Club Hotel Turan Prince World

First opened in 1993, the Club Hotel Turan Prince World was part of one of the first batches of large all-inclusives to built in the area. Its age shows in some details, such as the golden metal window frames in the lobby, rattan furniture in the restaurant, and standard Club Rooms. But extensive renovations in 2015 brought a fresher look to most common spaces and many rooms. The lobby has cute, classic decor, with silver tufted couches and armchairs, a large chandelier, and wood wall paneling. However all other public areas have a more casual style, with spacious decks with simple patio furniture, and bars housed in thatched huts. 

The grounds are particularly charming at the Turan Prince World. Climbing vines and flowers cover wrought iron arches, providing some shade over cobblestone paths. Neatly arranged Ottoman-style buildings with lovely wooden balconies and terra-cotta tile roofs dot the lush gardens bursting with flowers and shrubs, while small, shaded nooks with rope hammocks offer a quiet spot for those seeking some relaxation. On the edge of the property, a natural canal separates the main section from the beach, where the hotel has several dozen loungers under big awnings. Throughout, small ponds with fish, ducks, and plants lend the grounds a serene feel.

With its many amenities for kids, big water park, and family-friendly rooms, the Turan Prince World is popular with families from Europe and Russia. Its serene grounds, good food, and lovely beach draw couples and honeymooners. The Evren Beach Resort Hotel & Spa is another good option in this price range, but it lacks some of the kid-friendly amenities available at Turan Prince World. The Alba Queen Hotel is a comparable property with generally lower rates, but grounds aren’t as charming there. Those seeking a mega resort-style property with striking architecture and plenty of on-site family features may want to compare rates at the more upscale Royal Alhambra Palace and Royal Dragon hotels. 

Club Hotel Turan Prince World is located in a small cluster of large all-inclusive resorts off a country road running parallel to the beach. There are a few touristy shops within a short walk of the hotel, but little else of general interest can be found in the immediate area. Popular Novada shopping mall -- home to a Starbucks, several other cafes, and plenty of shops, including some international brands -- is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Side, known for its stunning Greek ruins, lovely seaside cafes, and many shops, is just a 20-minute drive away. Other attractions such as the Manavgat Waterfalls and the archaeological sites of Lyrbe and Aspendos are just a little over 30 minutes from the hotel. Antalya and the airport are about an hour and 10 minutes away.

The hotel has 688 rooms ranging between smallish Club Rooms for up to three adults and a kid, to spacious Select Rooms with beds for up to seven guests. All rooms are clean and have balconies with garden views, but decor varies between categories. Club Rooms are the most basic of all, with decor in earth tones and generic dark wood furniture. Laminate floors are a contemporary touch added in 2015, but beige walls and run-of-the-mill paintings above the bed are bland. Main Building units have a few extra touches, such as cute wallpaper, bed runners with blue and yellow designs, and purple throw pillows with geometric patterns. Select Rooms are the most upscale of all, with elegant wooden furniture, a beige and Aegean blue palette throughout, and handsome wooden floors. These units also have spacious balconies with stairs offering direct access to a private pool shared with other Select rooms. 

Regardless of their category, all rooms have sofa beds, flat-screen TVs, central air-conditioning, safes, and minibars stocked with water and sodas (replenished daily free of charge). Main Building and Select units feature electric kettles as well, and minibars in the Select section feature free beers. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property except in Club Rooms, which is surprising, especially for an all-inclusive. 

All bathrooms were renovated in 2015 and feature chocolate brown tiles, and sleek glass showers. Toiletries in small containers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and robes and slippers are provided in all units. Select Rooms feature a wider array of toiletries, backlit mirrors, and black tiles throughout.

The spa has a soothing atmosphere, with soft lighting and zen-like decor with lots of wood, stone, and bamboo accents. The all-inclusive package offers free access to a lovely marble hammam and a sauna, and guests can book an array of massages for a fee. Beachside pavilions can also be rented for outdoor treatments.

Adjacent to the spa is the small but well-equipped fitness center, which features a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, and large windows overlooking the grounds. Guests can also take part in group sports such as soccer and basketball, or join the many daily activities offered as part of the entertainment program. There are also five tennis courts that guests can use free of charge. Loaner equipment is free, but there is a fee for floodlights. 

The beach at Turan Price World is long and sandy, with several rows of loungers under big awnings, and a pier with additional seating and stairs to the water. Guests staying in Select Rooms have a separate area on the beach with free drinks (including some imported brands) and ice cream throughout the day. A cute bar housed in a thatched hut serves snacks and drinks nearby.

Sofra is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving a varied spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A smaller selection of items are also available overnight. The dining room is large and generally busy, but there is also outdoor seating in a spacious terrace with a thatched roof. Baby, vegetarian, diet, and kids’ sections are also available, and guests with allergies are given a card to warn chefs of their dietary restrictions. Food generally gets good reviews at the buffet.

There are also three a la cartes on-site, including Asian, Mexican, and fish restaurants. Guests are offered one free dinner at each of them per stay, but reservations are required. The most popular of all three seems to be the Asian restaurant, but the fish restaurant is the cutest, as it is located overlooking the canal separating the property from the beach. 

The Select section of the hotel features its own private restaurant, which offers a la carte international cuisine for lunch, and varied breakfasts with fresh orange juice.

Sweets and snacks are available in the lobby during the day, and drinks are served at the lobby bar 24 hours a day. The all-inclusive package covers all food and local drinks, as well as a few imported brands.

As a family-friendly property, the Turan Prince World offers a wide array of activities and features for children of all ages. The kids’ club has indoor and outdoor spaces, two playgrounds, and plenty of daily activities for children 4 to 11. Teens are kept busy with DJ courses, video games, dance lessons, and sports. The kids’ club has its own kitchen and dining room, decorated with cute child-size furniture in bright colors. 

The hotel also features a mini zoo with ostriches, ponies, horses, sheep and birds, and a few free carnival rides by the beach.

One of the hotel’s highlights is its large water park, complete with 14 slides of different sizes, two kiddy pools with water features, and a large activity pool with music and entertainment for all ages. The main pool is located closer to the beach and features a big rectangular section for laps and games. A bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during the day. Although directly adjacent to the main pool, the quiet pool has a more relaxing atmosphere, with no music or activities, and its own bar. This pool is wheelchair-accessible. 

There is also a small indoor pool at the spa, complete with a kiddy section, big windows with garden views, and a couple dozen loungers.