Tsokkos Gardens Hotel

Entering the lobby, guests would be forgiven if they thought they'd stepped back in time. With its various shades of quartz and emerald-marble tiling, peach striped wallpaper, and glass-topped tables, the Tsokkos is due for a full refurbishment. The busy-looking lounge area has pea-green seating areas and striped curtains that clash with the flooring, as well as a desolate-looking cocktail bar, massage chairs, a pool table, and casino games. A bright spot is the five-story atrium that lets in light and some greenery. Restaurants and rooms have a similarly dated appearance, though the main pool area is well-kept and attractive. Guests frequently complain of poor food and long lines, plus general maintenance issues, but rates are low and entertainment staff receive praise.

The hotel is only two minutes on foot from the nearest beach, Marlita, and about a 15-minute walk or three-minute taxi ride from Pernera, which is where most of the restaurants, bars, and other nightlife in this resort area is located. Down the road is the Anastasia Beach Hotel, which is where a water park is--and use of it is included in some room rates and tour packages. However, it's small and doesn't quite live up to the hype promised by the hotel's website, even for families. 

The nearest airport, Lanarca International, is about 45 minutes away by car; another option, Ercan airport, is about an hour-and-20-minute drive. 

Rooms are as dated as the rest of the property, featuring brown-and-white striped duvet covers, sea-foam and chestnut club chairs, and wrought-iron headboards that unite two twin-sized mattresses and match the wooden mirrors and benches. In addition to mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and safes (which require a fee), other amenities include old tube-style TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and closets. Each room has an escape in the form of a furnished balcony, with either great views over the pool area, or less-scenic land views. Bathrooms are small but generally clean, outfitted with shower/tub combos, hose-style wall-mounted hairdryers, and hotel-brand toiletries. Suites aren't available. Travelers should request a room that's not over the bar, as it can get noisy late at night.

The resort's outdoor pools are the key feature of this property. Well-maintained, they're lined with ornamental palm trees and plenty of sun loungers. The organic, undulating design of the main pool, segmented by convenient bridges for non-swimmers, makes the pools seem bigger than they are, though they're still large enough to hold swimmers during peak season  Sometimes a net is raised in the water for a game of water polo or water volleyball, which are extremely popular with guests. The entertainment team organizes activities throughout the day and evening, and receive praise from past guests.

A smaller children's pool is shallow, with a mushroom-style fountain to play in. Nearby, there are a kiosk and pool bar -- with a large, umbrella-shaded seating area -- that sells beer and other cold refreshments.

Those staying in the property's apartments aren't left out of the fun: a separate pool with a decently sized kids' pool is available just for those guests. 

Inside, there's another pool in the spa area, designed as a pair of intersecting ovals. Decorated in a predominantly Greek motif, the area could use an update to its turquoise and blue wave mosaics. The rest of the wellness area consists of a steam room, sauna, and reasonably sized gym, though it only has a few cardio machines mixed in among the strength-training ones. A tennis court is also open for guests to use, and there's a covered patio with an arcade's worth of video games, ping-pong, and pool tables. 

A variety of board options range from bed-and-breakfast to premium all-inclusive, which includes snacks and alcoholic drinks. Be warned, however, that queues for meals are often long and a bit rambunctious. Two restaurants are on-site, but guests complain about a lack of rotation in menu items and watered-down drinks. Meals here aren't going to be memorable for how great they are, either, though some guests rave about the breakfast buffet's pancakes.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though it incurs a nominal charge.