Tamarisk Murat Hotel

There’s grass, sand, trees or a bar to settle by; I usually chose the shade under the trees. I came with my wife and kids. They spent much of the time at the pool, while we preferred the clear blue sea, where lots of fish swim around you. We had dinner on the beach at night and watched the beautiful sunset. There’s no loud music, so at bedtime you can hear the crickets. This feels like one of Bodrum's hidden places, quiet enough to enjoy life's simple things. Local girls at the front desk welcomed us, and a lovely local artist had made the artwork on the wall herself. If you're lucky, you might meet her and have a chat. Behind the entrance is a hidden garden, with an owl family up in the pine tree branches. Young local guys helped carry us and our luggage to the room. The room wasn't fancy, but it was clean and simple. After a shower, we were ready for the holiday. The lobby bookshelves have books guests can borrow if you forgot to bring one.

I've been coming here for eight years. It's clean, lovely, fairly cheap, and there's lots to do, including water sports. Everyone is nice. I love it and give it five stars 👏👏👏👏

It feels like a relaxed family business, with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel at home among close family friends. The food is simple but delicious, like something from your mother's kitchen. I'd especially recommend it if you enjoy quiet sea views and find luxury in simplicity.

Lunch was the part we enjoyed: the stewed dishes were tasty, and the other guys were clearly trying their best. Still, we left disappointed on our third visit to Tamarisk Murat Hotel this year. The rooms felt neglected, the TV didn't work, and the fridge barely cooled. Outside, the old rusty drying racks left rust on my clothes. The hotel also seemed short on basic supplies and equipment. They served lemonade but had no straws, and for two days the answer was that they were out. It shouldn't be hard to get more. Breakfast felt more like a guesthouse spread. On our first visit there were no greens until we asked, and then they brought parsley and dill. In the Aegean, I'd expect more herbs, such as arugula, watercress, and sorrel, better cheeses, and a few more hot options like simit, börek, or poğaça. The cheeses weren't kept somewhere protected either, and the cheddar seemed melted when I bought it. The new head waiter this year also didn't know the lunch menu when we asked and had to go check. These might be small things, but after knowing the previous head waiter, it didn't sit well. Hopefully some things change by next year.