Well how you doing?

You have picked some good places, the choices you have listed are quieter, but do have some lovely walks, sunsets and that authentic Turkish feel.

Torba is wonderful, as is Gumbet, although Gumbet is a little more lively, there are so many ways of travelling to the other areas from here that you won't be stranded in a one horse town.

You have listed your No Nos', and I agree, they would be all wrong for you, but Olu Deniz and Dalyan are 2 more regions that are beautiful, they offer good B&B hotels and pensyions, beautiful trips to take, and some historical sites to visit.

I think because it is your first time into Turkey, you need to first of all decide on the area, so, let us go for Bodrum peninsula, pick from Torba, Bitez, Ortakent, Turgutreis and even Kadikalesi. All absolutely wonderful places, all have a good selection of AI, Sc and other board options. Most have excellent beach facilities, and all can be visited by jumping on the local Dolmus (bus) and they will take you where you want to go for a few lira. Most of these areas price in Turkish Lira, and yes that is confusing for a lot of people, because all the airports price in Euro, and the bigger resorts in Antalya price everything in Euros too, and this sometimes does cause a few minor hiccups........they will accept good old English pounds too, but as a first timer the easier the better, eh?

So, now you have to decide on accomodation. Listed below are a few for you to peruse at your leisure:-

TURGUTREIS

La Blanche AI

Aegean Dreams AI

Kefaluka Resort (just outside Turgutreis) AI

Hotel Irme B&B

Iiknur Apartments SC

Select White B&B

All the above have good beach facilities, most are within a 15 minute walking distance of the lovely town and marina, there are shops and bars along the beach front, away from the touristy areas, where you can just chill. Turgutreis town can be quite busy in high season, but away from the town, a very relaxed atmosphere, very little hassle, and excellent market to grab a bargain or 20 ,.......every Saturday.Also, excellent boat trips from the harbour/marina.

BITEZ

Meis Apartments SC and B&B

Hotel Okaliptus B&B

Small World Hotel B&B

Bitez is a very small quiet and chilled resort. I think there has been some re development there? and the beach area is quite narrow. There is plenty of water sports and lots of pretty bars and restaurants. A lovely day out, but, I think it may be too quiet, but have a look, because you can just use it as a base and wander into the other areas.

ORTAKENT.

Lighthouse Hotel AI

Medisun Hotel AI

Muskebi Apartments. Sc

Ortakent, is a wonderful resort, it offers some real Turkish charm, and the beach area is some of the best we have seen. We loved it here, and the little bars and cafes' offered some brilliant food. It is in no way touristy, and isn't the rave capital of the Peninsula, but it is only 25 minutes away from Bodrum, and the sun seems to always shine here.

TORBA

Hotel Club Izer AI

Club Isil AI

Voyage Torba (This has just been renovated to a very high standard) AI

Torba is surrounded by hills and lovely whitewashed buildings and houses. Shingle beach, and the bluest of seas. Fabulous seafood and great little bars too, It has hotels around the bay, and you are never far away from a swim. One of our personal favourite places.

GUMBET

WOW Bodrum Resort AI

Isis Hotel and Spa AI

Royal Asarlik AI

Yildiz Hotel B&B

Queen Resort SC

Club Pedalisa SC

Gumbet is livelier than the other resorts, can get very busy along bar street, but, the beach area can be as lively or peaceful as you wish, fantastic restaurants here too. Good shopping, and excellent food served at the little cafe bars along the beach area.

All the above can easily be reached by local transport, and you can get into Bodrum town very easily from any of them.
Bodrum town, is a hustle bustle place, fabulous harbour to take boat trips from, you can go across to Kos for the day if you like. The castle and maritime museum is worth a look round, and the new marina is a must see, and reasonably priced for having a meal.
Good shopping, but can be expensive.

Get yourself a few brochures, and because it is your first visit, I would suggest getting a package deal, where everything is taken care of for you, make a shortlist of 3 hotels, go into the Travel agents, (co op Travel) are excellent, they will price match. Ask them to find you good flight times, and that you require transport from destination airport to hotel, and return journey too. Luggage allowance, and in flight meals, (if you want them) some of the hotels I have listed already have the extra luggage and transfers included in price.
The best time of year to go would be before beginning of July and from Mid September, cooler, less touristy, and just far more enjoyable.

I hope this has helped you, and I know you will get lots of other advice too. Happy hunting. Take care, and Good luck.

