A Lovely Hotel Steeped in History – The Jewel of Platres!


It is the only four star hotel in the area with a style of its own . 

Don't expect luxury and modern pieces of furniture in the rooms or suites though, only because the owners wish to keep the charm of its glorious past. You will of course understand their reasoning if you go on reading the paragraphs below.  


 
CHARACTER:

Forest Park is a family run business that has already passed its 75^th anniversary back in 2011, but as a traditional hotel, through the years the owners try to maintain and renovate the hotel to match the 30’s era, time when the hotel was built. 

 

In doing this, the owners successfully managed to combine the unique atmosphere of the past throughout the interior, but with additional comforts and amenities of the present.


 

 
 
 

FACTS: 

Throughout its history Forest Park went through glorious days hosting celebrities, ranging from Kings and politicians, to famous writers and actors . Visitors like Princess Mary and her husband, King Farouk, King Steward and the sheikh. 


The princesses and the kings entered history, but the Forest Park continued to write its own history. The British, Egyptian and Greek nobles gave their place to Presidents and ministers. 

The British Governor gave his place to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, while the noble families of the Greek community of Egypt were replaced by Hollywood stars.


The hotel had always been a place of artistic inspiration. 

 
The English writer Daphne du Maurier was one of the guests back in 1936. She wrote a great part of her famous novel "Rebecca" out here and hundreds of others.

The story continues…As it passed down to the fourth generation of the Skyrianides family, the Forest Park has adapted to the demands of the 21st century, and as the owners were telling me their main aim is to keep the high standards of its services .  
 
 
LOCATION: 

Nestled in delightful grounds it stands in the fringe of the pine forest in a superb location amidst 20 acres of forest and gardens. 

It is located in (pano) Platres -the principal hill resort of the island and only 7 to 8km from the Troodos square. A short stroll will take you to the beautiful neighborhoods of the village, to restaurants and coffee shops. 

Due to the abundance of greenery and lush vegetation regardless the time of visit, the singing of birds and sound of gurgling water that runs throughout the village, are the only sounds to accompany you during your strolls. 

Nightingales come in spring and then the strolls out here become more enchanting and magical.

 The basic characteristic of the village that makes it an ideal destination for both locals and foreigners is its climate; dry in summer with minimum or no humidity, and with temperatures much lower than those in the urban areas of the lowlands . 

Inhabitants of the village are involved mostly in the tourism industry.

 

 
NATURAL BEAUTY: 

It is so quiet and peaceful out here –the 20 acres of forest and gardens, and everything is lacy green and so peaceful. 

 
All you can hear are birds, and the sounds of the air and gurgling of water.  

 
It is hard to think of words to describe, but it is more stunning of course to be here, to take in with all your senses the gifts of nature and it makes me happy to know such places do exist and are protected and cared for. 

 
What an enchanting place to be!


 
A JEWEL: 

The Forest Park hotel is the precious jewel of Platres and happens to be very special to me at the same time . 

As a child I must have visited the hotel at least three or four times, coming with my parents and relatives, but as a grownup I was here again in 2011, in the capacity of a Travel Guide Writer.
  

There was no way to be in the round area staying in other hotels and not spend a few days out here too!  


 
I had arranged to spend two nights with my sister this time, but due to an unexpected incident that came up she was not able to drive me up here herself. 


 
To make story short I managed to come two days later, spent the whole day here, got a room to rest but due to lack of time I did not stay overnight.

 



 
 
WELCOMING: I was greeted once again with that distinguishable Skyrianide’s family warm welcome . 

So nice to be back. Once again I am moved upon entering the route from the arch that marks the entrance of the Forest Park, up to the main building due to memories from my childhood. 

 
 
With every step I recall pictures of myself running and playing in the garden, sunbathing by the pool, the way I liked to run up the same stairs and corridors that I walk once again now as an adult.


SERVICE: Top notch. The tradition of hospitality and high quality services never stopped adding value to its reputation.


 
ROOM: 

The (glamour) of the interiors of suites of that era which the hotel owners want to keep is nothing more than (simplicity) of the present. So guests should have this in mind.


I had suite #708 and I can tell that it was impeccably clean and spacious –a contemporary interior, simple but functional and with the highlight of the room the beautiful view . The double glazed door-window overlooked the high pine trees and beautiful gardens. 
 
 
Coffee/tea facilities were missing, but a mini-bar, a hairdryer and a safe deposit box were provided.  

 
The bed was wide and comfortable, and the bathroom well lit and spacious. Towels were fresh and bright and toiletries were replaced by soap-wall-dispensers.


 
Looking out from the balconies, the impressive panorama over the mountains guides the eye to the blue sea of Limassol. 


Even when clouds or thick fog prevent the view to infinity, the visitor is never disappointed as the scenery even when obscured is a unique moment of life. 

 
Christmas in the Forest Park sounds pretty nice…how I wish I could spend the whole week of Christmas out here and enjoy happy and relaxing holidays!

 

RESTAURANT: 

In the capacity of a Food Critic I nibbled a bit and tried a few of the restaurant’s dishes out of curiosity before the main course. Dishes prepared by the Chef are the essence of taste and finesse; not only tempting to the eye, but above all - the palate. I had the Grilled Trout accompanied by grilled vegetables and I have to admit, the tastes of both exceeded my expectations . The trout was cooked to perfection and was extremely juicy and flavoursome. The vegetables were superb, -crunchy as they should have been and very tasty.  

 
The choice of dessert was great, the quality top and the tastes exquisite. I cannot point out the one that I liked most because all were super yummy. 

Service was second to none.  


We accompanied our lunch with the home's wine and for the end we had Commandaria to accompany fruit and dessert. The owners produce an excellent wine which is available for sale too. Be sure to try it. I am definite you will want to buy a few bottles for home before leaving the premises.  

 



 
 
UPGRADING: 

The guided tour I had in the premises lasted a couple of hours not only because the hotel is huge but because there were so many rooms and spots that I had to see . 

 
It is so moving entering the room where let’s say King Farouk spent his holidays, or rooms where members of royal families, presidents, artists and Hollywood stars chose this particular hotel for their holidays. 

 
 
I was impressed with the thick red carpet in the corridor of one such wing, but there is so much more reminding of that era. 

 
 
I ought to point out that interiors of suites are kept the same only out of respect to that era and not out of negligence.


 
 

 
CONFERENCE ROOMS: There are excellent facilities for business meetings, banquets and Conferences.




 IN ALL: I consider the Forest Park a precious gem in the area . I highly recommend it for the reasons mentioned above. My short visit this time was another memorable experience that I will cherish till I am back again. It is ideal for year round holidays, for those who love nature, simplicity, history, and good food. As a demanding guest myself, with respect to the past I consider it very unique. It has a character of its own, and this is what visitors should count on. A huge thanks to the entire Skyrianide’s family for the warm hospitality. 


Photos in random