Ugh. Double ugh.
This is a spa/resort hotel located at the hot springs of Pamukkale. The hotel features a swimming pool, a pool fed by hot springs, and typical spa amenities.
The room was fairly small and felt a bit aged for a five star resort in Turkey. The bathroom in particular. I'm used to small European bathrooms and I've no qualm with them, but compared to other like hotels in Turkey, this was small and felt dated. There was a small balcony which overlooked the pool, but nothing you could hang out on. Overall, the room was more three star than five star, but here it is all about location. There was an indoor lukewarm tub (not really hot) located in our section of the hotel. It was convenient, but so centrally located (the staircase to the rooms wrapped around it) that anyone entering or leaving their rooms from all floors could just stand and watch you. Not exactly private or romantic. More functional.
The lounge/bar area is huge and has a real resort feel, like something from a 70s Dean Martin movie. Central firepit, lots of cushy chairs. HOWEVER, the staff was horrendous...this is the biggest reason I'm docking this hotel down to two stars. Sitting in the lounge, which was virtually empty (it was Winter), the bar staff just stood and talked to each other and pointedly ignored everyone in the room. I finally had to walk up to the bar and basically demand a drink...whereupon I got the "look." You know. The "look" of "why are you fucking bothering me?" This is the only place in Turkey I really ever go that 'tude. I'm used to it in Paris...but seriously.
The buffet dinner was horrible. Horrible. Limited, unpalatable, unseasoned, and disgusting. I saw people literally spit the deserts out of their mouths. You know when deserts are being spit out that something is seriously wrong. And the staff in the dining room was equally distant and cold.
Great location with spa/resort/hot springs amenities, decent room, but poor food and angry staff. Meh...Turkey has other places much better.
Tip: If you do stay there, read the facilities handbook and bathroom signs. Someone put their faith in Google Translate and the results are hysterical. read more