Whoops sorry, missed the freebies.
If you go into the shops or bazaars, especially if you are buying jewellery or even Turkish delight, they offer you Turkish tea or a cool drink whilst you wait. We always stay AI, but, the little bars where you maybe go for a drink, or want a little snack, they are very kind and would bring the dips and a selection of bread, or would offer you a tea or coffee when you are paying. Etiquette in Turkey, is as anywhere, be respectful towards them, they are very friendly and charming people, and will try and coax a conversation. The mosques, should you visit one, make sure you dress respectfully. Don't enter the restaurants in beachwear, no worries with kaftans and sarongs etc, but some people just wander in with body parts hanging out...........puts everybody off, YUK! put it away love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I think the one thing I have learned is, if you can utter a few words of Turkish, even one word, just pleases them so much. Go for it, wonderful holidays await you. Honest.

We always go to Side (the arum post may be mine).

We did a cruise in 2007 and ended up at ephesus, and found the turkish people to be lovely and friendly, so we booked to go to Side the year after. We've never stayed in the same hotel twice before, never visited the same resort two holidays in a row. We first visited the Arum in August/September 08, within three days of returning had booked again. Went in July, absolutely loved it again. The turkish people we met (in and out of the hotel) remembered us, we got invited out with these people (their parasailing boat was being serviced in mannavgat so we went to pick it up with them, had a cruise along the river and round to side in it). My daughter stayed in contact with a couple of these people as well. Then after months of pestering my husband he finally agreed to us returning in october half term...we stayed at the Sunberk hotel in Side (moved to Sarihan halfway through). Although the hotel was a dissappointment we still had a wonderful holiday in this resort.

Things are priced in both lira and euros here. We normally just use lira, although we do know of a (very) small number of shops that will only accept euros. We found drinks/meals very cheap here. The hassling has improved since we first went, it is still there a bit but its in no way offputting. My daughter (16 in next few weeks) feels safer walking about there than she does here. She absolutely loves it, can't imagine going anywhere else. My other younger daughter (she's very shy) also loves it.

Any questions on Side, feel free to ask me and I'll try to help.

thanks triflebum....such a lot of choices...but thats why I began this thread...so I can with help whittle it down to one place ...one month...a few hotels....and how to get there...

so here's an update now Ive read your post...which has taken me one step further..

Gumbet seems too lively for me...and though you can go places from here as it would be my first visit to turkey I would be happier not venturing to far from local area

I like to blend into the background and watch the world go by....but my hubby loves being centre of attention...as long as there were nice friendly staff who who would talk and make a bit of a fuss of him...and chatty people round it would suit him fine....

Beach facilities arent that important....not as important as the atmosphere in hotel and local area...food ect....if sons go with us pool would be important....I dont sunbathe...I chill out reading on a lounger under a big umbrella by the pool ....hubby and sons like to do the same....hubby and sons will spend some time messing in the sea they do like peddalars ect...but dont really sunbathe on the beach....I like to walk along the waters edge paddling and taking in the scenary....

I dont like towns prefer a village ( brought up in a city chose to live in a village)...dont really like hustle and bustle...thats why I like the markets early in the morning when its mostly the locals getting the shopping in before the tourists wake up...but Im a chatty freindly soul who enjoys meeting new people...like people around ...just not too many

My lot say I like shopping...but I either shop out of nessecaty or bordom...when I havent the peace to chill out ...no one interesting to talk to...and there is nothing else to do...I like walking in nice scenery or interesting safe places better...if I do wander round the shops I like to see and buy interesting local bits to try or bring home...sovenier and tat shops bore me.

Hubby and sons not interested in the historic sites....and old ruins dont really interest me...more interested in the people and the culture...interesting stories ect the pople tell about their countries history....ie the story about the church of the sacre famillia in barcelona and the fact it is not finnished facinates me ...I dont like barcelona but have vowed to return before I die ...just to find out how much further the story has progressed...and to see the artists other beautiful buildings which are still being used today

I have a good head for maths...so dont mind how they price things ...euro or lira...but would be nice to use the national currency...all part of the hols.... before the euro takes over

By the time I have found my ideal hols...you will all know me better than I know myself..

Having read your suggestions....yes somewhere on the bodrum perninsula looks good....I like the descriptions you gave for ortaket...torba...bitez , the lots of pretty bars and resturants sounds good, but what goes on at night.....turgutreis a possibility in the less touristy areas, boat trips if not expensive would be good..

