Batihan Beach Resort & Spa

Despite being sandwiched between similar setups, this all-inclusive property manages to stand out, and its 6.1 acres (2.5 hectares) of pools, gardens, and facilities form a sprawling complex bordering the hotel's private beach. Terrace lounging and five pools (including kiddy and waterslide ones) are what draw guests, while animation and entertainment are what wows them. From morning yoga and water aerobics, to kids' clubs, sports facilities, and amphitheater fire shows, there's never a dull moment here. Music is loud by the pool, and nearby rooms suffer the consequences, but a quieter (and older-looking) block is more sheltered. Much like the food (which alongside drinks and snacks are unlimited, except for one a la carte restaurant), decor is average. The lobby's beige sofas and deep woods sit alongside red tulip photo wall murals, but rooms and most common areas are bland and decorated in neutral tones. Bar and restaurant spaces are large, but unfortunately, so are crowds. The stream of guests is constant, especially since pools back onto the private beach. 

The hotel sits at the northern tip of Long Beach, where sandy shores stretch for miles, and gentle waters are great for little ones. Immediate surrounds of similar hotels, supermarkets, and a few beach bars aren't the most exciting, but guests spend most of their time on-site. A bus to Kusadasi stops outside, alongside taxis. Kusadasi is a 12-minute drive, and its town has a harbor (with ferries to Greek island, Samos), plus an island castle that can be reached by car. Allow half-hour drives for Ephesus Archaeological Site and Catholic and Muslim shrine, House of the Virgin Mary. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is just over one hour away by car.

Occupying two blocks -- one modern, one older -- bright rooms are outfitted in neutral palettes, and either a dated or fresh look. They have light walls, tiled floors, and wood-accented sand palettes in older rooms, while newer units have contemporary white furniture and tropical photography headboards. Categories range from Standard Rooms with twin beds (or an added sofa bed), to Family or split-level Duplex Rooms, sleeping up to five. Pool Select Rooms have direct pool access via patios, and Suites have living rooms, plus terrace whirlpools or kitchens in upgraded categories.Phones, desks, flat-screen TVs, bottled water, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges, alongside seating areas, tiled bathrooms with shower/tub combos, toiletries, hairdryers, and AC. There's a fee for safes, unfortunately. Note, rooms near the pool and amphitheater suffer noise. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. 

Features are extensive here, including the three buffet spreads with Turkish and international cuisine, although the restaurant gets crowded. Outdoor dining terraces are available at the pool bar and romantic Sunset Restaurant, where banquet seating in blues and whites overlooks the shore. All-inclusive packages cover meals, drinks, snacks, and ice cream, except for Kumsal Restaurant. Expect huge pools, colorful waterslides, and separate kiddy and toddler pools, which are surrounded by loungers, umbrellas, and all-day music. Amid lawns and palm trees, they back onto the beach, which offers more sunbathing space. Sports facilities include tennis, basketball, mini-golf, Zumba, yoga, and water aerobics. The colorful kids' club has a cottage look from woods and cute shutters, and its outdoor kiddy seating is welcoming amid toys. Activities range from poolside games, to mini discos. Evening dancers and fire shows are spectacular at the poolside amphitheater, and the hotel has a nightclub, but it's rarely frequented. The full-service spa offers Turkish treatments and a decent gym. The hotel has a conference hall. Pets are not permitted. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.