Jasmine Court Hotel

We have just returned from a holiday at The Jasmine Court Hotel; like others we had read some very disappointing reviews after booking and were unsure what to expect. However we were very pleasantly surprised, the staff made us feel very welcome and always made an effort to speak to us, the pool area was lovely with lots of sunbeds (and towels), the breakfast buffet was extensive with a good choice of food and the rooms were large, clean and comfortable. Yes, prices were high in the hotel but still cheaper than many bars in England and mini bars always charge over the odds. We saw the signs about not bringing your own food and drink into the hotel but were never stopped and enjoyed a night cap in our room. A nice touch was free mineral water around the pool if you asked for a paper cup from the poolside bar. All in all we found the hotel to be an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of Kyrenia and would certainly stay there again.

We are a family of 6 just returned from an enjoyable stay at jasmine court. I had read the reviews after booking and was a little concerned but I do not know what everyone is beefing about or perhaps the management has been reading this site! o.k. by English standards not a 5 star hotel but we are not paying english 5 star prices. Our rooms were vast clean tastefully decorated. We were given a king sized bed without requesting one. It is the first hotel that has taken our request to have the childrens rooms near ours seriously (sometimes we have been on another side of aroad from them) The food was wonderful in quantity, variety and presentation, something for everyone and vegetarians do not worry. the pool area is well cared for and the gardens kept pretty. There are a lot of different sitting areas by pool and sea and certainly at easter room for all. The staff were polite and eager to please with the possible exception of some of the reception staffwho were frankly inconsistent and took a while to sort out problems. For example it tookover 24 hours to get a keycard which would open the childrens suite. I think theproblem is that English is not as widely spoken as other countries we have stayed and our Turkish is non existent. We regularly picnicked on food and wine from the local supermarket using the mini-bar fridge for storage and no one seemed bothered. The notice forbidding this is well hidden at the back of the information folder and if I had not read it here I possibly would never had noticed. On the downside....everything extra is expensive(food all over the area is pricey but very good)the mini bar is extortionate and the laundry service too expensive(there is a good big bath and a balconey to dry it on!!!) The location is a mix of rundown towns building sites with some real jewels thrown in.St Hilarion and bellapaixare really something (both free for children as are all the historical sites) There are mountain walks and the scenery at the moment is green with an abundance of wild flowers. The highlight for the children was a £20 each boat trip from the harbour at Kyrenia. We were out for over 5 hours sailing swimming fishing, a buffet lunch of freshly caught and cooked while we watched fish and chips was included as was tea and biscuits later. It was organised by a father and son team and they encouraged the children to snorkel fish walk the plank off the boat and even let them all have a go and steering the boat. A wonderful last day. One thing i would change if I return (and I don't actually think the area warrants another visit)is i would not change much money to Lira a surprising ammount of places prefer to be paid inEnglish and you get a MUCH better deal paying inEnglis currency at the present.

We have booked into this Hotel on several occasions, rooms are fine and spacious,but gets noisy around the pool. On our last visit after new year, we visited during a religious festival period [we were not aware of this]. We booked in for a two week period with no problem, however after two nights we had a phone call at 11 pm, instructing us we had to leave the Hotel the following morning, it appears that a high rolling gambler needed our room! there was no opportunity for discussion with management because they hid behind closed doors! Most unsatisfactory, no compensation. Beware do not go to this Hotel if you want peace and quiet or the confidence that you will not be excluded if a "High roller" wants your room.

The Jasmine Court Hotel may well have been a 5* hotel when it was built (whenever that was) but it certainly isn't now! It's more like 3* to 4*. We stayed there in October 2004. One of the reasons we booked this hotel is because it was out of town, we thought the walk each time into town would be nice. Wrong! the walk (about 30 minutes) is along a busy main road with no pavements in places, also sections of the pavement suddenly drop about 2 feet. Also in places there is very little street lighting. Not a nice walk at all!! We booked a room with a sea view but there wasn't any available when we arrived! This wasn't the hotels fault but we were given a larger suite with a partial sea view. Although this room was large it was "well worn round the edges" and dated. Stains on the carpet and furniture, dirty windows etc. The pool area is very nice. The food, I thought, was good and plenty of it. Prices of drinks and wine with dinner are expensive. Why don't these places learn . . . . reduce the prices a little and more people will will buy the drinks! I just can't understand why the rooms/suites are furnished with a large dining table and six chairs yet they stop you bringing food & drink into the hotel . . . . strange! We still brought drink in and nobody stopped us. I wouldn't stay at this hotel again. We were also very disappointed in Kyrenia town itself, in places it's a dump. The harbour area is it's saving grace.

