“Excellent Location, Fairly Comfortable and Friendly – Just let down by price and food”
My usual report format is to try to include as much detail as possible, but know that some people just want a recommendation so I have put this first. Domniki is a perfectly adequate 3* apartment block in an excellent location on the beach and near the centre of town. It is a bit basic, but has everything you need for a good holiday. Domniki is family run and friendly. What lets it down is the ludicrously expensive air conditioning and below average food. If you are prepared to pay the air-con premium and eat elsewhere then you wont go far wrong.
We stayed in the Pernera Beach Hotel in 2008 and for us we might be tempted to go back there if/when we go back to Pernera. Overall a premium room there worked out at a similar price to the apartment at Domniki and the Pernera Beach room was better quality and more usable.
ACCOMODATION – Domniki has 35 apartments – 25 one-bed and 8 studio - each has a small balcony. The accommodation is in reasonably good condition – especially the public areas – but the furniture in the rooms is a bit dated and there are occasional signs of wear beginning to show. Nothing too serious, and after all this is not claiming to be 5*, but if you are the fussy type you may be a little disappointed. The apartments only take bookings direct, are efficient and their website is fairly accurate :
http://www.domniki.com/en
The apartments are very large if there are just two of you and even if you have another 2 in the sofa beds there is plenty of space. The wardrobe space might be a bit limited, but hardly the end of the world. The layout of the apartments gives a sea view or an inland view. Those facing the sea get the best views and the sun all day but, that comes at a price – both monetary and usability. The sun comes directly into the rooms all day so that it is almost impossible to have the curtains open at any time to appreciate the view without being blinded and cooked. The balcony is likewise in full sun and an oven. The alternative is a view of the car park of the nearby restaurant which may not be the most attractive but at least it’s cheaper and you can keep the curtains open.
Maid Service was 5 days a week whilst we were there. Towels and sheets were replaced once in the week and the towels were of a decent size. The room was kept reasonably clean.
Initially the price of the apartments seems quite reasonable, but the killer is the air conditioning supplement on arrival – it is necessary but massively expensive. Domniki charges per room and if you cool the bedroom and the living area expect to be very much poorer. In fairness to Domniki, they do suggest you only cool one room, but it is a compromise based on a hidden charge.
The location is pretty near perfect being on Pernera’s lovely small cove and sandy beach, but less than 100 meters from the centre of the town. It manages to pull off being central and on the beach without being too noisy. It is also just a few yards from the start of the recently completed seaside promenade between Pernera and Protaras which is a pleasant and picturesque stroll. Although Pernera is not Aiya Napa, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes within a few minutes walk of the apartments. This is a family run outfit and the staff are friendly and helpful.
BAR – The Bar/Reception area is basic but comfortable and well laid out. It caters for the British holidaymaker with larger TVs for the football and British bar staff. The bar staff were friendly, service was swift and prices were comparable. The outside bar seating is much nicer with a good view of the beach. We didn’t use the bar as much as we might have as there are plenty of other bars and cafes both on the waterfront and in the town but it is worth a look. Their Achilles heel is the food – it just isn’t good enough. With so many other places close by to eat breakfast or lunch which provide better quality and better tasting food at similar or lower prices I am surprised that they get so much business. It’s not terrible, just basic and very average. A place to have a drink or coffee certainly, but not really a place to eat.
POOL – The pool is a little on the small side, but the apartments are on the beach so a large pool really isn’t needed. There are some sun loungers around the edge and lots more on the grass terrace leading to the beach. On the terrace the view of the cove is pleasant and close enough to wander out to the sea if you don’t fancy the pool.
BREAKFAST – The apartments can be booked as self-catering or B&B. We chose self catering so can’t comment on the breakfasts, but if they are similar to the bar food quality, then I would expect too much.
ENTERTAINMENT – The apartments do not provide any entertainment, but as you are in the middle of a town, you don’t need it.
PERNERA
TOWN –We last went to Pernera in 2008 and then my hotel report I said “Pernera is a fairly small resort about 3km from Protaras and 16km from Agia Napa, but one which is undergoing massive development. Hundreds of units are currently under construction and with the limited beach fronts this may overwhelm Pernera which would be a shame. For the moment though, it is close enough to both Protaras (Fig tree Bay) and even Agia Napa not to feel isolated, but far enough away to have kept its charm and personality” and much of that remains true. Some things are changing though and mostly for the better.
Yes it has a Pizza Hut and the nightlife is still largely Karaoke, but there are still some great tavernas serving quality Cypriot food and friendly locals.
The sea front promenade between Pernera and Protaras is now complete which increases Perneras catchment area. The promenade has been really well executed with regular seating along its length and shade stops. Bars and restaurants are springing up along the waterfront making the walkway attractive and a destination in itself. It is also well lit at night and really lovely after dinner stroll and stop at one of the bars for a nightcap.
On the downside the prom seems to have started a slightly schizophrenic feel in Pernera with some newer restaurants heading into the upmarket lifestyle sector and others rooted firmly in the lager and chips arena. As the promenade ages I think Pernera will benefit and cover all the bases.
Surprisingly many of the units under construction in 2008 are no closer to completion now. I guess the recession forced the mothballing of these projects, but I suspect with the completion of the promenade that will change. The danger of losing Pernera’s charm to over development hasn’t gone away.
Many of the same restaurants still exist with Kartanas Taverna and Noufaro taverna still pretty good. A little further on the main road to Protaras is Apomero a taverna which had a real family feel last time and looked similar (though we didn’t eat there this time). The shining star for us was Ifalos Taverna – excellent Cypriot food, atmosphere and friendly staff, all combine to give a superb meal and evening out.
If you want a curry , Mexican, Italian, Chinese, or even Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding they are available in Pernera but we passed them by in favour of Cypriot food, so can’t comment on their quality.
BEACH – There are a number of small sandy beaches around Pernera and accessible from the walkway. The main beach is a pleasant crescent of dark white coarse sand sloping gently into clear water. It is properly run with life guards, toilets, loungers and umbrellas for hire. However, in high season, and/or when the numerous developments behind the hotel are complete it could become invisible under a sea of bodies, so you may want to wander to one of the other Pernera beaches or a little further to Protaras (Fig Tree Bay), or even take the bus to Agia Napa (Nissi Bay).
FOOD AND DRINK – Of course the key income for the area is tourists and the place is set up for that. If your idea of fun is going on holiday to go to a fake English pub, you can find it here. And there are plenty of places selling Full English in the mornings and full roast on Sundays so if that’s your bag you’re well catered for. Alternatively if you want a curry, Mexican, Italian, or Chinese, they are available in Pernera but we passed them by in favour of Cypriot food, so can’t comment on their quality. Even though Pernera is not massive, there is plenty of good quality food and a multitude of restaurants and bars so you’ll never go hungry or thirsty what-ever cuisine you choose.
Many of the same restaurants we saw in 2008 still exist with Kartanas Taverna and Noufaro taverna still worth a look. A little further on the main road to Protaras is Apomero a taverna which had a real family feel last time and looked similar (though we didn’t eat there this time). The shining star for us was Ifalos Taverna – excellent Cypriot food, atmosphere and friendly staff, all combine to give a superb meal and evening out.
For a more detailed review see the restaurant reviews
Room Tip: Save some money and pass on the sea view - you wont really benefit as the sun cooks you in the room...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
