Trendy Aspendos Beach - All Inclusive

This feels like a hotel built with families in mind, so don’t come expecting a huge nightlife scene. The restaurant is clean and well laid out, with food spread over several tables, which keeps queues rare. There are so many choices that I couldn’t try everything, and the food was simply amazing, mostly European with a little Turkish influence. Service was a real strength, both in the restaurant and for the rooms. The hotel is large and close to the beach, an easy walk away, and the rooms are a good size.

I was impressed by my stay this week and had a five-star experience, though I can see how some people might rate it closer to four. The large complex was clean throughout, and the staff were helpful. Most guests seemed to speak Turkish or German, with few English visitors around at the moment. The buffet plates are generous, and the food was good enough across the different dinner themes. I especially liked the magician and Michael Jackson shows. The small and medium slides worked well for younger kids, so we didn’t need a separate waterpark. There’s also an indoor pool and amusements, two table tennis tables, convenience, clothes and jewellery shops, and somewhere to get your hair cut. A few bars have almost enough seating. For me, the ice cream, iced coffee and milkshakes were the best things on the all-inclusive drinks and treats menu. The indoor, small and main pools are all large and nice, but freezing in October. You’re a little way from Side, though there’s quite a lot happening outside the hotel.

The beach was wide and clean, with soft sand on the right and a rocky stretch on the left that was great for snorkeling. There were always sunbeds available there, but at the pool people reserved them very early despite the hotel rules. The standard room suited three people well, was cleaned every day, and the minibar was replenished. I spent 10 days here. The food had plenty of variety, especially at dinner, though meal hours felt a bit limited since only sweets were available between lunch and dinner. I’d pay extra for a sea-view room because the others may face the road or a neighboring hotel. There’s a large market right outside, which is a big plus.

I’ve just returned from a week in Turkey and can’t fault the place. The Turkish bath is well worth trying, my skin has never felt so good. The food was gorgeous, with plenty of different options, and the Chinese restaurant on site was lovely too. Our room was cleaned daily and the minibar kept stocked. Staff were really friendly and always made a point of saying hello. Also, a shout-out to the guy on roller skates who brought drinks around, with the nice teeth!