We stayed at the Jasmine Court, booked through Cyprus Paradise. We had read several reviews AFTER our booking which all seemed to complain about the Jasmine Court, i.e. 'Watch out, the Gestapo are about!' from one reviewer. We found these reviews unfair, the hotel is of very high standard compared to others in North Cyprus (we looked in the Dome - be careful....) and the reception area, despite another review being negative, was all marble / polished tables / comfortable seating, etc. Very efficient staff at reception and, throughout our stay, the staff were friendly and keen to please. The only request we had made was for a double bed, however we were given twin beds upon arrival. A quick request to the reception soon sorted this out and, to be fair, it appears that our agent Cyprus Paradise had not passed on our request at all. The room was large, to put it mildly, with a lovely sitting room area, a gigantic bedroom and a small bathroom - with one of the best showers we have ever had. The TV picked up several English channels, including BBC World and CNN. Some chap had complained about having to pay for the TV - you do, but only if you want to watch the porn! Quite frankly, I would expect that to be charged (though why you would want to watch some sex channel in Turkish is beyond me! Better to chase the wife around the massive bedroom....) The gardens and pool area are lovely, tons of sunbeds (with very few being 'reserved' by towels), a swim up bar and the fountain is very pleasant to sit under, especially on the 'rocks' which are scattered in the shallows. The array of drinking areas is excellent, our only complaint being the excessive cost of drinks either at the bar or in the mini-bar in our room. The only drinks we bought were at 'happy hour' when it was 'Buy one, get one free'. This is a mistake in my opinion, the hotel would do better to lower their prices as more people would then use the facilities, however I doubt their marketing team have thought of this... You are banned from bringing in your own food and drink, due to the fact that they want you to buy their stuff, however see my observations above. We too bought the odd bottle of wine into our room and had a nice drink on the balcony before going out, feeling very silly the next morning by having to smuggle the 'empties' out to a bin! However, if you use a bit of common sense and don't go mad, you won't find this 'rule' a major problem. We only ate the once at the Jasmine Court in the evening, this was the 'buffet menu' and, although not as romantic to use a buffet, the cost was reasonable for the amount on offer - about £10.00 each for a 'eat as much as you like'. We didn't eat in the Fish restaurant for the old problem of cost - I refuse to pay nearly £40.00 for some King Prawns! But then the place was normally full and you could smell the food several hundred feet away - we maybe regret not trying this. All in all, a nice hotel - but you have to be aware that you are in North Cyprus, which is still 'learning' the tourism trade. The rooms are kept very clean, you get fresh towels every day, bed changed and made every night, plus effective air conditioning in both sitting room and bedroom. We opted to pay £2.00 per day for a kettle (with coffee, tea and milk included) but then you get the room safe free of charge, which I would normally have to pay for in Spain. Swings and roundabouts... I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a 'higher than average' hotel in this region.

I agree with those others who stayed there - this is not a 5 star on a global basis - while the buffet food is good, and the pool and grounds not crowded, in June anyway, the sewers do miff abit, there is a lack of any evening bar that doesn't have tumble weed blowing through it, and the entertainment staff are a joke. Catering for the 55's and over this is not an ideal hotel for the young. Kyrenia and the surroundings are also very disappointing - thereare many other places much nicer - Kalkan in Turkey, Chania in Greece and Paphos in S Cyprus. The path to the town is a good 15-20 min walk on a series of unconnected and poor paved paths, unlit at night. But taxis are cheap. The whole of N Cyprus is a dusty buidling site - not good. The Kyrenia harbour has poor standard restaurants and over-priced bars too. But make the effort to get out and there are one or two oasis of the unspoilt Cyprus such as Bellapais and the Karpas Peninsula... Sorry but I will not be returning.

