Trip advisor remark about Kyrenia

boofey


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 38

Message Posted:
18/02/2007 17:11

Have just visited the Trip Advisor website. If you don't want to be incensed don't look at JK Moriarty's remarks (aka Miserable ***stard). He has written a piece entitled 'don't go to Northern Cyprus'.

He has totally slagged off Kyrenia and the Hideaway Hotel, where I have just booked and look forward to staying later in the year.

What is his problem?

Garythegeezer


Joined: 05/02/2007
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
18/02/2007 19:08

Hi Boofey,



I had a look but could not see the review?



Gtg

boofey


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 38

Message Posted:
18/02/2007 19:55

Hello Gtg,

Should have mentioned the date. Here's the link.





http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g190378-r6063417-Kyrenia.html

Izzet



Joined: 01/12/2006
Posts: 920

Message Posted:
18/02/2007 20:09

Boofey - May be you can post the URL to the post.



I know the owners of Hideaway Club and know their quality of service - no need to worry!

boofey


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 38

Message Posted:
18/02/2007 20:36

Hello Izzet,

Not worried in the least, this is just one persons opinion. The Hideaway has had many good reviews and I trust the opinions of the majority.

sungoddess


Joined: 16/12/2006
Posts: 44

Message Posted:
19/02/2007 11:39

I think that North Cyprus IS in danger of being spoilt – by complaining whingers like this chap from York on Trip Advisor! Honestly, if you just sit around moaning with all your fellow travellers in a hotel bar, it is going to be one DULL holiday!

As a kid my parents always headed off on holiday to the latest Mediterranean resort that was on the up and up, because it meant we could stay in good hotels much more cheaply. I have played on more hotel building sites and plastic-strewn beaches than I care to remember, but we knew if we wanted to visit, so would others and they would need somewhere to stay. We just got there first.

Now, North Cyprus is FAR FAR better than those 1970’s assorted Costas and Greek beaches ever were, but the same advice applies to any holidaymaker. If you want to see the real country and its people, leave the coastal tourist areas and head inland. I remember vividly staying in Marbella (Spain) when the marina was being built, and Mum driving into the mountains behind the coast without a map to find something less built up. I ended up riding an old man’s aged donkey down the village street, because he thought it would be fun for me, (which it was, terrific fun!) while Dad sat outside the local bar clutching a beer that the barman refused to let him pay for.

That spirit is still alive and kicking in North Cyprus – and that’s what Mr Moaner from York missed because he was so busy thinking Essex and not experience.

Garythegeezer


Joined: 05/02/2007
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
19/02/2007 12:27

Bring back Sherlock Holmes and give Moriarty a good thrashing



regards

Gtg

boofey


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 38

Message Posted:
19/02/2007 19:11

I totally agree Gtg, bring back Sherlock (with his Hound of the Baskervilles) and sort him out!

Also, Sun Goddess agree with you too - I think people like him were the ones who gave us the label Whinging Poms!

You cannot get an all round picture of a country by staying in one hotel, one town, one area all the time. God forbid tourists who visit Essex think that's a true picture of merry old England!

B&BLondon


Joined: 31/01/2007
Posts: 64

Message Posted:
20/02/2007 20:16

It is because people like Moriaty never return to TRNC that it remains unspoilt

The reason we love TRNC is that there are not droves of

holidaymakers from Essex (or anywhere else for that matter!) who want draught Guinness, McDonalds and Kareoke with sunshine

I expect Moriaty will be returning to Magaluf again this year!

GeoffB4


Joined: 19/02/2007
Posts: 1

Message Posted:
21/02/2007 10:38

Guys, read the review.



The hotel comes out OK, and the critic is railing against the 'make a buck' philosophy and the dirt. Both of which are valid points.



We love the place, but we can see the faults.



Last year we got ripped off by a chemist of all people! Are we not allowed to complain about it?

Garythegeezer


Joined: 05/02/2007
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
21/02/2007 17:54

Geoff,

Thats all some people do though!



regards

Gtg

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
23/02/2007 19:36

HAving jsut retruned from TRNC after a month visit, thought I would put my two cents worth in.

The weather was cold and very wet for the first 2 weeks , most places were deserted, the harbour at night was a ghost town.

I was there in June of 2006 since that visit it seems to have doubled in size with homes, cities and apartment springing up everywhere. I drove east towards Esentepe , it really has changed a lot.

If they stop building now there is still a chance it may not be spoilt. If they carry on and fill the country side with mostly cheaply constructed flats the scenery is in danger of changing drasticlly.

I still managed to gain severl pounds due to eating and not getting around (due to the rain).

The fields filled up with flowers and grasses almost overnight.

It is still a beautiful place to visit, but please stop all the building and mining of the mountains to get rocks to build with.

Already planning my next trip in septemeber after most of the tourists are gone.

turbo

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
12/04/2009 22:58

I've read the review and agree with Geoffb4. It may have been written in 2006 but what has changed? Any less litter? People no longer out to make a fast buck? Pity that businesses don't follow Riaz lead (asking people what they think of his restuarants so he can keep up and/or improve his service) and make the improvements that will have people singing the praises of North Cyprus.

