Annabelle, Paphos

The Annabelle is the classic luxury address in Paphos and the best placed of the town’s five-star hotels for sightseeing. It stands on Poseidonos Avenue, the seafront promenade of Kato Paphos, about ten minutes’ walk from the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and a little more from the harbour, so you can walk to the mosaics in the morning and to the waterfront tavernas at night. The Michaelides family, who also own Almyra, have run the hotel for decades, and it has the relaxed, established feel of a place guests return to year after year. The grounds are planted with shady lawns and free-form pools with cascading waterfalls and a swim-up bar, and the Ouranos rooftop pool and lounge bar look over the promenade to the sea. There are four restaurants, Mediterraneo, Amorosa, Fontana and Asteras, plus several bars, an indoor pool and the Ouranos spa. Breakfast is a generous buffet, and guest scores are consistently excellent.

Location and getting around: the hotel is at 10 Poseidonos Avenue, with Alykes beach a two-minute walk away and the archaeological park, Paphos harbour and its fort within an easy stroll along the promenade. You do not need a car to explore Kato Paphos, and taxis and coach-tour pickups are simple. For Akamas, Troodos or Kourion, most day trips collect from the hotel; free parking is available if you rent a car.

The rooms: there are about 244 rooms and suites, many with sea views and some with direct garden or pool access. Ask for a sea-view room on an upper floor for the best outlook.

Who it suits: couples and families who want a polished, full-service hotel within walking distance of the sights, and travellers who value the old-school warmth of a family-run property. The children’s pool with its waterfall and the lawns suit younger guests.

Good to know: breakfast is served from seven to ten, and there is an electric-car charging point. In winter the indoor pool and spa make it a comfortable base even on cooler days.