Nemrut Euphrat Hotel

We chose the hotel partly for its location, but also because it had a pool. When we got there, the pool couldn’t be used. They said it had already closed for winter, though it clearly hadn’t been cleaned or used in quite a while. The rooms are getting worn too: there were wall stains, the bathroom door wouldn’t shut, and water leaked from the siphon.

After a late visit to Mount Nemrut, it was a relief to find somewhere to stay for the night. The bed was especially comfortable and the linens were clean. There’s a hot pot in each room, so you can make a warm drink before bed. A welcoming spot when you’re tired.

We didn’t stay at the hotel, so I’m only commenting on the restaurant. Before ordering, I asked the price and said I’d pay by card. They told me the POS machine was broken and wanted cash, though they accepted euros and dollars. I’m Turkish, so I asked why I’d be carrying foreign currency. After dinner, which was nothing special, I saw the waiter tell a tourist the same thing about cash and the broken machine. I went over, and they repeated the excuse. Once I pointed out that I’d already said I was paying by card, an employee took me outside and suddenly the machine worked. Don’t believe it when they say the POS machine is broken. It’s just a way to avoid taxes.

The rooms had a bit of charm, though they were somewhat dated, and it’s a great place to stay for a visit to Nemrut Dag. I arrived after 8 PM and asked if they could still serve food. They got the kitchen going and made a fantastic meal: lentil soup, shepherd salad, chicken with rice, honey cake, and watermelon that was probably the best you’ll find outside Colombia. The vegetables came from their own organic garden, and you could taste it. The people and food were wonderful.