Casale Panayiotis, an SLH Hotel

First of all, I’d like to start with the wonderful spa facilities, where we truly relaxed and enjoyed ourselves. We began with the steam room, followed by the sauna, and then spent some time at the pool. The pool was especially relaxing because it wasn’t crowded, so it felt quiet and peaceful.||We also booked a spa treatment and had a lovely massage focused on our backs and shoulders, done by two very professional and kind therapists. It was incredibly soothing and added so much to our day.||The check-in experience was quick and smooth. The lady at the reception kindly explained the different locations and facilities using a map, which was really helpful.||When we arrived at our room, we were pleasantly surprised by a thoughtful anniversary gesture from the hotel—a small cake and a bottle of wine. It truly made us feel special and appreciated.||In the evening, we had dinner at the Byzantino restaurant, where we enjoyed the meze. It was absolutely delicious!||Thank you once again to all the staff members for your hard work, kindness, and the warm smiles you shared with us. We truly had a memorable experience, and we will definitely come back!

I arrived in Kalopanayiotis in the first half of the day, and at first glance the place seemed very cozy. It felt soaked in Venetian history, its natural beauty having once drawn the English to build their country houses here. I parked my car full of suitcases on the opposite side of the bridge and went to the reception. I had made a reservation in advance and specifically requested a room with a view over the valley—because that’s the whole point of coming here. I was promised exactly that.||On the way to the hotel we had to squeeze through ongoing construction work, with all kinds of obstacles blocking the way. Finally, reception: smiles, the usual “welcome,” keys—and then our room… disappointing. No balcony, no panoramic view, just a semi-basement with a wooden door full of gaps, a crumbling floor, and someone else’s hair scattered about. Outside there were two chairs and a table with an umbrella, but the cushions were filthy and stained—fit more for the trash or at least a dry cleaner. I asked for another room and was told everything was fully booked, but my luggage would be delivered “within an hour” after the construction cleared. We had a spa reservation and needed our things. An hour and a half later, the machinery was still working, and staff finally suggested I carry my own luggage. When I pointed out there was an alternate route, an old man laughed, waved it off, and wished me a good day. Reception confirmed—“sorry, impossible.” I went myself, found the room service team in three minutes, explained the situation, and they immediately helped with a golf cart. No excuses, no drama—problem solved. Which makes you wonder, what exactly does reception do here?||Dinner at Byzantino followed. The outside seating had the same stained, worn-out cushions, and the staff uniforms were just as blotched. The food was mediocre to the point that we couldn’t finish it—even though we were hungry. Never before had water and appetizers been served so slowly. The ingredients didn’t taste fresh, and my stomach agreed. The terrace view was the only redeeming factor—if you don’t look too closely at the surrounding construction debris and storage sheds. Later, we ordered a chicken Caesar salad in the room… only to discover it was drowned in rock-hard bacon and clearly pre-prepared, not freshly made.||The next day we tried tea and dessert at Byzantino. Outside it was a sunny 30°C, yet staff insisted we couldn’t sit on the balconies and instead offered the inner courtyard only. The very balconies with the view—the reason we came! Instead, we sat in stale air, at sticky furniture likely wiped with the same cloth as the floor, with torn pillows leaking stuffing and stained with grease. The logic is baffling.||Kalopanayiotis is historically known for its healing waters, rich in radon and hydrogen sulfide, once used by the Byzantines. Today the springs are in ruins. To reach the water trough, you must cross a stinking swamp using a haphazard pile of rocks and planks. Break your leg on the way? Maybe the radon water will help. Just beware of the collapsing shack above your head.||Dinner at Loutraki was slightly better—the food at least edible—but far from fine dining, though the prices suggest otherwise.||On the day of departure, we canceled our spa booking 22 hours in advance, but were told to pay 50% anyway. I explained I had made my reservation over the phone with no mention of such terms. They showed me their written policy, which requires 100% prepayment and charges 50% for cancellation. I never prepaid, never agreed. For the next day I was harassed about this “debt.” At checkout, I paid all actual bills but refused the spa charge. Only after I firmly suggested they call the police or take me to court did they reluctantly drop their claim.||From what I observed, most guests here are locals or young IT couples looking for privacy. Demanding, detail-oriented travelers won’t find comfort here. This is economy-class service disguised with luxury prices, where the main goal is to squeeze your wallet while offering mediocrity.||The village and its nature are indeed beautiful—there’s a river and radon baths—but walking paths for visitors are non-existent; you’ll share the roads with cars. The place is a missed opportunity: a jewel of Cyprus badly mismanaged, with no soul, where hospitality seems reduced to a money-grab.||Coming here just for a walk and leaving—that’s the maximum I’d recommend. But even for a walk, I find Kakopetria far more pleasant.

