We really hoped for Egypt this year, but it did not work out.
Long chose the hotel, stopped at this.
Booked through booking, transfer on your own through gettransfer. com
Well, what can I say? The hotel fully lived up to expectations!
This, of course, is not 5, but 4 plus for sure!
We are here now, we went for the second day and I definitely can recommend it.
The check-in went quickly, there are Russian-speaking girls at the reception. They all told, explained, showed on the diagram - excellent!
The hotel is not huge, but not small either. Nice area, where to walk. Everything is well-groomed, illuminated. Moving around the hotel is not annoying.
On the left side of the reception - a passage to the main restaurant and the sea. On the right, rows of small two-story houses, three rooms per floor. They are arranged in a cascade, one slightly higher than the other.
It looks very nice, there is no feeling of a huge hotel, very cozy.
Smooth descent from the reception to the beach.
The beach is great - fine sand. Entry into the water is very gentle, Left-right row of buoys, denoting stones.
The entrance is cleared, there are rare smooth stones dug into the sand that do not pose a danger to the legs. Corals are not needed. There are no hedgehogs. Everything is safe.
The depth, when you don’t reach the bottom, is already at the very buoys, followed by boats.
We arrived on 19.10. Sea - 25 degrees, air 25-27 during the day. But it's cold in the morning and evening. You need to take something warm.
The pools are warm. The kid is splashing with might and main.
The places have been occupied by the Germans since early morning.
There are a lot of sunbeds on the beach, finding a free one is not a problem.
The kitchen is wonderful. Everything is very tasty, the eyes run wide from the choice of dishes, I want to try everything. There is both fish and meat, this is still Turkey, not Egypt. Everything is very tasty!
Very tasty meat, turkey, lamb, roast beef, etc. Everything is appetizing, I want to try everything!
The waiters are very fast, you don't have to wait. Sat at a table - they run up themselves.
There are no problems with communication, although they are focused on the Germans. They understand English, Russian, and sign language.
At the selection stage, it was annoying that you don’t impose yourself here, everything is done by people behind glass.
In fact, it turned out that this was not a problem at all. He pointed with his finger, showed how much is needed and the order. Even better than the regular buffet.
Not stressful at all.
The only thing you need to wear a mask at the entrance is to pretend that you "observe".
In all other places, no one cares. You don't have to wear it anywhere.
The houses are very close to each other, the balconies are nearby. But the view from everywhere is beautiful. There is a main building, but you definitely don’t need to go there - there is a restaurant under it and the constant ringing of plates.
The cottages are very nice!
The number is not dead. But very small.
Double bed, very comfortable pleasant mattress. The pillows are tall but soft. In general, excellent!
Refrigerator is small. It's cold, just like everywhere else.
It has a mini-bar, replenished free of charge.
Two large bottles of water, two sodas, two 0.33 beers, two small bottles of water. It's free.
There is a kettle, normal, non-smelly, glasses, cups, Nescafe instant coffee and tea.
Sugar.
Everything is replenished.
Additionally, you can ask in the dining room or take it yourself.
Coffee in all bars is so-so. Similar to instant with the addition of natural, such as Millicano.
Alcohol - local, so-so. Cocktails in all bars are delicious due to syrups, but practically non-alcoholic. For those who need it, I recommend taking a cocktail and pure “vodka”. And add yourself. The local "cognac" is terrible.
The exchange of beach towels according to the scheme - they cleaned the room, put new ones. I threw the old ones on the floor and took them away. Not like everywhere else.
The overall feeling is a great hotel. Everything is very sincere, pleasant and tasty.
Of our all inclusive visits in Egypt and Turkey, this one is by far the best.
This, of course, is not a luxury "five", but 4+ - for sure!
Minuses? So far not discovered.
The hotel is on a big street. Left/right is everything you need. Shops, pharmacies, cafes.
Along the beach, an endless promenade to Side.
Minibuses, taxis, everything is there.
So far like this.
I'll update after I get back.
Come here, it will be good!
+ Check-in - the girls at the reception are friendly, everyone speaks Russian, English, German. All told showed. Upgraded room category for free! Near the reception there is a shop with souvenirs, cigarettes, beach accessories - but everything is 1.5-2 times more expensive than outside the hotel. We were brought to the room by car, the bags were delivered, everything is super.
+ Room - lived above the restaurant, room 430, air conditioning, TV, kettle, coffee-tea, nice, shampoos. Everything in the room is clean, whole, the design is pleasant, in pastel colors, a lot of natural stone. We had two single beds + two sofas. The room has a balcony. Safe for free. The soundproofing between the rooms is excellent - you can't hear your neighbors. You can hear a little people in the corridor through the front door, but in general it does not interfere.
There are no toothbrushes or toothpaste in the room, you need to bring your own.
+ The territory is huge, green, everything is made of natural stone - marble, sandstone. Very cool.
