MY REVIEW ABOUT HILTON

Business and Pleasure -Perfect in Every way!



I spent 3 amazing nights at the Hilton on a business trip and I was here again in 2011 . Even though it is an old Hotel, it has never -Not even for once lost its high standards and goals. It continuous to be the perfect meeting point for the business clientele, and for the last 45 consecutive years it stands as a symbol of exclusivity and a luxurious landmark in the City of Nicosia.



As always I read reviews before I make any booking and I found it the 2^nd most popular –but this of course does not mean much because popularity does not go with quality or luxury. You see, there are times when budget hotels with less stars are more popular to tourists for one or another reason. Anyway, the Hilton won a 2013 Traveller's Choice Award in the category of Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Cyprus and this is a fact!!



I won't exaggerate writing that I was spoiled and pampered again like the previous time I was here because it is indeed a hotel that spoils and pampers its guests .



STAFF: They are all exceptional and very attentive. I need to write though about Maria the Housekeeping supervisor who deserves a special mention. When she saw me desperate and disappointed that I did not have a bathing suite along and for 3 days I would miss Jacuzzi and the interior pool in minutes she came up with a solution. She was unceasingly friendly and helpful on other times as well when I needed her.

Elena Oltu –housekeeper who was decorating my room! There was a different surprise from her even late in the afternoons when she would drop by again for more! Her amazing decorating creations were better than any other I had seen for years. But of course there was Mrs. Christina Spyrou and Sophie, the other ladies who were just as good and always polite. Stelios, the mini bar attendant always discreet when he knocked on the door to ask if I needed anything from the mini bar. In all, I felt like home with their unparalleled level of excellent service.



ROOM: This time I had the executive room #361, overlooking the road. The double-glazed windows keep the traffic noise away. The guest is made welcome by a note on the flat TV –a nice gesture! Spacious like all rooms of the executive wing and spotlessly clean, which for me is factor #1 . The executive suites have a minimalistic style and a touch of luxury. How can it be otherwise ….soft relaxing clours, a huge very comfortable bed with cushions on, beautifully designed curtains matching with the carpet and walls, a huge desk something missing many times from other business hotels. The businessman can work out here in comfort and eloquent silence in the amazing ambience of his room. Functional amenities for demanding guests!

Coffee/tea facilities, fresh flowers in the room and bathroom, safe, mini bar, iron board, robe and slippers are provided.

Remember to have the chain behind the door just in case somebody accidentally comes in. Sometimes you might not hear the knock and the staff thinks that nobody is in and they gate-crash inside.  



The Nicosia Hilton knows well how to pamper its guests with some VIP courtesies upon arrival and throughout the stay. It is something a pleasant surprise each day.  

I had a big bowl of seasonal fruit, sweet Cypriot delicacies, snacks, mineral water and wine. If this is not a real treat and pampering, then what!!



BATHROOM: Tiled walls and floor with a marbled sink. Spacious/spotlessly clean/magnifying mirror and ample of nicely scented towels for hands/face and body .

The water pressure in the shower is not what I expected especially when I came from a hotel where water had a strong pressure but of course I can understand it. You see this is due to the Eco friendly sustainability initiatives ….it would be actually nice to see other hotels practicing these measures also.

I loved the new toiletries which are by far better than the ones the Hilton had for years. They are the Peter Thomas Roth from the Mega-rich collection. I found them simply amazing and they smell like fresh tangerines! The body wash gel contains green and yellow micro beads with vitamins. Indeed a treat to guests!



BREAKFAST: The first meal of the day (American) at the Fontana Restaurant is sumptuous! It is breakfast for a diverse group of members as well as guests, so there is everything for everyone enough to fill you up till dinner -a paradise of cereals and dry fruit . There is a choice of home-made bread/cakes/rolls/croissant/muffing/jam/marmalade and honey, and omelettes. There is of course so much more. Be sure to taste the Chef’s homemade muffins –they are huge and of excellent taste. Breakfast is under the supervision of professional staff one of which is Christina who is supervising the restaurant in the morning. I found her alert and impeccable.



