Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel

The Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel is a big, bustling resort with lots of daytime activities, including pool games, lawn bowling, and miniature golf. This is not a quiet, beach retreat, nor is it party central; guests can expect live evening entertainment, including dancing, though it's still pretty mellow. Kids and adults can spend their days on the narrow sandy beach -- though the best sunbed locations go fast. The three lagoon-style pools offer lots of deck and water real estate, and the lawn and garden provide lounge space under umbrellas. 

The interior spaces aren't quite as lovely as the exterior -- public spaces and rooms have a dated appearance and are in need of a refresh. The purple zigzag-patterned couches in the lobby, granite-topped front desk, and wicker chairs with floral cushions in the Nectar Bar are the most obvious examples of the hotel's old-fashioned style. Still, with ample facilities for both children and adults, plus all-inclusive package options, it's a solid upper-middle-range property for families. 

The Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel is located on the beach, and is reachable via a main but not overly busy road. There are a supermarket and shops directly across from the hotel, and a local bus stop and pharmacy are a short walk away. The road is shared with a variety of hotels and resorts, along with a few restaurants. The Kato Paphos tourist area is a half-hour walk or nine-minute drive from the hotel, while Paphos Harbor is a 30-minute scenic walk away via a beachside promenade. The more modern Paphos town center is 10 minutes away by car. For families, the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is a five-minute drive from the resort. Paphos Archaeological Park and the Tombs of the Kings are about a 12-minute drive away. There are two golf courses within a 10-minute drive, and Paphos Airport is an 18 minute drive. Larnaca Airport is a 90-minute drive from the hotel.

The 429 rooms at the Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel have dated furnishings, but they're pleasant and bright, with sliding glass doors that open to private balconies or terraces. However, views vary widely and past guests say the sea-view rooms -- which receive sun all day and have ocean vistas -- are worth the extra charge. Rooms are of moderate size, outfitted with simplistic wood or wicker-framed furniture, hardwood or blue carpeted floors, and beds with blue-and-tan bed runners. Straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and some have additional shower stalls with rainfall showerheads. High-end toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided. All rooms include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, air-conditioning, and in-room safes that require a fee. Rooms range from Standard Rooms to Duplex Junior Suites with private pools and connecting rooms are available upon request.

The Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel has an extensive list of facilities for children and adults alike. Most prominent is the private sand beach lined with loungers and umbrellas, in addition to straw-roofed cabanas. There are wooden walkways extending into the water so that guests can bypass the typical Cypriot rocky surf. (Bring water shoes.) The hotel has three large, lagoon-style outdoor pools, as well as a children’s pool. There are pool games and water exercise classes staged throughout the day, but there is enough pool (and hot tub) space to get away from the activity. There is also a peaceful indoor pool and hot tub. The hotel's full-service spa has a zen-like setting and offers an extensive menu of massage, body scrubs and wraps, and aromatherapy -- it's advisable to reserve spa services prior to arrival. 

The bright and spacious fitness center has cardio machines, weight-training equipment, and a small trampoline. There is a tennis court with lights for nighttime play, and a miniature golf course. The kids' club -- open in summer only -- has all day sports, games, arts and crafts, and other activities, such as sandcastle competitions. There is also a playground, and the restaurants offer kids' menus and early dinner upon request. The hotel game room is stocked with pinball and arcade games, a pool table, and air hockey, plus ping-pong, bocci, and shuffleboard courts are nearby. The 24-hour bowling, both indoor and outdoor, is a popular pastime at the Athena Beach. Ballroom dance lessons are also on the schedule, and there are evening dancing, shows, and musical acts for after-dinner entertainment. 

Additionally, there are a variety of lobby shops, including a large convenience store and a high-end jewelry boutique. There's also a lovely outdoor wedding pavilion, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Restaurants are similar in terms of decor and ambience, with most featuring white tablecloths, wicker or wood furniture, ample seating, and pleasant views. The main restaurant, Atrium, serves a buffet-style international menu, with theme nights. There are several a la carte restaurants, serving Mediterranean or Italian menus, and the slightly more elegant Palm Tree, which serves dinner only, requires reservations. Note that men are required to wear long pants at dinner. The hotel has several bars, including the popular Helios Beach Bar, which has a pizza oven, and several poolside bars. The Nectar Cocktail Bar is where the dancing happens, but it's dated decor doesn't offer much in the way of atmosphere. Half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive packages are available, as is 24-hour room service.