Reviews of Golden Star Apartments, Protaras, Cyprus

Well, what can I say? Really...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss L  Barton

Comments:

Well, what can I say? Really can't believe all the rave reviews of these apartments!! Myself and my partner were REALLY diappointed when we got there last week, not at all what we expected from somewhere that's supposed to be a 4 star place. Most of the review authors were correct, the rooms are basic and VERY VERY dated to say the least! As for clean - well, that's not the word we would use, there are obviously various different levels of cleanliness to some people. There were human hairs everywhere in the apartment, clumped together underneath the bedroom dressing table, with dust clinging to them. Under the sofa's in the living room, the dust made it easier to spot them (as well as what looked like bits of crisps). The tiled wall of the shower had small curly black hairs everywhere and I had to rinse about a dozen of the same out of the bath before I would get a shower! The toilet didn't look as tho it had ever been cleaned (I thought most places abroad placed sterile seals or something across the seat to confirm it had been properly cleaned), all that they had seemed to do was sprinkle a little scouring powder down the loo, it had a terrible smell (the towel's smelled the same too) having arrived on the Saturday. The cleaners looked to have been into the apartment on the Monday as our bath towels had been straightened (not replaced) but that was the only evidence we ever saw of any cleaners ever having been in the room the whole week, with the exception of fresh towels on the Wednesday and Friday (we were leaving early hours of Sat morning)! If they did clean or mop anywhere, they obviously couldn't see the clumped balls of hair and other dirt and sand (that we accidentally trailed in on our trainers), as they were still there when we left. We forgot our carrier bag with the washing up liquid, dishcloth and t-towels etc in, and didnt really want to buy any more, but as we only used a couple of cups and plates (coffee and toast) we thought that we could manage, we rinsed them each morning but couldn't wipe around the sink. The cleaners never made an effort to help out there either. To be honest, none of the staff were helpful, it took two days and 3 requests to get an extra pillow (even tho we had asked for an extra one each) my partner used a chair cushion under his pillow in the end. My other half liked to watch TV while I got showered and ready to go out each night, but the remote didn't work, when he asked for more batteries, reception said they had none, we had hoped they might offer to go to the on-site supermarket but no, that would have been beyond the call of duty and believe me, no-one went out of their way to do anything out of their remit!! Even the wiating on staff at the on-site Yianna Marie resteraunt couldnt be bothered, we vetoed the place after twice waiting more than 15 minutes for someone to take our order, the staff were too interested in putting chair cushions on seats and ashtrays on tables. Also, the food was very bland, nothing special there and not cheap either. On the subject of food, AVOID the Rising Sun cross the road, again, the staff seemed to consider it a chore to serve you and the food was nothing to write home about. On the other hand, the Astoria just up the road (turn left out of the apartments) was STUNNING!! We went in on the Monday night and then every night after that, to say the food was lovely would be an understatement, the only complaint I could make was the size of the main courses - there were very generous and I was gutted as I wanted to try a dessert but never had any room. One night I mentioned it to one of the waiters (who, by the way, were lovely, friendly and couldn't do enough for you - and that's all of them), he suggested I ordered something off the childrens menu then I would have room for the gorgeous home made cheesecake afterwards, in the end I decided to order the scampie (which of course was lovely) which left room for a dessert. The owner of the place, Chris (who greeted us warmly at the entrance each evening) told us that his wife had made the cheesecake and the apple pie my partner ordered, his wife also cooked in the kitchen so he was assured everyone was getting quality, And we definately were - we might have paid that little bit extra to eat here, but it was well worth it, our plates only ever had anything left on them as we didn't have room for it all!! Georgina the African Grey Parrot was always an attraction too, if Chris asked her to, she would kiss him and if she was eating grapes (she loved them, would hold them in her claw and suck out the juice) she would share them with Chris. All in all a great place. As for the rest of the resort, yes there were a lot of places doing Kareoke and lots of live singing acts (some good, some bad) and yes, it was a bit Blackpool ish, but each to their own, some people like that kind of going on when they go out so you'll need to make your own minds up here, but if you get a chance, look out for a young lady by the name of Lucy Winter, blonde lady, around mid twenties (if that) fantastic voice and can sing many requested tracks, first caught her in the Fools and Horses Bar then again in Squares later in the week, great act (we thought anyway). The beach has lots of watersport fun (parasailing etc) but it isn't cheap, so take lots of cash if you want daytime fun. If you like cats, look out for the ferral cats on the main street, bless them, they are so cute, and there's lots of them around the 'park' area. Hope my review has helped you decide :)

Just got back from a week at the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked IndependentlyTravel Value

Submitted By:

Miss R Taylor

Comments:

Just got back from a week at the golden star, it was fab!! We have booked up again to go in April.

