Saturn Palace Resort

Sandwiched between other resorts, the Saturn Palace is your standard upper-middle-range all-inclusive in Lara. It has all the amenities expected of a beachfront, family-friendly hotel in this price range -- including several pools, a kids’ club, a spa, buffet and a la carte dining options, and a lively entertainment program -- plus a loud, lively atmosphere better suited for those seeking a boisterous vacation than for those wanting to chill by the pool. Directly adjacent to the hotel is the Aska Lara Resort & Spa’s Wet ‘n Wild water and theme park, whose booming music carries to the Saturn. The hotel does have a pool with a quieter atmosphere, but the vibe is generally rowdy, both around the pools and in the main restaurant.

The hotel underwent extensive renovations in 2016, including in the vast majority of rooms -- though units in the VIP wing are still more contemporary than those in the original wing -- the pools, and the buffet restaurant. The property looks fresh and has competitive rates, but those wanting something more luxurious may prefer the neighboring Aska Lara Resort & Spa, though its water park and beach are across the street from the hotel. The Liberty Hotels Lara is another good option, complete with an adult-only pool and spacious rooms. Couples seeking some peace and quiet may want to compare rates at the Ramada Plaza Antalya, which is within walking distance of the city center and features an infinity pool and a private beach area on the cliffs. 

The Saturn Palace Hotel is located on the main thoroughfare running through Lara, a hotel-filled area just east of Antalya. The hotel 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 15-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 Saturn Palace, as is Antalya International Airport. There is free self and valet parking at the hotel. 

The hotel has 221 rooms spread over two wings: the original and the VIP. All rooms were renovated in 2016, but units in the VIP section have a more contemporary style, with gray and brown textured walls, blond-wood furniture with clean lines, and decorative panels creating geometric patterns on walls. Rooms in the original wing have more generic wooden furniture and simple artwork on walls, but they're equipped with the same amenities, including flat-screen TVs (with limited English channels), electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and minibars stocked with free, large bottles of soda and water, a couple of beers, and juice. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but it was spotty and slow during our stay.

All rooms have a furnished balcony, and about 80 percent offer at least partial sea views. Terrace Jacuzzi Rooms have hot tubs on the balcony, while Jacuzzi Rooms have them indoors. Bathrooms in the VIP section are modern and clean, with gray tiles throughout, backlit mirrors, round white sinks over black veined counters, and walk-in rain showers. Bathrooms in the other wing are older and more generic, with beige tiles throughout, shower/tub combos, and simple beige counters. All, however, come stocked with a good array of toiletries, including loofahs and cotton buds.  

The hotel offers a variety of dining options, including a large buffet with theme nights, three a la carte restaurants open on alternating days, and an array of snacks -- such as fresh fruit, burgers, waffles, ice cream, and pizza -- throughout the day. The all-inclusive package offers one free dinner at an a la carte eatery per stay, and covers all local drinks and a few imported brands. Food, however, gets average reviews, and the spread at the main restaurant was smaller than at other comparable hotels. Room service is available 24/7 and free between midnight and breakfast time. 

With several rows of padded loungers and a long, wooden pier lined with additional chairs and cute thatched cabanas, the beach is a highlight of the resort. Cabanas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the atmosphere is generally quieter than at the main pool, but loud motorized sports can be a nuisance sometimes. There is music around the main pool, but most activities are held at the Activity Pool, located at the water park. The entertainment program is active and loud during the day, and there’s a large amphitheater between the main and Activity pools where evening shows are held. The hotel added a great kiddy pool with lots of water features and slides in 2016, and there is an indoor pool at the spa for when the weather is colder. 

Massages, scrubs, and body wraps are available for a fee at the spa, and all guests get free access to a hammam, sauna, and steam room as part of the all-inclusive package. The fitness center has a decent mix of cardio and strength-training machines in a small room by the wellness center, and there is a tennis court and a soccer field that guests can use free of charge. Loaner equipment and tennis lessons are available for a fee.