Reviews of Avanti Village Apartments, Paphos, Cyprus

The Avanti village resort is...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs T

Comments:

The Avanti village resort is definitely not 4 star as mentioned by the tour operators, if anything it is a 2 star.



We arrived to find that the air conditioning in our apartment did not work and it was 33 degrees at 3am, the shower head was falling off the bathroom wall, the plaster above the sink in the bathroom and on the wall in the kitchen area had come away from the wall, there are only 2 glasses in the cupboards, no music stations and the 'satellite television' is only Greek/Turkish/bbc world news.



When we arrived at 3am, we were shown a map of where our apartment was, this place is huge and took a while to find with suitcases and two small children - the staff were very unhelpful.



I bought a 'welcome pack' from the tour operator only to find that it had been forgotten.



Some of the tiles had come away from the lazy river and it was apparent that the lazy river hadn’t been cleaned for a while, as there was a filthy black rim around the water’s edge - much like you get in a bath.



The main pool was constantly filthy and unless the staff cleaned it at midnight, I doubt that it was ever cleaned.



I will definitely not be going back with first choice to this apartment, but will go back to Cyprus as it is a beautiful country. The rib shack was not a nice place to eat in - the steak is awful.



Do scrutinise your restaurant bills as some of the restaurants were inclined to sneak things on their which we definitely hadn't ordered, and on one occasion overcharged us by £11.00 because we had ordered from an 'old menu' the prices had gone up! - odd then that the same menu was on the front of house!

Details of the Avanti Village...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs E Dryden

Comments:

Details of the Avanti Village printed in the Thomas Cook brochure were very misleading. The complex was not close to a beach (the nearest was a 40 minute bus ride away-Coral Bay).



There was no evening entertainment at the Village and the staff were very reluctant to provide a service. The sheets in our apartment were not changed once during our 2 week stay, the floor was filthy on arrival and remained that way, the towels were not changed often and during our last week, the maid didn't appear for 3 consecutive days-not even to empty the bins.



The pool although very large was filthy, there was mould floating about in it constantly and the sun bed area wasn't tidied or hosed until 8.00a.m.



After 7.00p.m the complex was like a ghost town. The only bar (the pool bar) was closed together with the restaurant and the supermarket. There is ample wasted space within the complex to provide a good sized restaurant and an entertainment suite.



However, although we spent more than we have ever spent abroad before, we only had one bad meal which was in the Mnarva Restaurant on the seafront. Fat Mamas was the best and very close second was Lazy Bull. The service, quality and presentation of the food in these two places were excellent.



We holidayed with a 19 and 16 year old and would not return to Paphos on any account as we feel that the resort was very overpriced and that the Cypriots were most unhelpful and miserable.

The complex was much larger than...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Ms S L Marbrow

Comments:

The complex was much larger than I imagined but very beautiful, especially at night.



The apartments were spacious and all the same size. Upstairs rooms were better for privacy but the banisters on the steps up to the door were made of metal which made them very hot for people who need that bit of help getting up there!



The problem we found was the maid service. We complained several times because the maids didn't come in or, if they did, they only emptied the bins. The bed was not changed the whole time we were there.



Mondays and Thursdays, emptying the bins was all they were supposed to do but, in several cases while we were there, this was all they did. We did speak to others and we were not the only ones. Turns out, there were only six maids for 244 apartments!



There are also no recycling facilities on the complex so everything went in the bin - culture shock for those of us who recycle everything at home.



The pool was great for families because nowhere was it too deep to stand up. There were plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas at the time of year when we were there.



The little supermarket on site was pretty expensive but had just about everything you need.



The staff weren't particularly friendly - we arrived at 1.30 in the morning and were left to find our own way through what seemed like a maze to find our apartment. At that time of night also, the shops were all shut and we hadn't even got water in the apartment. It would have been nice if something could have been offered in reception.



The walk to the harbour was about 30 minutes and there are plenty of restaurants along the way. Our favourite was Kato Ano, just off the main street near the three storey fish restaurant. The food was great and it was the cheapest one we found. We went twice which is unusual for us.



The local bus service is wonderful - 80c to go all the way to Coral Bay and 70c to go into the old town. The market in the old town is well worth a visit for souvenirs. The harbour is worth a visit - loads of restaurants and pretty good value. Expensive but not overly so.



