If you cannot go to a resort with good food, booze, and a somewhat private plunge pool with the person you love and just be happy, then you have bigger problems than your hotel. There's no-way-to-not have a good time here. However, the overall experience if I was being a fair auditor as someone who frequents hotels across all star-distinctions and fine dining would be a 4/5. I outlined a mix of feedback below.
I stayed at the Amarande hotel in pool suite 608 last month with my girlfriend for a romantic getaway. Our personal experience was a 5/5 but I would rate this hotel a 4/5 based on a few factors. There are moments of greatness, but there is a lack of harmony that holds it back. If I could encapsulate it in one sentence: A hotel that is trying hard to make sure you know it's luxury. Unfortunately, when that's the spirit, you will fall short.
The Exceptional The hotel plunge pool rooms are the place to be. If you're booking this hotel, I would say only do so if you book those rooms. Otherwise, I think you're buying their posture rather than a real luxury experience.
Some reviewers complain that the hotel is not on the beach. Well, it's not and that was fine for us. We appreciated the calmer atmosphere. The beaches are within walking distance or a short cab ride depending on where you want to go. This is not a party-atmosphere, but if you need that you can get there easily.
The food overall was good for resort standards, and the pina colada was the best we'd ever had.
The pool suite we had (608) was particularly spacious.
The cleaning staff were great. I liked that I could schedule the cleaning on their app with very clear times as to when the staff would be available. They were very efficient in taking care of such a large suite within 30 minutes. Tip of the hat to them.
Points to Be Addressed The closing time for breakfast needs to be changed from 10 am to 11 am. Enough feedback has been given on this by other reviewers that management should accept this as the standard for the type of resort they are boasting.
2A. The pool is in the process of closing at 6 pm and completely closed by 7 pm. The cleaning of the plunge pools takes place between 10 am - 11 am which is during opening hours. While the main pool is cleaned before opening hours. This is awkward and disrupts one hour of the time for a feature which was paid at premium. This should definitely be reviewed . . .even though they offer options to schedule differently . . . I shouldn't have to.
2B. The closing time for both pools should be 8 pm not 6-7 pm especially in the summer months. We could see how the staff was already stressing the kicking-out process of 6 pm for the main pool; and honestly, I would not enjoy that at a place like this when the sun isn't even setting yet in August.
The staff were overall good. However, the emphasis on the idea of luxury versus training proper anticipation for guests and employee growth was apparent. This led to some clumsy moments. I prefer staff be comfortable rather than perfunctory. This was across the board.
The Ezra fine dining restaurant had above average food, and wanted to present an elegant fine dining atmosphere. However, the restaurant was sandwiched between the other dinner restaurant for those on half / full board -- naturally with a loud environment, and a bar with booming live music. The noise clash of all completely took away from the ambiance Ezra seemed to want to create. No one wants to eat a 300 euro dinner for two on a romantic balcony with below average blasting music to your left, and the loud clacking of plates and sounds from another restaurant to your right. Whoever thought of this thought we wouldn't notice.
And that's what it comes down to thinking we won't notice. The resort wants you to believe you are somewhere you aren't always, and while it holds many great aspects it falls short of excellence. With good enough food, booze, and water opportunities -- you can't complain, but only state...
Read moreMy partner and I first stayed at Hotel Amarande in July 2023 and had a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience. We were impressed by the excellent service and the friendliness of the staff. Because of that, we decided to return in July 2025. Unfortunately, our second visit did not meet our expectations and left us disappointed in several key areas.
During our first stay, we were warmly welcomed at the entrance by a porter who immediately took our luggage and brought it directly to our room. This year, the experience was very different. We checked in at 3:00 PM and handed over our luggage to the porter before going to lunch at the hotel restaurant. When we returned to our room one and a half hours later, the suitcases were still not there. Only after we called reception did the porter bring them. His comment, “Don’t worry, I’ll bring them,” and his overall demeanor suggested he was waiting until we were in the room, likely expecting a tip. As guests, we should not be required to wait in the room for our luggage, especially when it delays the opportunity to enjoy the pool or other facilities.
A EUR 200 deposit was required at check-in. While we did not mind the deposit itself, we were clearly informed at both check-in and check-out that it would be released within five to seven business days. However, our bank later confirmed that the amount would be held for an entire month. This kind of information should be communicated transparently to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary frustration.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a blonde receptionist whose communication was limited to asking for our ID, giving us our room number, and handing us an information sheet. There was no further explanation or interaction. In contrast, during our stay in 2023, the check-in process was much more pleasant. We were welcomed warmly, given a detailed explanation of the hotel facilities, including how to use the elevators and where to find the parking garage. This year's check-in felt impersonal and not in line with the standards of a five-star hotel.
