Turkey
Drita Hotel Resort & Spa, Alanya, Turkey
Great Service
Good Food Selection
2.5 hour Transfer to get to hotel.
Location
Located in Alanya, this hotel is right by the Mediterranean shore and around 10km from Alanya downtown. The 5* hotel is close to the beach which is accessible via the hotel. Alanya itself is approximately 2.5 hours drive from Antalya Airport. The district of Alanya is in the country’s Mediterranean Region, 138 kilometres (86 mi) east of the city of Antalya.
There are hotel transfers available and will cost from anywhere between £20-£50 for a round trip.
There are local shops nearby but to see the true Turkish culture, we advise you to take a trip to Alanya Downtown where you will get to see the centre of Alanya and all kinds of shops and restaurants. The locals are very friendly and taxi’s readily available. Don’t forget to buy some authentic Turkish Delight!
Amenities
Drita Hotel is an all-inclusive 5-star hotel that offers a good selection of food. There is a wide range of cuisines available daily. The all-inclusive package includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Afternoon Snacks (around 4pm) and drinks up until 12am from the bars. We were able to try different food every night of our 7 night stay!
This hotel also offers all the amenities you would expect from a 5* hotel which includes:
- Free parking
- Free internet
- Fitness Centre / Gym
- Children Activities
- Public wifi
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Bar / lounge
- Restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Entertainment staff
- Evening entertainment
- Table tennis
- Spa
- Dry cleaning
- Laundry service
Value For Money
For a 7 night stay we paid £300 for 2 adults & 1 child (All Inclusive) that works out at £14 per person, per night!!! An absolute bargain we got via Teletext holidays.
Service / Staff
The service was brilliant. The 24hour concierge were very friendly. Their English is not great but you expect that going to an international country. We were able to effectively communicate as they do try their best to help. The staff at the desk were really helpful and seemed to genuinely care about their guests. They talked to us about the culture and gave us great tips for places to visit.
On one evening, they saw us just moping around in the lobby (wondering what to do) they quickly came up to us to find out if everything was ok. After realising we didn’t have anything to do, they gave us advice on where to go and how to get there. They explained everything and we ended up having a fantastic night away from the hotel in Alanya City Centre. They even wrote down their contact details for us to give to a taxi if we got lost. Absolutely lovely service.
Lastly – Would we go back
YES! Although the trip from the airport was long (2.5hours) the hotel itself offers very good value for money. The location is nice with mountain views. If you are thinking of going to Alanya, give this hotel a try. It’s very decent for the money.
TravelZine Hotel Reviews
Demiray Hotel, Istanbul
Location
Address: Hobyar, Hocahanı Sok. No:10, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
City/Region: Old City, Istanbul, Türkiye
Proximity to Attractions:
- Hagia Sophia: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. This iconic monument was originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a museum, known for its impressive architecture.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Around 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away. Famous for its stunning blue tiles and magnificent architecture.
- Topkapi Palace: About 0.6 miles (1 km) away. This grand palace was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans and is now a museum.
- Basilica Cistern: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. An ancient underground water reservoir with captivating columns and a serene atmosphere.
- Grand Bazaar: Around 1 mile (1.6 km) away. One of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, offering a vast array of goods.
Location Overview:
Demiray Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Old City in Istanbul.
The hotel’s central location makes it ideal for exploring the historical and cultural sites of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district. This central location places guests within easy reach of many of Istanbul’s historic and cultural attractions.
The hotel’s prime location in Sultanahmet makes it an ideal base for exploring Istanbul’s rich historical and cultural sites.
First Impressions
Arrival Experience:
The first impressions were good upon arriving at the Demiray Hotel in Istanbul. The hotel’s entrance presents a fairly welcoming feel, with its well-maintained facade and understated elegance. Soft lighting and tasteful furnishings create a relaxing environment, setting a positive tone for the stay.
The check-in process was smooth and efficient, with friendly staff who provided a warm welcome and information about the hotel’s amenities and breakfast timings. The staff were friendly and polite.
Ambience:
The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas are good and it does seem like a 4* Hotel as advertised.
Accommodation
Room Type: Standard Triple Room
View: The view was to the street. Not much to see as a lot of the roads in Istanbul are pretty similar, General Shops mostly.
Size and Layout:
The room was sufficient for a Double bed & 1 Single bed layout. There was enough space to move around and store luggage without any issues. The bathroom was adequate and the room also had a small patio area which was not used as it led directly to another rooms patio door. Not sure what the use of this is.
Comfort:
The quality of the bed was ok. Not luxury but sufficient. The linens were clean and tidy upon arrival, and the overall comfort level was OK.
