Reviews of Tsokkos Odessa Hotel, Protaras, Cyprus

Good but not the best

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

ian1to1

Comments:

This hotel is in a good location for beach and town, however it is also very close to entertainment from other hotels and bars which can be noisey until about midnight. It is not 4 star more like poor 3. It needs a make over and they should get their Cypriot staff back as most of the staff from Eastern Europe not very friendly or helpfull. I would advise you get a hire car and explore, if you want to go into north book a bus trip. Protaras is expensive and more like Spain than Cyprus but it is clean and locals are ok.

Great Hotel

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

whymansd

Comments:

A great hotel to stay in. The staff are all friendly and even have time to stop and have a chat, from the cleaners to management. It is a clean and well presented hotel, the rooms are spacious and clean, full air-condition, well maintained, with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge, and safe deposit box. It is nice and peaceful to sit on the balcony and let the world go by. The Ulysses Cafeteria has been extended this year, making it more bright and airy, for breakfast and lunch. The Calypso Restaurant is very pleasant for the evening meal, and again the staff are always friendly and on hand if you need any help. The food is always of high quality, and has a different menu every night, with something for all tastes. The Odessa has always been helpful with dealing with and food allergies, but this year they even have a special menu for any allergy suffers.
There is always something to do within the hotel from daytime entertainment, to a full evening entertainment program, the Victorian bar is a great place to spend your evening.
There are plenty of sunbeds around the pool or on the grass area between the pool and beach.
I am already looking forward to returning next year, as the Odessa is great value for your money.

A lovely resort, which is safe for all, from young families to pensioners. There is a great mix of shops, resturants and bars within the resort.
You can climb the 170 steps up to the Church of Prophet Elias to see stunning views across Protaras, and can see as far as the Ghost Town of Famagusta. The beaches are sandy and the sea is clear, you can enjoy the beach at the famous Fig Tree Bay, or stroll along to the Flamingo beach.
If you want to travel around the bus service is great to get to Paralimini, Ayia Napa, Larnaca or even the Capital Nicosia, and the buses are cheap.

So all I can say is this resort is great for everyone, as I feel safer in Protaras than I do at home.

Just come back from the odessa...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs DL TAYLOR

Comments:

Just come back from the odessa hotel in PROTARAS, first impression was hotel was very clean but dark and dated. Wall paper was coming away from the walls and paint flaking off round the doors of the hotel corridors. Breakfast food was not very nice and not very hot especially the eggs, cheap and poor cerial ingredients are used. The evening meal was good most nights but not enough choice and almost the same for dessert every night. My mother in law stayed there last year and she said the food was excellent but since Tsokkos Group have taken over it has gone downhill. We even read the comments book and lots of people said they wouldn't return. The pool area was good but badly needs new sunbeds and parasols which most where held up with 6 inch nails and some you couldn't use at all. I was really disappointed as it cost us £2,500 to stay there for two weeks for family of 3. I can honestly say I won't be returning either. There are only two words you could describe this hotel and that's FAWLTY TOWERS. The entertainment was average as the entertainers moved round the town so you could end up seeing them at least three times in the same week.

me and my wife have just...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr Ps Stocken

Comments:

me and my wife have just returned from the odessa on the 6/10/08,first can i say yes it wants some decoration but its not as bad as some people say,second some staff are rude but they are the sovakians the cypriots that are left are very nice.

tssokos has employed a lot of sovakians and got rid of is own people.

reception cypriot people (great) cleaners cypriot women (great) bar staff slovaks and they are a pain in the bum.i met a lot of people that have been going there for years and will not be going back.

but let me clear one thing up, it is not getting decorated till late next year , the cleaners told me this.

the one thing that shocked me was broken tiles round the pool and i mean they are sharpe.

o and as for the dress code at night long trousers and shirts , our very own english walked in most nights with 3 quarter shorts on and one guy had a vest on , nothing was said to them.

food at night is good but i must say after 9 days we gave up on the breakfast, cold sausage,cold eggs,cold bacon, o and cold tea or coffee.

people really did complain about the sun beds and the sun shades are all broken.

i never went when it was a good hotel but if all these people say its gone downhill big time then i would believe them.

i cant believe this is a four...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Olympic Holidays

Submitted By:

Ms B.A DOUGHTY

Comments:

i cant believe this is a four star rating hotel. i would be pushed to say 3 star.

staff in reception were rude and unhelpful. the rooms were so dated and in bad need of decoration.(wallpaper pealing)

on a good note zak the food and beverage manager hosted my daughters wedding reception at the odessa and we could not fault it at all. the food was brilliant. best we had all week.

i would not recommend the hotel to any of my friends as the tssokos group have many more hotels in the area whitch were more modern and value for money.

