Akka Antedon Hotel

With a big, cobblestone driveway and large porched entrance, the Akka Antedon feels upscale even from the outside. The resort sits on over 22 acres of lovely Mediterranean grounds, which are dotted by pines, palm trees, and shrubs, and its 507 rooms are housed in several lower structures. Traditional Ottoman interiors incorporate lots of marble, arches, and latticework to create classically elegant spaces, while floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light. The lobby is particularly grand, with soaring wooden ceilings, a huge golden chandelier, purple velvet chairs around carved wooden tables, and polished off-white floors with geometric designs. Outside, concrete paths wind through quiet gardens that lead to a long, sand-and-pebbles beach where the hotel has several dozen loungers and a wooden pier with additional seating. The hotel is popular with Russian families, but the atmosphere is generally quiet. There is some entertainment during the day, though instead of loud water aerobics classes, the hotel organizes darts and beach volleyball tournaments, allowing for reasonable noise levels. It is even quieter in the winter, when all outdoor areas -- including the pools, the snack bar, and some a la carte restaurants -- are closed and most guests are business travelers attending conferences on-site. The Akka Antedon is a great pick in Beldibi, but those seeking something livelier and more swish may prefer the Rixos Sungate Hotel, which offers tons of fun things to do on-site, including zip-lining from the top of the building to the beach, joining group fitness classes, and attending beach parties and concerts. The upper-middle-range Limak Limra Hotel is a great alternative for families on a tighter budget, as it provides spotless rooms, a wonderful spa, and good food. Travelers wanting to stay closer to the airport may want to compare rates at the IC Hotels Santai, located on a long, sandy beach in Belek.

Akka Antedon Hotel is located on the main street in Beldibi, a beachfront resort-filled area between Kemer and Antalya. Built with its back against the imposing Taurus Mountains, the property offers direct access to a long beach with lots of loungers and a pier. There are a few small shops and cafes within easy walking distance of the hotel, but there isn’t much else of general interest in the area. Kemer -- known for its nightlife and restaurants -- is a 15-minute drive away, while the gorgeous ruins of Phaselis are about 25 minutes from the hotel. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Antalya and its many attractions, including the Old City, the Duden Waterfalls, and the harbor. The airport can be reached in about 45 minutes. Free outdoor parking is offered at the hotel.

Rooms at the Akka Antedon are clean and air-conditioned, and range from 323-square-foot Standard units to huge King Suites, complete with living and dining areas and kitchenettes. Decor is classic and simple across the board, consisting of wooden furniture with clean lines, laminate floors, and a subdued beige palette throughout. Raspberry accents, along with bedside lamps with silver-colored bases add some style, but golden mirror frames and wicker-style chairs are a tad bland. Big glass doors open onto furnished terraces or balconies, about 40 percent of which offer sea views. Standard amenities are adequate for an upscale hotel, and include LED TVs, free Wi-Fi, central air-conditioning, robes, slippers, and safes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, and minibars are stocked daily free of charge with soda, water, juice, and beer (but only with water in the winter). Electric kettles and free tea and instant coffee are also provided and restocked daily. Rooms were redecorated in 2013-14 and look fresh and in good shape, but many guests seem to find bathrooms somewhat underwhelming for the price. Ours was spotless and stocked with a great array of toiletries, but it had worn taps and tired countertops. Additionally, all bathrooms have simple shower/tub combos, except Superior Rooms, which are outfitted with separate shower stalls and tubs.Families can choose between a range of room types, from connecting rooms (some with basic kitchenettes) to Duplex Family Suites, complete with lofted bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

Divan is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving up a varied buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a smaller selection for late breakfast and until the wee hours. Guests wanting to add some variety can book a table at any of the four a la cartes for a small fee, though the fish and Italian eateries are only open in the summer. The kids’ restaurant is outfitted with colorful furniture, and opens earlier than the main restaurant.The all-inclusive package covers all local drinks and some imported brands, as well as small bites at the snack bar (also seasonal), pastries and hot drinks at the bakery, and ice cream. 

The main pool has a spacious deck dotted with loungers and umbrellas. The atmosphere is generally relaxing, but those wanting an even quieter environment can get a lounger (or a rope hammock if they’re lucky) in the gardens. Two kiddy pools are small but cute, and are outfitted with a few small slides. The water park is tiny for a hotel this size, but we were told there are plans to expand it in 2018. All outdoor pools close in the winter, but the heated indoor pool remains open year-round and is long enough for laps. The vibe at the spa is soothing and inviting, with candles, lots of wood, and relaxing music. Guests get free access to a hammam, sauna, and steam room, and there are eight treatment rooms, including some for couples. The fitness center is small but well-equipped, with a variety of cardio and strength-training machines, and lots of natural light. Two tennis courts are on-site, but there are fees for tennis equipment and flood lights.The hotel has a great (seasonal) kids’ club, complete with computers, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and a small movie theater. Activities include morning fitness classes, baking, games, and arts and crafts, and there is as a special program for teens. Business facilities include 11 meeting rooms and a large ballroom with audiovisual equipment, plus a movie theater with 67 seats.