Avena Resort & Spa Hotel

The spa was a highlight for us. We tried the Turkish hammam and a mixed therapy massage, and both were excellent for the price. The beach and beach bar were great too, and the resort is in a really good spot. My wife and I stayed eight nights and had a lovely time. Food was good, with a little variety each day, and something available from early morning until late at night. The rooms were a decent size and were cleaned daily when we wanted. The staff were kind, usually smiling, and the whole place had a friendly, upbeat feel. I heard a few complaints about the food, but you get what you pay for. If you want fillet steak every night, pay more and stay somewhere else. I really can't fault the place. Thanks to everyone who makes Avena resort happen.

There was a great choice at every meal, especially at the salad and dessert bars. The area around the hotel felt safe at any time of day, and the whole stay was a pleasure. Everything was spotless, with staff cleaning and polishing constantly. Tamer at reception was always smiling and gave us useful tips to make the most of our visit. The staff really seemed to want us to enjoy ourselves. 10/10.

Dinner was fantastic, with lots of choice and really tasty dishes. Breakfast was the letdown, limited and not especially good. The rooms, pool area, and amenities were all very clean. Staff were mostly friendly, though the check-in instructions weren't clear and that caused some confusion. Wi-Fi costs a lot and only works on one device. Still, for a trip to Alanya, I'd recommend Avena over the other local hotels.

The pool is so cold that nobody seems to use it. I'm only on day two and already fed up with eating chips, so we've been going out for meals and spending more. Breakfast has been poor too, with no fried eggs or pancakes, which I thought were basic options. The hotel itself is pleasant and the staff are nice, and it has a lot of potential. But even though it's November, we've paid to stay here for a week. I don't understand why the restaurant can serve a full meal for reservations, while paying guests can't get the same service. They can renovate the restaurant and provide more food for a guest reservation while half the room is kept reserved. That should be possible for the rest of us too.