Found the hotel through the internet. We prefer small properties and this was just to our taste. Positives: fantastic position right in the centre of Bellapais village, which really does feel like the Cyprus I used to visit as a kid many years ago. Great service. Beautiful decor. Lovely, peaceful atmosphere. Negatives: no public transport, so taxis or car hire a must. Rooms quite small, especially bathrooms. Pool small, but tidy and very attractive. Overall a really good experience. If you want the kind of masive, all-inclusive resorts, you won't like this, but if you want a small, efficient and attractive place that's a bit out of the ordinary, this is perfect. Oh, and a 'no children' policy, so nice and quiet!

We have been visiting Northern Cyprus for years and came across the Residence at Bellapaix (the formal name!) almost by accident. The hotel is very small (only 10 rooms) and in the centre of bellapais village. Negatives? Rooms are quite small and the hotel is in the middle of the village, so can be slightly noisy in the evenings, especially at weekends, though we never found this a problem. Positives? Service was excellent - personal and friendly, but never intrusive. Cleaning and overall standards very good and the decor of the place is lovely. Perfect location to be close to things to visit, without being in the bustle of Kyrenia and with a very 'stylish' feel. As it's so small, most tour operators don't seem to offer it. We booked direct (I think it's www.theresidencecyprus.com but you might want to check) and will definitely be doing so again!

The Residence reopens mid May 2007... just booked a weekend stay there for 2 on BB basis...we have stayed there since it opened in 2005 and 2006...wonderful place and is now under new management! Great standards...and wonderful to be in the centre of Bellapais...

Beautiful boutique hotel with only ten rooms, a tiny pool and very attentive service. The hotel is relatively newly opened in an old house. Each room is different but all are very high spec, with clean modern lines - although neither the rooms nor the shower rooms are huge. There is a choice of English, Continental or Cypriot breakfast, all individually prepared - we liked the Cypriot best. The hotel does not accept children and so is blissfully peaceful. At dusk, whoever is on duty, lights nighlights in exquisite hanging glass candleholders around the pool and outside rooms - we just had to go into Girne and buy some to take home. Bellapais is a charming village with an imposing abbey and wonderful views. Although it gets thronged by tourists, it is not spoilt and sitting drinking fresh lemonade or tea in the old fashioned cafe in the village square is a real pleasure. There are many restaurants in the village and all offer quality, huge quantities and value. For a special experience, walk up the hill out of the village, past Bitter Lemons to the Gardens of Irini and book for dinner one night in advance. You'll feel as if you're at a private dinner party with an excellent conversationalist as your hostess.