Salmakis Resort & Spa

The large pool area was relaxing, the bay views were beautiful, and the private beach was a real highlight of my stay at Salmakis Resort & Spa in Bodrum. My room was clean and comfortable, with a lovely sea view. The staff were helpful and friendly, and the atmosphere was calm. The bar also made great cocktails. A couple of things could be better. Wi-Fi was weak, especially in the rooms, and getting back from the beach meant a long uphill walk, particularly for anyone on the third or fourth floor. The food was okay but could use more flavor; I found the pool snack bar tastier than the main restaurant. Even with those drawbacks, it was a comfortable place to relax by the sea. Better Wi-Fi and food would make it perfect.

I've stayed at Salmakis four times and have enjoyed it each time. The beach is peaceful during the day, with gentle music by the pool, and it's easy to catch a taxi boat to Bodrum nearby or walk there in about 15 minutes. The restaurants have lovely sea views. I really liked the main restaurant's salads and vegetarian dishes, which kept me happy, though the fish and mostly turkey meat didn't impress me. The snack bar does good Turkish pizza, basic salad, and chips. Reception could make a better first impression. They're not rude, but they don't seem very friendly either. Some of the waiters who have been there a few years seem to pay attention only to single women, and overlook couples or men. The bar staff are friendly, though for a good cocktail I'd ask one of the older, more experienced bartenders. Night entertainment is okay, but the music stays so loud and goes on so late that an early night is out of the question. Turning it down or off after 11 p.m. would help. It's a great place to spend time, and I'll go back. I hope they take these comments on board and make a few improvements so it can earn five stars.

We left after just 10 hours, and they still refused to give any refund. The pool was filthy, with floating pads and even bandages in it. The whole hotel felt dark, dated, and unwelcoming, and the poor cleanliness was part of a very disappointing stay. The staff were regularly rude and unhelpful, making us feel like a burden when we raised real concerns. Our room was hot because the AC didn't work, and the shower wasn't working when we arrived. Instead of fixing it quickly, staff acted as if it were our fault. When we asked about places to eat, they claimed there were no options outside the hotel. That wasn't true: we walked less than five minutes and found a fantastic restaurant up the hill. For somewhere advertised as a 5-star resort, the conditions were unacceptable. The glowing reviews are misleading, and I wish I'd paid more attention to recent ones. Save yourself the disappointment and stay elsewhere.

The beach takes quite a hike from reception if you're staying there, and I wouldn't recommend this place. Check-in was fine, and the place looked okay at first, but it was dated and parts were falling apart. Our door had peeling paint and cracks. A bulb in the room was out; they said they'd send someone, but nobody came. The hallways were so dim they looked like a horror movie set. Breakfast runs from 7 to 11, but when we arrived after 10, only sweets and cheese were left. Staff weren't helpful or willing to find another option, just saying it was finished. I was lucky to have packed protein for situations like this. When I asked about arranging a private car for my next stop, they offered only luxury transport, so I found a cheaper transfer online.