Alva Apartments Reviews

The hotel was great, very well located in the town. Very close to Fig Tree Bay and fairly central in the least tacky end of the town.

Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful, rooms very clean and tidy, no problems with anything not working or not being cleaned etc. Only problem was for a couple of days the bathroom smelled of sewers which seemed to be coming up thru the grate in the floor, presumably due to some rain which we had while there (but we just shut the bathroom door and all was well!)

The only recommendation I would have is NOT to go to the hotels restaurant (Parko or something) despite getting a 10% of voucher from reception at check-in, it was rubbish!! My friend had some form of microwaved "grilled" chicken - it was so tough and rubbery she couldn't cut it. My vegetarian moussaka was possibly the lone survivor of a nuclear holocaust. Theres a reason theres 10% off! Save your money and go elsewhere.

Othereise the pool area looked cleaned (although we went to the beach every day instead) and the pool bar was reasonably priced for drinks.

Having just returned from our visit to the Alva apartments I found I had to write a review to say just how excellent this hotel is! We enjoyed our stay so much that we'll be considering going there again next year! The hotel is ideally placed for fig tree bay, gift shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants, these are just some of the plus points about the Alva. Also the rooms and surrounding areas are kept clean aswell as very polite staff members who were always willing to help you. Reading previous reviews regarding the noise from nearby bars, well thats something you have to expect if you want a hotel in a prime location just like the Alva. If the balcony doors and windows are closed though then the noise is muted, to be honest the bit of atmosphere adds to the holiday experience. Our room had all the facilities you could need for self catering, we found everything was clean and comfortable. The cleaning staff where excellent, very friendly and worked really hard in ensuring the comfort of our stay. Overall there is nothing negative to say about the Alva, we would recommend this place for people of all age groups.

We've just returned from a 10 day break in Protaras, cyprus, staying for a second year in the Alva appartments. The Alva is in a fantastic location, just a few meters away from Fig- Tree Bay beach, which is beautiful. We've been to Cyprus five times now, and always enjoy our time there, however the last 2 years have beeb made extra special by the fact that we've stayed at the Alva. The staff are all fantastic, very friendly, and helpfull, and the appartments are cleaned daily. The pool is good, ( which is being replaced by a new one nxt year), and the food is great, as are all the resturants in Protatas! We will certainly be returning to the Alva next year.

this hotel is in the perfect location, on the main strip over the road from fig tree bay! the hotel was cleaned every day, fresh towels every day. The rooms were very well equiped with everything you need. i didnt rent the remote for the air con i just stood on a stool to turn it on and off the hair dryer was already in the room never had 2 pay for that either! the pool is not brilliant but is clean and it keeps you cool my little 6 year old enjoyed it fine! overall these apartments are good 3 *! some people are just hard 2 please but my opinian is will go back some day and wold tell my friends and family i had a great time! just a bit 2 far 2 travel with a 8 month old!

Don’t stay at these apartments, you will get not rest at all. I will be writing to Thomson as regards to the comments the rep made and also the staff shortage at the apartments. We went for a deserved rest and got not rest at all, we have come home knackered. We paid £1,112.000 for a week self catering. The same holiday for next year would be £1,001.30. There’s a hotel further up called the silver sands for b & b it’s £1,096 believe me its worth the £95.00 difference, it’s a gorgeous hotel and lovely pool.. There’s no way the Alva is a three star. We didn’t even go in the pool at the Alva, to be honest it was not filled up to the water mark and we only saw the pool being cleaned once…The grouting had turned black. They way that these apartments are designed are all wrong.If you have already booked, don’t go in the pool view rooms, it’s an absolute nightmare, you will get no rest at all. The apartments are in two blocks which are opposite each other. Any noise no matter how slight stay contained within in this design. You will be up between 7:15 and 8:30 believe me. The pool guy comes along at 7:30 in the morning to arrange the sun beds from the day before. Strange, any where that we have stayed before do the clearing is done on the day when everyone has moved away from the pool. It doesn’t help when all the sun beds are metal, they resembled hospital beds, and are scraped along the concrete pool area, screeching noise and if that doesn’t wake you up the maid will at 8:30, even if you put a do not disturb sign on the door, the apartments that she cleans up and below you, the noise will disturb you. The beds are placed next to each other so the maid comes along separates the beds makes them and then places the beds back together, screeching along the floor. On Tuesday morning we were woken up by the bar girl playing music at 7:20 am it’s an absolute nightmare. If you’re a couple who want a well earned break don’t go here. We purchased the air con which is £3.00 per day, 20 euros to hire the remote for it and 10 euros to hire the hair dryer, all refundable on the last day. I went down to complain on the second day at 7:35 the young Cypriot receptionist who looks like she has sucked on a lemon must be used to people complaining. I went down after spotting the Thomson rep a Scottish girl Margaret.. Told her we could not stand another five nights in the apartment due to the noise. Margaret went to see the manager who said the apartments were full

