Best Western Plus Larco Hotel

Best Western Plus Larco Hotel is a comfortable, mid-priced hotel in the Skala district of Larnaca, a lively part of town known for its cafes and evening entertainment. With 88 rooms, it is smaller and friendlier than the big beach resorts, and it combines a garden and pool with a location that lets you walk to much of what Larnaca has to offer. It is a sensible choice for travellers who want a good-value base with a spa and a pool, who plan to explore on foot and by bus, and who do not need to be right on the sand. The rooms are straightforward and practical, with air conditioning, a television, a workspace and a safe. The choice includes standard rooms with a queen bed or twin beds, some with a sofa bed for an extra guest, and larger suites with a king bed, one of which has a separate living room. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a children’s pool, with loungers and umbrellas, plus a pool bar, a garden and a terrace for relaxing in the evening. A free buffet breakfast is included in the offer, which is a real saving for a family or a group, though you should always check what your rate includes when you book. There is also a full-service spa, with facials, body treatments and couples’ rooms, together with a gym, a sauna and a steam room. Food and drink are well covered, with an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, a snack bar and a lounge bar. Free WiFi and free parking make arrival by car straightforward, and the airport is only minutes away by road.

Larnaca is the most relaxed of Cyprus’s main bases, and Skala is a good neighbourhood from which to enjoy it. The Larnaca Salt Lake, where flamingos gather in the cooler months, is about a ten-minute walk, and the medieval castle, the Finikoudes promenade and the beach are a pleasant stroll beyond. Mackenzie Beach, with its beach bars and the sight of planes landing low over the sea, is also within walking distance.

Europe Square and the Church of Saint Lazarus are a short taxi ride or a longer walk away, so even without a car you can see the old town, the waterfront and the salt lake.

This hotel suits couples, small families and independent travellers who want to combine culture, a little beach time and good food. It also makes a handy first or last night of a trip because the airport is so close, which takes the stress out of early flights and late arrivals. If you want a resort with a big sandy beach on the doorstep, look at the Oroklini or Ayia Napa resorts instead. If you like a town base with some character and easy walking, this is a very practical choice.

A few tips will help. Ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper, since Skala has plenty of nightlife in summer. Because the pool closes in the evening, plan your swim for the daytime. Day trips to Lefkara, Nicosia, the Stavrovouni monastery or the nearby resorts are easy from here by hire car or organised tour, and rates drop noticeably in spring, autumn and winter, when the island is mild and quiet.