Oleander

The location is good, with the sea right in the backyard, and the cleaning staff do their job. Reception staff clearly need a tip before they’ll talk to you, or you get poor treatment throughout your stay. The kebab was served raw, and when I told the waiter, he said it wasn’t his problem. The buffet area is always hectic because one person serves a hundred clients. Guests aren’t required to wear masks, with no regard for corona rules, and there’s no dress code, so expect to see people in bikinis at lunch and dinner. Turkey is a nice country, but this is a bad hotel.

The garden is what I noticed first: flowers and planted paths run through the resort and inside the hotel too, with gardeners keeping everything in shape. The cleanliness stood out just as much, from the beach and grounds to the pool tables, loungers and toilets, which were kept clean every day. This was our second visit, three years after the first. I had wondered whether service would be the same after Covid, but around 80% of the staff were still there, which was a lovely surprise. We had a small room occupancy issue on arrival, though the communication sorted it to our satisfaction. The guests were about 91% German, 7% Czech, with the rest Polish, Turkish and Slovak. It’s especially recommended for families with children. The entertainment was a big highlight this year. There was something on each evening, including a magician and dance groups, and the Czech and German clubs worked together really well. Thanks to Nelka, Ennes, Iris and Mustafa. Ennes is the best at water aerobics, and everyone was wonderful. We were happy with the food throughout our 14-day stay. There was lots to choose from at every meal: eggs, fruit, vegetables, yogurt, lecho, different meats, fish, great rice, baked potatoes, quiches, burgers and sometimes seafood. The all-inclusive drinks are locally produced, as they were at the other hotels we visited in Turkey. I couldn’t drink the bottled wine. For me, the only alcoholic drinks that worked were gin with lemon soda and, now and then, a Bloody Mary made by the excellent bartenders Ramazan and Yusuf. One thing bothered me: the air conditioning was switched off in the evening, perhaps an hour before the bar closed. I suspect the hotel managers asked for that, rather than the bartenders, but I can’t say for sure. Add drinkable Prosecco to the all-inclusive selection and I’d move right in. Thanks for a lovely holiday, and we hope to see you next year.

A peaceful place to recharge, with a beautiful beach, fine sand, clear water and mesmerizing sunsets. There are plenty of loungers, and hotel guests can get straight to the beach. The gardens and indoor and outdoor pools are lovely too. Service was professional, the food was great, and I’d recommend the hotel to couples and families. It isn’t much of a party spot, as about 90% of the guests are retirees. There’s a kids’ club and playground, and I can also recommend the spa and Turkish bath, or Hamam. I’ve been twice and liked it even more on my second visit.

A very relaxing place, with calm music, a little entertainment and delicious food. The staff are extremely friendly and proactive. German is the main language here, though, and staff often don’t speak English.