Some thing that would make it a family holiday is swimming with the dolphins...have heard there is somewhere you can do this...if was family hols would be 2 weeks ...so plenty of time to fit it in

Thanks Clo Clo....the arum in side does look good the way you talked about it...and a good hotel is important...would like to know more about side as a place...Ive given more info on this post about our priorities and likes and dislikes...do you think the arum would be good on my short list

ive been to gumbet and turgutreis both places are geared up for the brits and fairly commercialised, we didnt like the beach in turgutreis as it was very stoney and was painful getting in and out of the sea

akyaka is gorgeous, very turkish, wonderful scenery, gorgeous sandy beach, prices are very cheap as it caters for the turkish market so much cheaper to eat out than any popular resorts. there are a few things you need to know, there isnt much nightlife, only 1 quiet basement disco we havent even used, a few restaurants do life music, no kareoke bars, no belly dancers, not many packages as mainly diy holiday, there is a big outdoor cinema, boat trips, shops very limited, but it is within 20 miles for marmaris so a day out there shopping or to water park is possible, have a look at these links good luck

http://akyaka.com/index.php

http://www.turkuaz-guide.net/gokova.html

http://www.idymahotel.com/en/index.htm

http://www.marmarisinfo.com/sightseeing/cleopatra.phtml

http://www.akyaka.org/index_eng.htm

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/akyaka/

http://www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/destinations/property/incogn/detail/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akyaka%2C_Mu%C4%9Fla

http://tomsanokaliptus.com/

http://www.gatetoturkey.com/turkey_a_z_tour/01015/

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ciaranburns/Aktour.html

Hi Tweets

We still prefer the Dalaman section of coast ,Olu deniz in particular but that's probably because it was the first place we visited in Turkey and so always remains special in our heart and 2 of our most memorable holidays have been there . Loved the belcekiz beach hotel (A/I) .We also have 3 teenage boys still holidaying with us so our needs are probably a bit different . It ticks our boxes because it's medium in size, compact and has enough bars, shops and restuarants to keep all of us happy but not too much to make it overwhelming .A good selection of decent accomodation , mainly A/I, HB and BB. stunningly beautiful too with plenty of excursions, boat trips and even paragliding available from the surrounding mountains . Good fun watching them land on the beach front. It would also be fair to say that it has become a bit more commercialised of recent years ..

We have been to icmeler but it was too big for us and we were bombarded with hassle from the restuarants . Very friendly though and geared better towards B+B or SC with a huge choice of restuarants with entertainment .

Dalyan , kas and Kalkan would also be worth a look . Cant tell you much because I havnt been but I'm sure other members can help with those options.

The Bodrum coast is also very picturesque in a different way . TB has made some good suggestions with lots of info there and I cant really add to that as we have only visited that stretch once to the Aegean dream resort in turgetreis . Would like to go back to that stretch though . Sunsets to die for .

This year we stayed in side at the Hemera . (A couple of hotels up from the Arum). This stretch (the med coast -flights into Antayla) is very much geared to high quality A/I's and is more European and not as pretty or picturesque, although beaches are very good. Just concentrating on Side for now I believe most of the hotels are outside of Side and whilst do-able it's fair to say that it would be a longish walk . A good half an hour at least along the beach .Side town looked very nice but we were there July/August and it would be fair to say it was mobbed . Hubby couldnt wait to get out . would like to see it when it wasnt so busy . lots of history and roman remains everywhere. quite big and busy though so not sure it's what your looking for .

lyn

hi all and thanks ellie meg....update after ellie megs post....

places shortlist at the moment is...ortaket...torba...bitez , the lots of pretty bars and resturants sounds good, but what goes on at night.( turguteis been deleted as geared for british and comercialised)

Dont like kareoke bars...or cinema on hols...but a bit of music traditional dance....maybe a traditional turkish night out with a belly dancer would be good...hubby would like that

Nice places to eat if not AI...and somewhere to have drinks in the evening in good friendly chatty company is important

akyaka sounds lovely and would really suit me...but maybe a bit too quiet for hubby or rest of the family..and a package hol would be easier...yet would try DIY for easy to do place if was best place for us

Im sure this thread will be a great help in the future to help other first timers to choose somewhere that suits...