DINING: The Fontana interior is fabulous creating a warm and pleasant ambience. Besides the wide variety of traditional and international buffets, it offers the a la carte menu where guests can choose out of a variety of Signature dishes that suite all tastes. The Chef of the Cuisine Mr. Georgiou is very talented with several awards in his record. There is something for everyone, from the Hilton’s classics to vegetarian dishes, nutrient salads and different other health options.

I had the Sea Bass from the a la carte menu –it was cooked to perfection and the portion was huge and very tasty! There are amazing salads to accompany meals and if I had to give just one word for dessert… .I would say "heavenly" !! Of course there is Christos, the Food & Beverage Coordinator who is the appropriate person to recommend the matching wine or drink to accompany your dish.



EXECUTIVE LOUNGE: Guests with rooms on the Executive floor have access to this lounge. Beautifully decorated with fitted carpets, comfortable sofas, -serves like a library, a study/work room as it provides 2 or 3 laptops as well. It provides coffee/tea facilities, cool drinks, some wine, snacks and nibbles. There are tables for dining, and guests are able to bring additional persons to this lounge if they wish, whereby they then have the option to be charged 25 euros p.p., which allows their guest(s) unlimited food and beverage or if preferable, to be charged on a consumption basis. Of course don’t expect a full menu, mostly snacks and three or four kinds of dessert.

SPA: The Spa is great here at the Hilton -Excellent facilities, personal attention, in hands of expert consultants . Ask to see the list of therapies and choose the one that suits you out of the body and face treatments. A basic 60 min mineral face treatment costs 75 euros, with the most expensive –the Anti-Aging 90 min for 110.

The classic back massage is the cheapest (30 min) for 50 euros, with the most expensive –the International Thai Massage (90 min) for 120 euros.

Guests who stay in the hotel can use the Jacuzzi, Steam bath and Sauna without paying any extras. I


Wi Fi: Internet is free in all public areas and food beverage outlets, but guests can have access in their rooms under a small charge although I found it kind of slow to be honest.

The cost is 15 euros for 24 hours and 45 euros for 72.

It is free though and it has become a standard benefit for the HHonors Gold and Diamond members staying at all Hilton worldwide properties .


LOCATION: It is a hotel geared predominantly to the business clientele making it an ideal meeting point, with just 15 minutes’ walk to Nicosia’s highest points.



Transport: Buses 116, 158, 160 can get you to the main bus station -at Solono’s Square for just a euro. Buses are scarce during weekends though!

Use the Intercity (green) buses if you wish to get as far as Larnaca, Limassol or Paphos. There is a bus stop approximately 100 metres from the hotel on the right.

If you are fit, it is a matter of 15 minute walk to the City centre otherwise take a taxi for 6 euros. Find them behind the parking lot.



PLACES OF INTEREST: The Cyprus Archaeological Museum should come first on your list of priorities .

This time I visited the Folk Museum and I found it very interesting. A visit to Makarios Cultural Foundation, Laiki Yitonia and the House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios are also highly recommended. Finally get to the Old city -Ledra Street is full of retail Shops, Café bars, Restaurants and Malls, making it so it an interesting area to go for a walk.



LEDRA’S CROSSING POINTt: If you wish to pass through the opposite side –the Turkish side, you can have access through Ledra’s passing point. By all means it is a passing point and not a boarder because boarders divide countries. Cyprus is a country on its whole, with its northern part being occupied by the Turkish troops since 1974 with the Turkish invasion.   Be sure to have your passports along. The situation is sad here, and I am sure there is not much that would keep you on the Turkish side. Go for it if you want to, just to say that you did.



CONCLUSION: In all after my 3 night stay here I believe it justly ranks first on the charts. Check for early booking and enjoy some amazing discounts.

I can’t wait to be back. Thank you guys you are all wonderful!