The archaeological site near the harbour is terrific although they haven't learned the value of souvenir shops and refreshment availability and could make a lot more money for future explorations with that sort of thing. The mosaics are magnificent, despite their age.



The highlight was the trip to Egypt. Never thought I would see the Sphinx or the Great Pyramid. We went by air and it was well worth the money. Did the tourist thing of buying gold and a papyrus for very reasonable prices.



Overall, I would certainly go back to Cyprus and to Paphos, sooner rather than later.

The Avanti Village is lovely and...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs C Baldock

Comments:

The Avanti Village is lovely and clean. The apartments are spacious although we felt a 4 star rating was a bit high - 3 star would be a more honest rating.



Lack of entertainment was disappointing as there is plenty of space. The staff were generally unfriendly. We spent £2,500 in 2 weeks in Cyprus. It is a very expensive holiday resort.



The best places to eat at Chloes Chinese near the taxi rank at the harbour; the Rib Shack; Fiesta; Rimini and the meat meze at Ficardo was 1st class.



Avoid restaurants by the harbour as they play on their setting and serve up horrible food and charge handsomely for it. 4 of us holidays there (2 adult, 1 teenager and 1 child) but we would not return to Paphos.

Just back from the Avanti...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Sunway

Submitted By:

Mr W Cotter

Comments:

Just back from the Avanti village had a great holiday but before I begin don't fill your suit case with clothes, fill it with money you will need it.



The Avanti is a good place to stay it has a great pool area (top tip if you need to cool off use the indoor pool it’s a lot cooler). The facilities are good and its kept clean and tidy, we went with our 5 year old son who loved the pool and lazy river, but did not enjoy the kids club as it was only on for a hour and a half a day and he only drew pictures, then played water polo for which he was too young.



But at night over in the Avanti hotel witch you can use, they have a mini disco at 9pm that he was addicted to; the hotel is also the place the main entertainment takes place, it’s ok some nights (check out the hypnotist).



All in all it's a nice place.



Paphos its self is quite nice especially around the harbour, but as I said bring lots of money as you will be lightened everywhere you go in the tourist areas i.e. food and drink are expensive compared to the price Cypriots pay (top tip bring buckets and spades and inflatable).



We hired a car for a week and got around a bit, bought our food and drink, in their own super markets much cheaper.



Finally Cyprus is a nice country well worth a visit, but the tourist seems to get fleeced

compared to their own people, don't get me wrong you don't mind paying a little over the odds on your holidays, but if you feel done that's a different thing.

If you’re looking for a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Ms J White

Comments:

If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday this is the place to be... spacious apartment

With adequate kitchen facility for breakfasts No sharp knives though!



The pool is superb not too deep and certainly OK to lounge about and swim to cool off

from the 42 degree heat! If you have young children the pool is fantastic they won’t want to go anywhere else!



The only thing wrong is the staff are not your normal friendly staff that I’ve seen in Greek islands, no entertainment at night and there was never anyone at the pool bar at night!



Chris and Monika were friendly however, seems such a shame as the place is kitted out for fantastic barbecue theme night’s fantastic bar by pool but no music and no entertainment - all activities take place at the Avanti hotel up the road which is by no means as nice as the Avanti Village.



Places to eat are rib shack, Plata, and most definitely The Piona Bar amazing food!

Black Rose is nice for Cocktails... Do not eat at the Irish bar its awful!



Be prepared to spend a fortune for a family of 4 2 adults’ teenager and 12 year old eating out and few rounds of cocktails each evening we spent 1200.00 in a week being careful! Apparently this is the most expensive part of Cyprus as it’s been over took by the Brits - the other side of the island is much cheaper to eat out.



Def would go back but not for a few years try somewhere cheaper Zante, Rhodes next year!

Having got back from Paphos a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Manos

Submitted By:

Mrs E Bradder

Comments:

Having got back from Paphos a week ago, I am already looking for a deal to go back in October!



The Avanti Village was great! Really clean - all the public areas were hosed down daily and the maid service was excellent - lots of clean towels and fresh bedding.



It was nice to get free pool towels too - I shouldn’t have bothered packing any as we didn’t bother with the beaches.



