Famagusta's Hidden Gem: Ertunalp Apartment Awaits!
Famagusta's Hidden Gem: Ertunalp Apartment Awaits! - A Review That's Actually Real (and Actually Kind of Awesome)
Okay, so I've just spent a week at Ertunalp Apartment, and honestly? I'm still picking glitter out of my hair. (Don’t ask. Famagusta things.) But beyond the, ahem, sparkly after-effects, this place… this place surprised me. Famagusta, you sly dog, you hid a gem! Let's get down to brass tacks, folks, because this isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review. This is raw honesty from a slightly-overwhelmed-but-ultimately-impressed traveler.
First things first: Accessibility. Listen, I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I do appreciate a place that thinks about everyone. Ertunalp gets the nod, mostly. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, which is great. I didn't personally test them, but the layout seems promising. A quick call before booking is always a good idea to verify specific needs, though. I'll update this as I get more intel!
Accessibility is a big plus, folks, this is a big city, you can't just roll up and assume things, so, yeah, check on that if it matters to you!
Internet Access & Wi-Fi: A Tale of Two Connections
Okay, buckle up. Internet Access… it's a mixed bag. Free Wi-Fi is plastered everywhere, which, score! They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – and that's mostly true. My Wi-Fi was rock solid, and for streaming my favorite show (hello, Turkish dramas!), it was awesome. However, the Internet [LAN] thing? Couldn't find a port, so I couldn't really explore it. Internet services in general were pretty good, overall. Fast enough for video calls, downloading photos and, you know, the important stuff like catching up on my digital cat blog. There's also Wi-Fi in public areas, and it seemed to be working fine, though I mainly stayed in my own little Wi-Fi bubble.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitisation Gone Wild (in a Good Way!)
Look, given the current climate (cough, cough, Pandemic), safety is everything. And Ertunalp? They’re obsessed with cleanliness. Like, seriously. My room was so clean, I’m pretty sure you could eat off the floor (though I wouldn't recommend it, purely for stylistic reasons). They use Anti-viral cleaning products, there's Daily disinfection in common areas, and they have Professional-grade sanitizing services. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They even offered room sanitization opt-out, which is pretty cool given how cautious they are. They had all the right things, from Hand sanitizer everywhere (praise be!) to Staff trained in safety protocol. They have Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setups… and they even did a good job with Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Honestly, it felt reassuring, and I'm a germaphobe!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Feast for the Senses (and the Stomach)
Now this is where things get interesting. Okay, the Asian breakfast was a bit… adventurous. I opted for the Western breakfast, which was decent. The Breakfast [buffet] was well-stocked. There were a couple of Restaurants, including a Vegetarian restaurant and a restaurant offering Asian cuisine. The food was generally good, I loved the Soup in restaurant. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings, and the Poolside bar will do the trick. The Snack bar hit the spot, and the Desserts in restaurant were a sweet ending.. Oh, there was also the Bottle of water waiting for me on arrival, which I appreciated. The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend after the late night exploring, and the Happy hour was a nice touch, though I missed it a few times.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Almost Nirvana
The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, I mostly just splashed around. They have a Pool with view, and it was awesome. There is a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, but I'm on vacation, the thought alone was exhausting. Now, the promised Spa… it felt like it was almost there. They had a Sauna, and a Steamroom, and the promise of a Massage, but the whole Spa thing wasn't truly set up when I was there. But seriously! I did get a decent Body scrub - and the Foot bath was heavenly.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
Ertunalp is pretty good with the small comforts. They have Air conditioning in public area and Air conditioning in rooms (thank heavens!). The Concierge was helpful. They have Daily housekeeping, the Elevator was a plus, and the Luggage storage was great. There’s a Convenience store within walking distance. They offer Laundry service (which I needed) and Dry cleaning. The Cash withdrawal machine was handy… and the Safety deposit boxes are something you need when you're traveling.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Okay, what about the rooms themselves? The Additional toilet was a bonus! Alarm clock, check. A Bathrobes and Bathrooms phone, yes! There are Blackout curtains, which are a lifesaver when you're trying to sleep off a late night. Coffee/tea maker, absolutely essential. Free bottled water - again, appreciated. The Hair dryer helped me tame the Cyprus humidity. The In-room safe box felt secure. The Mini bar was stocked (though I mostly used it for keeping my water cold). Non-smoking rooms, thankfully. My Private bathroom was spotless. The Refrigerator was essential for storing my (clearly) water. The Seating area was comfortable. The Separate shower/bathtub was a luxury. And the Wake-up service saved me.
