Porto Bello Hotel Resort & Spa

First opened in 2003, the Porto Bello changed hands in 2016 and is now part of the Sealife Hotels Group. The former owners carried out a few updates before it was purchased by Sealife -- including adding wood paneling in common areas and replacing the rugs in the lobby -- but the terrazzo floors, carpeted hallways, and furniture are all dated and showing signs of age. The good news is the new management has plans to give the hotel a facelift. Rooms in the Kemer Tower are all expected to be renovated by mid-2018, and outdoor spaces will get a new, more efficient layout. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively during pool activities to quiet and relaxing. Booming music was played after 11 a.m. around the pool during our visit, but it was just on for a couple of hours during the fitness lessons and again after lunch. The outdoor area is narrow but long, which allows guests to spread out on the main deck and the adjacent lawn. Still, those wanting some peace and quiet may prefer Hotel SU, which offers similar amenities and has a more serene vibe. Ramada Plaza Antalya is a good pick for couples able to spend a little bit more money, due to its comfortable rooms, lovely infinity pool, and direct access to the sea via steps. Families wanting a hotel with more resort-style amenities and a sandy beach should check out the all-inclusive Sherwood Breezes Resort, located in Lara. 

Porto Bello Hotel Resort & Spa is located on the D400, the coastal highway running east to west all across the region. A private underpass connects the hotel directly to long, pebbly Konyaalti Beach, where the property has a number of loungers and umbrellas, as well as a small bar area under a thatched roof. There are several restaurants and bars within walking distance, and the nearest bus stop is about a five-minute walk away. However, it can take up to a half-hour to reach most of the Old City’s major attractions, including Hadrian’s Gate, the harbor, and the Panoramic Elevator. The hotel is about a 25-minute drive from the airport. 

Rooms at the Porto Bello are spacious and light, with big glass doors opening onto small balconies, and enough space for at least a couple of easy chairs and a desk. Decor is dated and bland, consisting of navy wall-to-wall carpet, generic dark-wood furniture, and beige walls, curtains, and bed runners. Rooms in the Kemer Tower (one of the two buildings that make up the property) are currently being renovated, and expect to be completed by mid-2018. Unfortunately, although there are plans to upgrade units in the Antalya section, the hotel doesn’t have a timeframe yet. Little has been disclosed of the new design, but we know the carpet will be gone, the shower/tub combos will be replaced by walk-in showers, and the furniture will have a more contemporary style. The hotel’s 350 rooms are spread over two towers built perpendicular to the beach, which allows for at least partial sea views from all units and panoramic views from a few, including Junior and Senior Suites. Each room is outfitted with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and a flat-screen TV with international channels. Minibars are stocked with beer, juice, water, and sodas, and refilled daily free of charge for all-inclusive guests. Electric kettles, however, are not provided in any room type. Bathrooms are clean but basic, featuring shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, dark-green marble-like counters, and beige wallpaper with small flowers. Liquid hand soap and two-in-one shower gel and shampoo are provided in large wall-mounted containers, and there are small bottles of hair conditioner and body lotion.  

Most guests at Porto Bello choose the all-inclusive package, as the difference between this rate and other meal plans is minimal and offers good perks such as free local drinks, access to the spa, three buffet meals per day, and poolside snacks. Food gets mixed reviews, but those wanting some more variety can make reservations for the Italian and fish a la carte restaurants for a fee. Room service is also available 24/7.The big outdoor pool has lots of padded loungers and a slide for teens and adults. There is a separate kiddy section with a small slide as well, which the hotel plans to make bigger for the 2018 summer season. The kids’ club is also expected to change by mid-2018, but it has a colorful play area and a playground for the time being. The indoor pool is big enough for a few quick laps and it features a number of padded loungers and big windows overlooking the hotel’s large gym, which is outfitted with a wide range of cardio and strength-training machines purchased in 2017. Though it may not look like much from the outside, the spa is pleasant and relaxing, with lots of candles, dim lights, and lots of stone and wood accents. Guests get free access to a hammam and a sauna for which there are women-only hours twice per week. There is an additional private Turkish bath where guests can request an array of body treatments, along with a relaxation room and several massage rooms. The extensive flexible meeting space available on-site makes the hotel a popular pick for corporate events, especially in the winter. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.