Terrace Elite Resort - All Inclusive

The spa was the big disappointment. The steam room smelled awful and damp, and the salt room was a horrible dump. The spa staff themselves were lovely, friendly, and kind, though, so I can’t fault them. The rest of our stay was really positive, and we’d return to this hotel if we came back to this part of Side. The food was amazing, with a great choice of Mediterranean dishes, fruit, vegetables, and desserts, plus a fantastic BBQ. The desserts always looked good, but most tasted much the same, which was the only food letdown. I think some bad food reviews may come from Brits expecting chicken nuggets and pizza every day and not wanting to try new things. Our room could have been cleaner, especially the bathroom, but the hardworking staff keep the hotel itself very clean. Service was wonderful, and everyone was friendly and helpful. The animation team had lots of activities for different ages and interests. The beach is nice and busy, with plenty of loungers and space. The bus came quickly, and we rarely waited more than a few minutes.

During our stay, many guests, including us, came down with a stomach flu, so I’m lowering the rating to one star. The hotel looks beautiful and is well kept, and the staff are friendly and hardworking. The pools and shared areas are pleasant for relaxing. The private beach is spacious and nice, though you need to take the shuttle there, about five minutes, running every 10 minutes. Several things fell short of what I expect from a five-star hotel. There’s just one small, four-person elevator in each wing, so waits get long. Rooms have no bathrobes or slippers. Double rooms use two single beds pushed together, and the air conditioners aren’t well maintained. The technicians are incompetent. Bathroom doors don’t close fully because of a cutout at the top, there’s no ventilation or room spray, and smells and noises travel into the room easily. Food for international tastes is poorly prepared, even the waffles. “Ultra All Inclusive” is misleading because à la carte restaurants cost €25 p.p. and spa treatments are extra. Families with small children may struggle to find proper healthy meals for them. The hotel is isolated, with nothing within walking distance. Taxis outside overcharge and refuse to use the meter. The beach bar is dated and in bad condition; it’s been repainted several times, but the wear still shows. The animation team is uninspired and weak, far below the entertainment level usually found in Turkey. The main guests seem to be German pensioners, and the familiar problem follows: many Germans reserve pool and beach loungers with towels at sunrise, leaving it hard to find a free place later. Compared with five-star resorts in Bulgaria or Thailand, Turkish hotels can feel less consistent and modern in service, food, and standards. It seems they rely too much on past reputation. Turkey was once the number one holiday destination, but now it feels like hotels have rested on their success and started cutting corners.

I had a very enjoyable stay from August 31st to 2025. The service team were helpful, the food was delicious, and there was something for everyone. The animators did a great job putting on activities, with a different entertainment theme each evening. I highly recommend Terrace Elite Resort.

After more than 18 years of holidays in Turkey, including visits to Lara, Belek, and Side, I still appreciate the hospitality and high standard of service. Terrace Elite Resort in Side (Manavgat) pleasantly surprised me this time. It’s around a 10-minute walk to the beach, or a quick three-minute ride on the hotel shuttle, yet the service compares well with five-star hotels in Belek. The rooms were clean, the staff friendly, the food good, and the atmosphere relaxing, all for a very reasonable price. Great value. I’d gladly return and recommend it.