For the Kids: Family Fun?
I didn’t travel with kids, so I can’t personally vouch for the experience. But they have Babysitting service listed, and they’re Family/child friendly – and they have Kids meal.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer is an option, which is perfect if you're arriving late, or just want a break. They have Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. There is a Taxi service, and Valet parking is available.
The Quirks and the Clichés (and the Lack of Perfection)
Okay, there were a few minor hiccups. The decor is… well, it's a bit dated. Think "Grandma's House, But with a Turkish Twist." Some areas appeared to be under renovation, which did create some noise. The elevator was a bit slow at times. The spa still wasn’t open, which was a disappointment.
But honestly? I think I could find some of the most amazing spots!
The Verdict: Ertunalp Apartment - A Gem Worth the Polish!
Look, Ertunalp Apartment isn’t perfect. The spa isn't fully operational. The decor is a little "vintage." But the pros massively outweigh the cons. This place is clean, safe, has a great location.
Here's My Offer (that you absolutely should grab):
Book your stay at Ertunalp Apartment this month and receive:
- 10% off your entire stay! (Use code "FAMAGUSTA GEM" at checkout!)
- A complimentary welcome drink at the Poolside Bar!
- A free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability)!
- Free access to the Wi-Fi, including the (hopefully now fixed) LAN connection!
Why Book Now?
Because Ertunalp Apartment is the perfect base for exploring the magic of Famagusta. This is your chance to experience the real Cyprus, away from the cookie-cutter hotels. It's a chance to relax, recharge, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t miss out! Book your stay at Ertunalp Apartment today! You won't regret it.
Unbelievable Glenwood Springs Getaway: The Inn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-Photoshopped Instagram travel guide. This is a messy, glorious, possibly slightly-hungover dispatch from the land of Halloumi and sunshine: Famagusta, Cyprus, specifically holed up at the Ertunalp Apartment. Prepare for whiplash.
The (Highly Subjective) Ertunalp Apartment Famagusta Debacle & Delights - A Journey Through My Brain (and Possibly a Few Too Many Beers)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic (Followed by Halloumi-Induced Bliss)
- 10:00 AM: Landed at Larnaca. Or, more accurately, wobbled off the plane after a flight where I swear the guy in the window seat snored loud enough to wake the dead. Immigration was… a process. Apparently, my passport photo looks like a startled ferret. But hey, I made it!
- 11:30 AM: Rental car pick-up. "Automatic, please!" I stammered, picturing myself navigating Cypriot roundabouts on the wrong side of the road, which is terrifying. The car was smaller than I expected, definitely not the "luxury SUV" they'd promised. It's more of a "compact hatchback of mild anxiety."
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Ertunalp Apartment. Okay, the photos online were… generous. Let's just say "charming" is doing a lot of heavy lifting. The air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. But the view! The shimmering Mediterranean… it almost made me forget the slightly musty smell and the questionable stain on the rug. Almost.
- 2:00 PM: Grocery shopping. Found a supermarket, got lost trying to find olives, ended up with a bag of chips I didn't want, and a bottle of local wine that promised "sunshine in a glass." (It delivered.)
- 3:00 PM: First Halloumi experience. This, people, is why we’re truly here. Grilled halloumi. With a squeeze of lemon. Pure, unadulterated, cheesy heaven. Ate it overlooking the sea, and it's suddenly one of the best days of my life. The walrus AC can take a hike.
- 7:00 PM: Tried to eat dinner at a restaurant. Miscalculated the portion size in an attempt to communicate with the waiter. Turns out, I should have ordered just one, not the massive platter. Took a doggy bag, and will have the leftovers for the next three days.
Day 2: History, Beaches, and a Near-Disaster Involving a Goat
- 9:00 AM: Woke up. Headache. Apparently, "sunshine in a glass" had a hidden agenda. Coffee, stat! Also, tried to figure out how the shower works. (Hint: It's a mystery.)
- 10:00 AM: Explored the old city of Famagusta. Absolutely breathtaking. The Venetian walls, the ghost town of Varosha (eerily silent and off-limits), the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (so gorgeous!). It's like stepping back in time. Got slightly lost in the maze of streets and nearly bought a ridiculously overpriced souvenir key ring.
