Sultan Of Side Hotel

This hotel is noted for its sandy beach with a shallow entry and a convenient beach bar, making it a memorable feature for many guests. It is particularly suited for families seeking a relaxed beach holiday, as well as budget-conscious travelers who prioritize value. While some guests found the staff friendly and the food variety ample, others experienced issues with service and room quality. To ensure a pleasant stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding the hotel's star rating and be prepared for potential language barriers with some staff members. Additionally, arriving early to secure sunbeds by the pools or on the beach is a common practice among guests.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers multiple pools, including those with slides and a dedicated children's pool, which are generally well-received by guests, though some note a shortage of sunbeds requiring early reservation. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but its performance can be inconsistent, especially near the beach. Guests appreciate the availability of ice cream at specific times and coffee machines along with pastries in the lobby area. However, several reviews highlight issues with air conditioning in both rooms and common areas like the lobby, which can be uncomfortable. The elevators are few and often slow, leading to long waits, and some corridors are described as dark.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, with some guests finding their rooms adequately clean and the beds firm. However, a significant number of reviews point to outdated rooms showing considerable wear and tear, including broken fixtures like door handles and wall sockets. Issues such as leaking showers and toilets, non-functional air conditioning, and unpleasant smells are frequently reported. Some guests noted dirty bathrooms with mold and uncleaned floors, as well as stained bedding. The lack of adequate lighting contributes to a sense of darkness in some rooms, and noise from laundry facilities or outside can disturb sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives varied feedback. Many guests appreciate the food variety, particularly the fresh fruits and vegetables, and the grilled meat/fish options, especially at the beach bar. Omelets are a popular breakfast item, and Gozleme pancakes are a highlight. However, a common complaint is the repetitive menu, leading to boredom over longer stays. Some found the food bland taste or served cold food. The poor quality alcohol, often described as watered down or artificial in cocktails, is a frequent point of dissatisfaction, as are the overly sugary juices. Occasional reports of dirty plates/cutlery and a lack of labels for food items (posing a challenge for those with dietary restrictions) are also mentioned.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's close to the beach location, typically a 5-7 minute walk, is a major advantage for many guests. The sandy beach with its shallow entry is highly praised, and the presence of a beach bar offering food and drinks is convenient. The hotel is also considered close to shops and within a reasonable taxi ride to Side Old Town, with public transport options available nearby. However, some guests describe the walk to the beach as unpleasant due to smells or garbage. The beach itself can be crowded, and sunbeds are often placed very close together. There is no shuttle service to the beach, and the hilly terrain can be challenging for some.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably inconsistent. While some guests commend certain bar staff, housekeeping, and members of the animation team for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and hardworking, many others report negative interactions. Frequent complaints include unfriendly staff and rude staff, particularly from management and some receptionists. A significant language barrier is often cited, as staff primarily communicate in German and Turkish, with limited English proficiency. This can lead to discriminatory treatment towards English-speaking guests, slow check-in processes, lack of assistance with luggage or room issues, and poor communication regarding guest concerns.

Additional Information
The hotel has faced issues with overbooking, leading to guests being moved to different rooms or even other properties upon arrival. Some guests have reported problems with the safe in their rooms, noting that it is a paid amenity and sometimes unreliable. While Wi-Fi is available, its consistency can be an issue. A spa services is available and generally receives positive feedback. However, the laundry service is noted as being quite expensive. One guest reported passport damage during their stay, which was not adequately addressed by the reception.