The pool towels can be exchanged as often as needed which was nice. The kid’s club staff were lovely - Kris, Monika, and carolin all make an effort with the kids.



I did find Paphos pricey though so take plenty of money. The harbour area is very pricey for food and drinks however just over the road from the harbour is Rose Corner which is great value and really nice food.



The apartments were big and clean with all the facilities we needed.



Can't wait to go back!

We have just arrived back from a...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs Y Hodgkinson

Comments:

We have just arrived back from a fortnight away in Cyprus, we stayed at the Avanti holiday village.



The site was very nice and clean and the pool was ideal for young families, but not very deep and it was hard to actually swim in such shallow water.



I couldn’t see why the apartments were rated as 4 star, they were quite spacious but no different I felt from a 3 star apartment. There was a definite lack of privacy though in the apartments.



The Avanti was ideal for younger families, the activities were mainly for children. The hotel was very nice, and the pool area lovely in the day, however I felt that the staff were not that friendly the entertainment organisers were very friendly.



Cyprus seems to be getting more expensive every time I visit, and it is hard to see where they are using the money they are taking in, as nothing has changed, there does seem to be a lot of buildings going up but in terms of improving the roads etc there seems to have been very little, the pavements were in very poor state.



Cyprus is lovely and the beaches are great. We had a lovely holiday and I would go back again.

We have just returned from a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Manos

Submitted By:

Miss S Dymond

Comments:

We have just returned from a week in Cyprus. The Avanti Village was an excellent place to stay and all the facilities were good.



We did use the kitchen facilities for our breakfast and this was adequate for this purpose.



We did notice that there were a lot of ants around the resort; however this is expected with the warm weather. They do not cause a problem unless you leave crumbs on the floor of the apartments.



We eat out in the evenings and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Our favourites were the Rib Shack, Rimini, Rendezvous, and Fiesta.



We went on several trips will we were there and suggest that if you are going to book trips, explore the resort first as you will be able to book trips much cheaper that way.



All the locals were friendly and welcoming and prices in the area were reasonable.



I would definitely come back here again and recommend it to others.

We stayed in the Avanti Village...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Manos

Submitted By:

Mr T Spencer

Comments:

We stayed in the Avanti Village after a recommendation of a colleague in May. An excellent property.



There are a couple of very misleading comments on the site, as this property is new and is very well located. We are a family of four and the children loved the place and the animators.



We spent most of the day around the very large pool area with plenty of sunbeds, a swim up bar with waterfalls and lazy river. We found the place very peaceful and relaxing.



A very important thing for us is that the children slept in normal beds in the living room not camp beds or sofa beds, as we have come across in the past in this type of accommodation.



The apartments are very spacious and have all the necessities although I admit, we did not use the self catering facilities that much, as we had our breakfast and dinner at the sister Avanti hotel nearby, also a very nice hotel.



We recommend visiting the bird park and the waterpark which is very close to the hotel.



We will certainly return for our future holidays as we have found our place and would not hesitate to recommend it.

We stayed at the Avanti Village...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr B Pope

Comments:

We stayed at the Avanti Village at the end of April for a week.



The 'village' was quiet as it had only just re-opened for the season and our first impressions was that it was a clean, well maintained site with plenty of pool space and facilities.



The apartment we were allocated was near to the pool and hence offered a small view of the pool area which was nicer than looking straight into another apartment.



The apartment was very spacious and would easily accommodate of family of two adults and two children and was supplied with a cot in the room that was of good quality and very clean.



Although the apartment was very spacious and clean the facilities for self catering could have been better. We found that there was no chopping surfaces, a decent knife or a microwave. That said there was an oven/grill and two electric hobs. There was sufficient crockery and cutlery for all.



Be warned when you arrive there is a 'welcome pack' containing some essential and some non essential items. If you choose to keep the pack it will cost you £15 CYP pounds which is expensive compared to the supermarket in town.



My advice is to buy the very basics at the onsite shop and then take a trip into town and shop at the large supermarket.



In fairness though whilst we had all the good intentions to 'eat in' it was more fun to try restaurants in town and with a little window shopping you can eat well at a reasonable price. The restaurants were all very children friendly and were equipped with highchairs as required.



Anyhow back to the 'village'. The pool as previously stated was large and there was both a kiddie’s lazy river and indoor pool. The outside pool was freezing and whilst refreshing during the hot days it was quite chilly towards 4-5 pm.



