Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale

The dinner buffet was excellent, with a varied set of good choices. Breakfast had plenty of variety too, but I missed poached eggs, omelettes, or pancakes. The gym was unreal, better than some full commercial gyms, with top-quality equipment. It really doesn’t feel like a hotel gym. The hotel was sleek and well kept, with the facilities I’d expect from a Hilton. Our room was modern, clean, and comfortable, and otherwise met 5-star expectations. One odd thing: the quilt cover had no quilt in it, but we found one in the cupboard and sorted it ourselves. Getting around was easy enough, and it’s well placed for exploring Çanakkale and the surrounding history. I’d rate the stay 4.5/5, but Google doesn’t do halves, so it’s a 4. Great facilities and food, and one of the best hotel gyms I’ve seen. A couple of small quirks held it back from a full 5.

A beautiful setting and a wonderful hotel. The staff really work to please and serve guests. Special thanks to the reception team: Muslim, Ghalib, and B the bill man.

We’d like to keep coming to this hotel in the coming years, but we want to experience real Hilton-level service. Over the weekend, everything felt self-service. Nobody serving breakfast or working around the pool came to our table, and guests had to handle their own breakfast. We got our own water, went to the kitchen staff for eggs, and served ourselves tea and coffee. There was just one pot of filtered coffee for the whole hotel, no beans, machine, or espresso. The milk sat outside for hours, and the coffee wasn’t even hot. Breakfast pastries, fruit, and vegetables were very limited. The pool menu was poor, with odd options and mostly straight alcohol. There wasn’t anyone around to ask for a light cocktail. I couldn’t see a staff member for hours at the outdoor pool, and most of the sunbeds were broken. The girls walking around in miniskirts weren’t providing service. Staff seemed to be enjoying themselves, and just wanted to get rid of towels and tables to have less work. Our room had no bathrobe, cotton buds, shower cap, vanity kit, or sewing kit, and the slippers were as cheap as a 2-star motel’s. The spa looked abandoned. Management doesn’t seem concerned with 5-star service, since they already have guaranteed tourist clients.

I picked this hotel mainly for its cleanliness and great facilities. The gym is fantastic, and the staff are amazing, especially coach Gülçin, who’s so helpful and knows her stuff.