This is the 8th Riu we have been to, and in our opinion, the worst. This is because we were misled by both the Riu's own description, and to a certain extent by those on this site. We like quiet hotels, and did not expect so many children - it is term time after all. However, that apart the hotel was actually quite good. It was clean, well run and although the staff could have been a bit happier and "user friendly" the atmosphere was good.
Food was odd, lots of pasta and pizza, not a great deal of main meal choice. But the quality was excellent. We spoke to a manager who said the menu was Riu head office policy, they had to have just 4 flavours of ice cream etc. though much was local and fresh. No complaints either with the drinks, which were lower strength than normal, but free. And the cappuchino was very nice.
The pool was well used, the children generally very well behaved, and there were no "yobs" although the youngsters did enjoy themselves with water polo etc. Our complaint was the noise, which got extremely loud when the "disco" music was played outside.
This was not as good as the all-inclusive in Lanzarotte, but will improve now the Maris next door is opening again. Not for us, but for families with young children or sun worshippers a very good choice. Our highlights were the archaelogical sites, but the harbour area was good, and the local amenities far better than in other resorts we have been to.

We booked the Cypria bay for our Honeymoon last year, we were very careful on on which hotel we wented to choose and with this being a new hotel and being told by the travel agent that this hotel was aimed at people our age we booked it.

When we arrived their we got transfered by the Cypria Bay to Cypria Maris with no prior warning to be told it was fully booked.

I have to say the Cypria Maris was not a patch on the Cypria Bay and all we go compensation wise was £70cyp and a bottle of champagne!!! We could not wait to come home it ruined our honeymoon.

Its now May 2008 and we are still fighting with Thomson to get our money back and yet they are still saying that we received £70 cyp as a good will gesture (MY [--]) it was our honeymoon and we are never going to be able to re-live this and it got ruined.

There is no way that the Maris is the same standard as the Bay, I just can't beleive we are still fighting Thomson still

Date: 16 Apr x 7nts
Traveller based in London

We have just returned from our trip to Paphos, Cyprus and stayed at Cypria Bay for 7 nts.
We have had higher expectations judging by the photos and description of the hotel in the brochure, the grounds and outside pool are smaller than what it looks like in the photos but overall this all inclusive is quite nice, staff are very friendly, hotel is very clean and food is ok. It is a family friendly hotel,we travelled with our baby who loved running around the gardens and pool. Although location is beachfront, the hotel doesn't have a beach as such, this side of the island is quite rocky but next door sister hotel has a little strecht of sandy beach and clear water. 200 mts frm htl,there is a bus stop that takes you to Paphos Harbour within 7 minutes, number 15 or 11, but can also be done in 30 min on foot.
The rooms are clean, compact and the ones overlooking the pool and sea have a lovely view over the Mediterranean.
Next door their sister hotel is currently undergoing renovations and both will share their facilities from next month onwards.
Overall we enjoyed it although food was a bit repetitive and drinks were weak.
A supermarket can be found within 2 min walking distance and a few pubs and restaurants 10 minute walk from the hotel if you get bored with the food.

I have just returned from a weeks All-Inclusive stay at the Riu Cypria Bay in Paphos. I was travelling with my husband and 2 year old child. We had an enjoyable stay and the hotel was of a decent standard. Weather was fab.

All -inclusive food and drink was good. The food was typical buffet style for each meal but the variety, presentation and quality were good and I have stayed at a lot of All-in hotels. Not much for main course options if you are veggie, but the meat dishes were good quality, all food very hot and freshly cooked in small batches rather than one batch that sat for two hours at a time. Chocolate gateaux were yummy and plenty of ice-cream for the kids. Waiting staff friendly but beware the wrath of the head waitress if you don't stick to your allocated sitting (early or late for dinner). Drinks were plentiful/good choice but spirits were definately watered down. Is this legal as they are in effect being 'sold'. It did mean you could drink more than you normally would though! Eight 'Blue Oceans' and not even tipsy!

Air-conditioning was a big problem initially. I ignored previous comments on this site re: A/C at my peril. For the first two nights/
days the room was unbearable despite A/C being on full blast and turned down to 10 degrees. We complained a few times and were told maintenance would see to it. Nothing happened. Then we were told that no-one in the hotel had A/C until Friday (three days away) because it wasn't working. We checked with other guests and they did have A/C so this was a lie. Upon this we demanded to change room which was a pain. Surprise, surprise we had working A/C in this room.

Rooms were comfortable and clean and cleaned daily. Pool towels are also provided which saves some luggage space.

Pool was lovely - a little cold initially at this time of year but nice later in the day. Indoor pool/jacuzzi was very nice and quiet. Changing rooms, loos were all very clean.

Plenty of sunbeds, no-one was saving them with towels at all. I just move peoples towels if I come to find a bed and they have been saved unfairly anyway. No-one ever has the cheek to argue.

Entertainment was OK. Bingo with Sandro was funny but he leaves this week. It is quiet time of year anyway so can't expect high season facilities. It was Greek Easter this weekend so they did Choc-egg hunts quizzes etc which was good. Kids club wasn't on during our stay but new animation team arrive this week so I guess this will change.

Beach area in front of hotel was not great. It is being cleared up for season and there was a lot of building rubble, rusty fencing etc which was not great with a toddler. I expect that this would be cleared very soon as the next door hotel Cyris Maris was closed for sprucing up and due to be open soon. This meant no squash available (if that matters to you). There was a nice deck which meant you could swim in the sea in a sheltered area which was good because it is quite rocky.

Hotel management were constantly walking round checking on things which was a good sign. Falcon night club was a nice venue and I guess this hotel would be really buzzing in high season.

One point - check-out is at noon. If you want to keep your room for the day for a late flight it cost 51 euros! If you don't have kids with you, I wouldn't bother. You can shower later in the indoor pool changing rooms as they are clean and roomy.

All in all the hotel is very nice and I would return if I could guarantee functioning A/C.