Hi Tweetie Pie, I have read your posts with interest. As you've been looking at the Bodrum peninsula, maybe I can chuck in my twopennyworth for consideration? Reading what you like, and what hubby likes, maybe Bitez would be a good place to start. It's quieter than Gumbet - although close by so that if hubby does want a more lively night out, then it's only a short taxi ride away. The beach scene is great - you can lie beach on a lounger, a massive cushion, a hammock - take your pick - and read your book and relax while hubby enjoys the sea. While you will probably stay in a hotel towards the sea area of Bitez, you can walk up into the village and mix with the real Turkish people who live there all year round. It's also easy to travel round the peninsula so you can get to some places where the tourists don't go and see village life as it really is.

One advantage of going to the Bodrum peninsula is the shorter transfer distance from Bodrum airport to the resort. And while I'm thinking about it, please don't go and visit the dolphins while over there (they're not kept in good conditions - look for previous posts on this and hopefully it will put you off).

So now you have to think about whether going DIY or on a package. I can't help with the package sorry as we have a house on the Gumbet/Bitez border and before that we always did DIY anyway. You may need to take some time to do some research but don't worry about doing DIY - it's no problem. Price it up and then see what you can get a package for. Flights to Turkey (although you don't say where you are flying from) can be booked through such airlines as Thomas Cook, Onur Air (use Aegean Flights for these), Travel Republic, Thomsonfly, First Choice, etc. We usually use Thomas Cook or Onur Air as we get the best prices with them. Hotels can be booked through say Travel Republic and are usually good value. As for transfers, we always hire a car these days but before that we always used http://www.propercar.com and they were good value and reliable. Don't let the thought of doing DIY put you off if it works out cheaper than a package.

If you do decide on the Bodrum peninsula, let us know and then, if you want, I can help some more for places you may want to visit while there so that you get a real feel of the place rather than just the more touristy places.

JAKKI xx

hi thanks lynwestie (sorry in my first post I called you lyntwistle...dont know where I got that from)....did knock turguties off but after your post is back on for further coments so...update

places shortlist at the moment is..

ortaket

torba

bitez as the lots of pretty bars and resturants sounds good, but what goes on at night....

Aegean dream resort in turgetreis as lynwestie says " Would like to go back to that stretch though . Sunsets to die for " tell me more about the hotel and the area ect round it...is it one of the less touristy areas that TB has hinted at...

Hi Tweetie Pie,

I love the Bodrum Peninsula and lived there for a few years. I think you would like Bitez or Ortakent, they are both lovely.

Bitez caters more for Birtish tourists, there are some good restaurants on the beach and a few good bars, the beach is nice too, shingly at one end and sandy at the other and there are places with big cushions and hammocks under the trees, which is nice for just chilling. You will find Turkish nights going on at a lot of the hotels and apartments.

Ortakent caters more for Turkish tourists, there are again lots of nice restaurants and it is cheaper to eat out here because there are more Turkish people than British. The beach is beautiful there and the whole place has more of an authentic feel to it.

The accomodation in both places is mainly small B&B hotels or apartments.

Hope this helps
Kedi

thanks gumbet jakki....that was worth more than 2p.....

we would fly preferably from manchester as we wont be telling hubby anything if just me and him are going untill I have to....and have relatives in manchester we visit regular....so good reason to be heading that way...will arrange a phone call asking can we pick some one up from airport on the way

If we are all going manchester or liverpool will do ...I will tell him have booked salou as havent been for years...somewhere he never wanted to go back to in the end...if weve flown to salou weve used liverpool....but if weve used coach weve been picked up at manchester airport....there will be an argument...might even say he wont go and will stay home to look after the animals...fine...he will still take us the airport...if he is annoyed and grumpy but doent want to get left on his own for 2 weeks it will be better...wonder how long it will take till he realises he is on his way to turkey instead....this year on his 50th we got him to the departure gates before he knew he was going anywhere...

futher explained on Ellie-megs turkish hospital topic...the fun we had over his 50th is on HT somewhere too...if you want a giggle makes good reading..

Know what Im doing with thomascook...and what you say about being close to bodrum airport is a plus...and if thomascook fly there maybe they do a suitable package

I like this to
While you will probably stay in a hotel towards the sea area of Bitez, you can walk up into the village and mix with the real Turkish people who live there all year round. It's also easy to travel round the peninsula so you can get to some places where the tourists don't go and see village life as it really is.

This seems to make sense too..
maybe Bitez would be a good place to start. It's quieter than Gumbet - although close by so that if hubby does want a more lively night out, then it's only a short taxi ride away....for the lads too

BITEZ...looking good

ps...I never lay on the beach I get too hot...love the sun but have to be on the move in it or well shaded...or I get ill...family mess in the sea I paddle on the edge..or float of else where and return wih goodies to eat and drink.....

