Altinsaray Hotel

I enjoyed my stay, though the noise from the bar across the road is something to factor into your choice. There’s also a sea view. The pool was clean, and the hotel’s classical decor gives most of the public spaces a pleasant feel; the furniture looked new. Breakfast was adequate, but fairly modest, and there was no juice. Whether it suits you probably depends on what you expect.

There’s plenty of space to relax outside, with flower-filled terraces, rattan tables and chairs, and a lovely view. The hotel itself has a traditional Turkish style, a charming courtyard, rustic furniture that suits the look, and spacious, very clean rooms. Ours had a balcony, AC, TV, and a mini fridge that worked perfectly. The bathroom was roomy and clean, with a shower, towels and toiletries. The large pool was clean and had sunbeds, umbrellas and a bar. There’s also a Turkish hammam at decent prices, and the restaurant serves tasty breakfast and dinner. Wi-Fi was decent throughout, and reception was very good and quick. The staff were welcoming, and we’d gladly come back. For getting around, the city center is a 15-minute walk or five minutes by dolmuş, with a stop opposite the hotel. If you’re driving, there’s a large parking lot with easy road access.

We spent 10 nights here, and it was filthy with unbelievably rude service. We had to change rooms twice because the first two were inadequate, and the third was awful too, with leaking air conditioning and a filthy balcony. On the first night we slept by the pool. There was no tea or coffee in the room, and no hospitality or manners from the staff. Reception called us liars and tried to charge us for a beer from another room. The food wasn’t fit for a dog. I’d never stay here again, even if it were the last hotel on earth.

Music blared so loudly in the evening that our baby couldn’t sleep, and the hotel sits high on a hill. If you have children or health issues, I’d look for somewhere closer to the center. What really upset us was our car being hit in the supposedly secure parking lot, right in front of their camera system. They said they couldn’t find anything, which isn’t what I’d expect from a manager. We called the police, and they’re investigating.