The Reges Hotel in Cesme has the potential to be a true 5-star property, but unfortunately, its…read moreservice (or lack thereof) falls short of what you'd expect from a hotel of this caliber and price point. This is a Luxury Collection hotel, part of Marriott's luxury line (alongside Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, etc), and it definitely does not meet the standards you'd expect at this level.
As seasoned travelers with Titanium Elite status, having stayed at numerous high-end Marriott properties, we've never encountered service as lacking as what we experienced during our 8-night stay at the Reges. Prior to arrival, the concierge reached out, asking if we had any special requests. We mentioned that two of us would be celebrating birthdays during our stay, but our email went unanswered. While we didn't expect much, the complete lack of acknowledgment was disappointing. At other properties, we've been offered small gestures like a glass of champagne, a card from the front desk, or even just a verbal birthday greeting. It's those thoughtful touches that elevate a hotel from good to exceptional, and unfortunately, the Reges does not fall into the latter category.
Interactions with the front desk staff were consistently uncomfortable; it often felt as though we were inconveniencing them just by asking a simple question. On every occasion, there was no greeting when walking through the lobby -- no "hello," no "good morning," just an unwelcoming atmosphere. The hotel bar was mostly unattended, and the lobby itself felt lifeless. While there were one or two staff members who were warm and accommodating, the majority seemed disinterested and unhappy to be there.
The service mishaps were frequent: requests for water went unanswered after housekeeping failed to replenish our supply, pressing the button for poolside service often resulted in no response, and the breakfast staff rarely offered the à la carte menu without prompting. Even small things, like being served coffee without sugar packets or a spoon, or not having napkins on our table, added up. What made it all the more frustrating was that outside the hotel, everyone we encountered in Turkey was incredibly kind and welcoming, so this wasn't a cultural misalignment but specific to the Reges. For a property charging €800 per night, we expected at least the basics of friendly service but unfortunately, we received less than that. We've had better experiences at lower-tier Marriott properties.
That said, the hotel itself is stunning and exudes luxury. If the service had been up to par, this would easily have been a 5-star experience. The rooms are spacious with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, and the sunsets from the balconies were incredible. The two pools felt almost private, and the resort's beach was one of the nicest we've visited, with perfect sand and no rocks. The breakfast buffet was excellent, filled with local Turkish food, though I did wish they had a better selection of drinks. The location is also a highlight -- just five minutes from historic Cesme but far enough to feel like a tucked-away oasis. Complimentary valet parking was a nice touch. As of Sept 2024, there is only one restaurant at the property, as the other one closed.
Lastly, if you're a Marriott Elite member, don't expect any benefits or perks. Our suite night awards were denied even though the hotel was clearly not at capacity (it was actually quite empty). We received an "upgrade" that allegedly had a better ocean view, but it was the same type of room.
If you're seeking a beautiful, luxurious resort and are less concerned about attentive service, the Reges is a solid choice. But if, like us, you value warm, friendly interactions and a welcoming atmosphere during your holidays, you might want to look elsewhere.