I have just returned from a week in Cyprus and stayed at the Alva. This has been my 3rd stay at Alva and as in previous years I have had a very enjoyable and comfortable stay. The location is excellent, friendly staff, lovely food and cocktails. The only thing I found slightly dissapointing was the swimming pool. It seemed to not have very much water in it and was not filled up to the top as it has been before. As a swimmer I always enjoy the pool but I found myself not going in it as much as before as it was so shallow. This was really my only bad point but it wouldnt stop me from going back again. Beautiful area and I always have a great time.

we had a lovely holiday the apartments were very nice and clean the staff were polite and friendly we hope 2 come back in may 2010 for mrs hardys 50th birthday

We arrived with a nice welcome at reception, got keys and room straight away, staff all friendly,room was facing the beach, we had cleaners all the time. We couldnt have got a better spot right next to fig tree bay, wheather was beautifull from start to finish. Its a great place for a family holiday, some thing for all golf, bowling, bars lots of nice places to eat out. We went the end of May begining of June and want to go again,now and its only July. We hired scooters and travelled all around, its a cheeper way of sight seeing,I love it J.Hammond

what a little gem these apartments are they are set just opposite the fantastic fig tree bay with some of the apartments giving you a fantastic view. we were lucky enough to the have an apartment on the corner of the building. the room had two balconies one over looking the pool and the other over looking fig tree bay. the whole place was absolutly spotless and the apartment was huge. the pool was of good size but if you are looking for entertainment then there wasnt anything really interesting on offer here. but dont let this put you off because protaras is a fantastic resort with lots to offer. I would definatly say that these apartments were definatly at the best end of the resort just because they are set opposite fig tree bay. i would definately recommend these apartments to anyone

We stopped at the alva for a two week family holiday in late october 07. when we got there it was a sunday afternoon the staff were waiting for our arrival and got us to our rooms very promptly. I must say the saff were brilliant all holiday, the hotel is situated about 250m form fig tree bay absolutly the best beach ever! just far enough away from the night life about 500m. In all I would consider this to be a perfect location to base your holidays. We will be returning in 2009 for sure,Our holiday was made just that bit more special due to all the staff at the alva including "parko" resturaunt which is also part of the hotel. oh the pool is kept absolutly spotless every day just like the rest of the hotel. A VERY BIG THANKS TO ALL AT THE ALVA,see you soon.

Last August, we had a FANTASTIC two-week holiday in Protaras on the East Coast of Cyprus.

The resort offers a wide range of different facilities and activities, which was brilliant because me and my boyfriend went on holiday with my mum and dad. So, on a few of the days we went off and did seperate things.
Most of our days were spent sunbathing on the stunning Fig Tree bay. Even though it gets really busy, its worth visiting just to sink your toes in the soft white sand!
My mum and dad hired a car for one of the weeks, which was a good idea because there's lots to do and see just outside the resort too. My mum still raves about the beautiful scenery around the Cape Greco area.

There's lots and lots of different things you can do on an evening too. If you like going out for meals, the strip is perfect, because there's many different cuisines to choose from; Greek, Chinese, Brazilian, Italian, Japenese, Mexican, etc.

Our favourite restaurant with out a doubt was the Parko restaurant! And if you stay in the Alva Apartments, its perfect because it's right on your doorstep. The food is amazing and the service is second to none.
On many evenings of our holiday we would have a beautiful meal there and then end the evening just at the pool bar of the Alva. There is something going on every night and the atmostphere is always buzzing.
The barman Pete or 'Stretch' (everyone called him), really made our holiday! We've even still kept in touch with him!
He made us feel very welcome, so from Jimmy, Sue, Danny and myself- Amanda, we'd like to send him a special thanks and wish him all the best for his new business venture...at the car wash in Penera! All the best and we'll come and visit!

