Situated in my home away from home, Cesme, the part of Turkey, that has remained truly Turkish, without McDonald's, or KFC's, spoiling the landscape (Although this year 2012, they have succumbed to a Burger King) But it is tucked away inside a complex in the posh looking marina, so doesn't spoil the traditional look of the area!! Cesme is where the RICH Turks have their holiday homes for a reason! The Marina with all the amazing yachts & designer boutiques (The Marina boutiques were built only a year or two ago) Yet the poor Turkish homes, mingle beautifully, with the wealthy mansions, the castle plus the pastel & white hotels. There are swanky 5-star hotels to stay in, and be pampered in, like the Sheraton, but when I'm there, I always stay at one of two budget priced, family run hotels, who have become like extended family to me. One of those being the 2-star Hotel Doga (Doga means Nature) Hotel Doga is in the heart of Cesme a short walk from the Castle, Marina & Town Square. The complex has a building with individual basic hotel rooms & also separate chalets, the complex has apricot trees, as well as other trees baring other fruits, such as limes & plumbs, which your welcome to pick & eat/use. Like most of Cesme's hotels, the pool is not heated so might be a bit of a shock to get into at 1st when sat in the boiling sun, but the initial shock is soon gone & you will find your dip refreshing & prepares you for some more time basking in the sun. But I hear rumours that the pool will be gone at some point in 2012 to make room for more apartments, but don't worry the beaches are not far away & you can use other hotels pools & bar areas without any problems (Even the Sheraton) The family are very welcoming & you soon become part of the family, with people regularly coming back year after year. In fact Doga is ranked #4 out of 51 Cesme Hotels. The near by beaches of Altinkum, Illica and Dalyan are beautiful in their own ways, Altinkum white sand, the others a little shaley but sandy in the clear, clear sea. Cesme is a melting pot with people coming back year after year (While many never have heard of Cesme their loss.. I think only Thomas Cook has Doga in their broachers) With blonde haired, blue & green eyed Turks, you can't tell the locals from the locals as the Turks, Brits, Norwegians, Swedes etc blend with each other seamlessly, there is no them & us in Cesme everyone mixes with everyone. Doga provides entertainment, such as live music & belly dancers, it may be budget prices, but the staff are happy & friendly, the rooms are kept clean, with bed linen & towels changed every other day, the food is good & the cocktails to die for (The bar stays open as long as their are people who want to drink!!) BBQ nights are popular too. If you want a proper Turkish holiday that isn't all commercialised like Bodrum then I can't recommend Cesme highly enough I introduced my sister to one of my friends I made there & they have been married 15-16yrs & have a holiday home there. So you may find some romance there too (I have a few times lol) If you want a basic budget holiday, with clean sheets & good food & service, I'd recommend you give Hotel Doga a try!! read more

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