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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Ephesus holiday cottages, Turkey, independent reviews
 Reviewed 13 May 2008 by Chris Hearn |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
What WASN'T memorable or exciting about this trip? Sirince is a beautiful town. It's almost too perfect to be true. But, we were there, so it must be! We stayed in the Olive House, and it was incredible. The owners did a remarkable job renovating the old Greek home. It's comfortable, it's roomy, and history just seems to seep out of the walls. It was very close to the main town square area, but far enough away to be quiet. The view over the town was stunning. It was a truly wonderful place to spend time in.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You can trust Omer. He was the one who we contacted when we arrived in town. He is very helpful. If you have any questions, he is a great guy to talk to.
When we first booked the holiday home, we didn't think we would rent a car. We wanted to use buses. But, it really is much easier to rent a car. All the major sites, like Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's home are not far away, but, unless you are on an actual tour, too much time would be spent tracking down the right dolmus' and buses. It's just easier to rent a vehicle in the long run, and provides more freedom to see the area properly.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I feel that the owners are being helpful to the community. By rebuilding an old home, by buying local food to stock the home with, to employing local help, all around, I believe that the owners have done good work in this area.
Use of solar panels to heat water is not uncommon in Turkey, but it was nice to see that, despite the hardwork that they put into making the house perfect, they kept with this environmentally friendly concept.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was amazing. It was perfect in so many ways. Then again, much of our travel in Turkey has been incredible. Everytime we go somewhere, it just seems to get better and better. But, to top this experience, future travels will have to be unbelievable!
I would recommend this vacation experience to anyone.
| Reviewed 21 Oct 2009 by Ruth Chiddle | |
We had a wonderful holiday. We are surprised that it is not listed as heritage accommodation because we stayed in Ephesus Cottages, Turkey. These cottages have been sympathetically restored, retaining a lot of their original character, whilst being reasonably comfortable for modern living (apart from attention needed to a couple of electrical details). We were given a very full breakfast every morning consisting of local produce such as cheeses, breads and fruit. We ate this on the terrace just outside our cottage, overlooking a very pretty valley containing the old village of Sirince. Although well into October, the weather was warm and the sky was blue apart from one day.
Our host could not have done more for us. Each morning he checked that we had information and even equipment for enjoying our holiday. He was a mine of information when it came to our many questions about history, the culture and customs. For us, this was excellent, because we wanted the opportunity to explore the country round about. We did not hire a car. There were two of us, and we used the very reliable dolmus service that runs everywhere in Turkey. The only drawback is that sometimes you have to wait around half an hour for more passengers to arrive.
You have to be fairly fit because you are in an old mountain village with very old cobbled streets. Several mornings we went out and followed tracks that took us further up the mountain, overlooking Sirince. We passed many olive groves and other plantations of grapes, pomegranates and so on, and were able to see the Aegean sea in the distance. There are very many places to eat in the village and fresh produce is easily available either in the village or in nearby Selcuk.
A notable excursion was our trip to Ephesus, just outside Selcuk. The city was established a number of millennia B.C. and was inhabited until 200-300 A.D. Because there are so many remains, it is easy to imagine what it was like walking up the main streets two thousand years ago. We were glad of the water we took with us, because temperatures get very high amongst the ruins.
The beach is accessible. We had not wanted a typical beach holiday, but it was still nice to go to Pamacuk beach one day.
We stayed a week. If you are looking for something a bit different, we would certainly recommend this holiday. Although peaceful, it is also intriguing. The sounds of Sirince will stay with us for a long time: the call to prayer, a donkey braying, the odd tractor going by, festival and folk music in the evening, dogs barking.
Our host could not have done more for us. Each morning he checked that we had information and even equipment for enjoying our holiday. He was a mine of information when it came to our many questions about history, the culture and customs. For us, this was excellent, because we wanted the opportunity to explore the country round about. We did not hire a car. There were two of us, and we used the very reliable dolmus service that runs everywhere in Turkey. The only drawback is that sometimes you have to wait around half an hour for more passengers to arrive.
You have to be fairly fit because you are in an old mountain village with very old cobbled streets. Several mornings we went out and followed tracks that took us further up the mountain, overlooking Sirince. We passed many olive groves and other plantations of grapes, pomegranates and so on, and were able to see the Aegean sea in the distance. There are very many places to eat in the village and fresh produce is easily available either in the village or in nearby Selcuk.
A notable excursion was our trip to Ephesus, just outside Selcuk. The city was established a number of millennia B.C. and was inhabited until 200-300 A.D. Because there are so many remains, it is easy to imagine what it was like walking up the main streets two thousand years ago. We were glad of the water we took with us, because temperatures get very high amongst the ruins.
The beach is accessible. We had not wanted a typical beach holiday, but it was still nice to go to Pamacuk beach one day.
