El Vino Hotel & Suites

Despite its central location in Bodrum, El Vino Hotel feels like an urban oasis. All 20 rooms, the rooftop restaurant, and the reception are housed in a charming three-story building tucked away in an intimate garden. Colorful bougainvillea creeps up whitewashed walls, and vines interweave on either side of stone paths winding through lush lawns busting with flowers and palm trees. The atmosphere is serene and romantic throughout, with inviting outdoors that call for relaxation, and simple yet cozy interiors. There is no lobby as such, just a tiny, sunny reception area that feels a bit like an office, with wooden cabinets and shelves lining the walls, and two desks with piles of documents and a computer each. The rest of the property, however, is taken care of right down to the smallest detail, with charming touches such as exposed brick and stone walls, well-tended potted flowers, and terra-cotta or hardwood floors. The property is located on a hill, which allows for panoramic views from many of its common spaces, especially the rooftop restaurant -- which features a large deck with lots of seating -- and the intimate rooftop pool. Most guests here are vacationing couples, although the property’s central location draws businesspeople as well. 

The hotel is located on a small street off the D330, a major road that crosses the Bodrum Peninsula from east to west. The area is mostly residential and quiet, but there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. The city center proper is about a 15- to 20-minute downhill walk away. The way back from Bodrum, though, requires a car or taxi, as the hill can be a tad challenging. The town’s main beach is also about a 20-minute walk from the hotel, but El Vino offers free shuttle service to its private area on Turkbuku’s beach. Major attractions in Bodrum, such as Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Myndos Gate, and the hopping marina, can all be found within a 10-minute drive of the hotel. The drive to the airport can take up to 35 minutes. The hotel offers airport transfer service for a fee. 

El Vino has 20 charming rooms, each individually decorated and thoughtfully designed with unique architectural features such as exposed stone walls, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, or wooden beams. Simple, traditional furniture and neutral hues feel inviting and warm, while the many wood accents and small patterned rugs give rooms a cute rustic look. Some units also have lovely four-poster beds, and others feature tiny, intimate patios with a couple of wooden chairs and a table. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and safes are all standard amenities, and Wi-Fi is available free throughout the property. Comfort Rooms and Suites have seating areas and small kitchenettes equipped with electric kettles and sinks. Bathrooms are compact but appealing, with beige stone tiles, wooden counters, and glass-enclosed showers. Hairdryers and an array of basic toiletries are also provided.

The hotel is charming and upscale all around, but a definite highlight is its rooftop restaurant, serving excellent Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine and organic wines. The main dining room is traditionally styled, with exposed stone walls and simple tavern-style furniture. Huge windows let in lots of sunlight, and a spacious deck offers stunning panoramic views of Bodrum and the Aegean Sea. A varied, quality breakfast spread is served in a similarly charming room with exposed brick walls, traditional wooden furniture, and a lounge area with a fireplace and couches. Breakfast is included in all rates. Set in the middle of the beautiful gardens, the main pool deck has an intimate vibe that feels a world away from the main road running right outside the property. Potted plants with colorful flowers separate pairs of padded loungers, while umbrellas and trees offer some shade. Hidden away on a separate elevated deck is the hotel’s other pool, complete with a hot tub, panoramic views, and two beautiful wooden cabanas with steps offering direct access to the water. The hotel also features a small sun-filled fitness center with a handful of cardio machines and a few free weights, and a spacious meeting room with audiovisual equipment. Along with breakfast, the hotel offers a number of other great freebies, including afternoon tea service, outdoor parking, Wi-Fi, and shuttle service to its private beach area in Turkbuku.