Goddess of Bodrum Isis Hotel

Named after the Egyptian Goddess, Isis Hotel & Spa is a family-friendly resort that draws a very international mix of guests, including many Turkish and many English travelers. (There can occasionally be cultural tension, with some U.K. guests complaining that the Turkish guests receive preference from the staff.) There's plenty to like about the resort, including the picturesque setting, but there are more downsides here than at many competitors, including poor Wi-Fi and limited entertainment.

The main building is dressed up like a French parlor with striped wallpaper and a faux patina applied to all the white-painted wood furnishes. A sleek and modern front desk is illuminated by blue mood lighting, while the concierge sits at an antique wooden desk beside a massive oil painting and opposite a gaudy round purple velvet banquette. Outside, the separate buildings are tucked into garden grounds connected by tree-lined paths. A Blue Flag beach lies at the end, with a large wooden wraparound deck fitted with lots of sunbeds and umbrellas, but guests should note that it can get crowded in the high season. 

Overall, this is a fine pick for families seeking a sunny, beachside vacation -- but guests should note that it doesn't meet its advertised five-star status.

The hotel sits at the bottom of a hill in the resort town of Gumbet, which has developed a reputation for its water sports and vibrant nightlife. Several bars are within walking distance, but the hilly landscape can be an impediment (guests will have to go up a steep hill to get to anything, and from there it's still around a 20-minute trek to downtown). More dining and nightlife can be found in nearby Bodrum City, about an 18-minute drive to the east. Bodrum City is also home to several major attractions, including the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the medieval Bodrum Castle. Expect a 45-minute drive to Milas–Bodrum Airport. 

Isis Hotel & Spa's 401 rooms are split between the main Isis building and other buildings housing the Club Rooms that are laid out in a more relaxed arrangement across the grounds. Rooms in the main building feature themed decor with pinstriped wallpaper and purple fabrics. Almost all of the white-painted wood furnishings -- from the desks to the headboards to the door frames -- have been given a faux patina treatment that makes them look aged, but also a touch dirty. Sitting areas have white wicker chairs with purple upholstery and glassy black tables, and the whole look is somewhere between a French boudoir and an ice cream parlor -- and might not suit all tastes. Club Rooms have a more typical contemporary look, with contemporary white furniture, closets behind sliding frosted glass doors, and trendy artwork decorating the walls. Wood accents give them some flavor, and the sitting areas are separated by slatted wood partitions (some have extra beds in this space instead). 

All rooms have small private balconies with either garden or sea views. Free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs come standard -- though some guests report that the Wi-Fi signal is poor -- as do minibars, electric tea kettles (but no coffeemakers), air-conditioning, and safes (for a fee). Bathrooms are small and dated, with granite vanities and average shower/tub combos. Suites add whirlpool tubs. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.

The scenic location offers a lot of waterfront, but only a small section of sandy beach, which is crowded with loungers and white umbrellas. Next to the beach, a narrow wooden deck wraps around the shore (just above foot-dangling height from the water), surrounding a wide sunbathing deck that's packed with more loungers and umbrellas. There's a small pier where the hotel keeps its own boat, which can be taken out on day trips for a fee. Paddleboats and canoes are also available, as well as water sports like windsurfing. 

The large main pool has a sundeck with reed umbrellas and plenty of lounge space, and there's a separate area with a waterslide and splash pool. Note that some guests complain about loud music by the pool, which might not be to everyone's taste. The hotel also has a small heated indoor pool and a hot tub in a round room with painted ceiling frescoes. A full-service spa has several treatment rooms, as well as a large relaxation room, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and a sun room. There's also a fitness center with a row of modern cardio machines facing floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the ocean. 

All-inclusive rates cover dining and beverages at five restaurants, ranging from Turkish to Italian cuisine. There's also an alfresco seafood spot, as well as a Chinese restaurant with live show cooking stations. The all-inclusive package includes drinks 24/7, but note that alcoholic drinks are extra at the a la carte restaurants. There are multiple snack bars scattered across the property, as well as an elegant coffee shop, a breezy beach bar, a lobby lounge bar, and a poolside bar. The Disco Bar has music and dancing, though it's not always available. 

Other amenities include several meeting and event spaces, a small on-site shop, and babysitting services (for a fee). Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property, but many guests remark that it's hit-and-miss.