First off it takes an hour from Antalya airport and costs about 140 Turkish lire to get there. Not too bad, and there is a board with set prices. That will be the last time you see set prices in Turkey. The hotel itself is a medium sized compound with a decent sized swimming pool outdoors and a heated pool indoors. Understand that this hotel caters to Russian and German guests. Once you realise this, everything else about this hotel makes sense.
The food is infuriating. You can only eat rice and tomatoes so many times before getting really angry. However, the rest of the people in my ground (Eastern Europeans) thoroughly enjoyed the fresh salads and did not have a problem with the sameness of it all. We went all inclusive and it was probably for the best as Kiris Kemer is VERY remote. Buffet is ok with decent desserts, but get there early for dinner and secure your cakes early...German tourists remember. There is only one restaurant and they did not serve any Turkish food while we were there. Turkish food is AMAZING, flavourful and exotic, rich and full of fresh ingredients. We got maraconi and cheese with some corriander (not cool). If you do stay in Turkey do yourself a favour and set aside some money for at least one trip to a Turkish restaurant for Turkish cuisine.
The local high street is pathetic, there is nothing around and is underdeveloped. Beware when booking with tour companies that seem to give value for money then you end up in a remote area, in a second rate hotel with a flight that is tailor-made for insomniacs. I think the paying, travelling public deserve more, especially in this financially delicate time when people are expecting more for their money.
The spa area, indoor pool and jacuzzi were located in a basement area that looked fairly seedy and uninviting. The tenis courts (free) were run down and no-one was playing while we were there. There is a pool table and tenis table and internet, all of which attract a fee of 3 euros, even if you go all inclusive.
Overall a rather unremarkable hotel with a pebbly average beach, rundown facades everywhere, repititive, uninspiring menus. The staff were friendly and spoke very good English and German and Russian. Not hearing English spoken and not seeing lobster-red, tattooed yobbos scarfing fry-ups while complaining about everything was rather refreshing, but can probably be lonely for those travelling with just two. It does make for a very quiet vacation if this is what you are looking for.
PS - on a side note, expect to get harassed by shop owners begging you to come into their store. If you dont want this, then dont go to Turkey...this is just the way it is, accept it.
- Sailors Beach Hotel
- Hotel Sailors Beach