The apartments are so clean and the staff are so friendly.

The rising star pub is fab,big shout out to Ian the DJ, we had great fun in there.

Fab location right in the thick of the action and there is such a good mix of pubs and bars,something for everyone.

Overall a fab holiday, the only thing we struggled with a little bit was the heat at night it never cools down, take plenty of cool clothes.

Great value for money and a beautiful place.

THIS IS OUR 4TH TIME STAYING AT...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mrs D C HALL

Comments:

THIS IS OUR 4TH TIME STAYING AT THE GOLDEN STAR APTS WE WENT WITH FRIENDS THAT CAME WITH US LAST YEAR AND THEY WANTED TO RETURN.

THE MANAGER IS SO HELPFUL WHEN WE ARRIVED SHE HAD BOOKED US INTO THE SAME ROOMS WE HAD LAST YEAR WHICH WAS A LOVELY SEA VIEW.

THERES EVERYTHING SO CLOSE AT HAND WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR.

TOWELS CHANGED EVERY DAY AND CLEANED EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS.

HOTEL RESTURANT IS A MUST THE STAFF REMEMBERED US FROM LAST YEAR SO POLITE.

THE SQUARE BAR IS GOOD STAFF ALSO REMEMBERED US AS WELL HAD SOME GOOD NIGHTS IN THERE WHAT I CAN REMEMBER MY HUSBAND AND I CELEBRATED OUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SO THEY GIVE US CHAMPAGNE WHICH I THOUGHT WAS NICE.

WEATHER VERY HOT HOT HOT LOVED IT.

WILL BE BACK

This was our first visit to...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mrs D Howatson

Comments:

This was our first visit to Cyprus and the Golden Star Apartments and it certainly won't be our last. The apartments are basic but very clean, we had our room cleaned every day apart from Sunday and the towels were changed every time. The staff were extremely friendly and very helpful. The pool was thoroughly cleaned daily and we never had any problems getting sunbeds. The Yianna Marie Restaurant situated right next door is a must, all the waiters and waitresses are lovely, extremely friendly and obliging. Considering how close to the main strip we were and where there is a hugh choice of restaurants, shops and 2 or 3 nightclubs, we found it extremely quiet around our apartment block. We went on two excursions - one to Famagusta which was a real eye opener and the Jeep Sarfari up into the Troodos Mountains, this is a real must, a full day of entertainment with some really fantastic guides. We have two daughters aged 15 and 10 who had a really fab time and who made some lovely new friends. We will definitely be returning to the Golden Star in the very near future.

Location fantastic, facilities...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss J Snowden

Comments:

Location fantastic, facilities good, resort great but the apartments were filthy! Apartment had mouldy food left in it on our arrival, the floors were dirty and were not cleaned all week, cotton buds, condom packets left in the bedrooms. This place is in need of a serious upgrade or at least a good clean preferably with a bucket of bleach!! Sacking the cleaners would be a good start. I would never stay here again despite all the other plus points. Not worth the money and nowhere near the standard it should have been!

Blackpool with sunshine. All it...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr S Richardson

Comments:

Blackpool with sunshine. All it needs is an Elvis impersonator. but hey...wait there's loads of 'em! The main street is like Oxford Street on a saturday. However, there are a good range of restaurants but sadly a McDonalds and Pizza hut. Also Sunday roast with thick gravy. The Brits have taken over and killed what could be a really nice place. There are too many karaoke bars with sad nobodies thinking they're somebodies who wouldnt pass the first stage of the X Factor.



The hotel is very dated but adequate. Pool area is good and has a good on site restaurant all a stones throw from a really nice, safe beach. The staff are really friendly and the location of the hotel is really good but we wouldnt go back because Protaras town is far too tacky but if you like that kind of thing including themed restaurants such as the Flinstones restaurant where the waiters actually dress up as Barney Rubble and Fred Flinstone then this is the holiday for you. All that's missing is the Kiss me quick hats. But I'm sure that if you look around you will find some!



We honestly had a good holiday, it's just sad that all the cringey elements of Britain seemed to have been dumped in Cyprus

Hi i have been to Protaras for...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

maclyn

Comments:

Hi i have been to Protaras for the last 11 years, I have stayed in the golden star and 1 year at sister hotel Rising Star, which is great if you have young children as some families are very noisy with no respect for other guests staying there, the rooms are big and great the pool is lovely, But Because kids entertainment and noisy family's, I returned to the Golden Star, it is quieter and you can use the facilities of both hotels which is great.

The staff of both hotels are great,the cleaners do a great job i would not want to clean up after some certain guests, I have never had any thing missing in all the years i have been going, My problem is with holiday companies who are trying to promote Cyprus as the next Ibiza for the lager louts, Cyprus is Lovely and i do not wish to see the Golden Star turned into a Lager Louts hotel so Please take note Thomas cook you have a obligation to not offend other guest as well.