The territory and design of the hotel is at the level of Sheraton Porto Cervo in Sardinia, only there the price is 10 times more. Descent to the beach - there are steps. There are several pools on the territory, a small water park (4 slides) - open for several hours in the morning and several hours in the afternoon, a river pool. It's nice to walk around in the evening. The whole territory is guarded - both from the side of the street and from the side of the beach, the guards are 24/7, the security is at a high level, there are no strangers.
+ Visitors to the hotel are mostly Russians and Germans. Lots of married couples, lots of pensioners. Everything is cultural, calm, there are no alcoholics. It feels like the hotel is 30-50% occupied, no more than 20-30% of the places are occupied on the beach and near the pools, the presence of people is not felt at all. Lifeguards are constantly near the pools, watching the children, I think leaving children is not scary.
+ Safety and COVID - staff EXCLUSIVELY in masks, at the bar, restaurant and waiters - also in gloves and protective shields.
At the bar by the pool - a snack from 12 to 16 (potatoes, hamburger, salad), sweets by the pool from 16.30 to 17.30.
Ice cream - several types by the pool after 12.00
Also near the beach - a small bar with beer and drinks (water, cola, etc. )
+ Restaurant La Carte - there are two restaurants - sea and Turkish cuisine. Attention (!! ! ) - one visit is free, but the restaurants work for two hotels - Melas Holiday Village and Melas Resort, so book a place as soon as you check in. We postponed the booking until the end and did not have time - everything was booked for several days in advance.
+ Alcohol - alcohol is frankly so-so, cocktails 50/50 depending on which one, mostly they drank beer, wine, gin and tonic or mojito. Alcohol is only local. Also the quality of cocktails depends on the bartender.
+ SPA - the spa center is located in the Melas Resort hotel (two hotels are nearby, and they have a common territory). As I understand it, only the hammam is included in the SPA. We took a hammam + massage for 50USD per person - a little expensive, but we liked it very much.
My neck hurt for a day after the massage.
+ Staff - the staff is friendly, no one was rude, most understand Russian / English, there are no problems in communication. Sometimes, according to the mood, they left a tip (1 dollar or 10 lira).
+ There are shops near the hotel, a very steep embankment, 30-40 minutes walk to the old town of Side, constantly walking in the evening.
+ Animation entertainment - generally liked, animation every day at 21.15. Acrobats, comedy shows, magicians, live music. In general, interesting, but there is nothing like WOW.
In general, we expected the worst, very pleasantly surprised, we will definitely visit the hotel again.
Date of rest: 02.06. -09.06 2019
Composition: Me, woman, son 4 years.
I'll start with the most exciting questions:
1. STONES IN THE SEA.
They really are. There are enough of them. BUT! They did not cause us any inconvenience. First: the hotel is struggling with this problem and soaps the bottom. Secondly, there is a place where there are no stones. LIFEHACK: swim at the Melas Resort (officially allowed) opposite the main entrance to the Melas Resort. Go from Melas HoliDay Village, pass the entrance in front of the tower, where the lifeguard sits and go to the next entrance to the beach.
2. Wi-Fi.
There were no problems. Perfectly pulled in the room, restaurant. It was also possible to catch at the reception and small amphitheater. If you need the Internet always and everywhere, you should buy megabytes from your operator or Turkish SIM card.
And now in more detail:
3. NUMBER.
Settled quickly. However, we arrived at the hotel around 14:00. They took me to the room in an electric car, helped with suitcases.
We were given a better number in the category than stated. The room is spacious. Everything worked fine. Large bed where the three of us slept comfortably. And two sofas that adults can sleep on.
In the room: hair dryer, kettle, air conditioning. Two electronic keys are issued.
Room above the main restaurant, balcony overlooking the Melas Resort. So not on the sea, not on the pool, BUT the room was always in the cozy shade and you could always enjoy going out on the balcony, even for lunch. Just as our child does not tolerate air conditioning, it was very good for us. () The air conditioner worked properly - checked)))
Features a free safe, towels and beach towels. Beach towels can be changed once for free, then exchange - 1 Euro per towel.
Mini-bar - at check-in there were: two beers 0.33, Cola 1 liter, Fanta 1 liter. , still water 2 by 1.5 liters. , carbonated water 2 by 0.33. One replenishment with a similar set is free. Also present in the room kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, poppy coffee.
Cleaning - daily. Everything is clear and high quality. Replenish shampoos, gel, paper.
4. TERRITORY.
Large, green area. Lots of trees and flowers. Everything is well-groomed. Gardeners work perfectly. There is a place to walk. Lots of places to hide from the sun. Small lizards run on the territory (do not be afraid, they are harmless). By the way, you can see crabs on the rocks in the sea. LIFEHACK - take buns, they love them.
