Nestor Hotel

This hotel is a great pick for an easygoing vacation in Cyprus, thanks to its modern decor and clean, fresh look in common spaces -- all in a location convenient to popular tourist activities. In the lobby, orange sofas, chairs, and tables pop against dark wood or white tile floors and white walls. Pale-blue backlighting and green vines draped between spaces add an outdoorsy element to the space. The hotel appeals mostly to couples who are drawn to the lovely pool and spa, plus simple rooms that meet basic needs. Some families also come for the wading pool and proximity to the beach and entertainment. 

Nestor Hotel is in the Ayia Napa region of Cyprus, a popular resort town on the island’s southeastern coast. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Pantachou Beach -- a long, sandy strip next to the town’s harbor. The harbor area, a four-minute walk away, is full of tavernas offering freshly caught seafood, markets, and a small amusement park for kids. There are a supermarket a three-minute walk from the hotel, and plenty of clubs and restaurants within a 10-minute walk. Thalassa Museum, a five-minute walk away, has a range of fossils and exhibits detailing the maritime history of the area. It is an eight-minute walk to the Ayia Napa Monastery, an old Venetian monastery in the center of town. There is a bus station a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and Larnaca International Airport is a 40-minute drive away. 

Rooms are simply decorated with a light color palette and minimal embellishment. There’s a lot of bright white and light wood, though some rooms have dark-wood floors. Beige tones in papered accent walls and curtains, plus occasional light-blue accents, give the space a washed-out look. Double beds often mean two twins pushed together, but some upgraded rooms have king-size beds. Everything is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Private balconies have a view of either the town or the pool. All rooms have a 32-inch flat-screen TV (or larger), mini-fridge, kettle, and a free safe. Family rooms offer an extra double bed or bunk beds for up to four people. Upgrade options include a gift of fruit and wine, robes and slippers, and an espresso machine. Bathrooms are clean and basic, generally with a shower/tub combo. Some upgraded rooms have shower stalls with a jetted feature. Hairdryers are provided and free toiletries include soap, lotion, shampoo, and shower gel. Note that there are no irons in room, so guests must use laundry service.

This hotel has a sufficient range of modern amenities for guests looking to relax on-site. The main restaurant serves three buffet-style meals, including a free breakfast and half-board or all-inclusive options. The lobby bar is a nice spot to sit back, and there’s a pool bar with shaded seating by the water. The large, beautiful pool has a wading section and underwater jetted beds on one end. It is lined on two sides with individual platforms set over shallow water, each with two deluxe sunbeds and an umbrella -- available for an extra charge. Free loungers with umbrellas are set a bit farther back from the water. Pool towels are available for a deposit. Behind the pool, there’s a small, sunny playground for younger kids, plus a few umbrellas for shade. Tennis courts, billiards, and table tennis offer activity options for adults. Those looking for additional relaxation can take advantage of the spa with massages, a salon, a small indoor pool, a sauna, and a steam room. The spa includes a generic fitness room with a good range of older equipment. There’s also evening entertainment in the form of dancing, karaoke, Greek lessons, and live music. Wi-Fi is free throughout and the signal is good.