Tuntas Beach Hotel Altinkum

A beachfront location and attractive, all-inclusive rates are the hotel's greatest assets, and despite drawbacks, this property has been going strong since 1990. Aegean Sea views are gorgeous from many rooms and relaxed terraces serving the pool bar, although the pool itself is small, and notably lacking in loungers. Music here can be overwhelming, but the area gets tons of sun, and makeshift greenery, tables, and chairs around it form a clean look. Inside, frieze moldings, statues, and yellow paints are underwhelming and dated, although plenty of comfy couches forming the lobby bar offer a place to relax. Buffets are big on choice, but quality is average, as is entertainment. Animation teams keep kids entertained poolside, where there's a splash corner, but there's no kids' club. Nearby nightclubs are a disturbance, but the beach setting is excellent. Travelers with mobility issues should be aware there are steps throughout, despite elevators.

Occupying a prime spot on Altinkum Beach's eastern tip, shores here are true to the area's "golden sand" translation, plus they're right outside. This seaside resort is a vacation hotspot, so the hotel's private loungers and fun blue umbrellas are a real pro. Clear, shallow waters are great for little ones, and independent operators hire out water sports equipment. The beach's drag has bars, clubs, restaurants, and supermarkets-- all are within a ten-minute walk. Local minibusses can be flagged down pretty much anywhere, and they run to Didim's town in 15 minutes. Nightlife, historic ruins, and a 2009-built marina here are worth a visit, plus there's an aqua park. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is just under two hours away by car.

Coming in two-person Standard or four-person Family Rooms, units have a contemporary, albeit generic, look due to 2014 refurbishments. Hard or laminate woods floors, headboards, and desks have white trim, while comfy beds have patterned throws and swan or fan-displayed towels. Monochrome wall hangings in some units, and splashes of red or purple in bedside phones and seating areas add some decoration. Small, old tube-style TVs are in need of replacement, and the lack of kettles, and Wi-Fi in many units, is a source of a complaints. Mini-fridges, AC, hairdryers, and small furnished balconies come standard, and many offer lateral or full sea views. Front-facing units are hit by nightclub noise though, while quieter, back-facing ones lack views. Compact but clean bathrooms in off-white or camel shades have tiny shower stalls or shower/tub combos, wall-dispensed soaps, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Crib fittings are free, but safes incur charges.

Choosing the hotel for its beach location, travelers aren't phased by the limited features. Beach loungers and umbrellas are tightly packed and lack cushioning, but they're free and private. With many guests spending their days here, the small pool doesn't get too crowded, and the lack of loungers is mostly forgiven. A splash corner is great for kids, particularly given there's no kids' club here, and surrounding terraces with faux grass are tidy, with dark plastic tables and chairs. Seating is more plentiful on the pool bar's sea-view terrace, where cream-shaded awnings offer shade, and vistas are fantastic. Sadly, indoor dining areas are unattractive with old-fashioned marbling and gold-piped chairs with navy-blue cushions that have a conference hall look. Buffet spreads are extensive, and all meals, snacks, and drinks are part of the all-inclusive package, but food quality gets mixed reviews.Enthusiastic animation teams keep kids occupied, but adult evening counterparts are less well-reviewed -- fire shows are popular, while Turkish-geared singing or dancing acts are less so. Pets aren't permitted. Free parking and intermittent Wi-Fi are provided.