Noise levels in the room were acceptable. No issues were found here. The lighting and climate control were adequate.
Cleanliness:
The cleanliness of the room & bathroom were all satisfactory. Housekeeping was good. Beds were cleaned and made up each morning and the room was cleaned. New towels were provided as expected.
Amenities:
The range and quality of the in-room amenities such television and kettle etc. were good. Everything you generally need was available. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently.
The Wi-Fi in the room was weak. We had to use our mobile sim to get acceptable internet speed. Please keep this in mind when booking this hotel.
Facilities
On-Site Dining:
- Breakfast Buffet: The hotel offered a buffet breakfast featuring a variety of local and international dishes which was good overall quality.
- Restaurant: Meals were available at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, but we chose not to use this as there were better, cheaper options available nearby.
General Hotel Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel – But our room had weak speed throughout our stay.
- 24-Hour Reception: For guest assistance and information.
- Laundry Service: Available for guests.
Service
Staff:
Staff professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness were all good.
Value for Money
Overall Value:
Overall the hotel offers a budget-friendly stay. Good value for Money and worth a visit.
Final Thoughts
The location was good and close to local amenities and attractions. It is within walking distance of restaurants/takeaways and local attractions.
Would We Go Back?
Yes, in our opinion the hotel offers good value for money and is in general good order.
TravelZine Hotel Reviews
Address Istanbul Hotel, Istanbul
Location
Address: Emaar Square Mall, Ünalan Mahallesi, Libadiye Caddesi No: 82F, G Blok, 34700 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
City/Region: Istanbul, Türkiye.
Proximity to Attractions:
- Emaar Square Mall: Right on the hotel doorstep (With adjoining tunnel for access).
- Taksim Square: Approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) away. A central hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife in Istanbul.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: About 3 miles (4.8 km) away. A grand palace that served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.
- Bosporus Strait: Around 3.5 miles (5.6 km) away. A significant waterway separating Europe and Asia, with scenic views and boat tours available.
- Galata Tower: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) away. A historic tower offering panoramic views of the city.
Location Overview:
The Address Istanbul Hotel is located on the Asia side of Türkiye and is in the heart of Istanbul’s upscale business and shopping district. It is fantastically situated in the heart of Emaar Square which has an array of designer boutique stores and a huge Mall for all-day shopping and dining!
The hotel’s location near major shopping and business districts makes it ideal for both leisure and business travellers.
First Impressions
Arrival Experience:
The hotel’s entrance and reception area are absolutely beautiful. The luxurious building gives a feeling of pure class and style.
The Check-in Desk was easy to locate and the process was simple and efficient. The staff were absolutely fantastic and a credit to the hotel. They were extremely friendly and checked us in with no problems. We were advised of our chosen room and the details needed were provided without having to ask any questions. We were told where we needed to go and a member of the team escorted us to our room. They were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. Overall an exceptional welcome and start to our short stay!
Ambience:
The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas were fantastic. The hotel is clearly 5* and very classy indeed. This hotel is by far the best stay we have had in Istanbul.
Accommodation
Room Type: Premier City View King Room
View: The view from the room was towards the city streets. Nice view from high up. There’s also an option to have a view of Emaar Square for an additional fee.
Size and Layout:
The size was approximately 30-35 square metres and felt very open indeed. There was no feeling of claustrophobia. The beds were spaced out well with easy access to all the room amenities. There was a separate area for luggage and coats etc. The bathroom was a good size and very luxurious. All in all, above what we expected.
Comfort:
The quality of the bed was excellent. linens were clean and tidy upon arrival, and the overall comfort level was excellent. Whilst booking, we made a note that it was an anniversary and the room was made up for the occasion. Very nice indeed.
Noise levels in the room were perfect. No untoward noises were noticed during the stay at all. The room quality was excellent. The lighting and climate control were perfect and absolutely no issues were found. It was a stay of pure class. Honestly, this hotel is amazing.
Cleanliness:
The cleanliness of the room, bathroom, and common areas were all excellent. The hotel has been kept very well and it just feels pure class.
Amenities:
The range and quality of the in-room amenities such as Wi-Fi, television, kettle etc. were all fantastic. From the Smart tablet that controls everything to the tea and coffee-making facilities. Everything you need was available and within easy reach when needed. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently. The lighting in the room was good and even this gave the feeling of luxury.
Facilities
On-Site Dining:
- Restaurant: The hotel features an on-site restaurant offering a variety of international and local dishes in an elegant setting.
- Bar/Lounge: A relaxed space for enjoying drinks and light snacks.
