The Marmara Antalya

First opened in 2005, The Marmara Antalya is one of the city’s most unique properties. Seen from the outside, it may look just like any other business hotel in town -- even a tad plain -- but behind the nondescript facade, the Marmara has lots going for it. The most outstanding feature here is its rotating building. Set overlooking the cliffs, this three-story, round structure rotates 24/7 at a slow speed, taking an average of four hours to complete the 360-degree turn. During that time, the 24 rooms housed there get panoramic views of the sea, the city, and the hotel’s lovely gardens. As a matter of fact, the grounds are also one of the hotel’s top features, housing a large pool and big, manicured lawns that extend all the way to the cliffs. 

Due to its location between the city center and the airport, the Marmara draws many business travelers, both Turkish and international. However, the hotel is also popular among British and German couples, as well as with tour groups from China. Though there is a kiddy pool and rooms are outfitted with sofa beds, the atmosphere is generally quiet and relaxing, and we didn’t see any kids during our stay in the fall. Guests seem to split evenly during the day between the hotel’s large pool and the platforms on the side of the cliff, and the lack of an entertainment program keeps noise levels at a minimum. Meeting rooms and coffee break areas for events are all located on floors three and four, which allows for attendees to all stay in one area and not crowd the common spaces of the hotel. 

Rates are surprisingly affordable for a hotel of these characteristics, but its bold interior design may not be for everyone. Pink, green, teal, and mustard combine to create whimsical, funky spaces, while huge windows, gray tiled floors, and graffiti-like decorations on walls and pillars lend the hotel’s lobby bar and restaurant a warehouse feel. Those who find this design a little bit too artsy may want to compare rates at the Ramada Plaza Antalya, which is also located on the cliffs but closer to the Old Town. Mediterra Art Hotel and Alp Pasa Hotel are both cheaper options within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, while travelers wanting to relax on a sandy beach may prefer the Melas Lara Hotel, which is one of the cheapest resorts in the area. 

The Marmara Antalya is located in a residential part of town between the city center and the airport. It is perched on Antalya’s dramatic cliffs, though offers easy walking access to dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops in the area. The Old Town and its many historic attractions -- including Hadrian’s Gate, the Ataturk House & Museum, the harbor, and the Clock Tower -- can be reached by car in about 10 minutes, while the Duden Waterfalls are just over five minutes away. The nearest sandy beaches are located in Lara, about a 20-minute drive away, and it takes about 25 minutes to get to the airport from the hotel. There is free outdoor and indoor parking at The Marmara Antalya, as well as an electric car charging station. 

The hotel has 238 spacious rooms, including 214 in the main building and 24 in the rotating structure. Decor is bold and funky in all, with a combination of mustard, pink, teal, and green that gives rooms a whimsical feel, and cool loft-inspired touches such as backlit desks and exposed concrete ceilings. Though the design is eye-catching and playful, the gray tiled floors and plain wooden furniture are a tad basic. Revolving Lofts are housed in the rotating building, and are more suitable for couples than for business travelers sharing a room, as they have double beds only, open-plan bathrooms with tubs and sinks in the middle of the room, and frosted-glass doors in the toilet and shower cabins. Our main-building room had stunning sea views, but others overlook the street. Units in the revolving building never stop turning and offer 360-degree views. Unfortunately, rooms have poor soundproofing.

Standard amenities are great for the price, and include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with international channels, and electric kettles. All rooms are also outfitted with free Wi-Fi, daybeds that can be used to sleep a third guest, and free safes. Minibars are stocked with a great array of drinks and snacks, including whiskey, vodka, chips, raki, nuts, gummy bears, candy, and even gum and condoms, all available for a fee.  

Bathrooms are spotless and fun, but those in the main building feel a little more basic, with simple shower/tub combos and floating sinks with double taps. However, colorful touches such as mustard tiles, pink shower curtains, and wooden stools and shelves add some cheerful style. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, hand soap, and hairdryers are all provided.

The Marmara offers direct access to the sea via an elevator that leads to a couple of concrete platforms with loungers and umbrellas. Snacks and drinks are available at the bar, which is outfitted with a few tables and a shaded area. Metal and stone stairs lead directly to the water, and there is a small diving area below the bar. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, but those wanting to have easier access to other common areas can grab a lounger around the hotel’s large pool, complete with a kiddy section. 

The main restaurant serves a quality buffet for breakfast and dinner, and it has a spacious area in the garden with additional tables. Adjacent to it is the 24-hour bar, which has a solid menu of pasta, sandwiches, fish, burgers, and salads, among other tasty options, as well as a pool table and shelves full of books. Room service is available 24/7. 

Located on the fifth floor, the spa is simple but pleasant, with eight treatment rooms, a relaxation area with several four-poster beds, and a hammam. Guest can use the hammam, steam room, and sauna free of charge. The fitness center is outstanding for a hotel in this price range, and features a large main room with lots of cardio and strength-training machines, and a movement studio offering group classes. Most guided sessions are an extra charge, but there are always a few free of charge for guests, including yoga, Pilates, and some cardio classes. The gym is also open to non-guests.