5. SEA, BEACH.
The Mediterranean is as beautiful as ever. During our vacation in the first days there were waves, and then the sea was calm. It should be noted that the sea at this time in the morning is not "steamed milk". You had to get used to the water. Still, the temperature dropped to 16-17 degrees at night. But this does not mean that the children did not bathe. Bathed. All.
The sea warmed up in the afternoon. And the last three days have been just incredibly warm. I think that in mid-June the sea will always be well warmed.
We consciously went at this time, because we do not like the heat.
Temperatures above 30-31 did not rise and were easily tolerated. And at night I slept comfortably without air conditioning. Even at 15:00-16:00 it was possible to go to the sea or the pool.
The beach is wide, big. There are always enough sunbeds for everyone. Entrance to the sea is gradual. I have already written about stones above.
On the beach refrigerators with water and kefir.
6. NUTRITION.
All the food in the hotel is delicious. There is no dish that stands for quantity or beauty. Breakfast is standard. But that means there is nothing to eat. That's enough.
Lunch and dinner - steaks, chicken, veal, lamb, fish, red fish, fish baked in bread, shrimp, mussels, sushi… Grilled dishes. On the children's table: burgers, fries, pizza, nuggets.
Lots of vegetables. Of fruits: apples, oranges, kiwis, bananas, peaches, apricots, watermelon, melon, several times strawberries. There was no queue. There was always enough and everything was replenished on time.
Sweets! Ummm. Delicacy. A great selection of cakes, pastries, baklava.
I have a "specific stomach".
I always take medication for insurance. So - the stomach never bothered. For me, it is a sign of quality.
You do not need to stand in line for drinks in the main restaurant. They are brought by waiters and are always done quickly.
The chef is constantly in the restaurant, he controls everything. After dinner, all tables, hoods, etc. are thoroughly washed.
I can't say anything about food for young children. I will only write that there is always hot milk, there is a microwave. The hotel has a very large number of young children, no complaints from their parents.
Ice cream - from 12:00 to 17:00 in the pool bar, beach bar, water park bar. Types: ice cream, mango, lemon, strawberry, chocolate.
Gezleme (Turkish pancakes. Choice: meat, vegetables, cheese. Or without anything - so loves our son))) - from 12:00 to 16:00 at the beach bar.
7. BEVERAGES.
This hotel showed us that alcohol in Turkey can be at a decent level.
BEER - ephesus. Norm.
Of course, if you are a fan of craft beer, then… But beer is the norm.
WINE - red, pink, white. Also norms. We liked white the most.
Also in the range of whiskey, cognac, brandy, vodka, tequila. Tried in pure form only tequila - good! ) Very kind! The national team's victory over the Serbs celebrated it well! )
COCKTAILS - a fairly wide map. Our top: it's a margarita, sex on the beach and baileys. There is also a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails.
JUICE - in the machine all day No yuppie. Packaged. Apple, Cherry, Pineapple, Orange. Also cola, fanta, sprite, tonic. Fresh fruit for breakfast - 1.5 Euro.
COFFEE - in vending machines: espresso, americano, latte, moccasin, hot chocolate. Good quality. Be sure to try the Turkish coffee, which is brewed in Turkish - I really liked it.
8. RESTAURANTS, BARS.
The hotel has a main restaurant, beach bar, water park bar, pool bar, lobby. Snacks and snacks are always offered throughout the day.
In the bar near the water park only beer, water, coffee.
The lobby is a very quiet and atmospheric place in the evening. Open until 01:00. A great place to taste a cocktail before bed and sit in a great atmosphere.
A la carte restaurants - 4 pieces. One free visit. We chose a fish restaurant. I will not say that we had a gastronomic orgasm, but it was delicious, hearty and atmospheric by the sea.
9. ANIMATION, SHOWS, ENTERTAINMENT.
Well done to the whole team, and this (I counted) 15 animators from different countries.
If you are for active recreation, then during the day the animators organize for you: football, volleyball, bocce, darts, table tennis, pneumatic shooting, aerobics, aqua aerobics,
Every day there are interesting competitions by the main pool.
At dinner in the main amphitheater - a mini disco for children, after - a show program. During our vacation: acrobatic circus, Brazilian carnival, magic show, dance group - all professional groups.
I liked the circus and the Brazilian show the most! The animators also showed the play "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". After the show - disco or "live music" by the stage by the pool. There was also a karaoke night…
The end is at 23:00, so you do not need to worry about the noise at night.
10. FOR CHILDREN.
AQUAPARK. Open - from 10:00 to 12:00, - 14:00 to 16:00.4 slides. It was enough for me and my son.
SWIMMING POOLS. There are two 30 cm pools near the main pool. Also 1 pool 40 cm and 1 pool 1 m near the water park. The pools are not heated, so it was cool in the morning.