Hi Tweetie Pie, glad to be of help. One thing - if you do fancy going down to the beach with the family and want to relax, there's loads of shade on the beach - there's some great swinging sofas with loads of shade that are just great. Along the front at Bitez, each cafe/restaurant has its own bit of beach in front of it and you're welcome to sit there for as long as you want - just buy the odd drink from them and they're fine.

There's some lovely places to visit on the peninsula - and you sound like my kind of person as you love to get out and about and see the real place behind the holiday facade. We always hire a car now and I can tell you that we've been along some roads which I don't even think donkeys would be happy about . We've been to beaches where there was just us and an octopus fisherman - that was an eye opener I can tell you!!

Anyway, hope you get something sorted out - do let us know where you end up booking. Have a great holiday

thanks kedi....the more I learn the more I lean towards Bitez or Ortakent....are these places near each other....
Are the tranferes from bodram airport as easy to ortakent....

On TB's post he lists AI hotels in ortakent and SC...wonder what the AI's are like....and as more for turkish tourists would it be all turkish AI or cater for some british choice as well....youngest lad can be picky but also likes spicey things like curry ect...hubby can get dicky tum if eats too much spicey food...loves my curry but pays for it after...he loves loves kebabs....me and eldest will try most things...and we all love lamb.....hubby likes a beer ....we like the cocktails , white wine , vodka an fruit juice ,rum an coke ect....I like sambucca....we also like lots of soft drinks and pop tea and coffee...how would we fair in a Ortakent AI

Do a lot of brits go ortakent...or would we would stick out....it would be my choice...but at the moment bitez seems best all round...as best for hubby an boys...and I can walk up into the village and meet real turkish people the eldest would enjoy going with me too

Upuntill now bitez is leading

that sounds even better jakki.....I dont drive...only hubby...wouldnt trust him with a hire car abroad...but I can sure learn fast about the buses...and will take along anyone who wants to come with me....the older lad likes to tag along most of the time...hubby not as adventurus...and has missed out on some really good days in the past...I like walking too

I thought it would take ages to find some where that suited...but doing it this way has worked a treat.

I like to book hols early...and for next year 2010 I have already booked to go back grand caneria which was youngests choice for 2 weeks in july....and will be going france (not keen ..been before...) for a week ...only going there to take youngest to world kick boxing championships to fight..... originally the idea for 2011 was callella de parafrugel as me and the boys wanted to go back again...but hubby has been pestering for turkey for last 6 yrs.( read what I posted on ellie-megs hospital topic)....so was going to spring a surprise 7 day hol to turkey on him as well as book for family hols....but now think turkey should be our main family holiday for 2011.....2012 is my 60th and at the moment want to go to santorini..

The idea is to get my self sorted about where and when to go....then to do my homework on the net about prices and deals now and early on next year...so I will be ready to spot a good deal at the right time next autum ...and get booked up....I am a big fan of forward planning and as I knew nothing about turkey started well early

Another vote for Bitez from me

We spend as much time as possible there.

If you do decide on bitez I would go self-catering, as there are so many lovely restaurants to choose from.

just priced one up to get an idea of cost....Bitez 14th june 2010 package for 2 weeks for 4 safir hotel with olympic holidays in flight meals extra baggage...but on a monarch flight £1731 SC ..£2085 half board....not bad at all...havent a clue what hotel like...just did as fact finding exersise

Yes Lovely sunsets but being honest with you tweets I dont think Turgetreis would suit . We expected a smallish resort but actually it was more sprawling than we had imagined . big marina and shopping centre amongst the traditional turkish .
The market there was very good and if im honest we didnt spend a lot of time in the town (10-15 minite walk along a lovely promonade from ADR) . Quite expensive for drinks etc . If you were looking at an A/I though maybe La Blanch would be better for you .

On TB's post he lists AI hotels in ortakent and SC...wonder what the AI's are like....and as more for turkish tourists would it be all turkish AI or cater for some british choice as well....y

Aegean dream resort in turgetreis as lynwestie says " Would like to go back to that stretch though . Sunsets to die for " tell me more about the hotel and the area ect round it...is it one of the less touristy areas that TB has hinted at...

You wont find A/Is at these smaller resorts and probably B&B with maybe an option of paying HB direct with the hotel if you want to would be the better way to go . There isnt really a great deal of choice as far as A/I within a more traditional turkish resort goes. Other than Olu Deniz whilst gorgeous I wouldnt describe as traditional turkish,Turgetreis . bodrum ,icmeler and Marmaris and along the coast at Side the rest are all quite isolated . Ive spent years searching out the decent ones that are within or walking distance of a resort

Is it the Manuel hotel or something similar that seems popular in bitez . Always used to get good reviews but not sure how they fair now .

