Gaferli Mah. Cevizler Sok, Goreme, Turkey | (888) 708-2081
Excellent example
of rock-cut architecture set in ancient caves
Located in town
center within easy reach of attractions and ballooning
Roman-inspired
spa with Turkish hammam and pools
Rooms all retain
ancient elements with modern amenities
Lovely terrace bar with
views of the surroundings
Home to the area's only
Indian restaurant
Some rooms can
feel dark and poky
Numerous steps could be tricky for
mobility-challenged
Anatolian Houses
is an upscale, traditionally styled complex with 33 suites carved from ancient stone caves
located in the center of Göreme town. The original architecture has been
superbly maintained as has its wonderfully historic ambience, though with all
the modern comforts you'd expect from a hotel of this caliber. The Roman spa is
certainly impressive and the wine fountain is sure to appeal to many. But it's far from the cheapest option around, a few rooms are subpar, and service
can be inconsistent. It's still certainly a contender for one of the finest hotels in
town, though -- and rates are far from exorbitant.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Superb Cappadocian complex cut into ancient grottos with subtle modern makeover
Stepping in Anatolian
Houses, visitors immediately enter a wonderful complex of typical Cappadocian
rock-cut architecture the town of Göreme is so famed for. Originally a
collection of village homes hidden amongst the famous "fairy chimneys" -- extraordinary
rock pillars carved from millennia of wind and rain -- the property comprises
of a series of rooms, courtyards, and grottos, linked by pathways and stairs
carved out of five 800-year-old caves. The atmosphere throughout is undeniably
tinged with a mystical air and the stone wall and carved-wood beams imbued with
a real sense of the property's history. A pretty moat-style pool leads through
a stone archway into a basement spa modeled on ancient Roman baths, while
other interiors have been sympathetically modernized to include parquet floors,
soft leather furnishings, and glass steps that lead to lawn or flagstone
terraces that look out over the spectacular surroundings.
Location
Set in the heart of Göreme with all its attractions -- and ballooning -- within walking distance
The Anatolian
Houses are situated in the center of Göreme and on the edge of the UNESCO World
Heritage designated Göreme National Park. The vast complex of rock-cut churches
of the Goreme Open Air Museum is just five minutes' walk away, while the ancient
11th-century El Nazar Church is just over a mile away. Ballooning excursion
points are also well within walking distance, while the nearest international
airport -- Erkilet -- is around an hour-and-a-half drive.
Rooms
Rock-carved suites with ancient ambience and modern technology
All of the
hotel's 33 suites are carved into rock in the Cappadocian style and retain much
of their original elements and ambience -- including stone archways, carved
wooden beams, and ancient alcoves. Local art pieces also decorate the stone
walls, while modern amenities include minibars and flat-screen TVs with digital
channels. Bathrooms too maintain an ancient feel -- with inevitable
mustiness in some -- though there are contemporary fixtures and hydro-massage baths
in all but the standard Suites. All rooms also include centralized floor
heating systems to take the chill out of the stone, though room size does vary
a lot and some rooms can feel dark and poky.
Features
Superb Roman-inspired spa with Turkish hammam and swimming pools
The downstairs
ancient Rome-inspired spa offers indoor and outdoor pools, together with the
traditional Turkish hammam experience and a range of massage treatments. To re-tox
afterwards, the hotel's courtyard offers a wine fountain providing red or white
local wine on tap. There is also an excellent restaurant on-site serving a menu
of Indian cooking as well as a terrace bar which overlooks the stunning
surrounds. Free Wi-Fi is available, though not throughout the property, while
staff area on-hand to organize airport transfers and balloon excursions.
