant and the staff all seemed very friendly and helpful.
As I mentioned we stayed on a half board basis, however we had always planned on eating out but as this hotel was cheaper than some self catering ones we decided to stay here. We did try the breakfast twice, which was your average buffet style with plenty of choice. We tried the dinner once but were not impressed. Being a plain eater myself I feel there was not enough choice. The night we dined there it was soup for starters and for main it was chicken nuggets, pasta or meat and vegetables. I imagine if you have children you may be struggling. Drinks seemed expensive at dinner too but in the day they are cheaper!
The resort of Protaras is so lovely that I have made it my number one European destination! It is mostly families and couples that go there, as groups of friends tend to choose Ayia Napa, which is ten minutes, taxi drive away. The beaches are beautiful with warm shallow waters and plenty of water sports and boat trips. The resort itself is based along one main road that uses a one way traffic system. It is lined with many bars restaurants and shops all offering something for everyone.
Daytime activities include shopping for souvenirs, lazing on the beach or at your hotel pool, day trips, water sports, light lunch or ice cream etc. Nighttime activities tend to include going out for a meal followed by drinks or cocktails in one of the bars or one of the two discos. Nightlife is just perfect, lively enough to enjoy yourself but not outrageous and hardly any of those people trying to drag you into places. All places welcome children and you can relax without worrying about drunken people falling all over the streets because that rarely happens here. There is a nice safe feeling in this resort.
Prices in the restaurants don’t vary too much most are reasonable. Try Promises or Oscars. Also ripples cocktail bar.
Mini supermarket prices can vary so shop around before you buy. Also if you’re planning any trips out book them at the agents rather than with your rep, they are much cheaper. Try the Troodos Mountain Jeep Safari for the day its great fun with lots of information about the island and you can see the real Cyprus too. Not for the faint hearted, if you don’t like heights like myself it will scare you silly! Don’t be put off though you’ll be glad you went.
Overall Protaras is very nice with enough to do for all members of your party, and it is a brilliant base for exploring the surrounding areas such as Pernera (the smaller resort in Protaras), Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Famagusta and much more. I would be surprised if someone failed to enjoy this resort.
Please be reminded that my report is based on the main area of Protaras and not Pernera - Pernera is about a 30 minute walk away from the main part. Hope this has been helpful.
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