Doria Hotel

Its impressive hilltop setting aside, there's little upon first arrival at the Doria Hotel Bodrum's unassuming facade that makes for much wow factor. Stepping inside, however, it's soon clear this is easily one of the area's more stylish and trendy hotels. The lobby is a bright, airy space with the homey feel of a casual lounge, outfitted with comfy seating, wooden bookshelves, and low-profile coffee tables. Numerous pieces of sculpture and colorful contemporary artwork evoke the vibe of a hip gallery. Hallways, too, are characterized by a scattering of art pieces set against crisp, canvas-white walls and cool-gray stone. Spread across three buildings, the hotel's low-rise architecture is tastefully understated and modern, while grounds comprise attractive sun terraces dotted with small arrangements of tropical plants and lines of snow-white lounge chairs. Most of the terraces, as well as rooms, have superb sea and sunset views. While not adult-only, the hotel has a quiet, grown-up ambience that appeals mostly to vacationing couples, plus it lacks kid-friendly facilities for families.

The hotel is perched at the top of a hill up a steep, cobblestone driveway overlooking Bitez Bay on the south coast of the Bodrum Peninsula. While there are a few quality restaurants within walking distance (around the Bitez seafront) the steep uphill return may be a struggle for many and most choose a taxi for the return journey. The hotel provides a free shuttle service to its private beach just five minutes away, while public buses are also available nearby and run into charming Bodrum Old Town in around 15 minutes. The buzzing party town of Gumbet is also just five minutes from the hotel by road. Milas-Bodrum Airport about a 45-minute drive away.

All 92 rooms continue the hotel's signature chic and contemporary vibe through stylish modern furniture, real wood floors, serene blue accents in the bedding and chair fabric, and splashes of colorful art. All rooms have doors that slide open to spacious terraces or balconies, most with striking panoramic sea views (though entry-level rooms have land or garden views). Amenities include well-stocked minibars (with two free bottles of water daily), iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Pillow menus and 24-hour room service also make these rooms stand out. Marble-clad bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with slippers, quality toiletries, and showers or shower/tub combos; they also have windows into the bedroom (plus shutters for privacy) and in some the sea beyond. Suites add separate lounges and kitchenettes.

An excellent breakfast buffet of hot and cold items is included in the rate and served in the hotel's bright and modern restaurant, which opens to a poolside terrace with sea views. This main restaurant and bar is also open for lunch and dinner serving a menu of typical Mediterranean and Aegean dishes, while the Club House eatery provides light meals and evening cocktails. A real hotel highlight is the hotel's two spacious and peaceful infinity-edge pools, both with plentiful lounge chairs and views of the water, but without the noisy poolside activities or entertainment found at many resorts in the area. While one pool does have a separate splash pool, there's little else in the way of child-friendly facilities. There is a spa featuring an indoor pool, a Turkish bath, sauna, and a small fitness room. Guests can use the hotel's free shuttle service to go to its private beach, which consists of tiered sun terraces overlooking the water, in addition to a small eatery. Wi-Fi is free throughout.