Caylan Hotel

This was one of the worst hotel stays I’ve had. The listing on Agoda didn’t give much detail about the hotel or room conditions, so the reality came as a surprise. My room had no view and no sunlight coming in. It was very small, the so-called double bed was tiny and poor quality, and I couldn’t sleep comfortably. The air conditioner was extremely loud, and the mini fridge was very weak. There’s no elevator and nobody to help with luggage. The staff spoke only Turkish, which made communication extremely difficult if you don’t know the language, and left you unable to object to anything. When I asked for an extra blanket, they said they had none because the hotel was fully booked, which was a ridiculous excuse. During our two nights there, the staff made no effort to communicate with us or make us feel welcome. Izmir is an amazing city, so if you want to enjoy a nice vacation there, stay somewhere else. The photos I attached show the room’s lack of a view or sunlight, as well as its size.

The staff were genuinely kind, and I could get hot water whenever I needed it. I also bought a large bottle of water there. But my floor smelled of cigarette smoke most of the time. I paid 100 TL a night for just a bed and room, while nearby places had cleaner, more comfortable bed-and-breakfast options for 120 TL.

The location is handy, beside the bus companies and near the center. Four days cost 240 TL. It’s an okay stop for a day or two, or just a few hours in transit. Most rooms have no windows, so I wouldn’t switch on the AC during the pandemic. Also, there’s no elevator, so you’ll have to carry your luggage upstairs.

It’s cheap compared with other hotels in the area. The facilities are okay, but I’d describe it more as a guest room in a lodging building than a hotel. Fine for sleeping a night or two.