On the Rise
I was absolutely thrilled when I was invited to meet the visionary artist ‘Charbel’, manager of this totally unique hotel, in the centre of Larnaca, that’s not only unique, I believe it’s absolutely perfect for many of our What’s On followers … I was even more thrilled when I found out the main street artist was my very good friend ‘Paparazzi’, founder of Ayia Napa’s Street Art Festival back in 2019 …
Cozy
It’s a cozy hotel, with just 48 Spacious Rooms, with TV, refrigerator, and all the usual amenities plus a few surprises … There’s 37 Standard, 5 Deluxe, and 6 Senior Suites … Each room is a canvas waiting to be discovered. Local artist Papparazi was the featured artist, he invited a few of his friends, Martinez, Pest, Zhokhof, and Yeti, and together they painted over 200 portraits, displaying their amazing talents, resulting in a kaleidoscope of colours and themes … Check out this Video
Legends
From abstract expressionism to realistic portrayals of Cypriot life, and framed Legends from history, every artistic style finds its place within the hotel’s walls. Charbel said, “Staying at The Rise is not just about finding a place to rest your head; it’s about experiencing ‘art’ on a profoundly personal level”.
Evolution
Over a delicious Illy coffee, I asked Charbel how it all started; he said, “In the past, I was an HR Operations Manager in the F&B Sector … Then we found this place, and between 2016 to 2021, we took Rise of the past, and Re-Branded it … it was during the pandemic where I got the idea to take it to a new level and we had the time make some improvements, the idea was to ‘Elevate your Hotel Experience’ … it’s not just about the decoration it’s about culture and spirit”
Warm Welcome
Apart from its art-centric offerings, The Rise boasts excellent amenities and services that cater to the needs of every traveler. From the moment you step into the lobby, you are enveloped in warm hospitality and a sense of community. The hotel’s staff, guided by Charbel’s vision, go above and beyond to ensure guests have an unforgettable stay.
Memories Rooftop Bar
On that note, you really must check out Memories Rooftop Bar, that’s destined to create some cool memories … I was invited to the opening night and I must say I was more than very impressed by the whole thing, including the view down to the harbour just a couple of hundred metres away … Charbel continued; “we wanted to Rise above the world, to be completely different, a little more contemporary … We picked influential figures from all over the world and asked Paparazzi to do his thing”, the results adorn the whole hotel inside and out with striking colourful street art.
DJ Nights
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday there’s live Dj Sets with top local and international DJs taking to the decks, generally, the theme is retro hype with a modern twist … the sound system is impeccable, installed by my very good friend Andreas from DJS Professional Sound & Light … the very robust Ecler speakers, and trust me if you turn it up you’ll be able to hear it at the harbour … Charbel mentioned; “we want the identity to be crowded and vibrant”
Behind the Bars
The hotel prides itself first in providing quality imported and named brand beers, wines and spirits … 9 Different Whiskeys, 4 Gins, 3 Vodkas, 2 Rums, and Tequila, and much more … plus of course a selection of wines from Cyprus, Greece, and Portugal … They mix a wicked non-alcoholic cocktail, my fav the Orange Kiss … Click for a full Drinks Menu.
Moments Sports Bar
With street entrance to Moments Sports Bar, where you can enjoy your favourite tipple with like-minded people interested in keeping up to date with all the live sports, with an emphasis on football … they also serve delicious coffee and a selection of meals and snacks. I love the portraits of Bobby Moore winning the world cup in 1966, and of course, others like Messi, Jordan, and Pelé to mention but a few.
Cozy Coffee and Lounge Bar
It’s a great meeting point, somewhere to relax while you enjoy a cocktail, Illy coffee, or a quick meal. They also offer a variated menu of hot and cold drinks, sweets, freshly squeezed juices, exotic cocktails aperitifs, and liquors. You can also crack a few frames playing pool … Moments Bar’s opening times are from 11 am to 11 pm … click here for their Menu
Cocktails
You really must try their cocktails they’re on another level … Naturally they’ll mix you all the classics, but their signature cocktails, are unique! … my favourites, are Super Mario, a blend of vodka, Aperol passion fruit puree, elderflower syrup, and lime juice … or Scarface, gin, mastiha liqueur, watermelon syrup, strawberry soda, fresh lime, and of course the Mad Hatter a crazy blend of vodka, apricot liqueur, tropical blue syrup, and fresh lime juice.
Delightful Bites
This delightful menu is designed to give you memorable nights … I just love the Poke Bowl & Sushi, its Hawaiin Food, with more than a hint of the influence of Japanese food … The Salmon Sashimi, the best I’ve ever tried. The Vegetarian Bowl served with rice or quinoa, topped with corn, cucumber, edamame, mango, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, beetroot, green onion, and Nari is just a taste bud explosion.
More Delights
Munchies are more aimed at finger food and sharing nibbles … Things like Cheese Nachos, Mini Burgers, Chicken or Pork Nachos, Halloumi Sticks, Crab Sticks, and Spring Rolls … But wait til you try the Combo Platter, 4 Pieces of Crab, halloumi, cheese balls, shrimps, 2 spring rolls, french fries, with honey and mustard cocktail sauce … add a Memories Salad and you’ll be all set day or night!
Exotic Flavours
The professional crew will strike up the special charcoal to heat your favourite exotic flavours to share with your friends … add your favourite shot to take it past exotic! … Shhhh! 😉 … my faves are Iron Man Double Apple or Dr. Strange and the Watermelon & Mint.
Fully Equipped 24/7 Gym
The legendary Kobe Bryant once said; “Dedication makes dreams come true”. So, what better way to work out than in their Black Mamba Gym? Fully equipped for all your needs and leaves no room for cheat days, even if you’re on vacation.
Professional Conference Room
Rise Hotel is also perfect for business guests, who can use their conference room in addition to other facilities. It is fully soundproofed and equipped to arrange meetings with up to 15 guests. Fitted out with audio-visual equipment, free Wi-Fi, photocopy service, email, hot drinks, and courtesy water.
Unique Art Gallery
Make sure you check out their Unique Art Gallery, where you’ll find some absolutely wonderful street art portraits by the amazing ‘Paparazzi … and lots more … You will be stunned by the artistically individual touch of each piece of art on show.
In brief
The Rise Street Art Hotel is a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive art experience in the heart of Larnaca. Under the direction of Charbel, it stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of creativity and its ability to leave a lasting impression on all who step through its doors. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply a curious traveler, The Rise promises an unforgettable journey where art and hospitality converge in perfect harmony … Check out their Reviews on Facebook … and Trip Advisor … Heres a link to Paparazzi’s Ayia Napa Street Art Festival 2019
Booking
Reserving a room is easy, the minimum stay is one night B&B … Larnaca Airport is just 15 minutes drive away and transfers are available by request. You’ll be given complimentary vouchers for a free beer in Moments Sports Bar down on the ground floor … or a free cocktail in the Memories Rooftop Bar. Larnaca is The Hub of Cyprus and a fabulous place to use as a base or at least visit.
Open All Year
Daily 24/7
Directions
You’ll find Rise Street Art Hotel at 1, Kimonos, Larnaca, 6015 … It’s about 150 metres from the harbour traffic lights … just 10 – 15 minutes drive from the airport … Click on the Google Map Icon below …
GPS: 34.918069, 33.633414