Bitez is great, lovely beach, restaurants, especially Almera (don’t bother with Okyliptus they rip you off and poor quality food) and easy access to nearby Bodrum and (stay away if over 21), Gumbet.
The Sestra Apartments however are a different story. Yes the staff are smiling and friendly but behind the smile is a poorly run, one star hostel type accommodation.
Only one towel between two of us on arrival, waited 2 days before we were given another.
Towels and bedding not changed until 6th day of our 7 day stay, - we had to keep asking, but they said they did not have enough linen as it was needed for other guests arriving that day.
Towels very thin with no bath mat, despite the fact it was a shower unit and not “over the bath”, causing wet floors – danger hazard with nothing to stand on.
Bed Sheets did not even fit the bed – see photo and grey, not white, and mattress threadbare.
After the initial provision of 2 toilet rolls, no more were left for days and after repeated requests for more we were told that it was a public holiday, suppliers were not working and we would have to wait as people in the hotel were using too many!
Eventually the staff found ONE half used roll and brought it to us when we were at the poolside in front of other guests, much to our embarrassment!
No toilet brush in the bathroom; all we saw was the housekeeper moving from one room to another with a “communal” toilet brush – Surely a health hazard from cross contamination.
The shower area was in very poor repair and significant mould was apparent.
Apartments are basically furnished, but we did not expect there to be no bedroom lights other than the very bright centre light. This meant one could not lie in bed with a small bedside light to read. No thick curtains so privacy was compromised as our apartment was overlooked from the apartment block next door.
Only net curtains were provided, and given the very sunny days, the bedroom was awash with light from very early with no means of darkening the room, yet at night one had to undress in semi darkness as putting on the main light (with no bedside lights) meant we were visible from outside through the net curtains.
No kettle in the apartment and the owner after repeated requests had to go and buy one for us; this was the same for a hairdryer.
Pool area was nice with plenty of space, but no parasol umbrellas for shade from the intense heat. We asked the Rep who said yes they have them, but when we asked the hotel staff, we were told they have none and if you are too hot go and sit under the trees! – where there was limited room anyway - but I prefer to decide myself where I seek shade, not be told what I should do.
The poolside bar had no crisps, nuts, ice creams – in fact no kind of snacks and only a limited choice of beverages. We were told by the rep not to bring our own food to the poolside – which we understand but when there is nothing available it is a different matter. The barman even used his fingers to pick up ice and put into glasses! They did not even have enough glasses – when we went for another drink we had to bring our glass back as they said they did not have enough.
When we arrived at the Sestra, we were met by staff who carried our suitcase to our room etc and then we went to have a drink in the bar after our long journey. However, after asking for a beer and a soda water, were told there was only one tin left and they had no soda water! Additionally, throughout our whole holiday, only imported (more expensive) beer was available, no local beer as advertised.
Although it did not affect us as we were travelling alone, the children’s pool was empty and used as a dump for airbeds, life safety ring and other junk. However small children did arrive during our visit but had to use the main pool, even though there was no “shallow” end and there were no water depth markings.
Overall the Sestra Apartments proved to be very poor value for money, don’t be taken in by all the reviews about how friendly staff are, check all photos, you won’t see any umbrellas around the pool. If you like sleeping in a room with no thick curtains and the room super bright at 6 am in the morning and no light in the room other than the bright centre light then you will love the place.
The location is good, ok on a hill but at least you know that before you go. Our apartment was number 14, with no balcony, other rooms may be better. There are no decent utensils or crockery to speak of, what there is, is very poor quality, but no one wants to cook when there are such great eating places within easy walking distance.
We have been to Turkey many times, including Istanbul and we know how friendly the people are and the high standard of food available. This place gives a bad impression.
If you want simple good Turkish food try the small eating place in the market in Bodrum, where the Dolmus drivers eat, especially on non market days. The food and service is excellent and cheap. Also get a Dolmus to Yalikavak for the day, its clean, quiet and relaxing.
If you are feeling suicidal go to Gumbet for the night, but make sure you wear a football shirt!
Enjoy Bitez, but think again about the Sestra.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
