Grecian Bay Hotel

Grecian Bay Hotel is an upscale resort property catering to vacationers of all ages and nationalities along with occasional wedding guests and corporate groups. It's housed in a multi-story white building with multiple wings that can make it a bit difficult to navigate, and while it could certainly do with a bit more signage, guests are at least provided with a miniature map on arrival. The entrance is right in the middle of the hotel, where there's a cool, gray-marble lobby with recessed lighting and a few seating areas featuring dark leather chairs. The lobby is generally quiet, as most of the hotel's daytime activity takes place at the beach, a large expanse of sand lined with lounge chairs and thatch palapa-style parasols. The tides here are usually calm, making it a great place for swimming. 

Overall, the hotel doesn't feel as busy or entertainment-focused as some beach resorts do, which keeps a peaceful vibe going. However, it does have management cocktails every Friday where guests can mingle with staff, along with regular themed nights including Cyprus nights with folk performances and fortnightly magic shows. 

Grecian Bay Hotel is located right on Pantachou Beach, next to a small mini-mart and on a strip it shares with a few other hotels. It's just a few minutes' drive or public bus ride from the main strip that runs through the heart of Ayia Napa or a 15-minute walk to the Ayia Napa Monument and the nightlife at The Castle Club. Nissi Beach is a 10-minute drive west of the hotel, while the scenic Cape Greco National Forest Park takes about the same amount of time to reach, but in the opposite direction. The city of Larnaca -- where the closest international airport is located -- is about 45 minutes away by car. The capital city of Nicosia takes an hour or so to get to by car.

Grecian Bay Hotel offers a wide variety of rooms and suites, all of which have a few similar features, namely furnished balconies (some with sea views), air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free safes. Decor varies a bit, but rooms all have a sort of executive vibe. Guests can generally expect light-wood floors, dark tables and headboards, and minimal artwork; perhaps a bas-relief style image with a Greek motif and a large mirror. 

Bathrooms are simple but pleasant, with recessed lighting, large marble counters, and shower/tub combos. Bathrobes, slippers, and simple toiletries are provided.

Standard Rooms measure 22 square meters (237 square feet) and feature either two twin beds or a double bed, while the larger Family Rooms clock in at 33 square meters (355 square feet) and add sofa beds for kids. The hotel also provides Studios and Deluxe Suites, which are essentially just larger units. A few huge Garden Bungalow Rooms and Bungalow Suites are located out on the hotel grounds, closer to the beach and just next to the Fisherman's Hut Tavern and the playground. There's also a huge Presidential Suite with a boardroom table and a full whirlpool hot tub in the bathroom. 

Grecian Bay offers a ton of facilities, making it a good option for travelers who want a "fly and flop" type of getaway -- that is to say, people who'd like to show up at the resort and not venture out much. While the beach is one of the biggest highlights, there's also a lovely lagoon-style pool with lots of lounge chairs and a small toddler-sized splash pool. The hotel offers an interesting sun bed reservation system in which guests can choose their spot from a map of available options and keep the same beds throughout the duration of their stays -- the only caveat is that they have to show up to the beach by 10 am every morning or their space may be given to someone else. This is to prevent people from maintaining reservations when they are out on day trips. 

Wellness facilities include a spa with massages and facials using high-end products, plus a beauty salon for blowouts and nail services. Spa facilities include an indoor pool, a whirlpool hot tub, a sauna, and a steam room, plus a squash court and a medium-sized fitness center with TechnoGym cardio and weight-training equipment off to one side. Other recreation facilities include a playground with a wooden play structure, a seesaw, swings, and a sand pit for kids, plus a game room with ping-pong and snooker. A kids' club operates during the months of July and August. For tennis players, there are three grassy tennis courts that are floodlit at night. 

There are also lots of options for drinking and dining, both indoors and out. Bars include the all-day Cork Bar with indoor and outdoor seating and regular live music performances. At Beach Bar, guests can order umbrella-style drinks straight to their lounge chairs. The main Aurora Cafe Restaurant is open for all three meals, with buffet service at breakfast featuring a good variety of local and international hot dishes and baked goods. Lunch is served either a la carte or buffet-style, depending on occupancy. The midday meal is also served at the poolside Grill Bar (though it closes during the slow winter season) and features a variety of Greek grilled meats along with sandwiches and light fare. Outside, on the way to the beach is the Fisherman's Grill Tavern, which serves seafood at lunch and dinner. The most elegant option is the dinner-only Esperia Restaurant, which serves set menus and a few a la carte options, plus regular themed buffets. 

Note that there's no all-inclusive option, but breakfast-only, half-board, and full-board meal plans are offered. Room service is available around the clock. Note that the hotel also plans to open a separate restaurant for children in 2018, and kids do get discounts on meal plans. 

While the hotel caters primarily to tourists, it also hosts its fair share of events, including beachfront weddings and corporate meetings. Conference spaces for up to 225 guests are available. A few of the hotel's bars and restaurants can be rented out for private soirees. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel (though it can be slow at times). There is plenty of on-site parking to go around.