"The British are all lager...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr G Lobo

Comments:

"The British are all lager louts" so says the General Manager of the Odessa. with such an attitude, is it any wonder that the service was poor, the food barely edible, and at times totally indible and the facilities below standard.



my sink was blocked, so they broke it. didnt help that i saw my dinner 3 times.. eating it, bringing it back, and then when i ran the tap in the morning.. we had to brush our teeth in the bath. the room wasnt cleaned properly and i had a lump of used toilet paper and hair at the back of the toilet for the entire stay, despite assking for it to be cleaned.



i would strongly recommend you avoid a place where the bingo is rigged, the chicken bleeds when cut (that was lunch) and a good cross section of the guests suffered from some form of digestive insult added to the disgusting attitude of the manager.



by the pool, broken tiles werent stuck back down. they were screwed down with a phillips screw.. 2 of them.. never seen shodier work. gave sharp edge so i'm surprised no-one got cut.



the chain is Tsokkos. i'd give them a wide bearth just for employing this chap who seriously needs a new career. thomas cook were the agent.. not sure i'd recommend them after a 0/2 record of satisfaction.



if you need more reasons NOT to go here, you need your head seeing to!!

This was our 10th visit to the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Mr S Whyman

Comments:

This was our 10th visit to the Odessa, and it is still as good as the first time. The staff were friendly as usual. The food was good and had plenty of a selection, with a different theme every night. They even catered for a food allegy.

The room was large and spacious as well as clean, which was cleaned daily, plus new towels every day.

The Odessa is idealy located for the beach and the main resort, with shops and bars within a few minutes walk.

It was nice to walk in to reception day or night and be greeted by Koulla or Tony, and they would always have time for a chat.

The Odessa is now like going home and we have already booked for 2008. (but may be more expensive now they are moving over to the Euro.)

this was my first holiday to...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs K Lawson

Comments:

this was my first holiday to cyprus so i wanted a 4/5 star accomodation and this hotel certainly didn't let me down.! the location was excellent with many bars and shops around. the hotel was very clean, the food plentiful and always something different to choose from - and the kids didn't go hungry either. the room was air conditioned, a free fridge and safe (extra charge but worth it for peace of mind!). daily maid service with clean sheets everyday. lovely pool and sea view from the balcony. entertainment each night and 'kids time' with entertainment too. plenty of sun beds and lovely big freshwater pool with infatables for the kids.

couldn't fault any of it ! would go back tomorrow! recommended!

Stayed two week half board with...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss C Scotty

Comments:

Stayed two week half board with my boyfriend. We are both 22.



This hotel is most definitely a four star (Greek standard). Cyprus (the Greek part) is GREEK! All these moans about it being a three star! I expected the worst. But obviously these folk have never stayed in a 3 star in Greece (not recommended)! In all honesty if you are used to Spain then it is probably a 3star plus. But it is spacious, clean, tidy, fresh, and we were very happy with what we got.



We paid extra for a full sea view room which we really enjoyed but at such a quiet time of year (begin to mid Oct) I think we could have got that anyway. When we first went into our room it was only a side view, but having paid EXTRA I had to explain what happened. The manager was fairly good but the other reception lady had an attitude problem with us the rest of the time we were there. I only asked to get what I had paid for. Anyway, such is life, and other than that the hotel was good. It felt safe, which is very important when you are in a new country!



Entertainment staff really did try and get you doing stuff. We played water volley ball almost every day - I LOVED IT!



Lots of entertainment on at night, though we ventured out most of the time. Or sat in our balcony listening to music and the sound of the ocean. We lit candles and everything. God, it was so romantic and special! I love holidays!



PRICE OF DRINKS IS TOTAL CON IN HOTEL POOL BAR! STAY AWAY! Cost £6.50 (which is about 8 pounds sterling for two 25ml measures of vodka and one can of coke).



Protaras is expensive. But you can still get cheap drink and reasonable food if you look for it. Some bars are £1-2 for a cocktail (about £2 sterling) which is good. You do get sick of the sweetness though!



Entertainment was well....repetitive and after the second night we were sick of Karaoke - EVERY BAR has one. And it's really annoying. I'm a professional singer so it was my nightmare to come to a place where everyone is trying really hard to....I don’t even know, impress people? But down a couple of drinks, just go with it. Everyone is really just looking to enjoy their holiday. You have to just except the vibe for what it is. We met (and had fab nights) with other couples and we came to the conclusion that most people our age are probably thinking the same thing (where's the 20 year olds and where the nearest place that doesn't do karaoke?!)



