Crystal Sunrise Queen Luxury Resort & Spa

First opened in 1997, the Crystal Sunrise Queen may not be the newest, most fashionable hotel in the Side area, but it has some of the loveliest grounds around. The property is set on over 12 acres of beautiful gardens spread over several levels, with big decks dotted by seating and spacious lawns shaded by pine trees. According to the management, there were 1,200 guests when we visited, but the property didn’t feel crowded thanks to its size. The resort has an Ancient Rome theme throughout (with Italianate balustrades, white-stone statues, and big colonnades), but it doesn’t feel overdone, and the themed details blend in well with the general Mediterranean vibe of the property. 

The Crystal Sunrise Queen carries out cosmetic renovations every year, but it is starting to show its age, and doesn't quite live up to its luxury moniker. We saw some wear and tear in hallways, and some of the furniture was due for an update. However, the quiet atmosphere and charming grounds can seal the deal for those looking for the convenience of an all-inclusive vacation sans the hustle and bustle of louder resorts. There is no shortage of things to do on-site, and the hotel is popular among European, Russian, and Turkish families, but there are always quieter spots for those looking to unwind, including an adult-only pool set on a separate deck. 

Travelers wanting a more bustling atmosphere may want to consider the Aydinbey King’s Palace Resort & Spa, which is just a little farther away from Side. Those seeking something quieter and more upscale may prefer the Turquoise Resort Hotel & Spa, which is more popular with couples than families, and has a romantic vibe in the evening, with candles throughout and live music in the gardens. Club Hotel Turan Prince World is a good alternative for families on a tighter budget; it has plenty of family-friendly amenities, including a small zoo, kids’ club, and a large water park, and clean rooms for up to seven guests.  

The hotel is located in a beachfront community packed with other all-inclusive resorts. There is nothing of general interest within easy walking distance, but there are a few shops and restaurants along the area’s main thoroughfare, which can be reached in about five minutes on foot. The city of Side, known for its gorgeous historic ruins and lovely seaside cafes, is a 10-minute drive away, and there is a public bus stop right outside of the hotel. The beach offers direct access to a pleasant promenade that goes all the way to Side, but the walk to the city center can take about 50 minutes and most guests find it more convenient to take a taxi (readily available outside the hotel) or the bus. Other local attractions, including the Manavgat Waterfalls and Lyrbe, can be found within a 30-minute drive of the hotel. Antalya and the airport are about an hour away.

The hotel’s 514 rooms were redecorated in 2017 and have an attractive turquoise palette combined with white and dark accents. Laminate floors and beige wallpaper with geometric patterns are contemporary touches, but rooms feel a tad plain and old-fashioned, with flowery curtains, and simple furniture throughout. At 237 square feet, Standard Rooms are spacious enough for two guests, but can feel a little tight with three people, which is the maximum in this room category. All rooms have a furnished balcony, and most offer sea views (though only partial in some cases). Deluxe Rooms are a little bigger than Standards, and two-bedroom Family Rooms are housed in a separate block. 

Standard in-room amenities are good for the price, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with international channels, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Free minibars are stocked daily with beer, water, and sodas. Electric kettles with free coffee and tea are provided in all rooms as well. 

Bathrooms are basic but clean, with showers (jetted tubs in Deluxe Rooms), white-marble counters, older hose-style hairdryers, and off-white tiles throughout. Shower gel and shampoo are provided in a single big container attached to the wall in the shower, and all rooms come with a few extras, such as combs, nail files, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. 

The hotel is located right on a long beach with a mix of sand and shingles. There are several dozen loungers and umbrellas available, and a small booth run by a third party offers motorized and non-motorized water sports for an additional charge. Those who prefer to stay by the pool can choose from seven different ones, all featuring plenty of loungers. The main deck has three large pools, including one with music, pool games, and fitness activities during the day. Guests wanting some peace and quiet can head to the Relax Pool, located on a separate deck. The Family Building is home to another pool with a few waterslides, but we saw few guests around it, as it is a little away from the bars and restaurants. 

The entertainment program includes an array of activities for all ages, and kids are kept busy with tons of indoor and outdoor games, sports, and themed days. Teens also have their own designated program, which focuses more on sports than on guided activities. Evening shows, a nightclub, a movie theater with two screenings per day, and a game room with bowling lanes and arcade machines round out the entertainment options.

Soft instrumental music and a pleasant smell make the spa appealing and relaxing. There are seven treatment rooms and five thatched cabanas in the gardens, and guest get free access to the hammam, steam room, and sauna. There are also plenty of options for those looking to stay active during their vacation, including a well-equipped fitness center with views of the indoor pool, mini-golf, and tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts. 

Panorama is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving a large buffet spread for breakfast and dinner in a big dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace. The breakfast buffet is particularly varied, and includes a wide range of hot and cold options (meats, lots of cheese, salads, eggs several ways, pastries, sausages, grilled vegetables) as well as free, do-it-yourself orange juice. Lunch is available at three different restaurants, all located closer to the beach and open seasonally only. Late breakfast and late dinner are served at L’Aspendos Restaurant, which has a compact dining room and a large deck with sea views. Guests staying a minimum of seven nights get one free dinner at either the Turkish, Mexican, or Mediterranean a la carte restaurants. There is also an Italian a la carte, but it is always an additional charge. There is a strict no-flip-flops and no-swimwear dress code in all restaurants. 

Hot and cold snacks -- including cake, ice cream, gozleme (Turkish pancakes), and pastries -- are available throughout the day at different bars around the property. The all-inclusive package covers all local and some imported drinks until 1 a.m. in the summer and until before midnight in the winter. Additionally, 24-hour room service is available for a fee.