Lonicera Resort & Spa Hotel

The pool and beach were fine, but the rest of the stay was disappointing. When we arrived, half the hotel was closed and hardly anything was working. The food barely changed from day to day, and the drinks were awful. Staff were rude, and housekeeping was poor too: our sheets were never changed, and one day the room wasn't even visited. I definitely wouldn't return.

We travel often and know 4-star and 5-star resorts in Europe and Antalya. To us, this place felt much closer to a busy 4-star hotel than a genuine 5-star resort. The rooms were comfortable, but the facilities, service, and overall concept didn't meet the advertised level. Guests from the 4-star and 5-star sections use the same pools, restaurants, and bars, which leads to crowding and takes away the sense of exclusivity. Communication could be difficult for international guests. There were few English-speaking staff, and most entertainment, announcements, and activities were in Russian or Turkish. The animation team wasn't very visible, activities were limited, and English was rarely the main language. The kids' club had crafts and other activities, but staff spoke little English. Our children didn't feel involved and didn't want to go back after trying it once, which could be a problem for families hoping for an international setting. Meals felt disorganised compared with other 5-star resorts in the region. The buffet was crowded, staff presence was limited, and guests often had to find their own tables. Sunbeds were often claimed with towels early in the morning despite the rules, making it hard to find one. For an “ultra all-inclusive” resort, the drinks were also basic in quality and choice. In the last days of our stay, our children developed rashes. Our GP later diagnosed hot tub folliculitis, and they needed antibiotics. The pools had otherwise been a highlight, so this was particularly disappointing. If you want premium service, international entertainment, and strong family facilities at a true 5-star resort in Antalya, this may fall short. The experience felt more like a crowded 4-star property and seems best suited to Russian-speaking guests.

The pool setup was the best part for us, with areas for babies, teenagers, and adults, plus slides, an indoor pool, and pool games. The two sandy beaches were good for kids too, and the waves got pretty big on windy days. Finding a sunbed could be difficult if you came with your family for just a few hours, since people reserved them for the whole day. The hotel felt fresh and modern, with clean rooms and tidy shared areas. There were plenty of places for meals, several bars, and fast food near the pools and beach. But my family and I weren't keen on the food. There was a lot on offer, though not much we wanted to eat, and we mostly stuck to pasta, fries, pizza, and some salad. Don't expect traditional Turkish dishes or kebabs. Grilled fish was the main option in the restaurants. I liked the fish at the à la carte restaurant, but it upset my stomach, so I avoided hotel fish after that. Better food choices would earn another star from me. Drinks had a good range and were strong enough to get you tipsy with the first one. There were plenty of soft drinks as well. The two dessert bars were great, with lots of tasty treats. The kids' club had good entertainment, though it could use an update. The evening mini disco was okay, nothing special. Russian was the main language, since most guests were Russian. It was hard to explain things in English at the kids' area, bar, or reception, especially when asking about allergens at dinner. Evenings for adults were boring if you wanted music and dancing. There was one bar with live music, some Russian songs and old English tracks like Modern Talking, and it shut at 11pm. I had a spa package with 5 full-body, 60-minute massages for £220, and enjoyed every session. Ten days felt too long because of the food and lack of adult entertainment. Booking extra activities outside the hotel with young kids was stressful, mostly because of local transport and not everything being suitable for children. We were generally happy with the holiday, but wouldn't return. Thanks to all the staff.

We stayed at Lonicera Resort & Spa as a family from June 14 to June 23, 2022, and came away mostly happy. The beach was clean, easy to get to, and private, so it felt relaxing and less crowded. There were enough sunbeds, and the water was warm and clear. Families also have a lot to enjoy at the pools, especially the slides and shallow areas. There was entertainment throughout the day, from games and fitness sessions to pool activities, with shows or other events each evening. It was fun without feeling like too much. The resort's location was peaceful but still convenient for shops and local attractions, if you wanted to explore. Our room was comfortable and clean, and housekeeping came regularly. The hotel itself is beautiful and well kept. Staff were generally polite and helpful, although some spoke limited English. We especially liked the food: the buffet changed things up each day, with Turkish and international dishes that tasted fresh and were well prepared. The grilled meats, fruit, and desserts were standouts. The resort is large, so it took a few days to get used to the layout. The lifts got crowded at busy times, and Wi-Fi in our room was sometimes weak. Those were small issues for us. We felt relaxed and well looked after, and would recommend Lonicera Resort & Spa to families or couples wanting a comfortable all-inclusive holiday in Turkey.