Labranda TMT Bodrum Resort

The Labranda TMT Bodrum Resort (formerly Vera Miramar) underwent a full renovation in 2015, giving this huge, family-geared resort a chic, beachy look. The mostly whites interiors are gleaming, with lots of light linens, clean lines, and bold art giving the contemporary finish a modish edge. Outside, flower-filled lawns, neat stone paths, and cute tree house decorations make for a pleasant approach to the hotel's main hub housing its vast pools, terraces, waterslides, and abundant food and drink outlets. The all-inclusive package is more appealing than the private beach, where limited sands are a letdown, but the jetty's smart decking offers lounging, and a disco bar ups the ante in evenings. The sleek spa is especially popular, and endless animation, activities, and a kids' club cater to families, though expect crowds in the summer, and a little less on offer during low season. Buffet or a la carte dining is average, but al fresco seating areas are gorgeous. Evening amphitheater shows receive mixed reviews, and being allocated to Family Annexes across the street can be inconvenient. Still, this is an excellent upscale option within reach of Bodrum's town. Guests are mostly British, French, and Turkish couples or families. Note, cats and dogs roam the property. 

Bodrum city is known for its vibrant nightlife and historic sights, and it's center is set about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. A minibus stops outside and is a good alternative to walking, as are taxis. Immediate surrounds are largely of other hotels, plus a couple of restaurants and grocery stores. Bodrum has a medieval castle, 355 B.C.E.-dated Mausoleum, and a nice marina, where ferry trips to the Greek island of Kos are popular. Milas-Bodrum Airport is a 35-minute drive away.

Air-conditioned rooms were renovated in 2015, and their breezy white decor with powder-blue accents, and light-wood and white-painted furniture are chic and beachy. White scoop chairs, tripod night lamps, and slim wall beams add style, and windmill paintings are charming. All units have small furnished outdoor spaces reached through sliding glass doors that let in lots of light. Rooms span 258 to 409 square feet (24 to 38 square meters). A significant number of Family units are in annexes across the street, where elevators, walkways, and stair access are somewhat convoluted. All-white bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, basic toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers. Safes, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, and free minibars without alcohol come standard. Wi-Fi is free, but it's weak or non-existent in many rooms.

All-inclusive features here are family-geared, especially the five freshwater pools. They include a waterslide one, kiddy setups, and plenty of palm-flanked terraces with cushioned plastic loungers and umbrellas. These continue on the beachfront jetty -- a promenade-like decking space forming two piers extending into the sea. A tiny sandy shoreline is mostly taken up by boats and jet skis, which guests can use for a fee. It's a pretty spot, and disco nights here are a hit. There's no all-day beach bar, although the resort isn't short on al fresco space for its three restaurants, which offer international buffets, Turkish, and Italian fare. Food is average, but it's fresh, plentiful, and served in attractive-looking indoor or outdoor spaces, many of which overlook the ocean. The stylish lobby bar is open 24/7, and poolside snack bars are open all day.The sleek spa features lots of bleached woods, Buddha statues, and warm tones. Its indoor pool, marbled Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room, treatments, and massages are upscale. There's also a hairdresser and modern gym. Mini-golf, tennis, basketball, and beach volley accompany the colorful kids' club's games and mini-discos. Pets aren't permitted. A mini-market, free parking, and free Wi-Fi complete features.