Annabelle

Annabelle, a distinguished five-star hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, has garnered significant acclaim, reflected in its selection as a Michelin Key property for delivering a "very special stay." Guests consistently praise the hotel for its blend of laid-back luxury, elegant design, and exceptional service, making it a popular choice for both families and couples seeking a refined Mediterranean escape.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Annabelle enjoys a predominantly positive sentiment, with many guests describing their stays as "exceptional" or "very good." The hotel is lauded for its timeless elegance and a commitment to providing a luxurious yet comfortable experience. Its Michelin Key selection further solidifies its reputation for offering outstanding hospitality.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of Annabelle that contribute to its appeal:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently described as welcoming, helpful, attentive, and friendly, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
• Location: The hotel boasts an excellent beachfront location, offering direct access to the sea and being within easy walking distance of Paphos Harbour, its historic sites, and archaeological parks.
• Design & Ambiance: Annabelle features a modern, airy, and stylish design without being ostentatious. It showcases classical architecture, lush tropical gardens, and tiered landscaping, contributing to a calm and luxurious atmosphere. A 2018 refurbishment, including a new rooftop spa and refreshed rooms, has enhanced its "retro glamour."
• Amenities: The hotel offers an impressive array of facilities, including multiple swimming pools (a lagoon-style, a swim-up bar, and a heated outdoor pool in winter). The rooftop Ouranos Well-being Spa features an indoor sea-facing pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. Family-friendly amenities include a kids' club at the sister hotel Almyra and a "Baby Go Lightly" service.

Room Quality

Annabelle's rooms and suites are generally well-regarded for their comfort, space, and design. Guests report generously sized, spotlessly clean rooms with comfortable beds, contributing to a relaxed ambiance. The décor often incorporates light hues, marble features, and large floor-to-ceiling windows, with many rooms offering stunning Mediterranean views from balconies. Standard amenities include mini-bars, satellite TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi, along with bathrobes and slippers. Some premium suites elevate the experience further with private plunge pools or Jacuzzis, Lavazza coffee machines, and Acqua di Parma bath products.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Annabelle is a highlight for many guests, with a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes. The hotel features Ouranos, a rooftop bar and restaurant with incredible sea views offering creative small plates inspired by Asian, South American, and Middle Eastern flavors. Mediterraneo provides relaxed Italian dining by the water, while Amorosa offers a fine-dining experience. The breakfast buffet at Fontana Restaurant is consistently praised for its extensive choice and high-quality products, often served by the sea, creating a memorable start to the day. Kids' menu options are also available across the board.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Annabelle receive overwhelmingly positive feedback. Guests frequently commend the team for being "wildly welcoming," attentive, and genuinely helpful from check-in to departure. Reviewers often cite instances of staff going "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction, highlighting the personalized and caring approach to hospitality.

Location & Accessibility

Annabelle's location is considered one of its strongest assets. Situated directly on the seafront, it offers immediate access to a shallow, calm, and clear bay suitable for swimming. It's also an ideal base for exploring Paphos, with the historic Paphos Harbour, local shops, tavernas, bars, and the UNESCO World Heritage Paphos Archaeological Park just a short walk away. The hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from Paphos International Airport (PFO), and excellent roads make exploring more of Cyprus convenient.

Value & Pricing

While Annabelle's average room price of around $312 per night is higher than the Paphos average of $203, guests generally consider it to be excellent value for the luxurious experience provided. The quality of service, amenities, and overall atmosphere are seen as justifying the cost. Prices can fluctuate, with February typically being the cheapest month (around a 28% drop), and June the most expensive (around a 30% rise).

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Dated Facilities: While the hotel has undergone refurbishment, some guests have mentioned that certain aspects or facilities can still feel a bit dated compared to other contemporary luxury hotels.
• Room Specifics: Isolated complaints include uncomfortable pillows, a lack of curtains in some rooms, and minor maintenance issues such as green mold on a shower rail or non-working plugs.
• Temperature Control & Insects: Some guests reported issues with room temperature control, leading to rooms being too hot, and consequently, mosquito bites if balcony doors were opened for cooling.
• Privacy: A few ground-floor rooms may offer less privacy.
• Breakfast Crowds: During peak times, particularly in January, breakfast can be very busy, potentially leading to waiting in line to be seated.
• Sound Insulation: Some rooms have been noted to have poor sound insulation.

Sources

1. annabelle.com.cy
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10. thehotelguru.com
11. mrandmrssmith.com
12. youtube.com
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