Esat Aga Sk. No:15, Temenni Mah. Eski Kayakapi Girisi, Urgup, Turkey | (251) 219-4428
In the center of Urgup
Historical details abound in restored 18th-century mansions
Luxurious cave rooms with air-conditioning
Large rooftop terrace with covered seating and hammocks
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Free Turkish breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking
No elevator
No fitness center or spa
No coffeemakers
Dating from the 18th century, the Fresco
is a collection of restored mansions that served as opulent residences during
the Ottoman period. Some rooms are traditional and brightly decorated with
original frescoes, but with three stories and no elevator, some travelers may
find that it’s a hassle to reach a few of them. Most of the rooms however
are true cave rooms, hewn from the rock deeper within the buildings. And,
unlike many others in the area, they're air-conditioned.
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
18th-century Ottoman mansions carved from rock
The first mayor of Urgup built the first
mansion here at the end of the 18th century and it's been added to
by successive owners. The hotel now consists of three main
buildings that were combined into one unique property, including old cave
lodgings from a bygone era once used by travelers and their pack animals. Blackand white photographs of families who once lived in the buildings adorn the
walls in the well-outfitted lobby, which has an arched stone block ceiling over a variety of easy chairs and Persian rugs. Adjoining
rooms are decorated in Ottoman antiques, and there's a cozy fireplace room
where guests can sip wine or tea in the colder months.
Location
Near the center of town, across from a park
Fresco Cave Suites & Mansions is in
central Urgup next to a Seljuk-period, 12th-century mosque and
across from a public park. The town center's shops, restaurants, and bars are
within easy walking distance, as is Temenni Wishing Well. Cappadocia's
most modern tourist destination, Urgup is brimming with upscale hotels, shops,
and nightlife, and also offers unique examples of Seljuk architecture and old Turkish
houses. It's a 15-minute drive to Goreme, which is a bit more touristy than Urgup and offers closer proximity to Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. (Urgup is a bit more upmarket and serene.) Two airports serve the area: Nevsehir Kapadokya is an hour’s drive
northwest while Kayseri is about 90 minutes east by car.
Rooms
Mansion and cave rooms with preserved frescoes
Each of
the 17 rooms here is individually decorated, varying widely in size and character.
Most of them are cave rooms, with hand-carved decorative stonework and walls
that have beautiful natural patterns and striations within the rock. The six
mansion rooms are more traditional, with hardwood floors and walls painted in
vibrant colors. Most have preserved floral frescoes painted by a Greek master
in the late 18th century. Many of the doors are also original, covered with a
patina that complements the aging frescoes. The natural cedar-wood furnishings
lend a pleasant odor to spaces and Turkish antiques fill the rooms. Despite
the age of the mansions and the caves, the bathrooms are all modern
with large walk-in rainfall showers. Some Deluxe rooms and suites have separatesoaking tubs and private balconies. Minibars and tea-making facilities are in
all rooms along with air conditioners -- a boon in warmer months,
often excluded by other hotels in the area.
Features
Rooftop terrace, fireplace lounge, restaurant with local specialties, and a free breakfast
While
the caves and old mansion interiors are the hotel's main draw, the property
also has an outdoor courtyard and rooftop terrace for enjoying views of the town
and surrounding landscape. The fake turf on the rooftop feels entirely out of
place, but the terrace is huge and has several different lounging areas,
including covered seating and leisurely hammocks. The small lobby bar serves
wine and tea, which guests can savor by a fireplace in colder months. Therestaurant has a set menu focusing on regional specialties like stuffed
eggplant, Turkish pie with cheese and potatoes, apricot desserts, and local
Urgup wines. Free breakfast is a traditional Turkish spread of vegetables,
fruit, and cheese with omelets made from local eggs.
