Grand Baysal Hotel

A quiet place with a friendly feel.

The balcony looked out over the forest and mountains, and the hotel was wonderfully quiet. Its location near the ski resort is hard to beat for the price, which is why we came back for a second stay. The staff were friendly, and we could have as much tea as we wanted. The common room and restaurant were cozy, and the place felt more like a homey dacha than a typical hotel. Still, the jump from 1,000 lira per night last year to 3,000 this year doesn't feel matched by the rooms. Ours was tiny, with a bed that had no base, stained linens, nicotine-smelling towels, and dirty furniture. The wallpaper was coming off and the walls were dirty too. The toilet area was cold, and hot water took about four minutes to reach the tap, so washing our hands in winter meant using cold water. There was no soap in the shower, and breakfast wasn't something to expect much from.

The food alone made this stay memorable. It was delicious, special, and beautifully presented, better than what I've had at many five-star hotels. We didn't meet the chef, but we'd like to thank them, along with Armağan Bey and his team for the warm welcome and attentive service. We came during a busy semester period and were so glad we chose this place. It's close to Kartalkaya ski resort, with a superb view, and has a small, family-hotel feel where we were comfortable. The rooms aren't five-star standard, but the service and location are excellent for the price. Other hotels nearby charge almost five times as much, so I was grateful to find this one even when those places were empty. We were very pleased and saved money. The atmosphere is lovely, so don't judge it by the photos.

All five of us left saying we were glad we came. The staff and owners were warm, attentive, and helpful, and we want to thank them all. We ate every meal there: breakfast was just right, and dinner was especially good, with excellent appetizers and side dishes. The location worked well for us, only 8km from Kartalkaya. One tip for beginners: rent ski equipment somewhere outside the resort, where prices are much lower. We made the mistake of renting there on our first day. It's a place I'd happily recommend.