We stay regularly in 4-5 star hotels for both business and leisure and when we fancied holidaying in Northern Cyprus, the Jasmine Court Hotel's website made it seem very apealing. We booked the accomodation through Green Island Travel based in London as the hotel did not reply to our email. On our arrival, our first impressions were disappointing - the hotel lobby does not resemble what one normally finds in five star establishments. Nor four star even. It was tacky in appearance. The disappointment increased when we saw our room. We had booked an executive suite and were assured by Green Island Travel that it would come with a double bed. The suite we were given had twin beds. It also had the smallest bathroom I have ever seen in any hotel. Putting it politely and without hyperbole, anyone of above average size will find it a tight squeeze to use the toilet while the obese will find it impossible without being wedged between the basin and the bath-tub. Strangely enough, the lounge area and the bedroom were both huge even by five star standards. There is clearly a design fault somewhere along the line. We complained to the hotel and they replied that the hotel was fully booked and they couldn't move us for at least four nights. We then rang Green Island Travel in London who suggested that we contacted their rep. The rep rang and repeated what the hotel had said and so we asked to be moved to another hotel. Lo and behold another suite was found immediately. This was slightly smaller and did not have a full sea view but it had a double bed and a far nicer bathroom. It also had three balconies including a partial seaview so we had a choice of views depending on our mood. The furnishings we found to be stylish and we felt totally at home in it. We wondered whether they saved the best rooms for the mainland Turks who were there in abundance over the weekend. Service from the porters and waiting staff we found excellent - they were so eager to please. Food in the seafood restaurant was excellent and we would recommend it. The buffet dinner however was very poor and there's little incentive to eat there when there are so many wonderful restaurants in Kyrenia serving super food at a fraction of the price. Breakfast was served both indoors and out. The breakfast buffet was very good with eggs freshly cooked to order and plenty of fruit, cooked meats, breads and pastry. Turkish delicacies were available over the weekend made in the traditional style by a lady seated on the floor. Those wanting a lie in can still breakfast at an additional cost at another restaurant on the complex. Like another reviewer, we saw the signs prohibiting the bringing of food and drink from outside the hotel. Strangely our room had a beautiful dining table for six while the first room also had a fully fitted kitchen. This didn't stop us from smuggling bottled water into the hotel purchased at a fraction of the cost in town. Though these were barely concealed, security obviously chose to turn a blind eye. The other hotel facilities were not becoming of the five star hotel though the gardens were pretty and well tended. Sun loungers were in short supply around the swimming pool but there were sunbathing terraces on the way to the sea. There was a very small beach but nothing to boast about. The cocktail bar was very small and empty most evenings - we were not tempted to go there. Not much entertainment either apart from a reasonable singer playing keyboards at the buffet dinner. There were professional male masseurs for those wanting a good pummeling but we didn't try them. There is a car hire firm situated by the hotel and a large carpark for those with cars. The pretty harbour at Kyrenia with its restaurants was about a 20 minute stroll away but there are plenty of places to eat nearer. In conclusion, we enjoyed our stay at this hotel despite our initial disappointment and the rough edges mainly because we liked the bedroom, the views and the service. We'll be happy to stay there again.

