Limassol, which began to actively attract tourists from the beginning of the twentieth century, has also entered the forefront of the hotel business. Proof of this is several famous hotels that at one time hosted thousands of guests. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to adapt to the changing city - hotels were closed, their buildings were destroyed or rebuilt. "Bulletin of Cyprus" selected several "stars" of the hotel industry who have forever sunk beyond the horizon.
"Europe"
At the very beginning of British rule, entrepreneur Yorgos Kyriakos invested the money he earned in the construction of the city's first luxury hotel. The Europa Hotel was built in an area known today as Enaerios - today there is a large municipal parking lot here. Unfortunately, the hotel did not operate for long - it did not generate income and closed in 1900.
"Limassol Palace"
This hotel operated from the 1930s until the mid-1990s and was owned by Yangos Hadjisotiriou, an alcoholic beverages manufacturer. The hotel was considered the pearl of Limassol and stood out thanks to its unique triangular pediment on the roof and stained glass arched windows. The building stood on the first line, right in front of the Ayia Napa Cathedral. Today there is a parking lot in its place.
"Continental"
The building was originally called Whitfield Residence and has hosted meetings of the Liberal Politicians' Club since 1917. In 1920, the mansion was bought by the Cypriot Orthodox Church under the administration of the Kiti Metropolis. A few years later, the building was rented by entrepreneur Giorgos Ioannidis, who turned it into the Vienna Hotel. By the 1930s, ownership of the hotel passed to Christos Mylonas, who renamed the hotel the Continental. The hotel became one of the most famous buildings in the city, and the new owner successfully ran the business until 1974. Today the building still stands, but has lost its original appearance due to the addition of a third floor.
"Ellas"
Initially, the building was built as a private residence, but it became one of the first hotels in the city. The two-story mansion on Agiou Andreou Street was built in the 1920s by Theodoros Chrysostomidis. "Ellas" was considered a budget hotel, but at the same time it stood out for its exquisite decor, arches, balconies and symmetrical arrangement of doors and windows. The building's impressive façade continues to grace the area after a complete restoration.
"Astir"
One of the most modern hotels in Limassol, which operated until the 1990s, was the Astir (Star) Hotel, located on Anexartisias Street, directly opposite the administration building. It was a popular place for parties and dances, there was a garden on the roof of the building and even a swimming pool. Astir has ceased operation four decades after its opening, but the building still stands in its place.
Photo allaboutlimassol.com
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