Poseidon Hotel

A corner of the lobby with brightly colored cushions and a small library of books injects a touch of playfulness into the mostly subdued modern decor of the Poseidon, which has the feel of a city hotel plopped onto the beach. With music kept at a low volume and no special facilities for kids or an animation team, the hotel attracts mostly couples from a mix of Western European countries as well as from Turkey, Russia, Lebanon, and other parts of the Middle East. Dutch firm Tui is the main tour operator bringing in European guests. The Poseidon is typically open from late April through October.

The Poseidon’s waterfront location offers both convenience and good views. The seaside promenade that runs in front of the hotel stretches for blocks is lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s a hike along the water to Marmaris castle and harbor (30 to 35 minutes), but only a 10-minute drive. It's also the jumping off point for excursion boats and ferries to Rhodes, Greece. The main road behind the hotel has more drinking, dining, and shopping options; minibuses that stop along here run to the bus station (a 15-minute drive) and to the neighboring resort of İçmeler (about 10 minutes by car). The nearest airport is about 90 minutes away by car in the town of Dalaman.

Almost all of the Poseidon’s 232 guest rooms are considered “standard” double/twins, though they vary in size and configuration. (There’s also a smattering of singles, triples, and accessible rooms.) None of them are large, however, and some can feel rather cramped, particular in singles, when futon-like armchairs are pulled out. Still, spaces are streamline and well-equipped, and decor is simple and soothing, with olive-colored drapes, bed runners, and chair covers, and all-white linens. There's light-wood floors and cabinetry, and bedside tables, vanities, and chairs. 

All units have balconies, some large with sea views, others tiny and overlooking the street behind the hotel. In general, there’s not much privacy on the balconies -- those in the first-floor rooms are located directly above the pool. Standard amenities include medium-size flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and kettles, but no free coffee or tea (or even stirring spoons). Air-conditioning is free but there’s an extra charge to use in-room safes.

Modern bathrooms are also on the small side, but they have roomy walk-in rainfall showers with removable showerheads, toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors.

In addition to its location, the hotel’s top selling point is the beach and jetty out front, both packed with cushioned sunbeds and umbrellas. Guests can borrow free beach towels to use during their stay, a nice touch not offered by many Marmaris hotels, which often post stern warnings about not taking room towels onto the sand. 

The indoor and outdoor pool and whirlpool provide other options for lounging around; each are fairly small and there are a limited number of sunbeds. A pool bar serves drinks, minus the loud music found at many other hotels in the area -- and there isn't much in the way of entertainment here. 

Wellness amenities include a medium-size fitness center with a handful of cardio machines, a weight bench, and natural light. It’s free for guests to use, as is the small Turkish bath and dry sauna. They spa is small, however, but it has massage and spa treatments for an additional charge. 

There aren't many on-site dining options -- perhaps the biggest drawback. Guests who choose breakfast-only or half-board meal plans rather than all-inclusive select from a modest open buffet with mostly Turkish dishes, served in a large indoor dining room.

There’s a small hairdresser by the spa, and a small jewelry shop by reception. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though service can be spotty.