Mostly German middle aged couples here, so the general atmosphere is calm, quiet, sober, and certainly not flashy. Very few Brits. We were the only ones there during most of our stay. This was actually very relaxing indeed for us because of course you don't overhear the irritating conversations of fellow Brits!
The Gardenia is ideally located, an easy walk to the busy central area’s shops, bazaars, markets, bars, harbour, boats, etc, but far enough away from the centre to be quieter. Being a town hotel means the grounds are very compact, so don't be misled by some pictures which show extensive gardens, fountains, etc - these are actually the very nice municipal gardens just across the road from the hotel! Gardenia itself has a pleasant small garden with a couple of tables among shrubbery, but there is plenty of other seating around the sides of the hotel and within the lobby. The pool is clean, well-maintained and quite stylish. The pool area is a nice place to read and relax. It’s sheltered, quiet, with comfortable sunbeds and plenty of parasols. It loses the sun by late afternoon.
Rooms are small but adequate. Ours had a fridge and hairdryer but no kettle. Beds were very, very firm. Air con was quiet and efficient. TV was predominantly Turkish and German, plus CNN and the tediously repetitive BBC World.
Gardenia's restaurant is on the top floor and provides fabulous panoramic views of the sea, coast and the castle, especially if you sit at the tables on the balcony outside. The open buffet style of food suited us very well. There’s a limited choice of hot dishes each evening but these were interesting and different every night of our two-week stay. All the food is beautifully prepared and cooked. The restaurant lighting is harsh and bright, so sadly there is no ambience at all. It closes at 8.30pm so you have to eat rather early. A bottle of red wine cost 30 lira.
The lovely Cleopatra beach is less than half a minute from the hotel, across a quiet road and through pretty ornamental gardens. The beach is excellent, clean, over a mile long, very wide, with fine sand near the water although grittier further back. Lots of sunbeds and parasols for hire, bars, etc. The whole beach enjoys good views of sunset, and is backed by very attractive new parks and a new promenade for walkers and joggers.
Gardenia has a gym, and also hires bikes. Try cycling along Alanya’s eastern seafront to DimCay (flat all the way) and then, if you’re keen, up the beautiful Dim river valley to the barrier dam (some steep hills). Or you can walk from Gardenia up to Alanya’s incredible castle. It’s uphill all the way, but take it slowly and you’ll get to the top in well under an hour. Taxi drivers will try to discourage you from walking by exaggerating the distance and difficulty. The views all way up to the castle are absolutely stunning, and there some lovely places to stop for refreshment along the way.
We paid under 900 pounds for two people on a fourteen night half board package deal from Gatwick through Manos (Thomas Cook). Gardenia was a good choice of hotel and Alanya was an excellent holiday destination.
- Gardenia Hotel Alanya