- Room Service: Available for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room.
We chose not to use the hotel dining options during our stay as the hotel itself had easy access to Emaar Square Mall which has a big food hall with a fantastic array of dining options. We used this for Breakfast, lunch and dinner – Each time trying something new.
General Hotel Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel.
- Fitness Centre: Equipped with modern exercise machines and facilities.
- Spa: Offers a range of treatments and relaxation services.
- Business Centre: Includes meeting rooms and workspaces for business travellers.
- Swimming Pool: Indoor pool available for guests.
- 24-Hour Concierge Service: For guest assistance and information.
- Laundry Service: Available for guests.
Service
Staff:
Staff professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness were all fantastic. Every interaction we had with the staff was an absolute pleasure. We were given all the information we asked for with a smile. We cannot stress how good the service at this hotel is. It is a refreshing change from some of the hotels we have encountered in Türkiye. This one is by far the best we have stayed at.
Value for Money
Pricing:
- Premier City View Room: Typically ranges from £200 to £250 per night, depending on the season and booking conditions.
- Premier Square View Room: Generally costs between £230 and £270 per night.
- Premier Corner Room: Usually priced between £350 and £500 per night, depending on the suite type and additional amenities.
- Suites: generally cost from around £500 to well over £4000 for the Signature Suite.
We paid approximately £235 per night as we managed to get an online offer which was running and found it to be good value for the service we received.
Overall Value:
There are other hotels nearby with cheaper room rates but the sheer class of this hotel commands the higher price. It’s not cheap to stay at this hotel and a 5-7 day stay could cost you in excess of £1k+ easily.
In our opinion, it’s a must-try if you are in Istanbul. Even if it is just for a night. Just so you can experience the luxury that this hotel offers.
Final Thoughts
In case you didn’t notice, we absolutely loved this hotel. Its pure class and offers extremely friendly service. We don’t usually have our reviews sound so biased but this little gem just took our breath away.
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely Yes 100%. We would try and get another offer online to make it feasible for a longer stay. If however, you can afford to stay here for a week, we say “Go for it!”
Lastly, Well done to Address Istanbul Hotel. You have scored our highest rating available to date.
TravelZine Hotel Reviews
Miss Istanbul Hotel, Istanbul
Location
Address: Cankurtaran Mah. Akbiyik Caddesi No:24 Sultanahmet, 34122 Istanbul, Türkiye.
City/Region: Old City, Istanbul, Türkiye
Proximity to Attractions:
- Hagia Sophia: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. This iconic landmark was originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Around 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away. Known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture.
- Topkapi Palace: About 0.5 miles (0.8 km) away. The historic palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans and is now a museum.
- Basilica Cistern: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. An ancient underground water reservoir with stunning columns and architecture.
- Grand Bazaar: Around 1 mile (1.6 km) away. One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Location Overview:
Miss Istanbul Hotel is situated in the vibrant city centre of Istanbul. This prime location places guests within easy reach of many of Istanbul’s famous landmarks and attractions.
The hotel’s central location makes it ideal for exploring the historical and cultural sites of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.
First Impressions
Arrival Experience:
The hotel’s entrance and reception area were welcoming, yet as with a lot of hotels in this area, seemed to be slightly on the small side. The Check-in Desk was easy to locate and the process was smooth enough. We were given a room on the basement floor with no option to change without having to pay extra. This was not a chosen option at the time of booking so was a disappointment. The staff were polite enough but we wouldn’t say they were too friendly. Just enough to get by would be the best way to put it.
Ambience:
The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas were ok but did not feel like the 4* it was advertised when booking. The overall vibe was fair: “You get what you pay for” so to speak.
Accommodation
Room Type: Triple Room – Economy
View: There was no external Window in the room. There was a Patio area which you could see some internal walls through the ceiling but no external windows. Literally like a basement.
Size and Layout:
The room was sufficient for a triple-bed layout. There was enough space to move around and store luggage without any issues. The bathroom was adequate and the room also had a small patio area (which we used for casual smoking)
Comfort:
The quality of the bed was ok. Not luxury but sufficient. The linens were clean and tidy upon arrival, and the overall comfort level was OK.
Noise levels in the room were at times not acceptable. The room was located on the basement level right near the restaurant and staff/maintenance rooms. During dining times, there was a lot of passing noise. The lighting and climate control were adequate and no issues were found here.
Cleanliness:
The cleanliness of the room & bathroom were all satisfactory. Housekeeping was good. Beds were cleaned and made up each morning and the room was cleaned. New towels were provided as expected.
