Malpas Hotel Review - 137 of 154 Reviews

I arrived on the 18 February for a 6 week stay, really looking forward to some sunshine but was slightly taken aback by how cold it was. My first day in Kyrenia was actually a snowy scene from Alice in Wonderland. It was the first time ever that I experienced sitting in my hotel room looking out across the Med Sea towards Turkey whilst it was snowing! (The last time I experienced being in a snow storm in Cyprus was in November 1974 in Nicosia Airport!) The first 5 days were cold and rainy but afterwards returned to the normal warmish weather one would normally expect of late February and March.

The Malpas was, as normal, my refuge from the busy world where i could switch off and just relax without the negativity of UK radio, tv or newspapers. It was no different this visit, except for circumstances which led Management to close the entire first floor for total renovations and upgrading in which all rooms were completely gutted, including room floors, to renew all utility infrastructure and internal fittings and decor. They did rather well to complete the noisy part within 10 days. The works which were ongoing were kept between mid morning to late afternoon and were progressing well and did not significantly disrupt or disturb my stay despite my room being immediately above the works, although at times the pneumatic drilling left me feeling as if I had just been to the dentist. Funny how the mind works! The outside swimming pool was also undergoing complete renovation and maintenance, fixing and replacing tiles, grouting and checking and replacing pool lights along with new improved weather proof wooden decking on the sun lounge areas. The pool will be up and running for the Easter Break!

I was not let down by any of the staff from whatever department and if i needed anything i just had to ask and they would try their utmost to help and make my stay an enjoyable one. If one or two have difficulty with English then please don't give up, ask for the guest relations angel to assist you.

When i visited for 4 weeks in November and December i noticed an huge increase in Germans visiting albeit for just a few days as part of their Turkey holiday package. This time was no different with some groups only staying one night to three nights, but it brought a nice atmosphere to the hotel and even more so when large numbers of Norwegian, Swedish and Finish groups arrived for a short one night stay prior to taking part in an international orienteering competition. I did notice that most of the international guests enjoyed the variety of food presented in the open breakfast and evening buffets and also the snacks offered in the bar.

For those who prefer a car rental, don't despair, as there are still a few dependable rental companies like Pacific who let cars from £10-to £12- per day, minimum 5 days, over the winter months for which i was grateful. Don't forget to bring your driving licence with you though. Buses are available from near the hotel and only cost a couple of Lira into Kyrenia.

The hotel does provide a reliable and free bus service into Kyrenia every morning at 1000, or you can get the 1100 bus for just two Lira, with a free collection late afternoon at 1600 for those who wish to use it. So really absolutely no problems with getting into and back from Kyrenia.

The Pound Sterling was really strong this visit exceeding 3.9 Turkish Lira which made the hotel snacks and drinks very good value and those visits to local cafes and restaurants more enjoyable; can't help it, i'm an Englishman abroad! Talking about currency, it's best to exchange it on the way into Kyrenia opposite the Lemar Supermarket for the best rates. There is a Bank ATM opposite the Currency X-Change shop where you can actually draw Pounds Sterling before exchanging.

15 minutes walk from the hotel on the left hand side of the main road into Kyrenia there is a lovely German Bakery-Cafe and further down on the right hand side near the Catalkoy Village junction there is a lovely ice cream cafe called Mardo's where i enjoyed the occasional full English Breakfast and later tea and ice cream ... There is also a good Chemist near Mardo's which provide advice and service without the need to get a prescription from a Doctor. The local Supermarkets are also not too far away, are really good and provide most things; so a place to get your favourite bathroom shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste and the like, although the hotel does provide ample soaps, shower gels and shampoo. So save on the baggage weight and buy your stuff in North Cyprus. The nearest real sandy beach, 1 km long, is a 30 minute walk to the front of the Acapulco Hotel although the Malpas does have a seafront quay, restaurant and bar a few minutes drive away.

I tried posting another positive review on Trip Advisor after my Nov-Dec stay and altered and changed the language i used at least 22 times since November and they still refused to publish it, but published many other negative reviews without problem and without confirming whether those reviewers had actually ever been guests at the hotel. I have now deleted my old account and would not recommend Trip Advisor to anyone as they are being fined left, right and centre in Europe for publishing false and negative reviews which in turn destroy business. It's so easy to check whether someone has been a guest if they give their real name and dates, isn't it? So my tip is read the reviews from sites in North Cyprus like this one ...

As a solo traveller the Malpas provides everything i need by way of Gym, Swimming Pools, Spa Wellness Centre, WiFi, panoramic sea and mountain views and enough food when i need it. My only regret is that the hotel doesn't offer a special 9 month deal! Thank You once again to all staff in all areas and to the Management who always have their staff's individual and collective interests uppermost in their minds, which in turn leads to a happy, well motivated Team and a happy ME!

Liked — The blond girl knocking on my door at 0200 in the morning
Disliked — Not being offered a 9 month Deal!

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