Balikcilar Hotel

The location is good, within walking distance of the mosques and museums, and the staff were friendly. Those were the only positives for me. The hotel and our room both reeked of cigarettes. The shower and toilet leaked, and there was no sound insulation at all. We could hear everything outside and even the person in the next room flushing. By morning, the sewer smell was unbearable, and I’m sure it came from the sink. I booked because of the location and good reviews, but I don’t understand how anyone sees luxury or cleanliness here. I wouldn’t recommend it. Don’t waste your money. Disgusting.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the buffet breakfast was excellent. My room had air conditioning, a water heater, plus free coffee and tea. The bathroom was a little small, but fine. The location is ideal, right across from the Mevlana museum. For sustainability, there were separate bins for rubbish, and the small soap and shampoo bottles looked like they might be refilled.

Across from Tomb of Mulana Rumi, the hotel is close to everything and has excellent restaurants nearby. Some rooms have odd shapes, but what mattered most to me was a comfortable bed and a good shower. I’d stay here again.

The housekeeping and bell staff were excellent and helpful, probably 4+ star service. Reception was friendly enough, but seemed focused on charging as much as possible rather than guests’ needs or future recommendations. We eventually found a huge room down the street, with a much better breakfast for half the price, and spent the last four nights there. It was my first time in Konya, and staying near the mosque and Mevlana birthday events seemed sensible despite the mixed reviews. I booked six nights while many rooms were still available. The first room was tiny, with old, cheap furniture and a very small bathroom. There was no room for our bags from the US, even by the standards of small European hotels. We weren’t camping, so we asked about a larger room. They showed us a dated room at the back with two separate spaces. We agreed to stay and moved our things, only to then learn it cost twice as much as the original. Even for the one night we stayed there, reception asked for another $40. I know it may have been a busy time for the Rumi celebrations, but the way the extra charges were handled felt opportunistic and greedy.