Back to the Odessa....



Maids, so friendly and lovely, and did their job wonderfully.



Food.... Everything they served was very good, though THERE WAS HARDLY A CHOICE!



At night time, there was either chicken (but not breast it was all skinned and fatty looking) or porky lamb things. There was hardly ever fish (which is so fresh abroad it was a letdown). So we had breakfast and lunch instead of breakfast and dinner (most nights). Lunch was good. There was usually fresh fish, the nicest pizza, pasta, lovely salads, and soup. Better selection than at dinner. But as I said, it was a quiet time of year, perhaps they took away 80% of the selection - and everything was good - just a lack of choice!



POOL- LOVED IT! Was really clean and big and it wasn't really any problem getting a sun bed as it was a quiet time of year.



Weather - FANTASTIC!



Local Beach - First day we checked it out, it was kind of dirty looking, fag ends everywhere. Then we checked it out again after a few days and it had obviously been cleaned as it was nice looking. THE WATER (sea) was the clearest I have ever been in. It was luke warm and so beautiful. Really helps you to feel calm and relaxed.



Fig tree beach- Not MUCH nicer than our local beach, but it’s busier and has a livelier feel.



NISSI BEACH (Ayia Napa) Lovely as well, clear waters, a lot of younger (our age) people (lots of girls if your males looking for some love).



most beaches have lots of fag ends on the sand which annoyed me. And there is no smoking ban (unlike Scotland). I forgot how ignorant smokers can be!



Hired a car to see some sights. Well worth it but plan your routes well in advance, maybe ask the rep because maps and sign posting was hard to follow and spent most of the time lost! Driving itself was easy as it’s the same side of the road as back home!



Played crazy golf which was so much fun. Couple of places just down from hotel.



Went through to Ayia Napa throughout the days a couple of times, did some sightseeing. Enjoyed it. Has more to offer than Protaras which has obviously been built for one reason - tourists! Ayia Napa, although quite touristy, had little local bits too. And it also felt safe.



Protaras and the Odessa hotel were our home for two weeks. We had a wonderful time together and made the most of everything. It was expensive and I don't think we will be back as there are plenty more wonderful places to explore in the world but if you have booked to go here - you will have a fab time!



Just see it for what it is, relax, drink, eat, meet people, spend time with whoever you are with and enjoy the world go by.



HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

The Odessa is a lovely Hotel,...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

JMC Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss J Maxwell

Comments:

The Odessa is a lovely Hotel, rooms clean and spacious. We were lucky enough to have a room with a sea view.



The food was nice, although we did eat out some nights, the holiday worked out cheaper to stay half board than B&B.



Lovely pool and surroundings, and only a 2 minute walk to the beach. The beach was amazing, soft pale sands and clear water, couldn't have asked for anything more. It cost around 7 Euros to hire two sunbeds and a parasol; this was needed as it gets very hot come the afternoon.



We took a trip on the Coca Cola Boat - we didn’t pick the best day, the only day of the holiday which was cloudy and the sea was extremely choppy!!



Protaras itself is a great resort, plenty of bars/restaurants - highly recommend the "Friends bar.” We had a brilliant holiday and hope to return sometime soon.

A very enjoyable holiday!
...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr M Simmonds

Comments:

A very enjoyable holiday!



Hotel decoration is a bit tired & gives the wrong first impression. We found it very clean & with friendly, helpful staff which is always a bonus. The room was spacious & had a fridge (free) & safe (£12 per fortnight).



The pool between the two hotels is by far the better one especially for children.



The food overall was excellent & plentiful, if you are half board you have to pay for your drinks with evening meal (including water). Half board seemed the better package as we don't feel you would get value for money with all inclusive unless you are a heavy drinker.



The beaches are close and good. The best one we found was at Konnos Bay (taxi ride) which had floating sun beds.



Entertainment there was only average. Very close to shops etc.



Overall.......... Good value for money.

We are a family of 4 (age 42,...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs T May

Comments:

We are a family of 4 (age 42, 40, 14,10) and really enjoyed our stay at the Odessa, the hotel is in a perfect situation, very central and close to the beach, a 2 min walk to all the watersports.



The room was clean and tidy, the kids were on camp beds, the youngest was uncomfortable on hers so we just folded it away and placed the mattress on the floor. The maid came every day to make the beds and change towels.