Souella the receptionist was also a barrell of laughs and very, very helful!
We would all like to say a massive thanks to everyone at the Alva!
We've already booked to go this July, so see you all then!!

This was our 3rd visit to Cyprus and won't be the last. Fist time to the Alva though. The apartments were fine for a base, air con would have been very appreciated in the living area though!! Maid service was ok, all you expect really. The Parko restaurant attatched to the apartments was excellent, however all the restaurants in Protaras are great! Must try the Red Indian, Romeos and the Italian opposite the apartments is very nice too! Lots of shops and bars to go to, try the love boat on the hypnotist evening....its hilarious!!
If you don't fancy going to the busy water park in Napa, try the one in Protaras, its cheaper, smaller and we thought it was a great day out, especially if your children are smaller or weaker swimmers.

All in all a wonderful holiday....all feeling depressed now!! Roll on next year so we can get back there!!!!

The Alva Apartments are brilliant, set in a great place not far to walk to bars and restaurants. We liked parko and The Astoria the best, Waves and The Loveboat are also good for cocktails and if you like elvis and Freddie Mercury tributes!!! also there is a taxi rank right outside and did not cost to much to go into Ayia Napa.

The rooms were spotless, maid service every day and they even done our washing up which we didnt expct!!

Pool area is great with food and drink served all day and reception staff very friendly and helpful.

Beach is lovely although Fig Tree bay beach gets packed so we walked a bit further along, sea is lovely and warm and suggest a trip on the glass bottom boat, this only cost C£2 for a 2 1/2 hour trip.

I would definately go back to Protaras and the Alva Apartments and would recommend it to others of all ages.

Just returned from Protaras, staying at the Alva apartments. This was our third time there and certainly won't be the last.

The apartments have been reburbished and are excellent. They are kept spotlessly clean and are in a perfect position for the beach and all facilities. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Would not consider staying anywhere else.
I would recommend the restaurant that belongs to the Alva (Parko) which i think is the best. However i can honestly say that all the restaurants we tried were excellent. Would also recommend Andama. As for pubs - have to say, we ended up drinking in 'Cheers' most of the time. Try a Cheers special (cocktail) - delicious!. Alot of the pubs have karaoke on every night and also an Elvis or Tom Jones singer, which can get annoying at times.

As for things to do ? - with a fantastic beach only minutes away (clear sea- gorgeous!), there is only one way to spend the day. However we did go once again to the excellent waterpark in Ayia Napa (Waterworld) - please use the local bus to get there rather than an excursion or a taxi. It cost 80c, (about £1) and on the bus ticket was £1 off the entry to the waterpark !!

Fantastic apartments - great holiday.

This was our first trip to Cyprus and we chose the Alva Apartments following some good reports on this website. The complex consist of two blocks, a swimming pool, poolside bar, restaurant, tennis court and car park.

The apartments are situated on the main `drag` through Protaras. The beach at Fig Tree Bay is about 5 minutes walk away, and all kinds of shops and restaurants are less than a couple of minutes walk.

The staff are friendly and welcoming. The complex, including the accomodation blocks were pretty spotless. It would be difficult to find fault with the standards of cleanliness. The restaurant attached to the Alva Apartments is called the `Parko`. The standard of food, level of service and friendlyness of the staff was overwhelming.

However, there were one or two minor critical points to note. There were four of us, but only one bedroom. We knew in advance that the lounge area would be used for two of us to sleep in. One on the sofa bed, and the other on a camp bed. Unfortunately I had the camp bed. The frame was uneven and the mattress thin. I ended up putting the mattress on the floor to sleep on.

There was an air.con. unit in the bedroom, but not even a fan in the lounge. During the night this part of the apartment became very hot. To get some air into the room, we opened the balcony door, which was fine, but brought up another problem. There is a karaoke bar right next to the Alva Apts, which blares on into the early hours, so it was wise to have a few drinks beforehand to get a good nights sleep.

Fig Tree Bay has a lovely beach. It`s really safe for swimming and snorkelling, with a couple of places where you could hire boats, banana boat rides etc. It, however is dominated by fixed sunbeds and sunshades. We hired 4 sunbeds and 2 shades for about UK£10 for all day. The beach gets crowded early. If all the beds are taken, there is little room to set yourself up elsewhere on the beach.

One final comment, compared with Greece, and even the Balerics, we found Cyprus to be expensive.

Having said all of that, if we were to revisit Protaras, we would certainly consider using the Alva Aapartments again.