Utopia World

We’ve just come back from Utopia World, where we had a really good stay. The beach was clean and spacious, with stunning views, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and tidied every day. The food had good variety, and we always found something we liked. Just one suggestion: please put a clock on the beach, or at least in the restaurant. We left our phones in the room and had no way to check the time.

At the beginning of October it was easy to find a pool seat or a dining table. The views are great, the rooms are clean, and most of the staff were friendly, though not everyone speaks English. Reception can help if you need an English speaker. It’s better to leave a tip for room cleaning. The food was good, but I got sick after the second day. I think the cuisine is too heavy. In general it’s a decent option, just nothing amazing.

This was our fifth stay, and the November visit was a letdown compared with our earlier trips in peak season. The aquapark never opened while we were there, there were no main-stage events, and the hotel was visibly winding down around us, with staff packing away umbrellas and sunbeds. It felt unsettling when we were trying to relax, and guests shouldn’t be made to feel that the hotel is closing. That was disrespectful. Food was still sufficient, so we didn’t go hungry, but both the variety and quality had dropped. The bar ran out of white champagne, better whiskey, and draft beer, with no restocking. There were fewer sunbeds, food options, and drinks each day. We were told this was the hotel’s final week of operation, and we were heading home the next day. We’d previously enjoyed the entertainment, evening shows, food, imported drinks, and fresh gozleme made daily. As returning guests, we’d even been invited to a complimentary à la carte dinner. This time there were no proper activities or shows, just karaoke and a disco, and nobody was making gozleme. Food and drinks choices were reduced, and staff seemed relaxed, pouring drinks only halfway. When we called for bathrobes, someone came to repair the safe instead. The bathrobes were taken away a few days before departure, and it’s easy to guess why. I wondered if the restaurant invitation would happen again, though I suspected the restaurant might not even be open. It’s sad to get less for the same price. If you’re considering a stay, I’d choose peak season.

The hotel is clean and pleasant, with a small but cozy beach nearby. I want to flag a serious problem with the lifeguard response. I cut my foot on sharp rocks while swimming, and it was bleeding badly enough that I couldn’t walk properly. I was alone and asked security for a plaster or first aid. A young lifeguard in the tower said they had nothing and suggested I try the other lifeguards at the end of the pier. An older lifeguard gave me the same answer and wished me luck. When I finally reached the end, another lifeguard also said they couldn’t help. I waited for the bleeding to stop, then went back to the hotel. That was a very poor response. It makes me wonder how they’d handle a more serious emergency. The hotel should improve its lifeguard service alongside its otherwise good amenities.