Ayaz Aqua Beach Hotel

As a solo traveler, choosing the right hotel matters a lot to me. I booked through love holidays, and with one night left of my ten-night stay, here's how it went. The room was clean and comfortable, with a double bed and en suite, but it was basic. I paid extra for a pool view and couldn't actually see the pool because trees were in the way. There was no chair, even though the room photos show chairs. The hotel is just a few steps from the beach and around a 15-20 minute walk from the shops. The pool bar staff were amazing, and everyone at the hotel worked really hard. The entertainment team was great with families and groups, but as a solo guest I felt left out and wanted a bit more interaction. Maybe I should have approached them, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that. The entertainment after 9 pm was good. At mealtimes, though, the saxophone jazz music could be unbearable. Traditional Turkish music might have felt more fitting for a holiday in Turkey. The food was standard, with something for everyone, though not to everyone's taste. I couldn't eat there one evening because it was fish night and the grilling smell made me feel ill. That's just my preference, since I don't like fish. I had a good stay and would return. I'd especially recommend it for families, couples and groups.

Gumbet/Bodrum is beautiful, and we'd visit the area again, but we wouldn't come back to this hotel after our ten-day stay. The place looks worn in some spots, although the main reception floor is polished to a slippery, dangerous shine. Staff were nice enough and the bar staff were good, but the trip sellers came around several times a day and became a nuisance. The hotel food was awful, so we mostly ate next door. They welcomed us even though they weren't officially open yet, and their food was lovely. The beach here was the only section that wasn't maintained and was dirty. We took turns picking up carrier bags and rubbish each day, while staff cleaned the beaches next door. Our room had several problems: the patio doors didn't close properly, the shower didn't work right, and the light switch was faulty. We later heard other guests had similar issues. We asked about keeping the room for a few hours before our late flight, but were quoted 10 euros per hour, or 120 euros, so we declined. There's no proper place to leave suitcases, and people had left them scattered around reception. The evenings were focused on Turkish guests who told us they were friends of the owner. Every night meant loud Turkish music and dancing, so we usually went back to our room. One or two nights would have been lovely, but every night, with the same clique of people, was awful. The Whynot bar is confusing because you have to pay there, while the small cubbyhole at the back is the one included in all-inclusive. Avoid the coffee. We'd also skip the local disco trip: the couple with us had to make a hasty exit after locals started kicking off. It didn't feel safe for English visitors, and they had to leave with security on motorbikes. Less said about that, the better.

I stayed at Ayaz Aqua Beach Hotel with friends in May. It was in a central spot near public transport and the beach, and had a lovely pool. The staff were very friendly, and the amenities were great. I'll definitely be back!

Kateryna, the administrator, was especially pleasant and friendly. She was always there to help, and the restaurant administrator kept everything under control. The restaurant staff were all polite and welcoming too. We stayed as a family from 04.08 to 12.08 and liked everything. The location is fantastic, right by the beach and close to shops, restaurants and public transport. The pool is spacious and clean, with enough sunbeds. The water was clear, and the sunsets were beautiful. Our room was simple but comfortable, cleaned every day and had what we needed. Reception could get a little busy sometimes. There was a good mix of Turkish and international food, though I would've liked more fresh fruit at breakfast. A good choice for a relaxing trip, especially if location and a nice pool matter to you.