Delphin Palace

With its particularly distinctive facade of tiered red balconies and shimmering mirrored glass topped with golden domes, the Delphin Palace Hotel certainly makes for a striking first impression. Stepping between neoclassic columns and through the shimmering gold revolving door, guests enter the lobby -- a cavernous atrium encircled by balconies, nine levels serviced by five elevators, and illuminated by a huge centerpiece chandelier. 

Although the resort opened in 2005, interiors are very traditional, with antique-inspired furniture, tasseled drapery, and polished teak paneling throughout. The property also features numerous traditional Turkish touches, such as antique vases and Ottoman-style furnishings. The hotel is set in extensive landscaped grounds comprising pool terraces and manicured lawns, while palm-lined footpaths lead to the hotel's sandy beach and wood-decked pier. Families with kids make up the majority of guests -- mostly from Germany, Russia, and the U.K. Though the resort does have an adults pool, couples may still prefer a quieter resort, or one that has more designated kids'-free spaces. 

Even though this is advertised as a five-star resort, it may not quite live up to expectations -- though it's still a top contender in the area. It's a massive mega-resort and feels like one (especially in peak season), with plenty of crowds at the beach and pool, young children gallivanting, frustrating a la carte restaurant reservations (expect to line up in the morning to snag a table -- for the next night), and towel saving, all common complaints for this type of property. But poolside service and snacks (from a roller-blading waitstaff), 24-hour room service, a policy against reserving sunbeds before 8:30 a.m., and a typically friendly service are all positives. 

The hotel is located in the district of Lara set between a long stretch of sandy beach and main coastal highway that connects to the popular Turkish resort of Antalya. Set overlooking the Mediterranean on Turkey's south coast, the property is surrounded by similar hotels, shopping malls, and souvenir shops though not much in the way of restaurants and bar beyond those on-site. The location does makes for easy access to Antalya Airport -- 15 minutes away by car -- while the hotel also offers a free shuttle service to downtown Antalya which takes about half an hour. 

The hotel has 557 rooms, all of which are traditionally decorated with antique-style furnishings, patterned rugs, and gilt-framed painting and mirrors. The effect is certainly classic and elegant, though there may be some minor wear. All rooms opened to furnished balconies and for a little extra these can include sea views. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and safes, while bathrooms have wall-mounted telephones, soap dispensers, hairdryers, and walk-in showers -- suites also have jetted tubs big enough for two. Family Rooms with two bedrooms are available, and come with coloring book and toys for the little ones. In other rooms types uncomfortable chaise lounges may be used as an extra bed for children. 

The hotel has all the features and facilities you'd expect from an upscale, all-inclusive resort. Multiple pools provide ample space for swimming and splashing about, including the large main pool, the Relax Pool (where children aren't allowed), and a shaded pool with waterslides for kids. The sandy beach has lots of loungers, and guests have reported sightings of turtles and dolphins in the water.

There are eight restaurants in all, one main buffet eatery with live cooking stations and international food, and seven a la carte ranging from sushi and Chinese to traditional Turkish and Parisian cooking. The main restaurant provides fairly decent food though it can get crowded during busier times. Guests report having to line up early to get reservations at the a la carte restaurants. The property also has nine bars, including a poolside bar and 24-hour lobby bar as well as live evening entertainment (summer only). The entertainment gets mixed reviews.

Kids are very well catered for with a staffed kids' club for four- to 12-year-olds, water playgrounds, a wide range of sporting facilities, and even a small funfair (during peak season). An extensive spa provides an impressive menu of massage treatments together with Turkish bath experience, steam room, and whirlpool -- though these incur an extra fee. While Wi-Fi is officially available on-site, coverage is very poor with sluggish connection. 

The hotel's optional all-inclusive plan covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, as well as one meal per stay in one of the seven a la carte eateries. Snacks including and ice cream are also provided at select times between meals. A range of mostly locally produced alcoholic and soft drinks are also included (as well as some international brands) while fresh orange juice and cocktails are served in the lobby bar. In-room minibars are restocked daily with soft drinks, beer, and water, while room service is included after midnight.