I've stayed at the Cleopatra several times on business over the last few years and decided it really is time to leave some feedback!

This is certainly a very compact hotel and the bedrooms are on the small side. However, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the many good points this hotel has. Although small, the bedrooms are very nicely appointed (make sure you book a refurbished room though as the others are dated and worn). The furniture is smart, the bed comfortable, the bathroom clean and modern and the air conditioning is efficient (and fairly quiet when on a low setting at night).

Admittedly, the small size of the room (and balcony) means that you won't want to spend hours in it but then why bother coming to Nicosia if you're going to stay in your room?! (Honeymooners excepted of course).

The bar is very nicely designed with comfortable lounge seating or tables/chairs if you wish to dine. The lighting is low and sometimes the TV is blaring out in Greek but just ask Costas (the bartender) to turn your lights up and the TV down - he's a fabulous guy who will go out of his way to accommodate your needs.

The restaurant is cosy with the usual buffet breakfast n the mornings (nothing special but perfectly acceptable). I've never had lunch or dinner in the restaurant as there are so many great places to eat in Nicosia so can't comment on the food.

The pool area is pleasant with a pool bar (staff are friendly as they are throughout the hotel) and at night the pool area is set up for romantic, candlelit dinners (again, I always go out and so can't comment on the food).

There is a gym at the back of the hotel which I find excellent as Nicosia doesn't really lend itself to going out for long runs - the gym is a little hot but not enough to use as an excuse not to use!!

Wifi is available at a charge in your bedroom but is a good speed - for cheapskates out there, you can borrow a cable and access free internet in the bar if you wish.

The location of the hotel is just perfect for exploring Nicosia and eating out at night. Within a ten-minute walk you can either be in the heart of the old town, eating at the numerous tavernas, cafes and restaurants (or Wagamamas, McDonalds, TGIs etc for those less adventurous) or exploring modern shops .

Please note that being in such a central location, this does mean that there is traffic noise at night if you wish to leave your balcony door open. However, when closed, the sound -proofing is excellent.

Although a short drive in a taxi, I strongly recommend the Aegean restaurant - situated at the back of a bookshop in an older part of the city, the food and ambiance are both first class (book ahead and get an upstairs, balcony table). The restaurant is in an open courtyard so you can watch the stars as you eat some of the best Cypriot food in Nicosia. A little more pricey than most restaurants but well worth a visit.

All-in-all this is a lovely, friendly, cosy, clean and modern hotel in the heart of Nicosia - well worth considering if you're visiting the capital.