Susesi Luxury Resort

The Susesi is a hotel with a split personality. It is housed in a large building with a blue glass facade and a red roof jutting out over the large driveway that makes it feel more like a convention center than a family-friendly beachfront resort. Its interiors tie in well with the exterior's business-like style, featurig carpeted seating areas outfitted with dark-wood paneling and black-leather couches. However, aside from a large convention center, the rest of the on-site amenities cater largely to families. The grounds have a more casual, inviting feel, thanks to big pools surrounded by lawns with palm trees, flowers, and loungers, a lovely private beach with two piers and cabanas, and a full entertainment program. The atmosphere was lively when we visited at the end of the summer season, with music at the activity pool, and many kids running around and playing in the water. However, when the weather gets cold everything is taken indoors, and families are replaced by convention attendees, making for a mellower vibe. Rates are a little high for a hotel that hasn’t had any extensive renovations since it opened in 2007, and there are quite a few hotels in this price range that offer more bang for your buck. In particular, the Gloria Golf Resort is a great alternative, with upscale rooms, excellent food, a wonderful spa, and access to three golf courses. Families on a tighter budget may prefer the IC Hotels Santai, which offers a staggering array of amenities for kids, including a great adventure park. The Rixos Premium Belek is a wonderful option for those looking to splurge. 

Susesi Luxury Resort is located at the very end of a road lined on one side by golf courses and by large beachfront all-inclusives on the other. There is nothing within walking distance of the property but for other hotels, though a few restaurants and shops can be found about a 10-minute drive away, both in Kadriye and Belek. Side, known for its impressive Hellenistic and Roman ruins and seaside cafes, is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel. Driving to Antalya and its many historic sites -- including the Old Town, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Yivliminare Mosque -- takes about 40 minutes. The hotel is a half-hour drive from the airport.

The hotel’s 554 rooms are spread over a large main building and a number of smaller structures set around two pools. Rooms have not been renovated since the hotel opened in 2007, and decor is bland and a tad dated, with beige-and-blue carpets, generic wooden furniture, cream-colored walls, and a few blue accents. Everything is kept clean and in good shape, and warm lights make rooms cozy at night, but the style is plain overall. At 430 square feet, Standard Rooms are big enough to comfortably fit a third guest, and most other room types have two bedrooms. All rooms come equipped with central air-conditioning, robes, slippers, electric kettles, and safes. Minibars are stocked with beer, water, and sodas, and replenished daily free of charge. Wi-Fi is also free throughout the property, but some guests have complained that the signal can be weak in rooms. Bathrooms are clean, but unexciting. They are outfitted with older wall-mounted hairdryers, an array of basic toiletries, and shower/tub combos with glass screens. Top-tier suites and villas have jetted tubs. Terrace House Rooms and Love Lake Suites are set around smaller pools, to which some units have direct access from the terrace. There are also two villas in the hotel, both located in a separate section adjacent to the kids’ club. They each feature private indoor and outdoor pools, kitchens, fitness equipment, saunas and steam rooms, and butler service. 

The hotel has several pools spread over its 22 acres of gardens. The main, Olympic-sized one is set parallel to the beach, and has a snack bar and a large deck around it full of loungers and umbrellas. There is a smaller activity pool right next to it, complete with music and entertainment, as well as another freeform one with sunken palm trees and additional loungers. The two Terrace House pools are generally only used by guests staying in that section of the hotel and have a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. The water park is small but fun, complete with six slides overlooking the beach.The kids’ club offers a full program for children of all ages, including sports and other group activities for teens, and movie nights in the summer. Babies up to three years of age can use the kids’ club as long as they’re accompanied by an adult, and babysitters are available for a fee. The all-inclusive package covers free access to a small but pleasant area in the spa, complete with a hammam, sauna, and steam room. Additionally, there is a separate area with 28 massage rooms where guests can get a range of body treatments. There are also two pleasant indoor pools at the spa, as well as a fitness center with several cardio and strength-training machines.  The main restaurant serves a varied buffet spread for all three main meals, and features a spacious outdoor area with many tables. Additionally, the hotel has six a la carte eateries in the summer, but only two are free for all guests. All outdoor restaurants close during the winter, which means most of the a la cartes close generally between October and April, leaving limited dining options during the off-peak season. The lobby bar is open 24/7 year-round, and there are several spots where guests can get snacks throughout the day.