The King Jason Hotel

This was our third stay at the King Jason (same week all three years), and it was exactly the same as the previous two occasions – very good all round.

The food was excellent, the theme changing nightly. We tended to have a small breakfast, never lunch, but had afternoon tea every other day or so. That could have done with a better and more varied selection of sandwiches, but then it does seem few people bother anyway.

And maybe a better selection of bread? Standard buns and a baguette was pretty much the only options available every day.

But in all other aspects, the food was exceptional – the tempura fish was outstandingly good !

One minor point was the addition of a new outdoor restaurant; The KJ website clearly states it operates until October, and October is also stated in the information in the room. And since there was no mention of it during our check in, we assumed that indeed it must be closed.

And yet, towards the end of our week’s stay, it opened for 2 nights (it certainly wasn’t open at the start of our stay). This was somewhat odd, and so we never got to try it.

Finally, all the staff are fantastic, we’d like to mention Costa in the restaurant, who was a very pleasant and helpful waiter.

I’m sure we will be back for a fourth stay sometime next year.

Overall this holiday offers great quality food and drink with exceptional service - however the rooms can be somewhat lacking if do not have an executive suite.

Check in was smooth and nice to get a drink whilst filling in information. No information is really given on check in but there is a leaflet in your room with everything about the hotel.

Unfortunately, we had quite a few issues with our room from broken usb plugs, stains on walls and unfortunately a towel rail falling off the wall.

However our sincere gratitude to Maria and Thomas the managers who swiftly dealt with issues and even offered us a free room upgrade - top notch service!

We visited in off season but managed to squeeze a visit to the Peruvian restaurant which was unreal - exceptional food!

Unfortunately there is only on a la carte which for me and my husband we did miss, but in the 10 days here the food has been expectational and varied.

The quality of drinks are amazing and all premium brands, and think other hotels need to also offer the ability to have a bottle/take a bottle to your room.

However please be aware this is a very quiet hotel and evening entertainment is light, but for us just wanting a complete chill - it was perfect, younger couples may struggle.

Whilst we were here the hotel was not full, but lots of regulars are here and like to have same sunbeds/tables each day which can cause issues of reserving if busy - a fact I dislike and did speak to reception about, if here in high season would suspect need to get up early to get a bed in the sun.

Overall however, the staff are amazing and it can get an executive suite, it’s a great hotel with good food and drink.

Special thanks to Elias, Zita and Nauz. They had trainee bar/waiting staff whilst here and they were amazing, a credit to the hotel.

Also if visiting in November would advise bring a jacket for evening as can get cold. We were lucky and out of our 10 days had 2 were just cloudy. Paphos harbour less than 10 min walk away and nice to see.

.... wont be back to this hotel. This was an extra for us as we go to Turkey twice a year. On arrival at the underwhelming reception got a glass of bubbly whilst filling out the forms. Couldn't carry our cases to room 16 as no lift and up two flights, even the barman who helped was struggling! Room was big but very dated. Outlook from balcony was of the roof of reception and some wasteland. Bedroom is huge but with a tiny wardrobe. Kitchenette in lounge with table and chairs (from the self catering days) I never saw photos of this type of room on the hotels website (they only show nice new sparkly ones). We knew two things before we came, one being in a residential area and two a road nearby. I thought it would be a nice residential area but its not, very run down, broken pavements, bins everywhere. Would not recommend walking at night to go out. Now the road I thought would be a residential road is not. It is in fact a very busy dual carriageway with noise from heavy lorries, motorbikes etc all day.

So the hotel boasts "an environment which is devoid of the anxiety associated with everyday life"...apart from the road noise. Its devoid of any atmosphere at all! If you are looking for a quiet time on holiday then this is the place. Practically zero entertainment. Sitting having a drink after dinner I thought I had wandered into an old peoples home! The majority of guests are older (as we are) but sitting playing cards or dominoes is not really a fun night.

Anyway the positives - food is quite good for general hotel buffet style, with different themes. The Merlot and Rose were good. Branded drinks (as you would expect). Tried the Peruvian which I enjoyed but my wife hated. Staff were generally friendly and helpful. Special mention to Elias who kept our glasses full. I think the hotels rating is boosted by all the 5 star reviews left by returning guests. In my opinion these guests can't have experienced other 4 star hotels which are situated in better locations and higher quality. This hotel for me is just average. Each to their own I suppose.

We will be back to Paphos next November as the weather is wonderful but probably to a beach side Hotel.