Bayrakli Dede Mevki Kusadasi, Kusadasi, Turkey | (251) 219-4428
Sprawling nature setting, bordering private beach with beautiful horizons
All-inclusive food and drink includes buffet, poolside, and sea-view dining
Clean, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and outdoor spaces
Upgraded units have fresh decor and modern bathrooms
Multiple pools with loungers, umbrellas, and a hot tub
Kids' club, waterslides, playground, and animation team
Plenty of land and water sports, plus live amphitheater shows
Small spa with sauna and treatments, and daily yoga
On-site convenience store
Free parking and Wi-Fi throughout hotel
Not much nearby, and beach itself is small
Lower-category rooms are dated and in need of renovation
No in-room kettles, and Wi-Fi doesn't reach some units
Fees for spa access, in-room safes, and a la carte dining
Animation mostly in French and Turkish (pro for some)
Hotel only open mid-April through mid-October
The three-pearl, all-inclusive Kustur Club Holiday Village is a relaxing, beachfront getaway that's been drawing families since 1966. Sun-drenched terraces around multiple pools, bars, and restaurants form great outdoor spaces, and the wealth of activities, animation, and entertainment mean there's something for everyone. The 450 rooms are a mix of dated and contemporary, but they're all comfortable and outfitted with flat-screen TVs and fridges. In-room Wi-Fi, however is unreliable. Aldo on the downside, the beach is small and underwhelming, and there are fees for spa access, in-room safes, and a la carte dining. Guests mostly stay on-site, but a bus outside runs to Kusadasi's town in about 15 minutes. Compare rates with the similar Batihan Beach Resort & Spa.
Scene
All-inclusive, beachfront resort with lots to do
The all-inclusive Kustur Club Holiday Village's 170 acres (69 hectares) of wide, open greenery are well-maintained, and they border a small beach. Lawn gardens, pine trees, and olive groves divide up the numerous activity-based features -- from vast pools with waterslides to seafront dining. There's a designated quiet pool, but prepare for thumping beats at the main pool and lots of kids in most areas. Contemporary interiors in mostly neutral tones are bland, making outdoor seating for dining areas more alluring. Plus some take in gorgeous sunsets. Activities range from water aerobics to amphitheater fire shows, and with the majority of guests coming from France or Turkey, staff largely speak in their language. Note, a small cover charge applies to a la carte dining, and like most of the region, the hotel is only open mid-April through mid-October.
Location
By the sea, 15 minutes by bus from downtown Kusadasi
This hotel has a coastal location an 11-minute drive north of Kusadasi. There isn't a ton nearby, but the beach is the main draw. The private beach is across the street, or reached via an underground tunnel. Although it's small, tiki-shaded loungers here are relaxing, and lapping water views extend to gorgeous horizons. The larger, public Pigale Beach is an eight-minute walk away. Immediate surrounds of other hotels and a grocery store aren't exciting, but a bus outside runs to Kusadasi in 15 minutes, where nightlife, shopping, and a marina with ferries to Greece are worth exploring. The historic Ephesus town is 18 minutes away by car. Allow an hour's drive to reach Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Rooms
Functional rooms -- worth the upgrade for a fresh look
Straightforward rooms are in low-rise buildings or bungalow setups -- the latter of which are mostly freestanding Family Rooms sleeping four. Rooms have clean-tiled, carpeted, or tiled floors, patterned or striped motifs in bedspreads and wallpapers, and warm or neutral colors. Standard Rooms are dated, featuring loud red carpet in many and patterned peach and red bedding. It's worth the upgrade for 2014- or 2017-refurbished units, where quilted leather headboards, contemporary wooden furniture, and a neutral and purple palette are smart. Be it a balcony or flower-filled patio, furnished outdoor spaces are guaranteed. Likewise are phones, desks, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and AC. Seating areas are provided, and some rooms have sofa beds. Unfortunately, no kettles are provided, there's a fee for safes, and the resort's Wi-Fi doesn't reach many units. Excluding larger Suites, which have living rooms, units span 312 to 377 square feet (29 to 35 square meters). Bathrooms are old or modern-looking, with shower/tub combos in the former and rainfall showers in the latter, plus toiletries and hairdryers in all. Note, upper-level rooms are reached by steps.
Features
A ton of food and recreation facilities
Extensive features here pack in a lot for the price tag, though they're all of average quality. The private beach has loungers, umbrellas, water sports (fee), and adjacent dining. Lounger-surrounded pools are upbeat aside from a designated relax pool, and together offer a whirlpool, kiddy fun, waterslides, snack bar with ice cream, and a popular pancake hut. Well-reviewed buffets have show kitchens, international menus, and Italian or Asian a la carte counterparts with sprawling terraces -- some sea-facing. A small fee applies to non-buffet restaurants. Five bars have indoor and outdoor seating, and one is open 24/7. Alongside solid water features, kids are well-catered to with a playground, game room, tennis, mini-golf, basketball, and a kids' club. The large gardens are also great for run-around space.Adults can unwind in the spa, although it's tiny, and fees apply for its sauna and whirlpool. Massages and treatments are on offer. Free yoga, Zumba, and water aerobics are popular, as are live evening shows, mostly hosted in the outdoor amphitheater. A mini-market sells essentials. Pets are not permitted. Free parking and Wi-Fi complete amenities.