The first room we were placed in was smelly, musty with a filthy carpet. After complaining we were moved to a better room, a non smoking room, of which they have only six in the whole complex. We bought come water from the local supermarket and were immediately confronted by security when we entered the hotel. Apperently it is forbidden to bring any food or drinks into the hotel -even water! - for 'hygiene' reasons. However, there is a fully stocked mini bar with crisps and nuts etc. on top of the fridge, so the 'hygiene' argument doesn't hold water. There is a notice in the lifts which states that any food or drink found in the room will be removed and the client will be charged 50% of the hotel rate for those items - seig heil mein fuhrer! After we'd arrived it became clear that this hotel is simply a Casino hotel. They sell packages giving free food and accommodation to gamblers who promise to spend a minimum time and amount in their casino. This fact was evidenced by the coach loads of Greeks, Israelis and Turks who would arrive and make a beeline for the casino. These countries don't allow casinos and so the gamblers pop over to Northern Cyprus. This also explains why there were so many casinos in such a small part of the world. During our stay my friend received lots of really nasty bites to her feet and ankles - though there were no mosquitos around! We received a note under the door asking us to vacate the room the following day between 8am and 4pm so that the room could be dissinfected! And we hadn't mentioned the bites to anyone, so they clearly have some form of infestation problem. The actual hotel room was basic, good aircon, mirror wardrobes, cheap furniture, pay TV (yup, you had to pay to watch the tv). The minibar was very overpriced, £2 for a bottle of water, £2.50 for a can of pop etc. so steer well clear of the minibar. The hotel bars were quite nice but expensive, a pint of Efes (local beer) cost £1 in town, in the hotel it was £3 for a bottle! The staff had a habit of putting the charges to your room which could mean a very nasty surprise at the end of the holiday! Be warned! In my line of business I stay at many top hotels, mainly four or five star - but only for a couple of nights at a stretch - certainly not 14 nights. This hotel does not compare to the standards I am used to. The costs are consistent with a five star hotel, but do you really want to pay five star prices in a three star hotel for 14 nights? Shop around for a good clean well recommended hotel before you spend a lot of unneccessary expense in the Jasmine Court.

We stayed at this hotel in May 2005. Like the previuous reviewer we were very disappointed. The Hotel was shabby and the staff ignorant of even the basic courtesy's associated with a suposedly 5* Hotel. It was the worst 5* Hotel I have ever stayed in having travelled all over the world. The exception was the pool bar and resturant where the food and staff were OK. Lovely pool area and beds but nothing could make up for extremely poor service, unclean rooms and a staff in general who made up excuses when ever anyone complained. We were not alone in trying to get things done. This included the Customer Service Manager who basically could not care less. DON'T GO THERE.

Was concerned being Turkish Cypriot flying into Larnaca the Greek side. It was an extremely pleasant trip better than their counterpart Cyprus Turkish Airlines who usually treat passengers like cattle. Travelled last year with them. The service on Cyprus Airlines (Greek)was very good, no problems with immigrationa. Forget that, the flight was not the problem. When booking the hotel I was specific about my request for a kitchen and a seaview and inter-connecting rooms for my mother in law who came to help with the children. The relevance, two children under 3. The rooms at first glance seemed reasonable but very basic not what I expected for paying £1680 (excluding flights). The bathroom, ah ha the bathroom, put it this way when brusing ones teeth the bath behind did not leave room for movement, let alone swing a cat. I then discovered the room with no veiw, the room was above the main restaurant building which totally obstructed any view which might have been availble (pool and sea) of course I was totally disappointed and requested to be moved. I was shown a room on the 4th floor which gave me vertigo what with the unsafe balcony, the throught of any child climbing that gave me shivers, total disaster, needless to say I rejected that room. I was assured that my original request would be met the following day. Did it? No! That's not all, the kitchen was not in working order, none of the kitchens in the rooms worked, anything needed had to be ordered as room service at extra charge. Oh, they would provide a kettle and tea making facilties at a charge. The inter-connecting room didn,t happen, that room was in the next block. The Managers response, hotels sell rooms with sea views even if its through a toilet window. Really! The restaurant staff just couldn't be bothered and made you feel like they were doing you a favour by their presence, although in fairness some of the people were pleasant. The food, ah the food, Turkish cuisine is one of the best I have tasted although I'm biased being a Turkish Cypriot. The food at this hotel was to was dismal and bland even the attempts to offer Turkish dishes were shameful. Maybe I have become a hotel snob having stayed at many quality five star hotels Dar Al Masayf, Dubai, The Datai, Malysia to name a few. This hotel does not merit five stars, two stars at a push three. I stayed at this hotel 7 years ago and it certainly has gone down hill. I was told by the locals the hotel caters more for the casino members than the guests staying at the hotel. I don't think I would have been so disappointed had I paid £300 per week, you live and learn, I won't make that mistake again, I think..........