The Colony Hotel North Cyprus (also known as The Arkin Colony Hotel & Casino) is a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Kyrenia (Girne), along the northern coast of Cyprus. It blends colonial-style architecture with Ottoman influences, offering elegant comfort in a central location.
- It has 94 rooms and suites in total: standard/club rooms, junior suites, residence suites, and premier suites.
- It is also known for its casino.
- The hotel positions itself as a tranquil and opulent retreat even though it’s right in the busy downtown and harbour area.
Location & Access
- Address: Ecevit Caddesi, Kyrenia (Girne), North Cyprus (Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti), via Mersin 10 in the official addressing system.
- Proximity:
- It’s in the city centre, meaning easy walking to restaurants, shops, the historic harbour and the castle.
- Distance to Ercan Airport is about 40 km.
- Beach distances: There are public beaches about 2 km away, and a private beach roughly 5 km away.
Accommodation & Room Types
The rooms are designed with comfort, style, and elegance in mind. The hotel manages to combine luxury with details that make guests feel special.
Some room options:
| Room Type | Size / Features |
|---|---|
| Club Rooms | ~24 m²; twin or double beds; fast WiFi; standard amenities like coffee/tea making, shower cabin etc. |
| Junior Suite | ~32 m²; more space; enhanced furnishings; seating area etc. |
| Residence Suite | Combines luxury of the club rooms with generous day area; comfy sofas, possibly space for small meals; sometimes separate Jacuzzi and shower. |
| Premier Suite | Highest level; usually more spacious, separate lounge & bathroom areas; very deluxe furnishings. |
Other room features include air conditioning/heating, WiFi, international TV channels, safety deposit boxes, etc. Some rooms have balconies.
Amenities & Facilities
The Arkin Colony offers many high-end amenities; here’s what stands out:
- Dining & Bars
- Premier Restaurant for full à la carte meals.
- Vista Terrace Restaurant up on the roof with views over the city and sea – especially attractive at sunset.
- The Piazza Courtyard – less formal, daytime meals, afternoon tea, etc. Ottoman-styled décor.
- Heritage Lounge – relaxed setting day or evening; snacks, drinks, meeting place.
- Misty Bar on the rooftop for cocktails, evening drinks.
- Wellness & Leisure
- Spa & wellness centre: massages, treatments, saunas, steam rooms.
- Gym / fitness facilities.
- Rooftop swimming pool with terrace and sun loungers.
- Other Services
- Casino.
- 24-hour concierge & reception.
- Meeting / event spaces.
- Currency exchange. Room service. Laundry.
Atmosphere & Style
- Architecture is quite striking: colonial style with Ottoman era touches. You get a feeling of elegance, tradition, yet with modern luxury.
- Interior design tends to use neutral tones, quality furnishings, comfortable lighting. The hotel is aimed especially at guests who enjoy sophistication and attention to detail.
- Because it’s centrally located, there’s a lively town and harbour nearby. Guests benefit from access to local culture, restaurants, nightlife, but can return to a quiet, opulent environment.
What Guests Might Want to Know / Considerations
- Cost: As a five-star hotel with many luxury amenities, prices will be on the higher side compared to simpler lodgings. It’s not a budget stay.
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially in tourist season, for the suites or rooftop‐room types.
- Transport: While the airport is not extremely far, arranging transfer is necessary (around 40 km from Ercan). Depending on your flight schedule, you might also need to plan for getting into town from the airport.
- Accessibility: Though centrally placed, if mobility is a concern, check whether specific room types or terraces are fully accessible.
- Seasonality: Some amenities (rooftop pool, al fresco dining) will be best in warm months; in winter some of them may be limited.
Why It’s Special / What Makes It Stand Out
- The blend of colonial and Ottoman design gives it a unique identity; it’s not just “luxury hotel,” but luxury with historical flavour.
- Rooftop views and the Vista Terrace are a highlight — lovely at sunset or in evening.
- Location is superb: harbour, fortress, shops, cafés, all within walking distance. You get both “city/historical exploration” and “sea & nature” without having to travel far.
- The spa & wellness offerings are strong; a good choice for people who want relaxation as well as sightseeing.