Amenities:
The range and quality of the in-room amenities such television and kettle etc. were good. Everything you generally need was available. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently.
The Wi-Fi in the room was weak. We had to use our mobile sim to get acceptable internet speed. Please keep this in mind when booking this hotel.
Facilities
On-Site Dining:
- Breakfast Buffet: The hotel offered a buffet breakfast featuring a variety of local and international dishes which was good overall quality.
- Restaurant: Meals were available at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, but we chose not to use this as there were better, cheaper options available nearby.
General Hotel Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel – But our room had extremely weak speed throughout our stay.
- 24-Hour Reception: For guest assistance and information.
- Laundry Service: Available for guests.
Service
Staff:
Staff professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness were all fair. Nobody went out of their way to help make the stay better. We queried the location of the room but no help was offered.
Value for Money
Overall Value:
Overall the hotel offers a budget-friendly stay. There are other hotels nearby with similar pricing that offer a better value stay (in our opinion). See our other hotel reviews in Istanbul.
Final Thoughts
The location was good and close to local amenities and attractions. It is within walking distance of restaurants/takeaways and local attractions.
Would We Go Back?
Unfortunately No, in our opinion there are better hotels within the vicinity that offer better value for money.
Turkey
Hotel Fantasia Deluxe Kusadasi, Turkey
Location
Located in unique place of Aegean Region, Kusadasi, the hotel is surrounded by the ancient cities of Ephesus, Priene, Miletos and the House of Virgin Mary.
The airport (Izmir – Adnan Menderes Airport) is approximately 70km away (1 hour car journey) Transfer prices range from £15-£35 per person. We recommend booking a private car transfer which will cost around £35 each way.
There are local shops nearby for your everyday needs and some local markets around a 20 minute walk down the road. We do recommend you take the time to walk around the resort area as there are lots of shops for gifts, souvenirs and so on. There is even a small outdoor Go Karting arena nearby for a friendly drive with friends!
Amenities
The Hotel is an all-inclusive 5-star hotel that offers a good selection of food. There is a wide range of cuisines available daily. The all-inclusive package includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Afternoon Snacks (around 4pm) and drinks up until 12am from the bar.
The food on this all-inclusive is good. You will be able to find different verities of dishes to suit all tastes. There are lots of dessert options too just to top it all off! The restaurant service was good with drinks filled in a good time when needed. All in all, a very enjoyable time.
This hotel also offers amenities you would expect from a 5* hotel which includes:
- Free parking
- Wifi
- Fitness Centre with Gym
- Tennis court
- Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Bar / lounge
- Poolside bar
- Evening entertainment
- Table tennis
- Kids club
- Conference facilities
- Spa
- Concierge
- Gift Shops
- Dry cleaning
- Laundry service
Value For Money
For a 7 night stay we paid £630 for 3 adults (all Inclusive) that works out at £30 per person, per night. A good price we think for this hotel.
Service / Staff
The service at this hotel is good. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Rooms were cleaned well and every day. All in all, it’s a good review from us!
Lastly – Would we go back
Yes. The price was worth the money spent. The service was good as was the hotel itself. Prices have increased recently so as usual, we will keep an eye out for you and post updates when we see a good deal.
Turkey
Liberty Hotels Lara, Antalya, Turkey
Location
Located on Lara Beach, 9km from Antalya City Centre and 12km from Antalya Airport. This hotel is situated in a good spot on the main Antalya hotels strip along Lara Turizm Yolu road.
There are lots of shops for clothes, souvenirs, gifts and supermarkets within walking distance. Currency exchanges are plentiful too. There are lots of restaurants serving Turkish food nearby if the all-inclusive hotel option is not for you but we found the food at the hotel was more than enough!
The locals are very friendly and taxi’s are readily available nearby. You can easily get to the City Centre by taxi or a bus service (bus stop to the centre is right across the road from the hotel – On the opposite side of the road)
The sandy beach area is accessible from the hotel grounds.
Amenities
The Hotel is an Ultra all-inclusive 5-star hotel that offers a good selection of food. There is a wide range of cuisines available daily. The ultra all-inclusive package includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Afternoon Snacks (around 4pm) and drinks up until 12am from the bars but also has the additional stocked up mini bar in the room. The soft drinks are replenished daily free of charge! (That’s the Ultra all-inclusive way!)
The food on this all-inclusive is good. You will be able to fill yourself up with different verities of dishes to suit all tastes. Over a 7 day stay, the food did get slightly repetitive but was well worth the money. There’s options for vegetarians, meat eaters and also those who like outdoor BBQ meals! Everyone is catered for.
