Roman Boutique Hotel

Roman Boutique Hotel is certainly one of the more unusual hotels in Paphos, owing largely to its unabashed (and some might argue, gaudy) Greco-Roman myth theme. The exterior facade is designed to look like a crumbling old castle, with turrets and light tannish stone, terra-cotta roofs, and a double archway guarded by replicas of huge ancient statues. Inside, the theme only intensifies, with faux wood beams on white ceilings, and a mix of light stone, wooden doors and trim, and ochre-hued painted walls with ancient Greek and Roman murals plastered across them. Replicas of mosaics found at the nearby archaeological park can be found throughout the property. There's also a large iron throne that guests can sit on (more for photo-ops than actual comfort), or a few red futon-style sofas on an elevated area with red carpeting and more myth murals on the walls. Two bird cages, each containing a gray parrot, sit in the lobby, though they are positioned so that they can't see each other -- which means they sing to each other. A lot. The hallways and the rest of the property follow a similar decor scheme, with red carpeting and lots of labyrinthine corridors, plus a mix of ramps and stairs that help with luggage but might not be great for wheelchair users. Many of the guests here are from Russia, and they tend to book through tour operators.   

This hotel is located smack in the heart of Paphos, across the road from Kings Avenue Mall, a two-story shopping complex with lots of international brands plus a cinema, an arcade, a kids' play area, and a food court with a few American fast-food joints and British sushi and coffee chains. It's just south of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Tomb of the Kings, reachable via a two-minute drive or 20-minute walk away. It's about a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk to the Paphos Archaeological Park and ancient attractions such as the Paphos Mosaics. The Adonis Baths waterfalls are a half-hour drive from the hotel and it takes about an hour and a half to reach Mount Olympos. Nicosia is a two-hour drive away. Paphos International Airport is 20 minutes from the hotel. The larger Larnaca International Airport takes 90 minutes or so to reach.

Rooms at Roman Boutique Hotel are air-conditioned and nicely maintained. Categories range from Standard Doubles with one double bed, up to two large suites. One of the suites is separated into two bedrooms (one with a king-size bed and the other with two twin beds). All rooms follow the same decor scheme found throughout the hotel, but it's not as gaudy as it sounds -- it all somehow works. All units have ochre walls featuring painted-on columns and molded designs plus faux beams on the ceilings and golden bedspreads. However, there is some variation -- while most guests will find the prevailing Greek myth theme continues in their rooms, others might end up with a giant Egyptian papyrus scroll depicting the likes of Isis and Osiris in theirs. Each unit comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Kettles are available in Superior Rooms and suites, or for a fee in lower-category units. Bathrooms are consistent across room types, with small counters, shower/tub combos, and high-quality shampoo and soap, plus hairdryers. Suites add slippers and robes. All rooms have balconies with tables and chairs.

Although it's possibly the unusual decor scheme that draws many of the Roman's guests, the pool with a mosaic bottom and a gorgeous variety of tropical foliage surrounding it, is the hotel's most beautiful attraction. There are lots of lounge chairs, plus an adjacent pool bar that serves snacks and hot meals along with drinks. When it gets cold in the winter months, the hotel shifts bar operations indoors, into a dark lobby bar with a long oak bar coounter and lots of seating. There's also a large restaurant with dark-green iron lanterns hung from the ceiling and yet more Greek and Roman art. Breakfast and a rotation of themed dinners are served here a la carte, and both bed-and-breakfast and half-board packages are available.

Note that despite claims on the hotel's website, there is no longer a fitness center. However, there is a spa with massages and aromatherapy treatments in a lower level area by the pool, as well as an adjacent table tennis room with bas-relief sculptures adorning its walls. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and the connection is fast and reliable.