Memnia who is Manager of The Golden Star is Very Nice and has said they are undergoing some modernisation, and i look forward to July 09 when i next visit

Both these hotels are very nearly on the beach

Just got back from a one week...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Mrs R Fraser

Comments:

Just got back from a one week stay at the Golden Star, myself, partner and two children (10 & 9).

Yes the rooms were in need of updating but compared to some greek/cyprus holidays i found the apartment spacious and had all we needed. Air con in main bedroom free but only an on /off switch on the wall, could have done with a control on some nights as it wasn't set as cold as we needed it (occasionally) but definitely ok. No air con in kitchen/lounge where the children slept so hired a fan from reception. did the job.

had a pool view and a side view of sea which was great, lovely and quiet at night just the odd sound from bar or passers by but hardly anything, mornings quiet too and fab blackout curtains meant we actually slept in most days!

Great location, five minute walk to the fabulous beach. Children spent all afternoon swimming and snorkelling in the shallows chasing fish.

Pool was small but accommodated the guests, we loved it because there was no entertainment, no music and bar very small- this may not be everbody's cup of tea but the rising star hotel facilites and pub sounded more lively for those who wanted it. Always got a sunbed, even after 10am - no towel game needed to be played however don't be disheartened if you arive on Sat/sun and it seems crowded as it is not always this busy, the week days much quieter.

Cleaner did a great job, reception staff always friendly and helpful, supermarket had anything we needed and more or less the same price as them all.

Recommend Astoria Restaurant on same road, just because its so near, don't pass it by food and staff fantastic, try the meat mezze or steaks. I would go back to this apartment with my family.

i have just came back from this...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr Jk Mccarthy

Comments:

i have just came back from this hotel and i already new how good it was from last year, as i had spent a week at the same place. both this year and last year, i found some of the staff rude, money had went missing in our room, and when we had confronted the manager she tried to blame it on our room mates. we came to the conclusion the maid had something to do with the loss. we confronted the manger again and she rudly explained how this was impossible, we gave her the scenanario that it could of been chucked in the bins. she laughed. so we checked over 100 dirty bin bags and found the money. the maid had thrown it away. the on site restraurent is perfect, brilliant food and cocktails, and the waiters and barstaff are very very nice and pleasent. the rooms are basic yet clean. the pool is basic and not maintatined to a high enough standard for me, yet it is next to the beach and peiople did tend 2 wash their feet in it so, what can u expect. protarus i slovely, if you are an older couple, i will advise you that their are a lot of teens gettin quite drunk around so it can be noisey. be warned. weather nice, so is the water life.

go to this hotel for its restaurent and cheapness, and close proximinity to the beach.

my partner and i have just...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Miss J Finnie

Comments:

my partner and i have just returned from a weeks holiday in protaras. we stayed at the golden star apts and we had a fantastic time.the hotel is in a perfect location right on the beach, which i have to say was lovely. there are glassbottomed boat trips, and watersports available on the beach, two sunbeds and an umbrella cost 6 euros per day.

the hotel itself was very nice, the rooms are a little bit dated but more than adequate, towels were changed twice for us while we were there, there was also a kettle and toaster in the kitchen which was handy. there was also a safe, and aircon in the bedroom only(which you will def need). the pool was very nice, we always managed to get sunbeds. i found all the staff to be very friendly, particularly in the restaurant.

the main strip is only a few minutes walk away, where you have various restaurants and bars to choose from, we ate out every night and really enjoyed the food. the square bar was a favourite of ours, it was always busy, and had good karaoke and plenty of impersonators to keep us amused. the magic dancing waters show is a must see, we really enjoyed it, good for all ages. the weather was fantastic, very very hot, in fact we didnt see a single cloud. all in all we had a fantastic time and we would def return to the golden star apts again in the future.

We were originally booked to go...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Aphrodite

Comments:

We were originally booked to go to Cala D'Or Mallorca, but our accomodation was cancelled 72 hours before our due departure. After much seaching, we opted for Protaras - partly due to the very good reports on this accomodation. We were concerned that the resort would be more "commercialised" than we would like - but ended up having a fantastic holiday. I would agree with other peoples views that the apartments are a little dated and in need of an upgrade - but they were very clean and spacious, and the staff were lovely. We tended to use the pool at the sister hotel (Rising Star), as this was probably more suitable for the children. The pool at the Golden Star is absolutely fine - but slightly quieter. We went at the end of May, so the resort wasn't too busy. We managed to find a number of resturants that served traditional Cypriot food, whilst still catering for the children. We particualrly liked Astoria's just up the road from the apartments. Overall, we had a great holiday - so much so that we are likely to book again for next year!