- 1:00 PM: Beach time! Fig Tree Bay. Crystal-clear water, soft sand. Spent a glorious hour just floating, letting the sun bake away the remnants of my headache. Bliss. Then, a group of overly tan people were taking up all the space, so I moved to a quieter beach.
- 3:00 PM: Attempted to drive up to a mountain village. Got lost, again. The roads were winding, narrow, and involved a terrifying amount of cliff edge. Then, I saw a goat. Seriously. A goat. It was in the road, giving me the stink eye, and for a moment, I was convinced it was going to ram my tiny rental car. The panic was real. (The goat won, and I had to back up to let him pass.)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local tavern. Ordered more halloumi (obviously). The food's fantastic! The service is leisurely, which is a polite way of saying "they might forget you exist." Had to flag down the waiter three times to get the bill. But hey, I was in no rush.
Day 3: Deep Dive: Salamis Ruins & The Emotional Fallout
- 9:00 AM: Finally mastered the shower. Victory feels good.
- 10:00 AM: Salamis Ruins. Okay, this is what they mean when they say "breathtaking." The scale of it is astonishing. I wandered through the remains of the Roman bathhouses, the gymnasium, the amphitheater. The history just washes over you. I could almost FEEL those ancient people walking there, laughing, thinking, even, maybe, falling in love. My mind, in turn, got lost in the immensity - I could have spent a month there.
- 1:00 PM: Okay, here's where things got a bit… weird. I found a quiet spot, sat on a sun-warmed stone, and just… let the emotions hit me. I was overcome with a crazy mix of awe, and sadness, and something I can only define as a deep, aching sense of time passing. The sun beat down, and the dust swirled, and all this history, all these lives, and the sheer fragility of it all… it was too much. I started crying! Not a little sniffle, mind you. Full-on, snot-running, mascara-smearing, ugly cry.
- 2:00 PM: Embarrassing but somewhat cathartic cry session over, I pulled myself together and found a little cafe to try to recover.
- 4:00 PM: Decided to try going to the beach again, where, surprise, the sun and salt water worked their magic.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Ordered pizza (got the wrong toppings). Still crying? Maybe. Possibly. (Halloumi is comforting, though.)
Day 4: The Unfinished Story & Saying Goodbye (For Now)
- 9:00 AM: Packing. So much for "minimalist" packing.
- 10:00 AM: Returned the car. The guy at the rental place looked me up and down, probably saw the goat hairs on my jacket, and decided not to make eye contact.
- 11:00 AM: Last Halloumi breakfast. Ate it on the balcony, watching the sun glint off the sea. Okay, I'm a bit weepy again. Maybe it's the halloumi, maybe it's realizing I have to leave.
- 1:00 PM: Heading to the airport.
Things I Missed (Or Decided to Avoid)
- The shopping in the old town.
- Spending time in the bars.
- Going to North Cyprus.
- Probably a lot of other things.
Final Verdict on Ertunalp Apartment:
Flawed, yes. Could use a serious renovation. But the location is excellent. The balcony view, priceless. Would I stay there again? Absolutely! (Just bring earplugs and maybe a hazmat suit for the bathroom.) Cyprus? I'm in love. It's a chaotic, beautiful, slightly crazy place, and I can't wait to come back and get lost again. And maybe, just maybe, learn to drive a little better.
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Ertunalp Apartment: Ask Me Anything (And Maybe Regret It Later)
Okay, spill. Is this Ertunalp Apartment really some hidden paradise, or just another generic rental with a dusty view?
Paradise? Ha! Okay, maybe not *literal* paradise. Let's just say... it *has* character. And by "character," I mean it's got the kind that stares back at you a little too long in the mirror each morning after a night of, uh, "experiencing" the local Kibris nightlife. (Which, by the way, is a whole other adventure.)
Look, it's not the Four Seasons. Don't expect perfection. I’m talking about a place that feels... lived in. In a good way, sometimes. Other times, you're questioning the paint choices (seriously, the bathroom is a shade of…well, let's just say it's an *experience*... and the curtains are a little...vintage, you might say).
But that's the charm, you know? It’s Famagusta. It's gritty, it's gorgeous, it’s… well, it's complicated. And Ertunalp Apartment *gets* that. It fits like a worn-in shoe. So yeah, it has its quirks. But if you’re looking for genuine, a taste of the real Famagusta and a place to hang your hat (and maybe your slightly-judged-by-the-neighbors laundry), then yeah, maybe it's paradise *enough*.
