This is a long overdue review following our stay in July 2011 with our 3 children (13,10 and 7). We booked on the strength of an old write-up from The Guardian and were looking for a budget return to Turkey having stayed at a wonderful but expensive resort (Hillside Beach Club) in 2009. This time we were looking for simplicity and relaxation in the sun, with the intention of discovering an authentic Turkish atmosphere, all within a tight budget.
The Patara Viewpoint met our needs perfectly! We had adjacent rooms - one double and one triple for the children. They were not huge but adequate, comfortable and clean with effective air conditioning. The view from the rear isn't anything special but our position was peaceful and( just as importantly!) we didn't feel we were disturbing others with our family to-ings and fro-ings.
The owners and their staff were at all times helpful and charming. The children were treated warmly. Yes, we were advised that they shouldn't run around the pool area and to take care up the marble steps when in wet swimwear, but what responsible parent would object to these gentle warnings?! We also tried to make sure they didn't completely shatter the peace around the gorgeous pool but they still managed to have a great time and fun in the water so hopefully we got the balance right. The other guests were mainly adults, but all seemed very relaxed and happy to see (mostly well-behaved!) kids having a good time.
The beach is as spectacular as everyone says and the ride there in the tractor is a lovely unique touch. Due to the heat of the sand in July, though, we tended to prefer the comfort of being near the pool and bar at the hotel. It's lovely to have such a great choice.
We ate in on the evenings when the hotel offered food. The food was good and there's a lovely atmosphere in the evenings - my only comment would be that smaller portions and a lower price should be available for younger children at the twice weekly dinners. We probably should have requested one meal between our younger two children - but one is a vegetarian and one is not!
We ate in the village on the other evenings and found the prices to be keen but quality variable. We found the more authentic Turkish dishes and pizzas etc to be the most enjoyable and all loved sitting cross legged with lovely hosts at the pancake house for dessert afterwards.
One week was enough for us here and we then moved onto an apartment in Kalkan for our second week for bit more "buzz". This combination worked really well for us and we were all very relaxed by the time we moved on.
The best bits of our stay were the pool (sparkling clean and gorgeous to use but be warned, it turned our new Boden swimwear yellow!), the laid back vibe about the place, the roof terrace at night (I will never forget the aromatic cedar wood fire, reclining on cushions by candlelight) and the spectacular setting of Patara. The owners were perfect hosts who went out of their way for us a number of times, notably showing concern and swiftly organising massages with "Magic Hands Ali" in the village when my husband's recurrent back problem became an issue and also delivering a pair of child's sunglasses to us in Kalkan after we'd left them behind. Overall it's their attitude aswell as the special place they run in a beautiful setting which will make us return someday. Meanwhile we have some lovely memories of our budget family holiday.
P