HOT HOTEL Turkish delight
DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Marina Vista
VIBE
If you want to get under the skin of Bodrum itself in south-west Turkey, an ideal location is the DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Marina Vista hotel which opened last July. It sits directly opposite Bodrum’s bustling marina, at the quiet end of the bay.
This charming hotel is more comfortable, rather than super luxurious, with colourful artworks, potted plants and low sofas to sink into. It has a delightful laid-back feel with open spaces, tiled floors and a beautiful outside garden which offers a tranquil spot to relax.
STYLE
The facade may be fairly nondescript, a 1980s two-storey affair, but once inside, it opens up to a large, modern space. Carved natural wood tables are adorned with gigantic vases of fresh flowers, low-hanging lightbulbs on metal poles resemble stalactites and small terracotta plant pots mounted on a brick wall, and large metal lampshades over the bar, give it an edgy industrial feel.
This leads through to a surprising tropical garden which has the air of an elegant secluded Arabian mansion thanks to ornate iron balconies and classical colonnaded windows. Swaying banana palms, climbing jasmine and mature palm trees add to its exotic feel.
The centrepiece of this courtyard oasis is a lovely Mediterranean blue tiled pool lined with sunloungers and parasols. Overlooking it is a lovely outdoor dining area featuring a pergola with rattan chairs and whirring fans.
There are 92-rooms which come in various categories. The covetable poolside ones are adorable with high ceilings and miniature terraces with wrought iron tables.
Some rooms have a more classic feel with padded headboards and Queen Anne-style furniture.
Others such as the Deluxe rooms have Juliet balconies facing the pool, with modern wooden furnishings.
Bathrooms come with wall-to-wall marble and are generously stocked with every toiletry you can imagine courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn.
There’s also a small gym if you can drag yourself away from the pool, a small spa, steam room and treatment rooms offering massages.
VISTA Unbeatable harbour view
FOOD & DRINK
Another surprise is the food. BigChefs, a Turkish chain, has the restaurant franchise with a street frontage. Their red and white logo and name may be reminiscent of a once-loved UK motorway eatery, but that’s where the similarity ends.
The menu features cheesy shots of couples posing with everything from pizza to steak. That said, the food is superb and diverse.
Top bites include grilled mackerel in a bun, BBQ chicken skewers with warm salad, and baked pita bread with ground beef. Outside tables, particularly in the evenings, are the place for people watching. Breakfast is served on the second floor in a bright glass-fronted room overlooking the bay. It’s a buffet-style affair, although plated by lovely staff in masks and gloves. The outside terrace has the best view in town.
THE SIGHTS
You can’t miss Bodrum Castle looming over the marina, built by the Knights Templar during the Crusades. There are four towers and displays of treasures recovered from Byzantine shipwrecks. They include a vast amphora collection, the reconstruction of a 3,500-year-old sailing ship and a resident, rare white peacock.
There’s not a lot left of the world’s first Mausoleum (most of it is now in the British Museum) but the sunken pit of broken columns, irrigation channels and chambers combined with an informative video details its construction.
Also built at the time of King Mausolus’ reign (377-353 BC) is a vast amphiteatre that seats 13,000 overlooking the town.
Wander the labyrinth of streets in the Old Town where you’ll find everything imaginable, from knockoff designer bags to Turkish Delight and puffer fish mobiles.
THE DEAL
DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Marina Vista offers doubles from £125, room only in September. hilton.com (Hotel re-opening March 1).
Pegasus offers flights from Stansted to Bodrum, via Istanbul from £69.99 one way. flypgs.com
Expedia offers seven-day car hire in Bodrum from £108.expedia.com