Working in travel, we have the good fortune to stay in some of the world's finest hotels. Every one is appreciated but when it comes to booking a holiday for ourselves, a family run hotel is top of our list. From just reading Riverside's website, we knew it sounded right up our street. We were not disappointed. From the moment we walked under the heavily laden lemon trees to find our villa in the extensive gardens, we were in love with the place That very evening we were able to lean out from our balcony to choose a juicy lemon for our gin & tonic and our holiday was off to a brilliant start!

It was everything we wanted. The staff were friendly, courteous and helpful and always there with a smile. Mum worked in the shop providing service with an old-fashioned charm and prompting with the odd word of Turkish, so merhaba Mum!

Not everything was perfect but the missing towel or extra pillow needed only a quick call to reception to be instantly attended to. The swimming pool area is excellent and the pool bar on hand with an excellent snack menu, perfect for our needs.

We booked half board, not with the intention of eating in every night but we did. The selection of appetising salads and meze starters for the evening meal was so good we were content to relax on the outside dining area and let it all go down before tackling the main course let alone the sweet selection. Saying that the fried eggs were a bit overcooked for our taste one breakfast, the waitress turned up with two more. Better, I said, these will do but we still like them a little bit softer. Five minutes later, two more turned up absolutely perfect!

The wines were a bit on the expensive side but no more than other places in North Cyprus. Our favourite is the Yakut red.

Our children are grown up and do their own thing now so we cannot fairly comment on the family aspect of this holiday except to say that there were plenty of families around and they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying all the facilities on offer.

Super holiday and we will be back in 2008.

When we chose our first holiday together we wanted somewhere that neither of us had been to before and chose North Cyprus and Riverside in 2001.

We have been coming back ever since, twice a year.

The complex is good and the villas fine. We have stayed in various places on the complex and our only complaint has been a lack of cutlery - we go self catering - and you can always ask for more and it is swiftly delivered.

The facillities are excellent - a great pool and a quirky 'Fred Flintstone' bar where the staff are always very friendly.

The main restaurant food is excellent and entertainment is good if you want to go to Cyprus Night etc.

We have been on the Jeep Safari - hang on to your hat, caught the bus to Kyrenia or the beach and we now book direct for a car when we are collected from the airport.

There are always a few friends in the Ranch bar although you do have to put up with Karaoke once a week, which is only good when it's very bad.

The island is of course magic and the North is the place to go.

Richard and Bev

My father and I take some father and son time each year, for the last 12 years we have been going to the Riverside. That should tell anyone something about the hotel! The staff are friendly and obliging. The ambience is relaxing. I would advise getting a hire car there if you want to get to some of the more distant areas, but the journeys are worth it.

After yet another great holiday at Riverside, (I had 5 weeks there last year)it is time to start pricing up again for this year!!
The staff and family are always hospitable, any problems with rooms are sorted promptly and Ali G at reception is superb! Looking forward to another home from home hol with genuine Northern Cyprus hospitality. If you are used to Southern Cyprus holidays and fancy a holiday in the North be prepared for the different cultures and the contrast in scenery it is very beautiful but not quite so English as the South.