Very beautiful setting. Very pretty and comfortable rooms are scattered in this mountainous village. We had two rooms booked; one was gorgeous, spacious with a great balcony. The other was really not half as good and was supposed to be a suite; very small room where the bed took the whole space and the sofa’s room was also very tight when sofa is open no private balcony, just a path to the next room with some chairs and a table. Didn’t have any special character in comparison.

Beautiful resort in the mountains. Unique settings with rooms located in restored old village houses. Complementary mini bar and coffee in each room. Breakfast is also great with lots of traditional Cypriot dishes. Gym is small though with only cardio equipment, no weights, and not all rooms get access to the spa. Overall, highly recommended for a quite escape from the city

Not only not "pet friendly" but not "friendly" at all I paid for the stay in this hotel as a little "vacation present" for my wife and her mother (who were visiting us at the time). This hotel was chosen specifically because they claimed to be "pet friendly" and my wife had our tiny toy poodle with her. I was shocked when my wife called me midday in tears, telling me how hotel personnel treated them when they attempted to visit the hotel's cafe and restaurant with the dog, even outside (balcony): Hotel personnel rudely and blatantly refused to serve them and forced them to leave. There were no other visitors at the restaurant, no complaints, and no explanation — just a "that's the rule" answer. Is that your rule to make women cry, guys? With all due respect: Remove the "pet friendly" tag from your place description, because that's just not true; Put some effort into training your personnel on how to handle these kinds of situations — currently they're not able to do this (only the manager helped); The true service level is not how you work when everything is fine —it's how you handle difficult situations (even if they involve "rules").

One of the most unique hotels I have ever stayed at. Have been going there for the last 8 years, and every time I am super impressed. A small village turned into a fairytale place, with so many things to do drivable around the area. Of course, we will be back

Firstly, special mention for Fernando in reception, so helpful, so knowledgeable about the trails. Hopefully, management recognise management potential when they see it.|We were a little hesitant to book due to some poor reviews.|I have to say we were very happy with our two night break and will return for sure.|Some reviewers said staff were poor, this is nonsense, staff were excellent throughout.|I would advise paying the extra for a suite as this gives you 2 hours per day in the spa facilities which includes pool, sauna, snow room etc.|Breakfast was excellent, food very fresh and staff very helpful, proper coffee served with breakfast and have as many as you like.|Restaurants, we visited both Byzantine and Loutraki. We thought Loutraki was a little below par compared to what we expected, quality produce let down by lack of seasoning, and very few vegetables.|Byzantine on the other hand was excellent from start to finish.|The area is amazing especially if you like a good hike, the Winery across the valley is worth a visit aswell.|

The village and its nature are indeed beautiful—there’s a river and radon baths—but walking paths for visitors are non-existent; you’ll share the roads with cars. The place is a missed opportunity: a jewel of Cyprus badly mismanaged, with no soul, where hospitality seems reduced to a money-grab. Coming here just for a walk and leaving—that’s the maximum I’d recommend. But even for a walk, I find Kakopetria far more pleasant.