Kilpa Hotel

The location was the one good part. The rest of our stay was uncomfortable and felt far too expensive for what we got. Our room key failed at arrival, so we had to move rooms. I’d clearly asked for a baby crib when booking, but was told none were available; one was promised later and never arrived, so our toddler slept in our bed. The rooms are tiny, with thin walls and poor sound insulation, and noise carried in from outside and other rooms. They open onto a loft with a very low railing that seemed like a serious fall risk for children. The only lift was slow and constantly busy. There was no air-conditioning, the safe didn’t work, and on day two housekeeping left us damp duvets. The replacements were just as wet, and we were told those were the only ones. I waited four hours, until midnight, for a dry duvet. Basic toiletries such as toothbrushes weren’t provided, so we bought our own. Breakfast was bland and unremarkable. With the safety, comfort, and service problems, I absolutely wouldn’t recommend it.

Breakfast was a real plus, with plenty of fresh, tasty choices. Kapli Hotel is in a calm area, about 4 minutes from Uzungöl Lake, so it feels less crowded. The staff were very welcoming, especially Fekri and the Syrian gentleman whose name I believe was Abdelwahab. The rooms were clean and mostly comfortable, though rather small. Noise travels between rooms, and the pillows didn’t seem clean inside, so I’d bring my own pillow cover.

The forest and stream scenery is beautiful, and the beer and wine were good. We came here for drinks because we couldn’t find other places selling alcohol in Uzungol. The area seems to cater exclusively to the influx of Muslim tourists. Staff were polite and friendly. Wasps and hornets were attacking wherever we went, though that’s not something the hotel can control.

The staff were caring and doing their best, despite clearly being short-handed, and the location is very good. Beyond that, I was disappointed. The hotel feels old, the furniture is dated, and after a cold rainy day the water was only warm, never hot enough for a proper hot shower. Sound insulation is poor, so you hear everything from the lobby and the lobby can hear the rooms. Breakfast was bad too. I’ve never stayed at a hotel whose buffet didn’t have black coffee. Boiled eggs were the only eggs offered, with omelets costing extra. Honestly, I don’t think it deserves four stars.