GrandResort

For the most part, the GrandResort (formerly known as the Hawaii Grand Resort) looks like a time capsule from the early 1990s when it was built. There's still plenty of allure to the atrium lobby, which is draped in planters with leafy vines trailing like a waterfall of greenery above the polished tile floor. Pillow seating around a central fountain adds a cool Mediterranean vibe. But the drop-ceiling, busy brown carpets, and dated tan furniture all badly need attention, though many of the guests who frequent the hotel don't seem to mind. The atmosphere improves outside, where at least 380 palm trees shade the manicured tropical grounds and stone cobbled terraces, where the wood furnishings are far more timeless. 

Most guests are couples or families, though there are more business travelers here than at many competitors, thanks to the large conference hall on-site. There's a lot for kids here in high season, including a free kids' club, and evening entertainment may include a kids' disco or magic show. Other acts may include folklore shows (dancers in traditional costumes); there's also live music every night in Tycoons Bar. The animation team rouses guests to partake in activities during the day as well. This all leads to an atmosphere that's typically livelier than the Royal Apollonia, which has less in the way of entertainment, and is better suited to those seeking a quiet break. Families might also want to consider the similarly priced Elias Beach Hotel next door, which has dedicated family suites with sofa beds in a separate partitioned living room -- though there are also suites here with sofa beds. 

The hotel is located in a neighborhood that's popular with locals for its bars, restaurants, and shops, but it's a bit far out from attractions in downtown Limassol (about a 25-minute drive from the Old Port, Limassol Marina, and Limassol Castle). Dining and drinking options are across the major road fronting the hotel, with a bus stop a three-minute walk away. There's also a convenient bicycle rental right outside. A few bars and cafes are clustered around the yacht-filled St Raphael Marina, about a nine-minute walk down the road (but guests could also walk along the beach). The resort is on a beachfront promenade, but GrandResort is on the end that's farthest from the town center. Larnaca International Airport is a 36-minute drive to the east along the coast, while Paphos International Airport is closer to an hour drive to the west. It's a five-minute drive to the archaeological sites around the Amathus Ruins.

Most of the hotel's 255 rooms have garden or sea views, though there are also budget-friendly options that face inland. All of them have private balconies adorned with flower planters, but also dated decor in cream and mocha hues that gives them a decidedly mid-range look. Sitting areas have upholstered furnishings from a bygone era, and there are wooden desks and bedside tables. Free Wi-Fi comes standard as do flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric tea kettles -- but there are no coffeemakers. The small bathrooms have average shower/tub combos. Suites have sofa beds, and some add more sophisticated wicker furnishings along with pod-style coffeemakers. There are also two Executive Suites with two balconies, living room whirlpool tubs, and bathrooms with jetted shower/tub combos.

A brick boardwalk separates the hotel's manicured grounds from its stretch of beach, lined with thatched palm-frond umbrellas and plenty of sun loungers. More loungers are spread across the garden, and the large outdoor pool and kiddy pool have a sundeck with cabanas and covered daybeds. There's also a small heated indoor pool and hot tub. Musses Spa has a fitness room and nine treatment rooms in a space that's not as nice as expected for an advertised five-star hotel, but there is a beautifully tiled steam room (in the style of a traditional hammam), along with a sauna and two "chromatherapy" hot tubs. For business travelers, there's a full-service business center and several meeting rooms, including on the of the largest conference halls in Cyprus, which can accommodate events for 1,200 people. The supervised kids' club is free for ages 4 to 12. 

Rates include free breakfast (all-inclusive rates available) and there are seven dining options, ranging from the obligatory international buffets and poolside grills, to an upscale alfresco seafood restaurant. There's also a sushi bar and Kyoshi serves Japanese cuisine at show tables with entertaining chefs. The Aloha Leisure Bar is outside on one of the more inviting palm-lined terraces, while the dimly lit piano bar, Tycoons, has nightly live entertainment.