Alexander The Great Beach Hotel

Inside an imposing concrete facade, the four-pearl Alexander hums like a well-oiled leisure machine, according to most reports. A steady flow of guests in flip-flops streams through the bright and attractive lobby, headed for drinks on the shaded terrace or to meals in the main restaurant. The lobby's polished marble floors and upholstered furniture in neutral shades are well-maintained. Outside, white sun loungers and umbrellas -- cleverly assigned to guests for the length of their stay -- cover the lawn, pool decks, and crescent-shaped beach. Multiple pools are sparklingly clear, with shaded pergolas, swim-up bars, whirlpools, and spouting water features. Several outdoor dining spots overlook the pool and sea, including a casual pool bar and a Japanese restaurant right on the beach. Though the hotel sees plenty of families with children, the hotel is largely geared toward vacationing couples.

The hotel is located on a crescent-shaped beach in the town of Paphos, a UNESCO cultural heritage site on the southwest coast of Cyprus. Greco-Roman ruins dot the area, including the remains of the Roman governor's palace and the Paphos Archaeological Park, both within a six-minute drive of the property. Modern cafes, shops, and convenience stores are within walking distance along the Coastal Boardwalk outside the hotel. Paphos International Airport is 22 minutes away by car.

The hotel's 202 rooms are elegantly designed with contemporary four-poster wooden beds and soothing neutral decor. Room categories range from Superior to Deluxe Rooms with a choice of sea or inland views to adult-only Garden Cabanas with jetted tubs and plunge pools. All rooms include private balconies or patios, comfortable beds with high-quality linens, tea- and coffee-making facilities that are replenished daily, minibars, safes, and flat-screen TVs with English-language channels. Wi-Fi works well and is included in the rate. Bathrooms with granite-top sinks have shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and peek-a-boo windows looking into the bedroom. A range of quality toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers by the work desks are also provided. Higher category rooms have jetted bathtubs and separate showers, plus bathrobes and slippers. Note that rooms facing the busy road may suffer from traffic noise. 

There are multiple leisure facilities for guests, including the pretty crescent-shaped beach that earned a Blue Flag certification (an eco-label). Water sports are available there for a fee. In addition to the sea, guests can cool off in three outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool. Guests are allocated a specific lounger for their stay, eliminating the need for morning rushes to reserve a poolside spot. The main pool has whirlpools, a swim-up bar, and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The other pools include a tiny kiddy pool, an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking outdoors, and an adult-only one with multiple massage and hydrotherapy elements. 

Although not luxurious, the spa includes a free sauna and steam bath, and a range of services are available for an added charge. There's also a spacious gym equipped with weights and cardio machines. A colorful kids' club keeps little ones occupied with computers, games, and shows. Both children and adults are also treated to a daily activity program and nightly live entertainment in an outdoor theater. Meeting and event spaces, including a wedding terrace, are available as well. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.

Dining options at the hotel are varied and guests can choose a meal plan for their stay. Café Royal serves a varied buffet-style breakfast and lunch, while Roxane serves the buffet-style dinner with a rotating theme each night. Other dinner options include a la carte spots serving Japanese, Italian, and Greek fare. These restaurants may be closed some nights and have restrictions on how often guests can dine there. Food as a whole receives positive reviews from guests. For drinks, there are the swim-up pool bar and an indoor bar.