Isolina Bodrum

The seaside setting was the highlight. We relaxed on the loungers at night with the view, then woke to a beautiful morning and had a great swim in the pool while looking out over the sea. After breakfast, we swam from the wooden pier before checking out for our next destination. We arrived late and the young reception staff welcomed us warmly, helped us check in, and showed us to our room. It was spacious, though the furniture was only average quality and there was a noticeable damp smell. The hotel was fully booked, so we had to stay in that room for the night. The bar staff still helped us get a few drinks after the bar had officially closed, which was a kind gesture after a long journey. Breakfast was sufficient, with moderate quality and variety. Overall, the hospitality and seaside atmosphere made the stay pleasant.

The people who helped in housekeeping and the waiters were kind and professional, but that was the only real bright spot. Our room, 201, was beside the kitchen, so the noise and shouting made it hard to rest, and cooking smells came in whenever we left the door or window open. The walls were damaged too. Food was a letdown. Breakfast for two adults was a small portion more suited to children, and it tasted poor. The pizza at lunch seemed to use a frozen, packaged base and was bad; the burger was passable, though nothing special. My partner's car was damaged on the entrance ramp. Reception blamed us instead of offering help or a discount, and their politeness felt insincere. I wouldn't recommend staying here. The service and facilities didn't make for a comfortable or pleasant visit.

The rooms and service didn't live up to expectations. The best parts were the infinity pool, which was great for cooling off, and the sunset views. You can also swim with the fish in the sea just in front of Isolina Hotel.

Getting around was a hassle: the hotel sits right beside a busy motorway, so we had to depend on expensive taxis. The drivers called through the hotel all seemed to take the longest routes to charge more. The cars were old, had no air conditioning, and felt like saunas inside. There wasn't a shop where we could buy water, and when we asked the hotel to bring some to the room, they kept forgetting or ignoring us. The food cost far too much for what it was. They even managed to make a bad Caesar salad. The rooms, food and location were all awful, and the service was much worse than at other hotels I've stayed at around Turkey. I came for a few days and ended up unable to enjoy Turkey properly because of this place.