Grand Villa Sol Apart

My boyfriend and I spent a week here and had the best time. Freddy, Michael, Roscoe, and all the boys were so lovely and made us feel welcome. The food and drinks were amazing. We’ll definitely be back next year. It felt like one big family, a home away from home.

Getting around was easy enough: there’s a budget bus straight to the town center, and you can flag it down as it passes. The hotel changed currency at decent rates, with ATMs a short walk away. The restaurant and bar had a good choice of food and entertainment late into the evening, though there were cheaper places to eat nearby. I spent two weeks here in July. The staff were very friendly at arrival, but it sometimes felt like they were keen to get us spending at the facility. The pool area was lovely, though we weren’t allowed to bring our own drinks. Our apartment was adequate, with a small balcony, kettle, fridge, one double bed, two single sofa beds, and a TV. The cooker could give you an electric shock if you weren’t wearing shoes, which felt hazardous, and there was no microwave. We skipped air conditioning because it was expensive and only available in the bedroom. Internet cost 6 euros per device. The room was mostly clean, but sheets were changed only once and toilet paper ran short. When I asked reception for more, they pointed me to a nearby shop.

I wasn’t staying here myself, but some family members were and absolutely loved it. As a solo traveller, I visited every day and sunbathed by the medium-sized pool. The management went the extra mile to make me feel comfortable and welcome, and all the staff were pleasant and friendly. Food and drink prices seemed about average. The hotel is in Amutalan, near busy bars and restaurants, but still some distance from the marina and beachfront. Don’t let that put you off, as a dolmus passes every 10 minutes or so. It’s a self-catering place, with food and drinks available at extra cost in the bar and restaurant downstairs. There’s a disabled entrance, though I don’t think there’s a lift. You’d need to check with your travel provider. I’d highly recommend it, and don’t think you’d be disappointed. Well done, guys.

The pool was tiny, with no lifeguard, and the garden was dreadful. Staff seemed more interested in selling food and drinks than giving good service. In my experience, every negative review about this place is accurate. It was a complete letdown, and I’d tell anyone thinking of booking to reconsider. Our arrival was a mess: the room wasn’t ready, so we spent the first night in another hotel. Once we got into our assigned room, the crockery was filthy with old food on it, and the bathroom and kitchen were grimy. The place looked poorly cleaned throughout. There was no toaster or microwave for self-catering, and no safe. Air conditioning cost another £50 for one room. Wi-Fi was £5 per guest for seven nights, so £20 a week for a family of four. It felt like guests were being nickel-and-dimed, and Marmaris seemed to be about taking as much money as possible while giving little back. Cleaning barely happened. Towels were never changed, so I bought washing powder to clean them myself. Bedding was changed once in seven days. When a cleaner eventually came, they only emptied the kitchen bin and wiped no surfaces at all.