Orta Mah. Mizrak Sok. No:18, Goreme, Turkey | (618) 248-8274
Removed from city center enough to avoid crowds and noise
property enjoys an impressive view over surrounding countryside
Comfy and clean rooms, some carved into hillside rock
Five-minute walk from bus stop and town
Free breakfast, with free coffee and tea available round the clock
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Lovely garden and outdoor grounds
Warm, friendly hosts
Occasional complaint about overcharging with booking services through hotel
Rooms directly beneath the restaurant may be noisy
No major amenities like spa, gym, or business center
This charming bed and breakfast enjoys
fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and offers a plethora of
romantic places to sit among stone terraces. Multiple guests have lauded the Elysee thanks in large part to the
warmth of the owner and the willingness of the staff to help book travel and
tourist activities. Guest rooms are rustic and comfortable if not luxurious. Some spaces have the particular appeal of having been carved
into the rock of the hillside, giving one the sense of sleeping in a cave. Rates are competitive for a mid-range option in Goreme, but if this is booked, guests should check out the comparable Caravanserai Cave Hotel.
Scene
Charming stone hotel terraced into a hillside
Elysee Cave House, which is terraced into a
hillside just at the edge of the small town of Goreme, literally cascades over
the geography it occupies. Stucco steps, stone pathways, and flagstone-covered
walks wind over the grounds which are filled with hammocks, fuchsia easy
chairs, and shaded benches set with colorful tiles. Turquoise doorways dot what
is practically an all earth-tone setting, with a variety of foliage providing
more green. Nearly all vantage points at the hotel offer spectacular sights of
Goreme below. The overall effect is that of a rustic, romantic hideaway.
Location
Just outside small town of Gorem, about a five-minute walk into the center
The
hotel is slightly removed from the center of town, which, in such a small village,
puts it at the outskirts of things. Multiple guests comment that this makes for
a peaceful experience as well as mesmerizing views, since the property is set
on a slight hill. The bus station, at which visitors can connect to coaches
going to Ankara (five hours) and Istanbul (11 hours) is about a five-minute
walk away. Any number of bars and eateries are an easy stroll from the
Elysee, including Koy Evi and Topdeck Cave restaurants. The airport in Nevsehir is about an hour northwest by car while Kayseri Airport is more than 90 minutes east.
Rooms
Some rooms are carved out of rock; others are plainer, though with stone walls
The
Elysee underwent major renovations in 2011 and expanded to 18 rooms, with
categories ranging from Budget Double/Twin units to the Family Room. Some of
the larger guest rooms, in keeping with the name of the hotel, are carved into
rock and hence will give guests the impression that they're in a cave. Arched
doorways also lend a particularly elegant feel to the spaces, and pale
stone is handsomely set off by rough-hewn wood ceilings with large chunky
crossbeams. The rooms need little decor to feel authentic, though there is the
occasional decorative throw rug. Bathrooms are tiled in light brown and offer stalls with handheld showerheads. Overall, the spaces are not
particularly luxurious but charming and comfortable. All rooms have heat,
hairdryers, 24-hour hot water, and flat-screen TVs.
Features
Gardens, patios, and a lovely breakfast terrace
Amenities are limited at the Elysee, though the venue’s ambiance
can be seen as a major feature unto itself. Breakfast, which is included in the
room price, is served in a lovely room with panoramic windows. Guests can also
wander outside with their coffee, where there are any number of places to sit
in the various patios. A roof with even more spectacular views is on hand as
well. The hosts sometimes cater dinner, for which a reservation is required. The staff, renowned for their attentiveness, also can provide suggestions for local tourism options and will arrange airport transfers upon request. Free Wi-Fi and parking is available as well.