We stayed a week. If you are looking for something a bit different, we would certainly recommend this holiday. Although peaceful, it is also intriguing. The sounds of Sirince will stay with us for a long time: the call to prayer, a donkey braying, the odd tractor going by, festival and folk music in the evening, dogs barking.
| Reviewed 27 Aug 2009 by Aidie Datta | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being away together as a family together was very special - we have four children 13, 12, 5 and 4 months so quite a wide range of developmental needs and interests. There was something for everyone to enjoy from sitting in the thermal springs at Pammacale, to the waterparks, wonderful swimming in the Aegeon to visiting wonderful sites both busy and empty. We loved Ephesus but somehow the consulting to oracle at Claros was all the more magical due to be the only visitors save innumerable toads and terrapins. I love Prienne as well for this reason but was disappointed that we were unable to climb the hillside to see the acropolis in the hills. Mostly, however, we loved sitting on the terrace or garden at Scence and enjoying the view and the generous hospitality of Omir, Chalotte and there wonderful family and friends.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Hiring a car is a good idea, especially if you want to travel farther a field. We found this enabled us to visit many other places that otherwise would of been inaccessible to us and as we were 6 ensured we could all travel together without difficulty.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Economically there are clear benefits to local people. The terrace houses are restored beautifully and pay suitable homage to their history. Using them in this way ensures such heritage is preserved. Solar water heating is used to great effect especially in the summer!! We enjoyed horse riding in the surrounding hillside as well as tractor rides much to the amusement of local people who could not understand why people might do this for fun and pay for the privilege. The best peaches, watermelon and figs ever tasted. Wonderful!!!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was absolutely fantastic. The houses were a real haven and are a perfect base for exploring the surrounding area which has so very much to offer - even after stay there for just under three weeks we only scratched the surface. But a BIG thank you to responsibletravel.com for such a helpful recommendation.
| Reviewed 6 Sep 2007 by Katie Gollop | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The terrace's view across the rooftops, the kindness and care shown to our two year old daughter, the genuine warmth of the people who lived in the village, Ephesus and Pyrene, the amazing clear sea, the hospitality shown us by our hosts.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely hire a car. Ask hosts for information and accept all their recommendations - they really do know the best places to eat, the best beaches, the best markets and so on. And they are full of fun ideas like a tractor ride around the hillside which our daughter loved and which was great fun.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Broadly yes. Solar heated water, staff who lived in the village and vegetables grown in the garden. And we ate lots of meals in the village.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely terrific. It is a beautiful, beautiful place with lots of varied things to do. Great for children and great for adults. The family that owns the place renovated it and runs it and they are lovely people who really want you to enjoy your time with them and to love the place like they do. Nothing was too much trouble for them - showing us round the old houses of the village arranging a trip to see the goats being milked, tractor ride, car hire and so on. Really exceptional kindness and hospitality. Finally, the houses are absolutely amazingly furnished - beyond boutique hotel - marble bathrooms and full of antiques, all chosen by the family and breakfast is a delight. This is a real bargain and thoroughly recommended without reservation.
| Reviewed 1 Aug 2007 by Ben Hall | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The delightful, and very welcome, combination of a beautiful and unspoilt Turkish hilltop village and a perfect nearby beach. Our accommodation was very attractive and stylish, the hospitality and food excellent, and every care taken to ensure that we were able to enjoy our holiday to the full. Certainly worth taking the tractor ride......
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a good Turkish roadmap - signage perhaps requires a little local knowledge.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
A genuinely individual holiday experience, with no hint of anything other than local produce and local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Exceeded our expectations.
| Reviewed 29 Jul 2007 by Barry Male | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being brilliantly looked after by our hosts...breakfast and candle-lit dinner out on the patio, overlooking the rooftops.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a lot of heat during the summer months...
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
..Apart from the flying and the driving
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant
| Reviewed 24 Jun 2007 by Elaine Kasket | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The peaceful, unspoilt, and charming village of Sirince, with its gorgeous vistas and friendly people; the winding drive up to the village from Selcuk; the homelike atmosphere and hospitality at this accommodation; the architectural sites all over the western part of the country, each one distinctive and stunning; the lovely late May/early June weather.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're interested in archaeological ruins, don't limit yourself to Ephesus!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - our bread every morning was bought in the local village and the produce from the market in Selcuk. The owners of this accommodation have done a beautiful job of restoring their cottages in a manner sympathetic to the surrounding village and in an environmentally friendly manner (e.g., solar panels are used for the hot water).
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was an absolutely fantastic holiday. We'd love to return to the area, and have recommended this accommodation to several friends and family members. We couldn't have been more pleased.
| Reviewed 10 Jul 2009 by Cherry Fawkes | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Apart from seeing the archaeological sites, the most memorable part of our holiday was escaping the tourist hordes by returning to Sirence and peace in the evenings and the extraordinary helpfulness and hospitality of Omer Samli and his family.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try and arrive at Ephesus bang on the dot of 08.30 when it opens. Listen to Omer and Charlotte and go to the places that they recommend seeing.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It certainly appeared to.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would recommend the houses and Sirence to anyone but perhaps not to those who are slightly older who might find the walk up a bit difficult (maybe people who are 70 and up) but I can't imagine anywhere nicer to stay in the area. I have never stayed in a self-catering house without cooking virtually every night, either I've turned lazy or actually the food we ate for dinner at Fig House was exactly the kind of home-cooked food I would have done myself only more interesting because of their use of local ingredients. It was also particularly nice to talk to Omer and Charlotte then and discover more about Turkey generally and the area in particular. We found all the people we met kind and helpful, I wish all countries' residents were as nice!