If you are looking for beaches then I recommend that you spend £0.80 and get the bus to Coral bay as the local beach is next to a building site, lacks facilities and feels 'dirty' and oppressive.



If you hire a car then spend time to travel the B6 to Limassol. The journey takes you along spectacular coastline views and a number of historic monuments.



Overall the village complex is clean, well maintained and well positioned to allow you to explore Paphos. I have been to numerous destinations and have often felt that I would not return.



I cannot say this about Paphos. Yes there are areas still being re-built and it is not perfect but there is a nice feel to it and the people are the friendliest I have ever met.



The Avanti Village is a good location from which to explore but also provides the perfect 'home' on return.

The Avanti Village is quite...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mrs C Campbell

Comments:

The Avanti Village is quite large (hence..Village!) And would suit families very well indeed with large pool and facilities for the tiny tots. We found the pool very noisy though- not so much with the kiddies but very loud groups of people (wedding parties mainly) - enjoying themselves - which is great, but if you are looking for a quiet place to chill out this probably isn't for you.



The apartments are very large with an en-suite bathroom. Not much in way of views other than into other apartments but the Village has been beautifully landscaped and there are flowers and shrubs everywhere.



The tavernas are not as Greek as we had expected and there are rather a lot of "British" type eateries - but we are all different and like different things so you will find something to your liking. We defected one night and visited the Indian next to "Ribshack" (sorry can't remember the name). The service and food was excellent - real Indian food beautifully cooked - not the apology for a curry we often get served back home - so do try it.



If you don't want a big meal go to the Black Rose - just a couple of minutes walk into town - the staff are young and bright and the food is good and very reasonable.



Go to the beach at Coral bay (80 cents on the bus!) - but don't get off at the sign for the beach - go to the next stop which is the terminus - much better beach and good take away if you want a spot of lunch.



If you possibly can, you must go to Egypt - this was by far the highlight of the holiday - we went by ship - 2 nights on board with dinner and breakfast. £175 UK or you can fly for £250 UK (approx). You have one full day in Cairo - it is the most amazing experience and you have a tour guide with you all day to take you to the Museum, Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx at Giza, Papyrus factory (yes, they want you to buy but they are very inexpensive and don't push you). Be prepared for lots of children trying to sell you tat - but they are very good natured and are very happy if you part with the odd £1!.



The harbour in Paphos is very pretty at night - stroll down along the beach (side of the Louis hotel) - and be rewarded by the best Brandy Sour at Rose Corner! It takes about 30 minutes to walk there.





The tombs of the kings is a 15 minute bus journey and well worth seeing but wear a hat as it is very exposed and hot, hot, hot! Also visit the Archeological site down at the harbour - fantastic mosaics! Both free on a Sunday to EEC visitors if you are on a budget!



Have fun!

What an excellent place to...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Miss J Gannon

Comments:

What an excellent place to stay!!! Never been to Cyprus before and I've completely fell in love with the place.



We'd gone to Paphos for my brothers wedding, he was staying in the Avanti Hotel (which was lovely) but he did spend the days around the pool at the village as it is alot bigger!



The apartments were lovely, spotlessly clean and great amenities (never stayed in s/c before that had a proper oven). Maid service is excellent - always had fresh clean towels! If you can request an upstairs apartment as you have a bit more privacy! The whole complex is immaculate - the pool is cleaned every night and the water ph tested twice a day (which was nice to see). The entertainment during the day was great! My daughter loved the kids club. Kris and Monica are excellent with both kids and adults..... Ladies the water aerobics is a must, a great laugh! Fella's..... You’ll love the water polo, great laugh to watch too!



Avoid the Fiesta Bar which is at the end of the complex - You'll get ripped off with your drinks!



We ate in some lovely places - Ribshack and Bombay are both lovely - not that cheap! If you want cheaper then Pegasus and Hot Cup Cafe are a must! The food there is excellent (esp hot cup cafe) and you get loads! They also make amazing Bailey's coffees! We did eat once at the Pelican at the Harbour! Lovely to see real Pelicans there but god it was dear! They add things onto your order i.e., garlic bread, normal bread and butter and salad! But boy do they charge for these things! So avoid! But if you want a proper good ole chippy to get really nice fish and chips then the Moulli at the side of Avanti Hotel entrance is a must! They do a wicked Fish and mushy peas!



