Selcukhan Hotel

We weren’t in Turkey for the first time, but this trip was a last-minute booking. A hotel that saves on quality. Where to start? We arrived at the hotel late in the evening and were greeted by two men at the reception — one older, with poor English and Russian language skills, and the other, a younger man named Samil, who spoke both languages well.

The room was worn out, but we were lucky to have a very nice housekeeper — an older lady who did her job very thoroughly. The safe could lock.

The quality of drinks was very poor, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. If you want cocktails served by the pool, a staff member will ask women for their Instagram or other contact info. If they refuse, drinks are no longer brought, and the glasses are left uncleared.

Cockroaches run around the outdoor terrace of the restaurant, which the staff doesn’t seem surprised about. The food was good, but you have to go early to get anything, especially during dinner. The restaurant staff were kind.

Ice cream is served one per person. We were two people under one booking, and a very rude employee insisted the second person must come personally to get their ice cream. This turned into a discussion. I’m sorry, but we paid for a full Ultra All-Inclusive package, so if I want three ice creams, you should give them. Suggestion: make a list of guests and give ice cream upon signature.

The beach is unkempt — floating plastic bags, wooden planks, and other things.

Bar and restaurant staff expect tips, and only then start working properly.

At the SPA centre, the staff were extremely rude — especially one woman and a man around 40 years old. They argue with guests, complaining that all guests are terrible, don’t understand anything, and that they’re unhappy with their jobs. Lockers don’t lock — only for staff ones do. Zero security. The sauna is outdated, the toilets and showers are dirty, with no toilet paper. I also had to argue with the staff. They aren’t afraid to talk badly about guests in front of other guests, even swearing. Sauna towels are changed every second day, even if they’re already wet and smelly. Those who pay for at least one procedure get fresh towels and much friendlier service.

When I brought this up at reception to the older man, he responded, “Do you change towels every day at home?” My answer is — at home, I don’t go swimming 5 times a day, to the sea, where there’s sand, and towels stay wet and don’t dry overnight with 80% humidity. :)))

The best part of the hotel was the Fly Club and the animators. The animation leader Tolik (; )) and his assistant are simply wonderful people. The evening shows were engaging and funny. There were also daytime activities like bocce, aqua gym, morning yoga, etc.

Freshly made Gözleme flatbreads were delicious.

This is definitely not a 4-star hotel by Turkish standards — more like 2 stars. If, like us, you just want to enjoy a holiday by the sea and in warm weather with decent food, I suggest skipping the SPA and simply turning a blind eye to all the bad stuff.

Book the à la carte restaurant as early as possible — from 10:00 to 11:00 on the first day. The food was tasty. Hmm, but the hotel apparently doesn't understand that if you arrive at night, you can’t reserve it right away, and then the next day is already counted as “you came late.” :D

If possible, choose 5-star hotels in Turkey and read reviews carefully.

But for a last-minute idea and for the price we paid, it was okay — thanks to about five great staff members and some lovely fellow guests.

It was a great experience. Clean, quiet room with aircons, clean shower, free water bottles and kettle, safe, full blackout blinds. Close to the sea. On the site lots of activities: yoga, sauna, hamam, massage, darts, kids zone, etc. Food was amazing. Staff polite and friendly. Disco was great. Views of mountains and the sea wow wow. Bus stop close by. There was a show almost every night: fire show, belly dancing, life music, etc.