Kalkan, Turkey

Hi Sue,

Ian and I just wanted to say a huge thank you for sending us to Kalkan. We had a brilliant holiday and loved the hotel. Will definitely go back to Turkey as we found the people so friendly and the prices so cheap!

Anyway, our report below just in case it helps other guests out.
Thanks again,
Jo and Ian

Elixir Hotel, Kalkan, Turkey

If you value personal service, this is the hotel for you. The manager (Egerman) was immediately at our side when we arrived and still there when we left! He was somewhat ubiquitous - always there when you wanted something and very keen to help or assist you in any way.

We found all the staff very friendly and courteous, but would single out Pumpkin (the fun barman) and Umuti as the best. It makes such a difference to your holiday to be surrounded by smiley, friendly faces.

We booked a deluxe room which was spacious - but people that were staying in standard rooms did say their rooms were a little small. So book a deluxe if you can.

Lunches at the hotel are huge - we barely managed to eat a single one between us, so beware how much you order - though it's not expensive.

We found Turkey to be very cheap in terms of eating and drinking in restaurants. If you like Rose wine, order Lal - lovely, light coloured rose.

We ate out a lot and would recommend: The Olive Garden, Doydoy and Aubergine. But there are around 300 restaurants in Kalkan to choose from.

Whilst you are staying at the Elixir, do have a Turkish Bath. It was very relaxing (and soapy)!

If there is any negative to the hotel, it is a 15/20 minute walk into town (fine going downhill) but quite a struggle back up (though a taxi ride back up only costs 8 TL (about £3).



Tips:

1. At the Elixir, don’t expect hot water first thing as water is solar heated. Fine by lunchtime and plenty of hot water in the evening.

2. Use taxis to get back up to the hotel at night (so much easier than climbing up the hill) and not expensive.

3. Book a deluxe room – standard rooms are a bit small.

4. Don’t over order. Most restaurants give you a free starter in the form of breads, olives and hummus.

5. Venture out (our hire car only cost about £35 for a day to visit sites like Patara and Kekova).

Jo Cooper