Just back from 11 night stay at the Crystal Sunrise Queen. I would highly recommend this hotel and the area in general.
The transfer from Antalya should have been about an hour. But, as with many tour companies - a long and labourious journey dropping off at 6 other hotels along the way made it longer; so will think about a taxi next time, worth the money not to have to endure that.
Arrived at hotel late afternoon, and first impressions were very good. Large, bright, well air-conditioned reception area with pleasant staff who welcomed us immediately. Our room was in the family block and was nice enough, but on basement level, so no view, but well air-conditioned and roomy. Having looked at a room with a sea-view, (lent to us by lovely couple to change on our last day) would definitely pay the extra for a sea view, well worth it ; the views are stunning.

Hotel is right on the beach and the private beach (a blue-flag beach) is absolutely gorgeous.
Pools - Many to choose from; we mainly sat at the side pool, as set quite high and had a refreshing breeze blowing, which was needed as the temperatures were always above 30 degrees every day (and most nights! Phew!).
Food at the hotel - we could not fault: always plenty of choice of meats of varyng dishes and fruit and veg. Always well presented. Dining was a pleasure. Although self service buffet style was an effort at times, (so hot and humid you just didn't feel like moving anywhere!) still appetising choices.
Side was a 2.5 km walk. Or, 10 mins in the Dolmus (2.5 TL) Well worth a visit. If you cannot stand the walk (which will be because of the heat/humidity in the main) think about a walk up the beach! We walked up the beach into Side a couple of times, as that way, we could keep dipping in an and out of the sea to cool. Lots of nice bars in Side, with the ice glasses for the cool beers, nice touch! Not as cheap as imagined - 5 or 6 TL on average;about £3 per glass. Shops selling 'fake/copy everythng' you can imagine - all right if you like that type of thing and enjoy haggling a lot. Jewellery a good buy and leather too. Personally, the rest of the tat you can keep. A must is the Apollo temple (just follow the sea to the end). The rock pools with all manner of fish (take the snorkle) are a delight - and once again, a good cool off option (make sure you have your bathers underneath). A good wallow in one of the rock pools was heaven!

Trips - Only tried one (heat limited our movement!). We went to the Green Lake (Canyon) very nice - booked across the road from the hotel. Only problem was, as predominately a German resort there was no English commentary on the trip we chose But nice boat trip on the lake with time for swimming and cooling off (again) and nice buffet meal.

Tips: Always haggle when shopping. Don't go in August (said by those who know - the locals - when temperatures reach 50 degrees plus!) We went on 21st September for 11 nights, but wish we had left it till mid October, when temperatures and humidity would have been much more bearable. Again, recommended time by the locals - 15th October onwards to early November or mid April - mid June.

Moans; Only gripe was with the Hotel management regarding their policy on reserving sunbeds. Same old story... they say is NOT their policy but... as many hotels, across Europe - they still permit reserving of sunbeds, both on the beach and at the pool. Done, by a certain age group, in the main, certainly at this hotel, as hotel was predominately 60+ age group and German - those that have done it since the 70s, where they fertively place their towel on beds in prime locations at the crack of dawn. Rife in the 70s and the topic of many comedians jokes. I complained to the hotel guest relations lady who agreed was MOST DEFINITELY not their policy, and that it should not be happening, Only capitulation was an appeasing (to my complaint), but totally ineffective letter sent to all nationalities of guests, asking that sun-beds not be reserved before 8 in the morning (which says, of course that after 8 is fine!) They did nothing more to enforce what was SUPPOSED to be their policy. Shame as a fair policy should be enforced; such an annoying, antiquated and selfish practice for those that choose to relax and rest.. Kick yourselves in to the 21st century Sunrise Queen management and STOP encouraging such selfish practices!

Just come back from a10 day holiday at the Sunrise Queen Hotel.. Fabulous Hotel.The food was excellent with a wide variety each day.. Although the drinks were expensive we wish we had gone all inclusive instead of halfboard.. We had a great sea view.. The hotel was clean and tidy and well deserving of the 5* although the staff could have been more friendlier. Perhaps because it was Ramadam- deprived of food and drink all day would make me grumpy. I highly recommend this hotel. We enjoyed a boat trip and jeep safari a visit to Aspendos&Perge were well worth it.location wise it was excellent with plenty of shops across the road and a buses regularly into side. Located right on the beach what more could you want?
Pat&Will
Bangor North Wales
2nd Sept - 13th Sept 2010

The best trait of the hotel is its outstanding beach. Wide, clean water and well kept up. Towels offered withiout any restrictions. In full season, need for more umbrellas/chairs. A lifeguard would give more safety to the swimmers. Food is a weak spot. It looks good and offers diversity but over a 3 week stay you find it hard to pick up a qualitative plate. In late May quality of fruits-cherries, stawberry, water melon and melon was low. Seems that the hotel is saving on these issues. The same is true for cleaning personnel, thinly spread. Althouigh the hotel organizes turkish, italian, etc. nights the grilled or fried meat and fish wait for too long after being prepared and often lose their attractiveness. Mineral water's prices are too high. Food doesn't reach a 5-star standard. Coffee reminds the one served in US offices. Personnel overall is nice and doing its best. Internet hot spots in the rooms would be welcome. Hope in the future too half board would be offered and not only the all inclusive full board.

Spent a week here in September and had a wonderful holiday.
We had a terrace suite looking over the pools to the sea. Our suite, though a little dated, had a separate shower and a double spa bath. As we were at the end of our level our balcony wrapped around two sides giving great views all in all directions.
We were all inclusive, a tip we picked up from the porter on arrival on our previous visit - always take up this option if going here!!!!!! Although being AI can mean being offered the same fare day after day we avoided this by booking the fish restaurant one evening, which was very good, and we tried to book the Turkish restaurant for another evening but were told it wasn't open - never fear though, they arranged for us and another couple to be served from the speciality Turkish menu at a private table on the terrace at the main restaurant and the meal presented was very good. Of the remaining nights we, as returning guests, were invited to an "old friends" dinner and on our final night we had a special anniversary dinner - at every occasion the restaurant staff were first rate.
Although the hotel seems mainly geared towards a German / Russian clientèle this should not put you off going as most guests are of a friendly persuasion and some excellent evenings can be had with everyone conversing in a mixture of languages! (It can be embarrassing how well others speak English compared with our limited grasp of their native tongues).

The hotel sits on an enviable beach-front location and after walking a fair way in both directions, in my opinion, it has the best location. It is clean, comfortable and relaxing - more so at this time of year than in high summer when we previously stayed.
If you do venture into Side be prepared for the chatter of the shop keepers and restaurant owners trying to entice you in to their establishment, its all part of the holiday experience and politeness costs nothing, stop for some banter and say no if you want, but always with a smile. Enjoy it, you're on holiday!