MINI CLUB. From 4 to 8 years. Open from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. There is an outdoor area, there is an enclosed space. It is possible to fill the child. Write in the magazine information about yourself, where you will rest at this time and have some time for yourself)) Our little one has always been happy to go to a mini club. He even demanded that we take him there! )
There is a mini club from 8 to 12 years old, but I can't write anything about it.
One day, 8 large trampolines were inflated on the lawn. The joy of children knew no bounds.
There are enough sunbeds by the pools. There is always a free place.
11. EXCURSIONS.
I can't write anything because I didn't go anywhere. I will only write about the ancient city of Side: the amphitheater, the ruins of the city, the temple of Apollo. You can get there in 30 minutes on foot - if you walk along the promenade. If you look at the sea - go left. We liked it. I advise you to go. You can go (we went back) - dolmus 2.5 lira per person. Taxis, they say, $ 10.
12. CONTINGENT, ATMOSPHERE.
70% of the hotel is German. In second place - the Turks. There are not many Russians and Ukrainians. Many couples with children.
The hotel has a wonderful atmosphere. People greet each other, smile at each other, exchange information about the holiday. The hotel staff is friendly, positive. All this creates a very pleasant background for a quality holiday.
CONCLUSION: There is a rule in our family - we go to a different place every time!
But it is in Melas HoliDay Village that you definitely want to return. Thank you again for a wonderful holiday.
Thank you City Travel for choosing a hotel and organizing this holiday!
P. S. There will be questions - write, I will be happy to answer! Have a nice summer everyone! ))
This is in short.
And if in more detail:
There have been 2 times, the first in May, the second in September. And I want more, and I'll go again.
The staff is respectful, polite and unobtrusive. Speaking German, some English, very little Russian, the hotel belongs to those who mostly accept Germans. In the fall, a girl named Julia appeared at the reception, she helped Ukrainians who could not communicate with foreigners and a small number of Russian-speakers.
Beautiful, albeit small area. Grow tangerines, you can taste near the shade. And lots of flowers, palm trees and well-trimmed bushes. Cats are walking)))
Nutrition at the level. Seafood to your heart's content. Squid, mussels, shrimp, counted 6 species of fish ...and every day. Fruit to your heart's content. Meat is different and delicious. Children can eat even from the adult menu. Not peppered and not oversalted. Well, Turkish sweets, ice cream cake was taken out every night.
The sea is warm, clean, beautiful.
The beach is cleaned, there are enough sunbeds.
There is no pier, but there are in neighboring hotels.
Water park - not for nothing, but it is enough for children and adults from 2 mountains can have a good time))). The bar again serves delicious ice cream. Bodyguards work.
Animation- Thank you! ! ! ! ! For a happy and satisfied child of children's animation. Ani and Nastya, girls, you are the best! ! ! ! ! Adult animation is also interesting, diverse! ! ! There is a disco by the pool almost in the evening. Animators up to 23 hours on their feet. Everything is very active. This year the team spent 5 ++++ seasons.
We really hope to meet you again in 2019))) Thank you, MELAS! ! ! ! ! ! !
Beautiful room, two-room, on the second floor of the villa overlooking the pool. I was very pleased with the large balcony and hall with a mini-kitchen, a relatively large refrigerator - it is also a mini-bar (only beer and soft drinks, drinking water - replenished 1 time for 2 days), in the kitchen there is a washbasin with a small worktop, a kettle, cups, glasses.
The food is excellent, with a variety of fruits and vegetables, for all tastes and ages. There were no issues with baby food for a child (6 years old) and potatoes and chicken and vegetables are all very well cooked (special thanks to the cooking team). The only mistake in terms of nutrition was to use a trip to a fish restaurant (ALA cart), we thought it would be unusual, but it was worse than in an ordinary restaurant. (I'm not sure what this service is for)
The beach is sandy, but at the entrance to the sea there are stones at the bottom, you can get hurt on them, but being careful you can swim 5 meters and there is again a sandy bottom. There are a lot of sun loungers, everything is in good condition, there are no problems with accommodation on the beach. Beach towels are issued once for the entire stay at the hotel (can be changed for 1 euro), but we did not need it.
The territory is very well-groomed and green, although not very large, but with an interesting landscape. On the territory there are swimming pools both with a water park (3 not very large slides), and with a "paddling pool". Entertainment and animation for all tastes and sports and children's activities, evening concerts and a nightly program at the pool bar. We rented a tennis court and rackets with balls, everything is free, the court is in a satisfactory condition, if you are not a professional, then you can play. Along the entire embankment there is a beautiful footpath, to Side (approximately 2.5 km. )
Near the hotel there are shops with all sorts of nonsense from oriental sweets to glasses, T-shirts, etc.
The staff are lovely, responsive and solve any issues very quickly and without problems.
Bottom line - we were very satisfied with the trip and accommodation and we hope that we will return to this hotel more than once.