Over the course of our eight-night stay, the bed linen was not changed even once. In addition, the trash bins were not emptied for three days. This level of housekeeping is unacceptable in any hotel that claims to offer five-star service.
The service in the restaurant felt more like that of a high-volume all-inclusive resort. The waitstaff lacked knowledge of the wine list, and when we asked for recommendations, they laughed and admitted they did not know much about the wines. Additionally, we observed that the overall service quality noticeably varied depending on whether a supervisor was present. This inconsistency gave the impression that staff only performed their duties properly when being closely monitored.
While it is clear that hotel management is making some effort to enhance the guest experience, the execution is lacking. For example, we received a complimentary cocktail voucher in our room, which was a nice gesture. However, although the room number was correct, the names on the voucher were wrong. This small detail reflects a lack of attention and genuine interest in the guests. At check-out, we were even wished a pleasant journey back to Germany, although we are not from Germany. Overall, the experience felt far less personal than during our first visit.
Despite our disappointment, there were still a few highlights. The tall blonde waiter who had already worked at the hotel in 2023 and now serves in the fine dining area was once again outstanding. He is professional, attentive, and a true credit to the hotel. Additionally, the head chef and kitchen team deserve high praise, as the food was excellent every single day.
Although we still very much enjoy visiting Ayia Napa and plan to return in the future, we will most likely choose a different hotel next time. It is unfortunate to witness such a clear decline in service and hospitality at Amarande, especially after such a positive...
Read moreWe have been travelling to Ayia Napa & Cyprus for over 18years. Experienced many of the accommodations the destination has to offer. I travel a lot globally with work and experience many hotels across the star rating spectrum.
Amarande rates top of the list now.
Stayed in one of the Signature Sea View Suites (318 from 07th to 16th August). I cannot rate the hotel & experience more highly. In everyway it exceeded expectations & is setting itself to be the No.1 hotel in Cyprus I feel.
Its all about quality. The hotel design, furnishings, facilities, food, pool area, staff support etc were all incredibly good. I simply cannot find a single fault. I'm a very picky traveler with high expectations and I'm not easy to please. But this hotel ticked every box.
There was a slight problem prior to arrival - the hotel called to explain our suite had electrical issues (hotel was only open a few weeks open so to be expected) and that they would have to put us in a lessor grade room. I explained our reason for booking the hotel was the Suite. I was disappointed. But here is the mark of great service and the experience then of the hotel..... They listened to me and worked in the interim days to resolve the electrical issue. They let me know a day or so later. So when we arrived the suite was ready & available. This is a mark of great service and quality. And it was amazing suite. I have to rave about how good it was. So comfortable, spacious, with a massive balcony & a view of the pool, sea, Ayia Napa beach (Limnaki). The suite had some bugs with the very, very high tech control panels for curtains and lights but this didn't really bother us. The room is so high tech. Having stayed in 5* Las Vegas hotels who tout room tech...I found our suite in the Amarande to have even better tech and facilities. The rain shower....fantastic....Jacuzzi bath...etc
Food in the hotel is exceptional. Top quality. Not the usual low quality buffet food that can be experienced, even in high star hotels. Every option was well prepared and a myriad of options available. Even the barista coffee options were extensive - Frappe anyone? lol
I want to mark out as especially good, the food, experience, and service at Ezra restaurant. This is the hotels fine dining restaurant. It was so good we booked it twice during our stay. This is a Michelin Star in the making. Spectacular food and great wine options. I was really impressed in every way.
Pool area is very comfortable and lots of loungers and pool side service. Food at pool bar was really great also. Best Haloumi burger I've ever had! Great cocktail options also. The view of the pool from the front facing rooms/suites is really great and at night I was fascinated to watch a robotic pool side vacuum/cleaner operating.
The hotel is spotless and cleaning services in rooms and common areas really great and very frequent which is important during current pandemic. I felt safe at all times in the hotel.
All interactions with staff were very, very positive. Very friendly and professional. A really great team of people in the hotel, in every department we encountered. Front of house manager (Maria) was very welcoming and throughout our stay she reached out to check in to see all OK. I appreciated this. The hotel also has a very responsive social media facility and responded directly to some comments (all positive!) before, during & after our stay.
I am totally blown away by how good this hotel is. A part of me didn't want to write this review as it would influence others to book and push demand up and I want it all to myself lol But seriously, this new hotel in Ayia Napa is just what the resort needed. A top class, adults only, high tech, ultra comfortable hotel, with great food, and great location...in a great resort.
Congrats Amarande! You have an amazing product. A welcome addition to the Ayia Napa & Cyprus higher quality offering.
Thank you for an amazing stay. Looking forward to booking for next...
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