Best Luxury Hotels in Cappadocia

One of the top hotels in Urgup, Kayakapi Premium Caves is poised to grow from 32 to 55 rooms when its ambitious restoration project is completed. The hilltop property occupies 2,700 acres of a residential neighborhood composed of hundreds of long abandoned cave homes and historical buildings. A full spa, outdoor pool, and two restaurants fill the unique stone interiors and gorgeous grounds, from which guests can take in stunning views of the town's terra-cotta rooftops stretching into the distance.

Dating from the 18th century, the Fresco is a collection of restored mansions that served as opulent residences during the Ottoman period. Some rooms are traditional and brightly decorated with original frescoes, but with three stories and no elevator, some travelers may find that it’s a hassle to reach a few of them. Most of the rooms however are true cave rooms, hewn from the rock deeper within the buildings. And, unlike many others in the area, they're air-conditioned. 

Designed for explorers who prefer a quiet and meditative space, the 35-room Gamirasu Cave Hotel is a stunning and romantic find in Ayvali Village. The property is a combination of converted village houses and a Byzantine-era monastery that now hosts a number of modern conveniences -- from a heated outdoor pool to free Wi-Fi -- but has retained historic details such as frescos decorating the walls. Standard rooms have the basic bed and en-suite shower, while the larger suites have luxuriously decorated separate living areas and balconies with great views. The secluded location a 20-minute drive out to Urgup may be a drawback for some, but for others it's part of the appeal.

The MDC Hotel is an upscale, typical Cappadocia-style property set on a hillside overlooking Urgup town. The location offers some lovely views of the area, though is also a bit of a hike to and from town center (though free drop-offs are available). Its cave rooms are nicely finished and their spacious, marble bathrooms are a real highlight -- all have under-floor heating and whirlpool tubs

Converted from nine abandoned cave houses and the neighboring fifth-century caves, Esbelli Evi Cave Hotel is a boutique with 10 suites and four standard rooms. It was the first hotel in Cappadocia and opened in 1990. The rooms are each unique, quite large compared to other cave hotels, and include personal-use laptops. There are laundry machines, a well-kept garden, and a breakfast area set up along the hill’s cliffs. The hotel is about a 15-minute drive to the caves in Goreme National Park.