La Vista Boutique Hotel & Spa

The breakfast was the one weak point, very basic, with few choices even for bread and cereal. Otherwise, all the staff were friendly and helpful, and we had a spacious suite with a clear, great view of the sea. It’s within walking distance of the wharf area. We were also pleasantly surprised to find someone at reception who spoke fluent Hindi. He’d spent seven years in India, and I wanted to chat with him just to hear him speak it. I’d highly recommend the hotel in this area.

We chose a suite that was comfortable and had everything we needed, though it could use a refresh. The restaurant service at lunch and dinner was exceptional, and the food was great too. The hotel is outside Kusadasi, so it feels quieter and more peaceful, but shops and restaurants in either Kusadasi or Ladies Beach are an easy 15-20 minute walk along good, wide pavements. All the rooms face west over a secluded bay, so the sea views are incredible and the sunsets make for exceptional photos. There’s a very clean pool and a nice bar and restaurant area where you can take in the view. We had a fabulous stay and would highly recommend it.

The music stayed very loud late into the night, and the first check-in was awkward. The woman kept smoking while we stood waiting behind her. When we called the front desk, the phone rang and she came running; she said she’d send water to the room, but it never arrived. The man working the next morning was much more responsive, got us water, helped with luggage and gave us great travel recommendations. The breakfast didn’t measure up to what we’d had elsewhere in Turkey. The hotel is near the town center, and the room was quite spacious. It was a decent base for visiting Ephesus, but we’d gotten used to exceptional service in Turkey, and this place fell a little short.

We were sad to leave. The staff were great and always ready to help, and our room was cleaned with fresh towels every day. Ladies beach and the port are both a short walk away, or a quick taxi ride. For a relaxing holiday, this was just right, with amazing views across the Aegean to the Greek Island of Samos. We loved the infinity pool and watched amazing sunsets every night. Late checkout is available for £35 if you have a night flight home.