Armas Beach Hotel

The spa treatments were the one part of this stay we really liked. The hotel's location is good, the food is plentiful but repetitive, and hygiene was fairly good. Still, our first impression was terrible: check-in took over three hours, despite it being daytime and there being at most seven people. We were put in a shack outside the hotel, in a cramped room with two small beds almost touching. We'd paid for a standard room, but were told none were available. After a lot of arguing, we got a standard room the next morning, and later learned this is apparently common practice there. It's sold as a five-star hotel, though in my opinion those are Turkish stars. It doesn't deserve three, and I'm not even sure it qualifies for a category. The pool wasn't heated and the water was definitely below 20 degrees. The beach is all rocks, and the loungers are packed so close that someone else's feet are right in front of you. The girls at the lobby bar left us with a very bad impression. They didn't speak much English, and when we tried to explain what we wanted, they started swearing, apparently thinking we couldn't understand them. The hotel isn't worth even half of what we paid.

The rooms were clean and roomy, and the food was delicious. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed so nicely. Thanks to the friendly reception staff, especially Ms. Firuze, and a special thank you to lifeguard Mr. Emre. He looked after us and made us feel fond of the hotel.

The spa was one of the other facilities I enjoyed, and its prices seemed very low compared with home. Desserts and both hot and cold drinks were delicious, and the food was a good experience overall, though as an Arab Muslim I sometimes struggled to find dishes that suited me. I understand cultural and religious differences, and most resort guests were Russian. A chef whose name I can't remember hosted us in the private restaurant, where I had seafood and loved the meal. The staff were lovely and often offered help without waiting to be asked. The place was very clean, quiet, and suited to a short break. Beds were comfortable and spacious, rooms felt comfortable, and service was excellent. Food choices were varied. I also appreciated the cost at the time, as my trip was at the end of September. I couldn't find out whether there was a female staff member available to serve me, though, and I'm not comfortable having some services done by a man. The pools were a little small or limited in area. I'd repeat the trip in the future if I go to Antalya.

The rooms felt airy and spacious, and the reception team had been helpful from the day we arrived. A special thanks to lifeguard Mr. Emre, who made us like the hotel so much.