Captain Pier Hotel

You come here for a straightforward Cyprus base: a hotel in Protaras, close to the sea, with balconies, air conditioning and room for families as well as couples. Captain Pier Hotel keeps the useful parts close at hand, from the outdoor pool and fitness centre to the pool bar and coffee house.

There is enough going on for a comfortable holiday without turning the place into a full-time entertainment project. You can sit on the sun terrace, watch live sport, join the evening live music, or simply retreat to your room with the air conditioning doing the heavy lifting after a hot day outside.

Families have practical support in the form of a playground, indoor play area, games room and children’s facilities. For couples, the sea-view rooms and junior suites make more sense when the balcony and the view matter more than having a long list of resort activities.

The hotel stands in Pernera, part of Protaras in Cyprus, at Ifestou 11. Pernera Beach is about 100 metres away on foot, with sand under your feet rather than a lengthy expedition involving footwear, maps and the patience of a saint.

Polyxenia Beach is about 550 metres away, while Potami Bay Beach and Kalamies Beach are each roughly 850 metres away. Sirena Bay Beach is about 2 km from the hotel. That gives you several stretches of coast to choose from when you fancy changing the scenery.

For a non-beach outing, Protaras Ocean Aquarium is about 2 miles away and National Forest Park Cavo Greco about 5 miles by road. Thalassa Municipal Museum is roughly 6 miles away, with The Venetian Palace and Othello Tower around 11 miles away. Lounge Bar Pernera is about 0.4 miles from the hotel, and Evalena restaurant about 1.5 miles away.

The room choice is mainly about the view and how much space you want around you. Couples can keep things simple with a double or twin room, while the partial-sea-view and sea-view versions put more emphasis on the balcony outlook. The family room with sea view is the natural choice when four people need to share without pretending that two beds and a suitcase constitute a palace.

The junior suites are the step up when you want a separate-feeling stay and more room to spread out. One faces the sea; another faces the pool. The pool-view double or twin room also caters for groups, with a bunk bed alongside the standard sleeping arrangement.

Every room has air conditioning, a private bathroom, television and free Wi-Fi. Balconies, outdoor furniture and views make the room more than a place to drop your keys. A refrigerator and electric kettle appear among the room facilities, but the booking conditions also place them among items arranged through reception, so check what is included with your chosen room before you arrive. Daily housekeeping, soundproof rooms and soundproofing are useful details when sleep matters more than staying up to admire the satellite channels.

The main dining offer covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with European and Aegean cooking served as a buffet. The all-inclusive formula keeps the day uncomplicated, particularly when you return hungry and would rather eat than begin a small research project into nearby menus.

Breakfast brings freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, hot dishes, cold meats and cheeses, yoghurt, cereals, freshly squeezed juices, tea and coffee. Breakfast in your room is also part of the hotel’s food service, while a kid-friendly buffet and special-diet menus on request add some practical flexibility.

For food between meals, there is a snack bar and a coffee house on site. The pool bar gives you somewhere to sit with a drink without making a formal occasion of it, and wine or champagne can also be arranged. The hotel lists live music and a happy hour among its activities, so the evening can stay on site when you have had quite enough of travelling for one day.

The seasonal outdoor swimming pool is the obvious place to spend a non-diving afternoon, with sun loungers, beach chairs, umbrellas and a pool bar close by. The sun terrace and garden offer the slower version of the same plan: find a seat, let the day dry off, and avoid making any unnecessary decisions.

The fitness centre is there when you want to move rather than lounge. Walking tours, bike tours and bicycle hire give you ways to explore beyond the hotel, while cycling and hiking are also listed as activities in the surrounding area. Horse riding, canoeing and windsurfing can be arranged away from the property.

Evenings have a modest social side, with live music, live sports broadcasts, darts, a shared lounge and a games room. Families have a children’s playground, indoor play area, outdoor play equipment, board games and puzzles, plus babysitting and child services. Couples can ignore the lot and take the short walk to one of the nearby beaches instead.

Larnaca International Airport is about 32 miles away by road, with a drive of roughly 53 minutes. Ercan Airport is about 36 miles away by road, taking roughly 58 minutes. Airport shuttle and shuttle services are available through the hotel, and car hire can also be arranged. If you are driving, private parking is on site and does not require a reservation.

Check-in times need a quick look before you travel: the hotel lists arrival from 2pm, while the booking conditions list it from 3pm. Departure is listed until noon by the hotel and until 11am in the booking conditions. Bring photo identification and a payment card, and let the hotel know your expected arrival time. Private check-in and check-out, luggage storage, concierge service, a tour desk and currency exchange are all part of the reception services.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The building has a lift, upper floors are accessible by lift, and accessible rooms and bathroom features are listed. The hotel is non-smoking throughout, pets are not allowed, and guests under 18 must check in with a parent or official guardian. Payments at the hotel can be made in cash or with Visa and Eurocard/Mastercard.