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
13/04/2009 14:30

I suggest people don't look at Trip Advisor because a lot of people who post there are real moaners.

I looked when we went to Thailand recently based on the review on Trip Advisor I shouldn't have really stayed at the hotel we did. It was very very good.



These moaners should remember that all countries are not like the UK and that is where the problem lies. They want everything to be the same as the UK, they should really stay in the UK !!!!!!!!!!!!

Ste65


Joined: 23/03/2009
Posts: 106

Message Posted:
13/04/2009 14:49

All the people who rave about north cyprus being an unspoilt paradise need to open their eyes.



Most of the place is a run down primitive dump so lacking in basic infrastructure that it is screaming out for billions of euros of investment for at least 10 years just to bring the place up to any kind of decent standard.



I have bought property over here as I believe it will be a great place in time but let's be honest it's so behind the times that it needs a lot of work before it realizes it's full potential. I mean potential as a place to visit, a place to live and a place to offer what residents and visitors need.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
13/04/2009 17:15

Ste65



It all depends what you want.



If you want 'Euro-Med' then Ayia Napa would have been better for you.



I presume you bought in NC purely on a 'price' basis, which means you couldn't afford S Cyprus.



Many of us like it the way it is.



Do you really want N Cyprus to be as manically overdeveloped as the South has been?



Clubbing, Brit Bars, Raves, Burgers, widespread drunkeness and aggro?



Is that your perception of Med-Heaven?



I think you chose unwisely Stephen.

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/04/2009 17:56

IF some of you took the time to read.... the opinion is NOT just that of ONE person - I read THREE negative comments and as someone who visited Kyrenia / Girne over a six year period - I could see the point they are making.



"NC" is sold on it's unspolit beauty - and there are parts where it is OBVIOUS that the "north" is making all the same mistakes as the "south"...



Instead of knee -jerk reactions - stop and think... did ALL these people get paid by the Cyprus Tourist Organisation ?!



I lived in Limas(s)ol - which has some VERY ugly areas and horrible grey sand - and I'd NEVER go there for a HOLIDAY - but it was great to work and live in..

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
13/04/2009 18:31

Ste65

I agree with you unfortunately. If the TRNC authorities and businesses took notice of these 'moaners' then perhaps things would improve and more tourists would come to visit. Rocket science I know but there you go. Is getting rid of the terrible litter (as an example of what could be done) that big a problem?

Ste65


Joined: 23/03/2009
Posts: 106

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 01:01

Hi RobnJo,



I don't want Ayia Napa or costa del sol. I chose north Cyprus because it was not overcommercialised. But basic things like pavements were people with young families and prams can walk. Plus nice walks along the seafront. Plus some decent attractions for visitors to spend the day in maybe a zoo or a nice waterpark that looks safe to let your kids go on.



I'm not a winging pommie but there has to be a basic standard of infrastructure and facilities. North Cyprus is getting better in a lot of ways but I'm not talking about it being the next benidorm, I'm talking about it being a clean, tidy place were decent families can come and have a nice time. I know a lot of people would struggle to find anything to do especially with kids. There is nothing for kids to do apart from the beach. Some lovely beaches though i must admit

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 01:54

It is also interesting to note that this review was done on 6th November 2006. Yes, 2 1/2 years ago!



Yes the High Street was a mess as it was the time they were relaying it. Today it is a lot better than it was. Even the main car park now has tarmac that it didn't have in 2006!

SAFFI


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 342

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 05:23

TripAdviser can be a great source of information RE world wide information on allsorts,

Southern Cyprus ( and many places worldwide ) has had 100,s of bad reports on Hotels , Resorts & Hospitality,

so why drag up a negative 3 year old report on TRNC now ??

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 13:44

when we have travelled to places in the past, it hasnt always been about facilities which have made a good holiday.

sometimes its just the experience.

the trnc has loads to offer but not in the same way as other destinations.

if you go anywhere in the world and hang out in the tourist area then expect to get charged up.

one of our best holidays was on kerkenah island off the tunisian coast.

beaches to die for, but third world in apperance and infastructure with minimal services.

it has friendly people, the best fish restaurant in the world, and karpaz style beaches.

some people loved it others hated it, it all about what you make from the experience.

Aysesdaddy



Joined: 21/03/2009
Posts: 392

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 16:15

Have just followed your link and read the comment on Trip Advisor. I cannot believe what he has written. I have been visiting Kyrenia every year for 27 years and I love the place. O.K there have been changes over this time, some good, some bad, but we still love the place. Prices to eat out are as cheap or expensive as you want them to be. Our favourite spot is The Tree of Idleness in Bellapais, good food and great views, what more could you ask for. Regarding C.T.A, they have improved 100% from the first flight I made 27 years ago.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 16:32

Fire Starter,

Your post brought back some fabulous memories, we stayed at Kerkenah a few years ago, 5 star it wasn't but we have never relaxed so much on a holiday.Straight out of the bedroom on to the beach, not a lager lout in sight, total peace and quiet, could just do with a week there now but must carry on packing these boxes ! Thanks for the memory.