The breakfast was good, plenty of choice and the evening meals were tasty and plentiful, with a different theme every night (Cyprus night, French night etc).



We had a pool view which was lovely, plenty going on during the day if you wanted to join in (water volleyball, killer darts etc) we went out most nights but there was stuff going on in the hotel (shows, comedian etc).



All in all a good holiday, glad we got the Odessa (we had originally booked the Louis King Alkinsoos apartments but they were overbooked so had to choose something else, I walked to these apartments one day and they are a fair walk from the centre of the resort).



I wouldn’t say the Odessa is the height of luxury and not sure 4 star is quite right but I couldn’t actually find any faults other than the decor was a bit jaded and not many staff were Cypriot, mainly eastern European so very efficient but not very smiley or chatty.



Would go back again.

Just returned from Protaras...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

JMC Holidays

Submitted By:

garkim

Comments:

Just returned from Protaras yesterday. A great hotel, excellent staff, and in a great location.



The food is great. The only problem is avoid school holidays because although the hotel is a 4* hotel the type of people (English from the north) that go there in the holidays bring it down to a 2*.



Saving sunbeds in the early hours of the morning. Which meant that by the time we woke up (around 8.am) we had nowhere to sit, so spent most of our time on the beach.



To our daughter’s annoyance, she wasn't always able to take part in the hotel activities because we didn't want to sit in upright chairs to wait for her. Teenage kids making a nuisance of themselves.



Because this is an all inclusive hotel these people do not leave the premises for the entire duration of their stay. Will definitely go back to Cyprus but will do self catering as the restaurant choice is so vast and from every culture.



The resort is brilliant and there is a lot to see and trips to do, and loads of entertainment at almost every restaurant and pub. The hotel though I would go to outside school holidays.

We had a great holiday but was...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss N Nathan

Comments:

We had a great holiday but was disappointed when we arrived at the Odessa - it is very dated and in need of refurbishment. The whole hotel was immaculately clean but looked tired. The hotel rooms were smaller than expected and of a Travelodge style.



Breakfast had a great selection and there was always plenty available. We went half board as it was such a little extra cost so did not intend to eat evening meals in the hotel. We ate in twice but found due to the selection of restaurants and taverna's on our doorstep we chose to eat out. What is excellent is that on half board you can swap evening dinner for lunch which is what we did. The lunchtime menu was good.



Staff were always polite and friendly.



The hotel is in a great location and I would definitely recommend Protaras but not the Odessa as there are other hotels that seem better - the Tsokkos Vrissiana re-opened whilst we were there and if we return to Protaras that is where we will stay.



Eden Square is just off the High Street, the restaurants and bars there are great, especially the cocktails!

We had to stay at the Odessa due...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mr Mfr Griffiths

Comments:

We had to stay at the Odessa due to the Vrissiana hotel refurbishment not being completed, we thought this was going to be a set back after reading some of the reviews on this site, but we decided to continue with the holiday and make the best of it.



When we arrived at the hotel I was surprised how good the hotel looked the foyer was a fantastic seating area for a social drink and also for internet use, after checking in we proceeded to our rooms via a corridor which as some of the reviews had said was a bit grubby.



We got to our room which was on the 1st floor and yes you could say that some of the wallpaper was a bit dated and some defects to fixtures and fittings but to say that we only spent 1 hour per day awake in the room that was superficial, the rooms were kept very clean by the maids, and they are very polite and helpful.



The quality of the food is brilliant the breakfast bar area may be dated but the choice of food and drinks are not.



At the evening meal men have to wear trousers and shirt, this may be a polo or T-shirt, the menu goes in a fortnight rotation and each evening has a different theme eg. European night, French night, charcoal night and many others, the quality and quantity of food was so good I am now on a diet till next year.



The pool is kept clean, some of the day entertainment is worth while participation such as water volleyball and aqua aerobics, also the gym is worth a visit if you can stand the heat of working out.



The night entertainment in the area is good, attached to the hotel is the Victorian bar with entertainment all the other bars and shops are within easy access.



The beach is 200 yards away but as it is a Tssokas hotel you can use the amenities of all the other Tssokas hotels along the beach, such as sunbeds showers and pool with out having to pay.



All in all the staff at the Odessa are very helpful and pleasant don't worry about the state of decor just go and enjoy as we did we give the hotel a good rating and we will go there again.



PS. We did hear that the hotel is due refurbishment next year, so like us may have to relocate if it is delayed like the Vrissiana.