Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Antalya

Perched atop the cliffs in Antalya’s city center, the Ramada Plaza is not your standard business hotel. It does look like one on arrival -- its 240 rooms are housed in a 17-story tower and the atrium-style lobby has a corporate vibe, with generic seating and Classical music playing in the background -- but the property is really more like a cross between a business hotel and seaside resort. All rooms, the spa, and the gym are housed in the tower, while all other amenities, including the infinity pool and the restaurants, are located across the street, in a structure built directly on the side of the cliffs. This allows for stunning sea and mountain views from the majority of rooms and most common spaces, giving this hotel an edge over many other properties in the city center. The hotel offers different meal plans, including an all-inclusive package, but those expecting a hopping, resort-style atmosphere and pool activities may want to look elsewhere. The vibe here is quiet and relaxing, as guests -- most of whom are couples and business travelers -- spend the day chilling on a lounger by the pool, swimming in the sea, or out exploring the historic center. The outdoor and indoor pools are nice perks for families, and there are several room types suitable for groups, but those traveling with children may prefer the Rixos Downtown Antalya, which offers a full range of family-friendly amenities, including a seasonal kids’ club, and free tickets for Land of Legends theme park, though it doesn’t have direct access to the sea. Another good option for families wanting to be close to the city center is Hotel SU, which is in the same price range and offers free access to the adjacent water park, as well as to famous (if pebbly) Konyaalti Beach. The 46-room Tuvana Hotel is a more charming option for couples wanting to stay in the Old City. 

Ramada Plaza Antalya is located on a small street in central Antalya, within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and shops. The neighborhood is quiet, but offers easy access to all major attractions in Antalya, the airport, and the coastal highway, making the hotel’s location convenient for all types of traveler. The edge of the Kaleici (or Old City) is just about a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and most major attractions can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot, including Hadrian’s Gate and the town’s quaint harbor. Duden Waterfalls are a 20-minute drive from the hotel, while the Perge archaeological site can be reached in about 25 minutes. Antalya International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the Ramada Plaza. There is free underground parking at the hotel. 

The 240 rooms here are decorated in the same attractive, if generic, style, with beige walls, contemporary dark-wood furniture, and pastel blue/green accents on bed runners and armchairs. Laminate floors and clean lines give spaces a fresh, modern feel, but the overall look is fairly simple. Standard Rooms start at 30 square meters (323 square feet) and are big enough to fit in a third guest, but families and bigger groups can choose from several other options, including two-bedroom Family units and Suites, both of which have panoramic sea views. Honeymoon Suites are located on the top floor and feature a whirlpool. Every room, regardless of category, has a balcony with at least a couple of chairs and a small table.Great amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and electronic safes. Robes, slippers, and irons and ironing boards are also provided in all rooms. Big LCD TVs come with an array of international channels, and air-conditioning can be controlled from the rooms. Great bathrooms feature rainfall showers and separate deep tubs, round sinks over brown veined counters, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Shower gel, shampoo, toothbrushes, and cotton buds are standard, while Suites feature extras such as shaving kits. 

Although the hotel is not located on a sandy beach, it does offer direct access to the sea via long stairs. Along the way down to the water, small platforms with loungers jut out over the rocks, and a small diving school offers lessons and rental equipment for a fee. At the very top of the stairs is a small but lovely infinity pool, offering panoramic views of the sea and the mountains on the other side of the bay. This pool closes when the weather gets cold, but the spa’s indoor pool -- complete with a kiddy section and a whirlpool -- remains open year-round. Additionally, the spa has a hammam, sauna, and steam room, which are free to use, plus several treatment rooms where guests can get an array of body treatments and salon services for a fee. The fitness center is equipped with cardio and strength-training machines. There are weekly group fitness classes as well, some of which are offered free of charge to all guests. There are several dining options at the Ramada Plaza Antalya, all offering wonderful panoramic sea views. The stylish buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, and offers a decent spread with international and Turkish options. Food, however, receives mixed reviews. Lunch is served at the beach bar, which is open until midnight and has daily live music and DJ sessions. There are two options for dinner: an international a la carte, and a fish restaurant, both with weekly live music. The lobby bar is open 24/7 and has a good drink menu. As a business hotel, the Ramada Plaza has events space, including two meeting rooms and a large ballroom for up to 1,000 guests. Audiovisual equipment and catering services are available for a fee.