Have you had a look at Dalyan ,kas , kalkan , Dacta is it ? or have you decided on the Aegean coast i.e Bodrum peninsular .

Hiya tweets, jakki and Y'all

I listed some hotels for Bitez and Ortakent, Bitez is more sc and B&B, Ortakent does have some AI, but I think accomodation is not the issue. I think either of these places would be ideal for you, and as you said in your original post, you enjoy getting on the bus and just going to where the locals are, so, I think you will be fine. Plenty of villages to visit. Ortakent beach is lovely, and is a little more geared towards Turkish holiday makers, but hey, that's good. Bitez, just chilled and easy. Good watersports too. Plus plenty of shaded areas for you to sit and watch the world go by. Turgutreis, is quite touristy the nearer town you go, but up by the Aegean Dreams hotel, the No Traffic rule works well, yes, there are hotels and little apartments near the beach, but nothing built up, and the little jetty at Jimmys Bar and the little tea house where you can sit on cushions and drink wonderful brews, or smoke a flavoured hookah pipe for 15 ytl, (Its only scented water, but an experience) and we sat in there at the end of September with 2 other couples. It was so quiet at that end of the pedestrianised stretch. The town in Turgutreis at night, is loud and noisy, but vibrant, you have the choice though. Bitez is more bar and restaurant geared at nights, Ortakent a little livlier.

The Arum is up from where we stayed, stayed at the Perissia, Hemera, and another one in Colakli, (won't mention that one!!!) Side is beautiful, the beach is glorious, and there are lots of good quality hotels with lots of board ratings, but, with the remit you have set down, I really think you would not enjoy.

So, go before beginning of July or from mid September then it's not too hot for you (you don't like laying out in the sun) Bitez Ortakent, or even Torba would be ideal for the tranquility, but easily accessible to other regions, good transport system, so you are able to get out and about.
There are good inexpensive eating places for you to try in all these areas, good watersports for your other half, should he want them.
A bus ride into Bodrum would take you to the castle and museum for a day out, (closed mondays) the castle, not Bodrum.

Other than this tweetie, I can think of no more suggestions for you, if you take what everyone has said, pick the best and away you go.
You need have no worries about sticking out like a sore thumb, really doesn't happen, you are treated as a friend from your first visit.

Take care.TB.

Tweetie Pie,

I don't know what the AI is like at Ortakent but to be honest if you enjoy getting out and about and watching the world go by you may do better with B&B or SC as there are so mnay lovely places to go out to eat in both Bitez and Ortakent. Lots of kebabs, lots of lamb etc, not so much hot spicy food in Turkish cooking though, although some things have chillie, it's not like eating a hot curry. You will find beer cheap in most places, Efes is the local brew and it is very nice, not too strong and goes down well :cheers. You will also find all kinds of cocktails in the bars too. If you want spirits try to stick to the local ones or it is very expensive as all imported drinks have an extremely high tax on them, so probably best to avoid Sambucca. You can try raki, it is quite strong though so not too many, it is drank with water and ice and some nuts on the side. Turkish wine is quite nice but it can be expensive (high tax again).

There are British people who go to Ortakent but not so many as Bitez.

To add to the accomodation recommended by Triflebum in Bitez I would also suggest you take a look at Summer gardens Apartments and Basri Apartments, I have stayed in both and they are very nice. Someone mentioned Manuela Hotel, I have stayed there too but the last time I was there I found it too noisy. It caters mainly for Irish guests and they have loud Irish music playing at the bar until the early hours of the morning. I also found that if you don't spend all your time at the hotel they tend to get a bit put out and me and my friend were ignored at the bar a few times . It is popular but I guess it depends what you like.

Bitez is about 45 minutes drive from the airport, about and hour by transfer bus and Ortakent maybe 10 minutes further so you wont have a horrendous transfer after your flight.

If you do decide to go SC there are a couple of big supermarkets close by where you can get all your supplies, you will need to get a taxi but it will only take about 5 minutes and everything is a lot cheaper there. You can then just get things like bread and water from the local shops. Not that I actually ever cook on holiday but it's good to get drinks, snacks and toilettries for the apartment.

If there is anything else I can help you with, just let me know.

Kedi