Lonicera World

The water park was the best part for us. We loved it, and it was fun for adults as well as kids. The cocktails were better than we expected, there was a nice choice, and service was quick. Our room was cleaned every day, though not very thoroughly. Cleanliness was okay, just nothing special. The staff, on the other hand, were friendly, attentive, and prompt. Food was tasty and well cooked, but the same dishes came around most days, so there wasn’t much variety. Desserts had a good range and were delicious. We had a pleasant stay at this all-inclusive hotel. There were a few downsides, but plenty of positives too.

The pools were a big hit with our kids, and there was a good range of them. But in the last few days, the children developed hot tub folliculitis and became quite unwell, especially our youngest. After we got back to London, all of us had to see the GP because we needed antibiotics and an antibiotic wash, as we were starting to show signs of skin rashes. We also tried the mini club. On the first day, the staff barely interacted with the children and spoke almost no English, only Russian. There were some activities and basic crafts, but my children said they were bored and didn’t want to go back. We tried again another day, when the Polish Tour Operator Animators could communicate in English and stay with them. We had planned to leave the kids there now and then so we could have some time alone, so the lack of an international environment was a serious problem for us in a family resort claiming to be 5-star. The resort has a lot of shared facilities with the 4-star side, including bars, restaurants, pools, and entertainment. That left it crowded and chaotic, without the exclusive feel you’d expect when paying 5-star prices. Sunbeds were claimed with towels early in the morning and left unused, even though the rules say this isn’t allowed at the pools or beach. For something sold as “ultra all-inclusive,” the drinks were limited in both quality and variety. The restaurant didn’t feel 5-star either. Finding a table was difficult, staff didn’t greet or seat us, and the buffet felt like a competition rather than a meal. There didn’t seem to be management around or any system to control the flow. FB management presence and stricter entrance control flow, as in other hotels, could solve this. Most staff spoke only Russian or Turkish, with very little English, which made communication hard for international guests. The hotel felt like an exclusive Russian resort, with entertainment, activities, and announcements almost entirely in Russian. The Animation team was almost non-existent. I only saw them selling tickets for the lucky number. English wasn’t the main language, which left most international travellers out. I didn’t find the Animation Manager entertaining on the microphone. He made several comments he seemed to think were funny, but we found them in poor taste. His treatment of the ladies during the Miss Lonicera Show was inappropriate too. I travel often and work in the travel industry, so I know the difference between 4-star and 5-star resorts around Europe and Antalya. This hotel is missold as 5-star. Only the rooms met some of that level; the rest of the facilities, service, and concept operated at a 4-star standard as they shares the common grounds. When I raised these concerns, the guest relations manager admitted it, then dismissed me by saying I should have read the reviews before booking. If you mainly speak Russian, just want a room, don’t mind competing for food and filling your plate in case it runs out, and are fine with a 4-star hotel, this might suit you. For a relaxed, well-looked-after 5-star holiday with international standards and premium ultra all-inclusive in Antalya, look elsewhere. We were very disappointed.

The room had no hot water, and it was set up with one double bed for two adults and our 2-year-old. We had to ask several times for extra bedding. The balcony door was broken, almost impossible to open, then impossible to shut properly. Maintenance came into the room four times in our first three days, including during our child’s nap and after 11 PM. On the fourth night, they tried to come in again at 11 PM. I refused because my child was asleep, then reception called and said we had to pack right away to move rooms, at 11:45 PM. Nobody helping us move or carrying our luggage said a word, offered help, or even said good evening. That lack of basic manners continued. Housekeeping and most other staff never said hello or good morning, or even nodded. For me, that’s culturally unacceptable and shows no hospitality. Waiters were unfriendly too, especially when we spoke German. They’d walk away or seem irritated. We speak German, Slovak, and Serbian, and none of those languages were understood or even acknowledged. If you don’t speak English, Turkish, or Russian, you get nowhere. The friendliness stopped at reception, and a few steps beyond it felt like chaos. The mini club had one toy that was almost completely broken. I asked for paper and crayons so my child could draw, and was told they had none or to come back exactly at 12:20. T-shirt painting cost €15, and the staff ignored younger children. They made no effort to include or help toddlers under 3. There was nothing suitable for small kids unless you paid, such as €5 for 20 minutes on a playground. We asked about late check-out because our transfer was at 6 PM and check-out was at noon. They said it could be until 3:30 PM at the latest, only if available, and would cost an extra €100. The photographers rolled their eyes when we declined a photo. I’ve travelled extensively and stayed at many 5-star resorts. We tried this 4+ star hotel because of the timing and because we were travelling with friends. Check-in and our arrival were excellent, a solid 10, but that was the end of the good experience. The complaint title still says “Major disappointment at Lonicera World.” Never again. For a so-called 4+ star hotel, it was shocking, disappointing, and completely unacceptable. We won’t return or recommend it.

The fresh gözleme with ayran was a real treat. Women made it hot to order in a tent, and it was incredibly delicious. Breakfast had more choice than lunch, and we especially liked the grilled mackerel. The restaurant had a decent range overall. Snack bars served food until 4 PM, including shawarma, burgers, and hot dogs you could make yourself. Ice cream, drinks, and beer were unlimited. We stayed at Lonicera Hotel in June 2023 as a family of four. The place is huge, green, and pleasant, with a zoo that was interesting for the kids, a large water park with slides, smaller slides at some pools, and even an Olympic-sized pool. There are rides and attractions for children, and 7 days was more than enough for us. The rooms were standard. Cleaning wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t a big issue. Laundry service was too expensive, so I bought soap and washed our clothes myself. The hotel’s own beach was average and a bit dirty. There are also 4-star bungalows on the property alongside the 5-star hotel. They seemed cozier to me, so next time we’d stay in one of those. We liked the hotel and would come back, but choose a 4-star bungalow next time. Thanks for reading ❤️