Excellent Location, Professional Staff, Nice private beach!

I was just for one night at the Crowne Plaza on my way to the mountains, ignorant of what to expect but lately my choices seem to never let me down . Of course the fact that the Crowne Plaza is the only international brand hotel in Limassol it is more likely to be a good choice anyway, so let's see!

LOCATION: Unique! On the popular promenade Avenue only a 10 minute drive from the city Centre, from markets, shops and museums. 

The InterCity bus from Larnaca dropped me off across Debenhams and a 4 minute walk brought me to the hotel. 

The blue Bus #30 which is the most popular runs by every 15 minutes. Buses in general are cheap, punctual and handy.

 
CHECK-IN: I was greeted by friendly smiles and check-in was fast and swift with none delay. In fact I remained at the Lobby as I had a meeting and by the time I got to the suite the luggage was already up.




 
 
SERVICE: I feel a bit weird each time I have to stay in a new hotel that I have never visited before and I usually need time to get accustomed to the unknown surroundings and the new faces . Out here I felt comfortable from the moment I set foot in the Lobby. I was instantly made welcome, starting from the bell boy, to the reception staff, the housekeeping and the restaurant's team, everyone was discreet and polite. An extra credit to Nadia, but on the whole the team is prepared to go that extra mile to make sure their guests enjoy the stay.  



AMBIENCE: It is an old hotel but recent renovations have turned the lobby to a modern, stylish and comfortable area that enjoys panoramic views of the garden and the blue of the Mediterranean waters. I did not see much to be honest but the interior is indeed cozy and comfortable.

BEACH: A nice and private sandy beach with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas.





 
SUITE: #430: Nice and cozy, impeccably clean and well appointed .

Fully equipped; mini bar, safe, hair dryer, slippers and robes, coffee/tea and ironing facilities, a flat TV of course, though I never bothered to switch it on. The long working desk proves handy but although internet was complimentary it did not provide a satisfying speed.

 
The sofa with the lamp stands on each side, created a homely feeling, and in general the room looked nice with much attention to detail.

 
The bed, (two singles) was comfortable enough and I remember having a good night’s sleep. An extra treat was the aromatherapy sleep kit which I highly appreciated and I spotted it on the bed upon arrival.

 
There were also a couple of tiny chocolates and a biscuit or two for coffee, a bottle of water and a tiny platter with some fruit.


 

 
THE DOWNSIDE: Instead of listening to the lapping of waves against the shore from the suite, all I could see from the wall window (no balcony) were the buildings across the avenue and a busy street with noise being frustrating at times . 

I was compelled to leave the curtains down. As a traveler and a person who spends half of the year travelling and spending time in hotels I always have a pair of earplugs along for similar cases.

I believe, if you spend money for holidays then it is worth spending a bit more and go for a sea view instead, unless you plan to be out the day long and return for dinner and sleep.



 
BATHROOM: Quite dated but bright, impeccably clean with a bathtub. Besides the set of toiletries there was a wash dispenser both for hands and body, while towels were bright and fresh.





 
RESTAURANT: There are two, the Haven Restaurant & Terrace, where I had both dinner and breakfast the next morning, and the à la carte, La Brezza.

The Haven Restaurnt is quite spacious with a nice outdoor terrace. The interior, was not that inviting as if something was missing out there but the entire team of the restaurant made up for it. They were all polite, extremely helpful and chatty that the decoration can easily be relegated to second place .

Usually guests who book HB or are on the all-inclusive, are after food. I remember out here I came across several such persons, but chefs kept refilling the platters with more and more portions.

Buffet was varied and at least what I had was fresh and delicious. In the capacity of a food critic I went around with a fork and nibbled a bit. None complain, everything was of excellent quality and taste.

BREAKFAST: (0:700 – 10:30) but finishes at 11:00 am on weekends and public holidays. The choice was plentiful with nothing missing from what is expected out of a buffet of such hotel.




 
POOL AND GARDEN: It was a nice surprise and I did not expect the premises to be that beautiful and that close to the beach .

 
During the summer months the overflow outdoor pool and the Lounge Bar attract all the attention. For a moment I wished to have time to spend three or four nights here, but certainly at a suite overlooking the sea.

 
INDOOR POOL: Not big, but the spot looks inviting, and the pool is also heated during the cold winter months.



 
IN ALL: The overall stay was satisfying. I can highly recommend this hotel for business or pleasure, for short or long holidays. Keep your positive attitude and the good work up guys.