Holiday Reviews

We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Bodrum beach hotel, independent reviews

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Reviewed 29 Aug 2006 by David Bent

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Relaxing on the veranda above the blue, blue water under the blue, blue sky with the sun layering on the light (but not the heat - no humidity) and looking out over the unspoilt bay as the very friendly staff brought beer / water / towels while we read and sun-bathed on our honeymoon.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Plan to hire a car - the spot is a bit isolated. Go to Gumusluck - a fishing village with a bohemian feel and great restaurants. (We saw a magnificent sunset as we drove around the cost getting there.) Learn Turkish for "thank you" (variously teshekulur, merci and sao gul) - the staff really made an effort for us.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

The resort is locally owned. It is much smaller, and more intimate, than nearby mega-complexes. (Atami has, say, 30 rooms; the next beach resort around the coast has about 200.) The bay has not been developed (there had been fish farming).

Reviewed 17 Sep 2007 by Bryan Edery

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Looking out over at the mountains at the end of the diving deck.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

I would recommend booking this in particular if you have something to focus on like doing the yoga during the day. Apart from that, relax and enjoy. The deluxe rooms are well worth booking - lovely and spacious and worth the money. I would personally book the deluxe rooms only.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes I got the impression that impact on environment was minimised.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

A truly family run hotel, very nice and helpful staff.

Reviewed 21 Apr 2007 by Lynsey Deadman

I had a brilliant time at this hotel and would highly recommend it to friends. I had a very relaxing time, highlights were the hotel's communal areas which were beautifully furnished and the stunning bay in which the hotel is set. They had a well stocked library and DVD library which was perfect for relaxing in the evenings. The sushi made by the hotel's Japanese host was also excellent. The staff were all very friendly and helpful - the hotel grow their own aloe vera which the staff bring to you if you are bitten by any insects.

For other travellers, I would also recommend taking a Turkish bath at one of the nearby hotels towards the beginning of the holiday to revitalize your skin.

If you are looking for lively nightlife, this hotel would not be a good place to stay as it is a little remote without any bars nearby but for a relaxing holiday this hotel is perfect! Overall I would give the holiday 4 stars out of 5.

Reviewed 31 Oct 2007 by Christine Mitchell

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Going to a local restaurant for an evening of Turkish music, and a great fish menu.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

The hotel is about 2 miles from the nearest village, and as yet the road is not made up, although it will be when the next door hotel is finished. Either enjoy the lovely scenery and walk, or take the expensive way, and get a taxi - costs vary wildly according to driver!! Using the bus from Golkoy is fun and cheap - there doesn't seem to be a timetable - just wait! All buses go through Bodrum. Gumusluk is a good day out, although we didn't actually see any of the mosaics from the ancient kingdom of Mithras. We crossed to Rabbit Island through shallow water - but take flip-flops, as it is not all sandy! The hotel kayaks (free) were fun to use, as were the bikes (also free), which we used to go to Turkbuku. As we were out of season, we were the only guests in the hotel - we worried about it being too quiet, especially as the first few days were stormy, but we went out on a few visits, had some good books to read and the staff were great. There is a pool table (know how to play before you go!) and a piano, if you feel like playing, also a wide screen TV for viewing free to use videos, but we didn't use that.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Local people worked at the hotel, and there was a policy in place so that towels and sheets were only changed when requested - although our towels were changed every day. A private water source is used, but when the neighbouring hotel is built there will be pressure on supplies, so the management is considering whether to have a desalination plant in the future. I think it would have been good to have used honey from the locality - the waitress wasn't sure where it came from. Also the choice of coffee - as everywhere we went in that part of Turkey - was either Turkish coffee or Nescafe instant. It would be great if responsible travel would encourage hotels and other establishments to use Fair Trade products.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Despite the weather, we had a good holiday in the end. The Turkish beaches, however, are not clean, there is quite a bit of litter and broken glass to contend with, so I would only go in the sea at the hotel. The bay is lovely, and you really can see fish. Also an amphora near the jetty.