This hotel also offers amenities you would expect from a 5* hotel which includes:
- Free parking
- WiFi
- Fitness Centre / Gym
- Babysitting
- Adult pool
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Bar / lounge
- Poolside bar
- Tennis court
- Water slides
- Entertainment staff
- Evening entertainment
- Table tennis
- Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
- Kids club
- Business Centre with Internet Access
- Conference facilities
- Concierge
- Currency exchange
- Gift Shops
- 24-hour front desk
- Dry cleaning
- Laundry service
- Ironing service
Value For Money
For an 8 night stay we paid £675 for 2 adults & 1 child (ultra- all Inclusive) that works out at £29 per person, per night. A good price we think for this hotel.
Service / Staff
The service at this hotel is brilliant. All staff including front desk, restaurant, entertainment & room service were nice and friendly. The concierge Manager was very welcoming and informative.
We had an issue where a piece of clothing was lost, the hotel staff went out of their way to locate it for us and brought it back up to our room. Very pleased with the service. It’s always a good way of seeing the service when the hotel staff have the option to call you down to the front desk but instead choose to bring your items up to your room themselves.
Lastly – Would we go back
Yes. The price was well worth the money spent. The service was great as was the hotel itself. Prices have increased recently so we will keep an eye out for you and post updates when we see a good deal.
Turkey
Wind of Lara Hotel and Spa, Antalya, Turkey
Beach is a shuttle bus away. Food was average.
Location
Located in Lara, 9km from Antalya City Centre and 12km from Antalya Airport. This hotel is situated in a good spot on the main Antalya hotels strip along Lara Turizm Yolu road.
There are lots of shops for clothes, souvenirs, gifts and supermarkets within walking distance. Currency exchanges are plentiful too. There are lots of restaurants serving Turkish food nearby if the all-inclusive hotel option is not for you.
The locals are very friendly and taxi’s readily available. You can easily get to the City Centre by taxi or a bus service (bus stop is a couple minute’s walk from the hotel lobby)
The hotel offers a free shuttle bus service (available during the day) for the nearby beach (5 minute ride).
If you are looking for a 5* hotel which has direct beach access, check out our hotel review on Liberty Hotels Lara which is just a short walk away from Wind Of Lara, but on the opposite side where the beach is.
Amenities
The Hotel is an all-inclusive 5-star hotel that offers a fairly good selection of food. There is a wide range of cuisines available daily. The all-inclusive package includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Afternoon Snacks (around 4pm) and drinks up until 12am from the bars. The food is average and nothing special. You will be able to fill yourself up but there was nothing absolutely amazing. Over a 7 day stay, the food did get slightly repetitive and we ended up looking for a McDonald’s for out late night meals towards the end of our stay.
This hotel also offers amenities you would expect from a 5* hotel which includes:
- Free parking
- WiFi
- Pool
- Fitness Centre / Gym
- Water slides
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Bar / lounge
- Entertainment staff
- Evening entertainment
- Table tennis
- Nightclub / DJ
- Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
- Kids club
- Kids’ outdoor play equipment
- Business Centre with Internet Access
- Meeting rooms
- Concierge
- Gift shops
- 24-hour front desk
- Dry cleaning
- Laundry service
- Ironing service
Value For Money
For a 7 night stay we paid £450 for 2 adults & 1 child (All Inclusive) that works out at £21 per person, per night. A good price.
Service / Staff
The service we found differed for guests. We got the impression, guests from Russia etc. got a better service. That’s not to say this happens often or whether it is just us that seemed to get a less enthusiastic service.
For this review, we will break the service down into categories:
- Front Desk – Average service. Nothing to shout out about.
- Children’s Play Centre – Fantastic service and very friendly.
- Room Service – Great, friendly service and rooms cleaned well.
- Restaurant – Not good. Tables not cleaned in a good time. Drinks waiters gave priority to their chosen guests (it seemed to us anyway) When we sat down, we nearly always had to ask for cutlery which should already be laid down. This at times took 20 minutes to arrive.
- Food – Got repetitive during our 7 night stay.
- Drinks/Bar – People seemed to get served in no orderly fashion – Just whoever could push their way in the best. Poor for a 5* hotel resort.
Lastly – Would we go back
Probably not. Although we will say this is a cheap hotel, the differences in service did not shine a good light on our stay. The price does offer value for money if you can look past the fact that you may not be getting the same service as everyone one else. Personally we feel, there are better alternatives available in Antalya.
If you are looking for a 5* hotel which we recommend, check out our hotel review on Liberty Hotels Lara which is just a short walk away from Wind Of Lara, but on the opposite side where the beach is.