Taxi service is good - not really that badly priced - about the same as UK!



If you wear glasses take your prescription with you. You'll get a designer pair at half the price! If your due an eye test then get it done there - the service is excellent - they will collect you from your hotel by taxi and take you for an eye test!



If you hire cars the roads are not to bad to drive on (they drive on the same side as us).

We went to Adonis Baths which was good! Bit pricey to get in and you can't really stay that long but the road down to it is not for the faint hearted! We also went to Aphrodite baths but that was a wasted journey - it’s just a little pond and you can't go in it! We went into Limassol for the day which was great as the World Rally cars was there at the time. If your taking presents home, buy in Limassol as its alot cheaper!

Overall Avanti Village is a great place to stay and a must if visiting Paphos - excellent if you've got a family!

First holiday in Cyprus,...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

First Choice

Submitted By:

Mr M  Cox

Comments:

First holiday in Cyprus, accommodation first class but lacks privacy. Village pool alot better than hotel pool and really enjoyed swim up bar.



Lack or non existence of entertainment a let down but a lot of other things to do .taxis are expensive but bus stop just outside with regular services every 15 mins, only 80 cents anywhere. Try the kings road area for alot of entertainment at night, includes pubs, clubs, restaurants, karaoke bars ect. Mr chicken only 24 restaurants in Paphos but you can eat and drink till what ever time you like. We got married at geroskipou in Paphos which has fantastic views. The photographer who took fantastic pictures for our wedding album was great fun and imaginative. From here we booked our reception on a Yacht for 8 hours of great entertainment which included canapés & champagne followed with a cruise to just outside coral bay, swimming, canoeing & snorkelling. This was followed up with a buffet lunch of your choice, more champagne &wine and a trip back at sunset to Paphos harbour .all this which made a fantastic holiday and dream come true was organised by first choice wedding co-ordinator Barry levick must be recommended if getting married in Cyprus. Will certainly be going back with a lot of memories

The avanti village apartments...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Med Hotels

Submitted By:

Miss A Homer

Comments:

The avanti village apartments are huge for 2 of you, they are very well equipped with everything you need. The pool area is great, especially the swim up bar. We went on a bed and breakfast basis, we didn’t enjoy the breakfast at all, the English breakfast had frankfurter sausages and the toast took about 10 minutes to cook, we wasn’t that fussed though, the rest of the holiday made up for that.



We found paphos to be expensive compared to Greece and Majorca etc, 2 drinks cost around £6-£7, so take lots of money as the food can be quite expensive too. The harbour is beautiful at night, very nice to walk up there. To get to the harbour or bar street we got a taxi which was about £5 or you can get the bus for £1, it is quite a walk from the avanti village (especially in high heels).



Paphos has some excellent restaurants; it is the best place I have eaten when on holiday. The rib shack by the apartments is very nice, we didn’t like the Indian restaurant next door, service was great but the chicken tikka masala didn’t taste like the curry's at home, maybe just me being picky!



Chloes Chinese is the best Chinese restaurant I have been to, the service is excellent and food even better, I recommend for dessert 'hot ice-cream', we didn’t know what to expect, but tastes very nice.



Our favourite restaurant was a French restaurant called Gabor’s, not far from the apartments, it was quite pricey but well worth it!! The service again was excellent and the food was stunning, we had the fillet steak for the main course, superb! I would highly recommend this restaurant as the best in paphos!



A couple of times we went to bar street which was ok if you are about 16-17 or on a lads/girls holiday, the P.R's annoy you trying to get you in their bars! The beach in paphos isn’t really a beach so we travelled a couple of times on the bus to coral bay, this took about 30 mins, the beach is nice here and has water sports, we went on the ringos and the fly fish, the fly fish is terrifying but fun!



Oh and don’t eat at the poseidonas by the harbour, we found the food to be disgusting (it may of been because we compared to gabors though.) All in all myself and boyfriend had an excellent time in paphos, weather was great, restaurants lovely and paphos is a very nice place to go if you are a couple/family. I would definitely recommend the avanti village, it has a good location, room very spacious, and the pool brilliant!