The alcohol is of high quality, we tried whiskey, crayfish, there is elite alcohol for money, but the one that is offered is very decent, the beer is tasty, light without bitterness, not diluted, carbonated drinks are delicious, I also want to note that you can take fruits in the room, no one forbade. The room was cleaned every day except Thursday (the cleaners have a day off), the staff hardly speaks Russian, but they understand some phrases they need, if you need to add something to the room, write notes in English, everything will be fine, in general, the staff in Defne is unobtrusive, they are like shadows , but if you contact immediately respond.
Go to the sea on foot for 5-8 minutes. from the hotel, through the underpass, the sea is magical, slightly turquoise (of course, if there are no waves), we had waves for 3 days, the sea was unclear, but everyone, both adults and children, enjoyed jumping on the waves. We didn’t take excursions, we ourselves went to Side (25-30 minutes walk to the old city, center). I was impressed by the ancient columns, the amphitheater and the general atmosphere of this Side region. There are many shopping arcades, the prices are different, and it seemed to us more expensive than near the hotel, the only thing that upset the arrogant, clinging sellers of outlets on vacation, there are no price tags anywhere, everything is in euros, if you don’t buy, they clamor behind your back, throw evil looks, alone and the same thing can cost differently, so I advise you to go ask the price, and then buy, and of course "knock out" a discount, this is the word that sounds like.
Also, if you dance and have fun, then this is not about Defne. The hotel is focused on the German, everything is calm and measured here, there is practically no animation, except for evening children's dances, for adults there were a couple of shows with acrobats, after 22.00 everything calms down, you can sit near the bar and talk nicely. So, the hotel is recommended for a relaxing family holiday.
P. S. The beach is sandy, perfect for children or those who can't swim.
The food is varied and tasty, I will not enumerate, there are other positive reviews. The pools are clean and there is enough space for everyone. Slides are a nice addition to pools. The staff is friendly, there were no problems in communication, but this is apparently due to communication in English. The sea and the beach also did not cause any complaints, clean, there is enough space for everyone, sandy, smooth entrance to the sea. The sea is clean and warm.
As for "where to take a walk", then we had no problems at all. A 20-30 minute leisurely walk along the promenade along the old Side promenade, there are many restaurants and bars near the hotel, a beautiful mosque, a market and several chain stores are nearby.
In general, the hotel left the most positive impressions, and negative reviews from people who, even on vacation, do not know how to relax, but even in a vase with beautiful roses they see only thorns.
We really liked the hotel. Rested 10 days at the end of July 2018 (two adults)
o The hotel is modern, interesting design - paintings and statues are everywhere
o The territory is clean and well-groomed. Yes, sometimes something is spilled in the bar near the pool - but the staff cleans up quickly enough.
o Liked the concept of the tiers – the hotel building on the top tier, the pools on the lower tiers. Comfortable enough
o Wi-Fi is available on the territory to the pools
About the number:
o Modern design
o Free safe
o Clean plumbing
o We had a room on the 5th floor under the roof - during the day it was very hot and stuffy, the air conditioner could not cope
o No Wi-Fi in the room
About the service:
o Bed linen and towels are changed only once a week (but we have never changed in 10 days)
o Beach towels are changed once a week, 2 per person
o There is a good gym
o Hammam and saunas free of charge (massages are charged separately)
o Disco at the hotel three times a week (Monday Wednesday, Friday)
Pools:
o Outdoor pools: two large pools, one with slides and one for children
o There were enough sunbeds and umbrellas
o There is also an indoor swimming pool, but it was not operational
Food:
o I liked that each room has its own table - there is always a place. The food is quite varied, the grill is open all the time, there is always fish and several types of meat. Lots of vegetables and fruits. Delicious desserts in abundance. In the morning there is brewed coffee, the rest of the time - instant coffee from the coffee machine
o Beach bar drinks only (no food). You can dine only in the main building of the hotel (snacks are not taken out to the beach). Cupcakes are taken out only at 15:30.
Beach:
o To the beach 5 minutes walk (second coastline)
o There were enough sunbeds and umbrellas. Of course, the sunbeds in the front row are already occupied at 7 am, but during the day there are always sunbeds further from the sea
o There is a shower on the beach
o The beach is quite long (this is one beach for three Defne hotels). There are a lot of people in the water, but in principle you can swim
Animation:
o Animation during the day is rather dull (there are only two animators), but in the evenings different shows come (Turkish night, dance groups, acrobats). Some evenings there is no show, only karaoke.
I'll start in order:
1) Settlement. We arrived at the hotel early in the morning at 6 o'clock. And although the hotel was only 50% occupied, they were in no hurry to give rooms (although they are not required to). Around 9 am we were given 2 rooms on the 3rd floor.
2) Number. The room is good and spacious. Large balcony. Our room overlooked the road. When the door to the balcony is open - noisy, if closed - no problem. The only negative (but we read about this beforehand) is that there are absolutely no doors in the bathroom. When two adults are not a problem, but if you are in a room with children, this is a small but problem. Very uncomfortable pillows. When you lie down, you seem to be half-sitting, and not lying down. The synthetic winterizer is springy. In general, my wife and I suffered because of this (but this is my subjective opinion).
3) Nutrition. The food is good and varied. Every day fish, meat. Lots of vegetables. Of the fruits were - watermelons, melons, apples, pears, tangerines, plums. What I really liked was that the guests had their own tables, where their room number is. Always served by the same waiters. We were served by Mustafa and Hakan (great guys). I learned a few phrases in Turkish, they are very impressed with it. I left $1 for a tip the first night. The next time, when I was just walking to the table, the waiter was already running up and asking what to bring from the booze. Ice cream was given every other day around 15.30 near the pool. Alcohol - beer, and local spirits. Good whisky, rum. They make cocktails, but the selection is not large.
4) Territory. Territory - the average, the main part is the hotel building. But it is well thought out, Everything is located in several tiers. Top of the room, lobby. Minus the first floor - the main restaurant and golf course. Exit to the first pool and stage. Minus the second floor - spa center, hammam, sauna, access to the pool, tennis court. A little further away is the kids club. There are several bars on the territory of the hotel (lobby, near the pool, near the stage, even near the SPA, but it has not worked yet). There are also toilets throughout the area.
5) Beach. The road to the beach is through an underground passage (exit near the tennis court). On foot (about 500 meters) go 10 minutes. leisurely. Towels for beach use are initially provided in the room (gray) and must be brought with you. Change them once every 5 days. The beach is clean, the sunbeds are comfortable. The bar (self service) is across the street from the beach. The sea is shallow. Pure. Suitable for children very well. Volleyball and bocha on the beach. Above the beach is a promenade, very well maintained, pedestrian. It's nice to take a walk in the evening.
6) Animation. Here I think they have a problem so far. Of course, the animators are trying, but they are not very successful.
Conclusion: I liked the hotel, good, but there are nuances.