We stayed in the Golden Star...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs J Henderson

Comments:

We stayed in the Golden Star Apartments from 28 May 08 for one week. Very clean and everything in good condition. Room cleaned every day, with change of sheets and towels half way through holiday. Reception staff helpful, if a little dour. There is air con in bedroom only, but fans can be rented from Reception. We had to ask at Reception for Air Con to be put on , so make sure you ask when you check in. Had no TV in apartment until two days before we left. They just appeared with it at door monday afternoon, and then left it unconnected to afternoon of tuesday!

There is a restaurant, bar and supermarket in complex, all which are adequate. The beach is less than five minutes walk, and is clean and well equipped with sun loungers and parasols, Six euro a day for hire.

To get to main street is only a five minute walk up the street. There are supermarkets, exchanges, "duty free" alcohol / cigarette shop. ( Best one is beside Pizza Hut on main street.) There are many bars and restaurants which cater for every taste. For us, the best one is called DIVA, and it is situated at far end of main street. It cooks amazing Flambe steaks etc and also Cypriot dishes and many European dishes. Their steaks, though are the best in town. You may pay a few Euro more, but the food is far superior to the rest. We ate there three of the nights we were there, and truthfully could have ate there all seven nights!! The speed of the waiters is astounding!! Extremely helpful, friendly staff, that make the whole meal that much more special. Waiter George was especially lovely.

All in all great time had by all and we'll definitely be back!

The Golden Star hotel was fab!...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Direct Holidays

Submitted By:

Other K Anon

Comments:

The Golden Star hotel was fab! Although it was a year ago since we (my boyfriend and I) - but we are now looking to go back to Protaras and stay at the Golden Star. It is a AAA* hotel, yes Ok, the decor wasnt all that, but there is so much to do there, who really needs to worry about how 'unmodern' the hotel is.



The rooms are a little basic, and yes the bathrooms are a little on the shabby side, but we have a great view from our apartment, the apartment was cleaned EVERYDAY, fresh towels, beds made, even our washing up was done!



The staff there were very helpful, and if you needed anything they were there!



Cyprus itself - Im desperate to go back. Love it there!



Myslef and my boyfriend are at a young age, but would mostly recommend it to anyone. Ayia Napa is just round the corner, but the night life in protaras is all good too. Same old comedians, drag artists, singers etc, but thats wat makes it Cyprus!!!



Well recommended.



Happy holidaying!

Basic but clean, needs...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr K G Allen

Comments:

Basic but clean, needs modernised. Excellant beach, friendly staff, very English orientated loads of karoke.

I have just come back from...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Through Travel Value (Teletext)

Submitted By:

Miss C Smith

Comments:

I have just come back from staying for a week at the Golden Star. The resort is basic but clean, with very friendly and helpful staff. I went with my boyfriend for a couples holiday and found it suited our needs perfectly. We ended up using the Golden Star ppol rather than the sister hotel one as we found it perfectly sufficient for our needs. There were plenty of sunbeds to choose from all day so you didn't have to rush down with your towels at the crack of dawn.



The room was clean and fine for our needs with air-con which we needed on some nights in the bedroom (I did leave the windowns open for a couple of nights without air-con and paid with it with a number of Mosquito bites!!).



The staff on reception were very welcoming and helped if we had any problem. Beds were changed everyday as well as bins, towels etc - the cleaner even did our washing up on a few days!!. We had a lovely sea view as well. For the money we paid it was great and I think well deserving of a 3 star.



The pool bar did a range of snacks to suit our needs but it would be cheaper to pop to the supermarket (literally right outside the hotel) to get your cans of drink as they are half the price on the pool bar ones!!



The Yianna Marie restaurant next door the hotel was lovely and we ate breakfast there everyday overlooking the sea. We had one evening meal too whcih was nice. Prices of food and drink is on par with the UK.



The apartment is in a perfect situation with a beach on your door step with watersports and a glass bottomed boat trip only stumbling distance away. It is also closeby the main strip where most the night life happens (but far away enough to be able to sleep at night).



Beaches are nice and clean with plenty of sunbeds free in May.



To be honest for nightlife for couples it was fine, but by the end of the week we were a bit bored on the impersonators (particularly Elvis, Freddy Mercury and Abba), I would recommend the Robbie Williams impersonator though - he played at the rising sun pub on our last night and was very entertaining.



My only downside to the holiday is the Mosquito bites - I was a little un prepared and went out in a shortish skirt along the strip one night and gort eaten alive!! Take plenty of insect repellant away with you!!!!



Finally, for anyone who wonders what the weather will be like in May - we went 14th - 21st and it was hot hot hot (much hotter than I expecetd with no rain).