Hattikins

jimmyG


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 900

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 17:03

Ste65, your posting is typical of many I'm afraid in that just because you've bought here you think that you have the right to demand "there has to be a basic standard of infrastructure and facilities" - why, just because it's not what you're used to back at home ? I agree with those who suggest that you would have perhaps been better off buying somewhere that met your needs.

MarkVPiazza


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 530

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 18:29

At the date it was written, November 2006, I think it's a pretty accurate description - I island was a huge building site with dust everywhere.



Things are better now, but the dirty beaches and the thousands of unfinished houses put most new visitors off ever returning.



The TRNC has many other fantastic attractions, but to the new visitor, it is not up to the standard that most people expect from a holiday destination.



Mark

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 19:13

Don't you just love the 'if you don't like it, go home...' brigade. If we went with that attitude where would the world be now? About as useful a comment as 'If God had meant us to fly he would have given us wings!'

yorkie58


Joined: 16/09/2008
Posts: 245

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 19:53

I'm with mmmmm on this one. I could not recommend coming here for a two week family holiday, but, living here as I do, I say it's a great place.

RedSnapper


Joined: 12/08/2008
Posts: 540

Message Posted:
14/04/2009 19:56

The place is in need of a good clean up which isn`t an unachievable task.

The more difficult subject is the "make as much as quick as you can and bugger the future" which appears to be indemic.

However i believe most of these problems will- with time and money, be addressed...

Ste65


Joined: 23/03/2009
Posts: 106

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 10:38

Yes I agree. It's a very nice place with naturally beautiful scenery. But what I am trying to say is that it needs some planning for the future. Everyone including all the Turkish Cypriots would benefit from the improvements I've mentioned.



Progress is a good thing overcommercialism is not.



Surely you can see what I mean.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 15:20

We don't take our summer holidays in NC because the beaches just don't appeal to us, we holiday there for one month Dec/Jan. and have done for 6 years now, we hire a car and visit the same places most of the time and never get tired of the beautiful scenery. I have advised two friends of mine not to have summer holidays there because I know their tastes and I know they would come back and hassle me about the half built properties and the litter dump, they would certainly ask me what I see in the place but my answer to that would be "I shut my eyes to it all because I enjoy my holiday at Christmas/New Year so much."

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 15:25

How to encourage tourism put notices up at places of interest locals 3.5 tl tourists 9 tl !!

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 15:31

We went to go into the Castle on the harbour was asked for 12 tl each we asked a TC lad how much he was charged he said 4 tl. We turned around and didn't bite. Anyone know how much the right price is?

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 15:35

4 tl for locals and students 12 tl for tourists

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 17:36

They just can't grasp the concept of treat people well and they will come back and encourage others can they? How many tourists have resisted the blatant rip off price to go into the castle? How many have been warned beforehand not to pay it or returned home to tell others? Beaches are mentioned. Where would you recommend people to go that you don't have to pay for?

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 17:43

After telling a friend about the write up, he has submitted his own.



It needs to be checked by Trip Advisor, and may well take 7 to 10 days, but once it is up I'll post the URL to the page so that you can all see it.

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 17:46

There has always been a reduced rate for the sites for all locals & this includes Brits & others who have Permanent of Temporary Residency & show their pink, blue, or whatever colour they are now, card.



It's the only thing that residents save on & goes a little way to pay back the 176TL + 6.60TL? stamps that we pay each year.

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 18:05

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g190378-d566004-r27951557-The_Ship_Inn-Kyrenia.html



For some reason, only known to Trip Advisor, they have reclassified my friends remarks and put them under The Ship Inn, not Kyrenia as they were written. Probably because it mentions the hotel! Oh well!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 18:23

Absolutely correct, went to Salamis last January with two ex-pat friends to do a recki of places of interest to visit for their forthcoming guests. Three tier price structure, 12 Tl for tourists, 7 TL for 'residents' and 5 TL for students. Bearing in mind mid-winter with no 'visiting tourist' cars in the car park wanted to charge us Tourist rates until, remonstrating, told them "we live here" and told them that ten years previously when I'd first visited, it was free! We compromised on 7 TL. Moral of the tale is to take your passport with blue address passbook and buy all the entrance tickets yourself for your visitors.



Richard

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 18:35

took my kktc driving licence and paid 3.5 tl pp for the group after remenstrating in pigeon turkish with them, also got a discount in the cafe after asking is it inderim day !!

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
15/04/2009 18:48

Completely ridiculous. Do they or do they not want to encourage tourism? As an example of stupidity, whilst visiting Rome earlier this year, we went to the Vatican, which is breathtaking and free, the museum though wanted 25 euro each, I think it was, to go in. We declined. Reasonable price = more people paying.

jimmyG


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 900

Message Posted:
16/04/2009 17:59

rtddci - re Msg 36 I'd always recommend Turtle Beach.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
16/04/2009 18:12

where is it safe to wear a thong in trnc ??