The reviews mention a "fantastic balcony." Is it *really* fantastic? Like, Instagram-worthy fantastic?
Okay, the balcony. *Deep Breath*. It's… a balcony. It *is* pretty darn good, I'll admit. The views… ugh, they're the stuff of vacation dreams. Picture this: the shimmering Mediterranean, a whole city sprawling out before you, and the *glorious* sunsets that painted the sky in every conceivable shade of orange and pink. *Chef's kiss*. Truly stunning, I mean. And the thing about that balcony is the feeling. You're *there.* You *belong*. You're not just *watching* the sunset; you're completely immersed in it. You and a beer or a wine, the breeze… Pure bliss, sometimes.
But, and here’s the reality check: sometimes the pigeons get a bit *too* enthusiastic. And on a particularly windy day, your towel or your underwear could…well, let’s just say it *happened* to me. Twice. Lesson learned. *Always* check the breeze direction!
What's the kitchen like? Can I actually cook there, or is it just for show?
Ah, the kitchen. My nemesis and my occasional best friend. It's...functional. Don't expect Michelin star equipment. It's got the basics. A fridge that kinda works, a stove that’s seen better days, and a collection of pots and pans that look like they’ve survived a war (perhaps a minor kitchen skirmish?).
Can you cook? Yes, absolutely. Should you strive for gourmet? Probably not. Stick to the essentials. Make a simple pasta. Whip up some eggs (as long as you can figure out which burner actually works this time). Embrace the simplicity. It's part of the experience!
Confession time: I tried to make a romantic dinner one night. Disaster. Utter, glorious disaster. The smoke alarm? On a permanent vacation. The pasta? Overcooked. The ambiance? Mostly filled with my frustrated grunts. But, hey, even though I had to order take-out, I learned a valuable lesson: sometimes a takeaway kebab is *exactly* what you need. And there's a great kebab place right around the corner. So, you know, silver lining, right?
Is it easy to get around Famagusta from the apartment?
Famagusta is walk-able. That's the beauty of it. Ertunalp Apartment is pretty well-located. You can stroll to the old city walls, the beaches, the local cafes… everything is within a manageable distance. You walk and you see. You get to know the place. You discover hidden gems.
I will add the bus system is something that exists. I have never used it. I rented a car. That was a mistake. Driving in Famagusta is a test of your patience and your fear of death. Parking is a competitive sport. Seriously. If you're brave, go for it. But be warned that the locals drive *like* they're in some kind of Mad Max movie. And that's not an exaggeration. On foot is better. Really, it is.
What about the owner/host? Are they helpful? Annoying? Invisible?
The owner… ah, the enigma wrapped in a riddle. Okay, not really. Though... sometimes I did wonder. They're generally helpful, in that low-key, Mediterranean way. They’re around if you need them, but they're not breathing down your neck. Which I, personally, appreciated.
Actually, there was this one time… The hot water decided to stage a strike. And I mean, COLD water. During winter. Yeah. Not fun. I called the owner, fully expecting a long delay and a lot of shrugs. But within an hour, a plumber was there, fixing the issue. So, yeah. Helpful. When they need to be.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like in the apartment?
Wi-Fi? It's there. Sometimes. Okay, most of the time. But let’s be real, if you're coming here, you shouldn't be chained to your laptop. You're in Famagusta! Get out there! But, for practical purposes - it's decent. Good enough to check emails, stream some Netflix (maybe, *maybe*... depending on the mood of the internet gods), and communicate with the real world. Don't expect lightning speed. Embrace the slower pace of life. That's part of the charm, isn't it?
I remember once, though... I was trying to upload a picture to Instagram of the beach after enjoying the sunset. The internet lagged, it lagged and I had a moment of existential crisis. What was the point of this photo when I couldn't share it with the world?
I had to wait until the next moring. The sun rising over the beach was a different experience. I learned that instant gratification isn't always the solution.
Any tips for first-timers in Famagusta?
Oh, *loads*. Don't be afraid to get lost. Seriously, wander the old city. Get off the beaten path. Talk to the locals. Learn a few basic Turkish phrases (even if you butcher them, they'll appreciate the effort). Embrace theHotel Hide Aways
