Baia Lara Hotel

Built between other family-friendly all-inclusives, the Baia Lara has some of the largest grounds in the area. Only the big, curved building can be seen from the outside, but vast, manicured gardens stretch all the way to the beach, located a couple hundred yards away. This allows for guests to spread out, and the vibe is generally quiet even when the property is at full capacity. Most guests here are families, and there is some entertainment during the day, but the area for activities is separate from the quieter sections, and there is only music around one of the pools. Couples tend to congregate on the pier, which has several serviced cabanas featuring nets with pillows over the water, or around the adult-only pool. Interiors are contemporary, albeit generic, with bold pops of purple, raspberry, and lime that stand out against white and neutral hues, and cafeteria-style furniture and wood paneling in the main restaurant. Although decor is mostly simple, the bright palette and constant updates keep the property looking fresh and in good shape. The most recent round of extensive renovations started in late 2017 and are expected to be completed in March 2018.Although the property is not as luxurious or visually stunning as some of its neighbors, such as the Delphin Imperial Hotel Lara, it has a comprehensive all-inclusive package, spacious rooms, good food, and lovely pools, which is a good starting point for a relaxing vacation. Those wanting something a little bit more bustling may prefer the Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort, which offers plenty of amenities for children, and has a more active entertainment program. Hotel SU is a cheaper option for travelers wanting to stay closer to the city center, while those seeking a more upscale option may want to compare rates at the IC Hotels Green Palace, which has cute rooms, excellent food, and pleasant grounds with many pools. 

Hotel Baia Lara is located on a quiet, cobblestone street off the main thoroughfare running through Lara, a hotel-filled area just east of Antalya. The resort is pretty much self-contained and few guests leave the property during their stay, but those wanting to explore the neighborhood can find a number of shops and malls within a 10-minute walk. Several top local attractions -- including Antalya’s old town and the Perge archaeological site -- can be reached in about 30 minutes, while the Duden Waterfalls are just a 15-minute drive away. Belek’s many renowned golf courses are all within a 20-minute drive of the Liberty Hotels Lara, as is Antalya International Airport. 

Rooms at the Hotel Baia Lara are bright and spacious, but outfitted in dated decor. A mostly brown-and-tan color palette with pops of light blue includes wooden furniture -- some painted white -- patterned carpet, blue and brown leaf motif bed runners and matching drapes, old-fashioned striped armchairs, and sky-blue bed pillows. Fortunately, the rooms are undergoing renovations until March 2018 to get a more up-to-date look. Also on the plus side, all rooms have furnished balconies, some of which have sea views. Compact bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, desks, free minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and AC. 

With 24-hour room service, several bars, and a small, cute brasserie that opens whenever the main restaurant is closed, food and drinks are available day and night at the Baia Lara. The buffet is open for all three main meals, and food is varied and tasty. The breakfast spread offers an array of local and international dishes, as well as DIY orange juice and an egg station. The a la carte snack bar is a favorite among guests for lunch, as it is closer to the pools than the buffet. The three a la carte eateries (serving Italian, Mexican, and Turkish cuisine) are only open in the evening, and they are all an extra charge.The hotel’s pools occupy about two-thirds of the grounds, and include a huge main pool that’s connected to an Olympic-sized one, a water park with four slides, and an adult-only pool with its own snack bar located in a quieter are. There are also two small plunge pools for children: one in the kids’ club and one by the main pool. Additionally, there’s an indoor family pool, complete with a kiddy section and several loungers. The treatment rooms at the spa are pleasant and have a relaxing atmosphere, thanks to dim lighting and instrumental music. Guests can get a wide array of massages, body treatments, and salon services, and the all-inclusive package offers free access to a hammam, two types of saunas, steam rooms, a shock shower, and a relaxation room. The fitness center gets lots of light in the morning, and features great cardio and strength-training equipment. There is also a sports complex by the main entrance, complete with tennis and basketball courts and a soccer field, that guests can use free of charge. Equipment and flood lights are available for a fee. The kids’ club has a small pool with a slide under an awning, along with a playground and an indoor area for activities. There are many activities for children of all ages available daily, but kids under four years of age need to be accompanied by a parent at all times. Extensive meeting space, including a large ballroom and a movie theater are also available, as is free property-wide Wi-Fi.