Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTH NICOSIA (LEFKOŞA)
North Nicosia has a fairly bleak range of accommodation. The budget 'hotels' are around
the Selimiye Mosque area and in the streets east of Girne Caddesi. They all have dorm-
style rooms where a bed costs around €7, but we don't recommend any of them. Apart
from that, there's a handful of midrange to top-end hotels which, despite the presence of
casinos, are reputable.
City Royal
HOTEL
A popular choice with travellers on business and casino lovers. Rooms are carpeted and
spacious with minibar, phone, satellite TV, and even a phone in the bathroom. There is also
a swimming pool, a gym and the inevitable casino. To reach here, head northeast of the
Kyrenia Gate for around 300m.
Saray
HOTEL
This hotel has seriously kitsch decor: gold lacquered headboards and swirling patterned
carpets. But it is comfortable and central and there's a '70s-style casino in the basement -
although it's more Blackpool Pleasure Beach than Caesar's Palace. Breakfast is on the 8th
floor accompanied by stunning panoramic views.
Interestingly, the hotel was the first ever Turkish-Cypriot hotel, built in 1962 by the
members of the Vakif, an ancient Ottoman religious order.
Golden Tulip
HOTEL
One of the latest hotels to open here, the Golden Tulip looks more like an upended glass
canister than anything more floral. Within there's a glossy corporate look and a compre-
hensive list of facilities, including health club and spa, children's nursery and, yes, yet an-
other casino if you fancy a flutter. The standard is high and the service is top notch, but the
atmosphere is international - and anonymous. The hotel is located in the New City, just
west of the northern end of Mehmet Akif Caddesi.
