From the moment of our arrival we were treated liked valued guests.
Our room was clean and comfortable very spacious The air conditioning system was also very quiet. and as you would expect with 5* robes and slippers supplied. Although we didn't have a sea/mariner view this was not a problem as we didn't intend to spend our holiday in our room. The resturants served delicious food from breakfast to supper and the choice was staggering. We have stayed in 5* hotels around the world but this was our first all inclusive resort and value for money it was fantastic! the staff were some of the most helpful and friendliest that we have ever met. We made the most of the facilities including the steam room Sauna and the jacuzzi and indoor pool but it was heaven just lazing around the pools and a bonus when offered iced towels to cool down. The beach was a 3 minute walk from the hotel with plenty of sunloungers available. We stayed for one week but wished we had booked for two. I would like to add that If you holiday during half term you should expect to encounter young families with happy noisy children. We would like to thank the Staff of St Raphael for their part in making this a wonderful holiday. Would we go back - you bet!!!

We have just returned from a one week stay, I am shocked to hear people moaning about the hotel, I would say overall it was excellent value for money. We booked via Thomas Cook the transfer was on time and ran smoothly, it was a shame there was no in flight entertainment on the return flight to keep the kids happy and having to pay £6 for ear phones was a bit much!! If people are offended by noisy children DON'T come in half term!! Having traveled to many destinations I have nothing bad to say about the hotel, the staff were very polite and the hotel was immaculately clean. I would love to visit again. THANK YOU

We booked this holiday through Jet 2 as it appeared to meet our needs of 5 star and we upgraded to excutive room overlooking the marina. The best part of the hotel was our room on the top floor at the end as it was the only place you could get peace and quiet. The hotel was not a 5 star maybe 4 at a push. The food was served in canteen style and as long as you like stew in various disguises you would be content. The guest in the hotel were mainly Russian and their manners are not that of us western europeans, you have been warned.The noise levels in the canteen or around the pool or beach was annoying with children making most of the noise, We were after a quiet holiday and spent most of the time on our balcony which had sunloungers and got the sun all day with fantastic views iver the marina. The staff at the hotel were very helpful and they tried their best to find us a quite part in the restaraunt inthe evening.Do not go early wait until the stampede is over and you will get some peace. would we go back the answer is no. Value for money, certainly not in the luxury collection as described in brocure, food was average too many children running around, On saying that the hotel staff were always extremely polite and a credit to the hotel management.

Rooms

We stayed here for a week in October. We paid for an upgrade to a marine view executive room and would definitely recommend doing this even though it's expensive.The view and the room were fantastic.My dad had a room facing the car park which wasn't very easy on the eye to say the least so it was worth it to us. I do have one complaint about the rooms...I have never stayed in a 5* 'ultra' all inclusive that does not include a free minibar in the room. You have to pay for everything in the minibar except the water, which is supplied fresh every day. NOTE TO HOTEL: surely you could supply a couple of beers a day included in the All Inclusive? Especially when this hotel is at the top end price wise.

Food

The food here is really really lovely. They seem to cater for all nationalities. I dont know where to start because the food was outstanding.The fish and lamb dishes deserve a special mention as does the breakfast. They have almost anything you want. They even have a chocolate fountain in the main restaurant at lunch..not good for the waistline at all! It's going to take me 3 months to lose all the weight I've put on! You can even have a meal between 10.30 and 11.30 if you want seconds! They even served us a meal when we arrived later than thought (thanks to Thomas Cook for the 7 1/2 hour delay with our flight!)

Staff

I'm baffled by the reviews from people regarding bad service from the staff (especially James the waiter in the bar, we found him very pleasant and amiable.) We found them to be friendly, professional and helpful.

Location

There's not much sightseeing to do around the hotel area. The bus stop into Limassol is 5 minutes up the road and a little further up the road is a 'square' with a few bars and restaurants but we never went so can't comment on how good they are. We did venture into Limassol old town but didn't think there was much there either, never went into Limassol itself as just wanted to laze around the pool as it was so hot! We had a fantastic week of good weather, more or less 30* every day.

Overall this is a fairly decent hotel and would recommend it.