i would say the cheapest resorts are the ones that are more traditional and not commercialised. we find akyaka cheaper than other resorts for restaurants due to it being mainly for turkish holiday makers. im sure there are other none commercialised resorts that are equally as reasonably priced. im not sure if you mean cheapest whilst there ie eating out etc or cheapest for a package, if you are talking about a cheapest package then its the opposite and the cheaper packages are in bigger resorts, places like marmaris, but we found the bodrum peninsular area 1 of the most expensive to eat out so avoid that if thats what you mean.

the weather mid april can be unpredictable, better than here but you could be lucky and get lovely sunshine or you could get some showers, the evenings will be chilly and you will need jackets or cardys. atms are usually available in resorts. weather is a few degrees warmer in antalya area

I don't find the Bodrum Peninsular particularly expensive. I think it depends on where you choose to eat though. We usually go to more traditional/local kind of restaurants rathr than touristy ones and we find they are very cheap and the food is wonderful, my husband is Turkish so we mostly have Turkish food.

You can also get some very good package deals going to places like Gumbet - do be careful if you book with Goldtrail though as, although they have very cheap holidays they have a bit of a bad reputation (they were on BBC Watchdog the other day) - always check out the hotel reviews before booking.

Alhough I haven't been there I know a lot of people say that Icmeler is cheaper than some other resorts. I'm sure someone who has been there can let you know more.

April can be a lovely time to visit. I lived in Bodrum for a few years and we always had gorgeous weather, really warm in the day but a bit chilly at night so you will need a jacket or cardi. It is possible you could get a rain shower but they usually clear very quickly. The sea and pools will be very cold though so unless you are very brave you may not get a swim. April is vrey early in the season so places are just beginning to open up and it will be fairly quiet wherever you go.

ATMs are available at most resorts, it's only really the very small places you may not find one.

If you want to know aything else please just ask.

Kedi

Hi Bushbaby, I would recommend Kalkan, Icmeler or Altinkum. No dis-respect to Kedi but we used Goldtrail when we went to Altinkum last June and are using them again this year, we had a really good holiday. Although I didn't see the programme, I have since been on the Watchdog website and read the report. As Goldtrail point out, the expectations of British people are too high, if you want the better kind of Hotel then Book through Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook etc. and pay a much higher price for it. If you don't expect too much from a holiday like what we do, then Goldtrail are best. I do agree with Kedi, that if you go and find the traditional non-touristy eateries where the local people go, you get excellent value for money, places called Lokantasi or Sofrasi, also ALO24. Ask at your Hotel reception and they will direct you to these places.

Les

Yes, I do agree Crusiecontroller. I am sure a lot of people have had good holidays with Goldtrail and I have no problem with basic accomodation as long as it is clean, you always get what you pay for with cheap deals but some of those places were appalling . I think it was the AI hotels that were a problemon the programme. Just read up before you book.

Of all the resorts I have been to I have found Icmeler the cheapest for food and drink.
If you look on the Monies thread you will see what we paid in October last year for food and drinks.
There are lots of SC apartments and B&B hotels.Try to aviod any hotel named Litera as these have bad reviews.
I am going to Gumbet in May for the 1st time so cant comment on there.
In Icmeler there are lots of ATMs in the main square.
I have never been in April but did go to Side 3 years ago in March and had lovely weather.

last year i went to a few resorts in the bodrum peninsula and icmeler, marmaris and akyaka all within 2 mths of each other and the prices in bitez and turgutreis were far higher than the other resorts and icmeler ,marmaris and akyaka were in aug where as turgutreis was may/june , so you expect prices slightly higher in the height of the season.

bushbaby i think you need to be a bit clearer and tell us do you mean cheap for a package price or cheap to eat out, etc

sorry it was vague - i meant as in spending for drinks and meals. you can ususally find a good late deal,but i know that resorts vary in their prices,and thought i'd check before booking somewhere. i think i'll ghang on until may as the weather will probably be better.
thanks

Branded drinks can be expensive in Turkey so we always have the local brands, but it is not as cheap as it used to be,

I found Icmeler to be cheaper for food and drink but some of the smaller resorts can be cheaper such as turunc and Akayaka,

The measures are a lot bigger than we get here, so last a bit longer!!!!!

Prices for eating out and trips vary during the summer,May and June and October are cheapest.Ive only been to Gumbet,Bodrum,Marmaris and Icmeler,and as a few others have said Icmeler has been the cheapest of these.