Sunlight Garden Hotel

I’m never one to usually leave reviews, however after looking at a particular Facebook page, we were ready to cancel but so glad we didn’t. It’s a long one as I want to cover everything that mattered to us.

To clear up a few of the points that we were dreading:

Food - Food was fine, a little repetitive at times but always something to eat and some things were really tasty. We had a 6yo and a 12yo and they both ate well. I’m lactose intolerant, took a certificate that explained in Turkish and the restaurant manager and head chef took the time to go through things with me. None of us had food poisoning or a stomach upset. Monday is Turkish night and the busiest we ever saw the restaurant we had to wait 5 mins for a table but was no biggy we just sat with our drinks at the bar outside and the manager came and got us.

Pools and sunbed- never an issue we always managed to get beds without the need to come down early, the pools were lovely and can’t say we noticed any smell, other than chlorine, sometimes the drains smelt a bit down the side of the restaurant between the two pools but you only pass it briefly. One pool is more lively and the other more relaxing, both have bars nearby for drinks and both have toilets nearby. My eldest enjoyed the slides which were open at set times each day. You can also borrow towels from the spa for use at the beach and pools if you don’t want to take your own. We had our own but borrowed on the last day so I could dry and pack ours. No ear or skin infections. We missed the foam party as we arrived just after and left before hand on the Wednesday.

Room - we had a 2 bedroom apartment it was nice and clean and cool with air con, we had a light that occasionally flickered but we weren’t in the room long enough for it to impact. Our towels weren’t changed until day 4 but then were changed two days on the trot. My mistake I put my English money on the table out of my purse when we arrived not thinking and it was taken by the cleaners, but again more my mistake than their’s but don’t leave money of any currency out. There is a safe in the room but you have to pay to hire, we kept everything of value locked in our suitcase. Fridge and kettle in room. Pop to supermarket out of the side gate (turn left) for coffee, milk, bigger cup etc. Also suncream not that expensive if you don’t want known brands.

Entertainment - our kids were happy especially the little one, who loved the kids club, having her face painted and especially the mini disco each night, we didn’t do bingo as we had just arrived that day, our apartment was above reception so overlooked the entertainment however everything is quite after 11pm. We watched the belly dancing, Turkish dancing and modern dancing all were really good, enjoyed watching the Karaoke especially Is la (Isla) and her rendition of creep, amazing! The entertainment team are great you were asked during the day if you wanted to join in but there was no pressure. There is no entertainment on a Sunday so if you are thinking of going off resort this is the night to do it. Special mention to Eda who was fantastic with the children.

Spa - staff were lovely, I went with my girls, yes there is cheaper off site but honestly it was worth every euro!!

Staff were friendly, we were never once harassed and never once asked to leave a review.

Small negatives:

Repetitive food Small option of drinks on AI but we managed, not big drinkers but Efes, Rosé and gin were all nice. Would be nice to possibly add a couple of import spirits or a couple of cocktail options. Not always aware of what was going on, we had seen other children been given art work they had done in kids club at the disco, when our girls went I asked them if they had made anything and they said no as you had to pay to do these activities - if we’d known some things were chargeable we’d have given them money, which we did the next day. A couple of times after the mini disco, separate entertainment events were mentioned including a beach party with transport, we had no idea what this was so couldn’t really make a decision on if this was something we wanted to do and when it was mentioned over the mic this was the first we were hearing and couldn’t always fully understand what was being said.

Side and off resort - we ate and went for drinks at the crown on the corner really enjoyed it and could get a cider there. We went in the local shops and bought some bits to bring home, we haggled at Side market on the Saturday, we walked there and back took roughly 15 mins. Reception helped us with directions and printed a map but it was so easy, follow the path right round the back of the hotel until you come to main road, turn right and walk to the Green Mosque, it’s literally over the road.

The beach is about 10 mins down the hill walking or can get the free shuttle to designated area. Side old town and harbour is stunning! Gorgeous lit up on a night and lovely to wander during the day, we shopped and explored. We did both a taxi run 600tlr one way, 500tlr back 🤷‍♀️. We also walked down one morning took us about 25-30 Minutes but is a gorgeous walk along the seafront promenade. Found the restaurants more pushy on a night. We would next time look at a boat trip and Mangavat market.

Overall we loved it and if we didn’t already have NY’s holiday booked we would be back!

hotel was basic food was okay not that bad and weather also fine and we took some photos and the guys who works there (ali and ibrahim )was brilliant and entertainment eda she was always looking after kids and really enjoyed w her and there is nice

We're here for the second time. And we will definitely come back again! It's fun, it's really a family hotel. The staff is friendly, the kids club is great, the entertainment just as especially for the kids. The food is fine and often enough and the bar is open from 10-23. No drunk guests, just a cozy family vibe.