Caria Holiday Resort

“ If this had been my first Turkish holiday I would not return again

We were very disappointed with the hotel. Definitely not worth its 4 stars. We thought we would be having a peaceful holiday as the area is very scenic and peaceful. But from 10.00 to 17.30 the music at the pool area was deafening with rap/house music put on by the animation team this seemed be more for their own enjoyment than anyone elses. I did speak to the team and the manager about this but it made no difference. So we decided to go to the beach which was lovely except that there were white plastic loungers with no matresses and they were really uncomfortable, we were told that matresses were not allowed on the beach, also we had to take towels with us from the hotel these were supposed to be supplied by the hotel, but we kept ours for the week as when we asked for clean ones we had to wait 30 mins. The hotel food was ok but never hot and on the beach the lunch was minimal nothing hot just warm with cold chips served. The hotel bar was ok although they did not have local rum or a cocktail list. No waiter service at bar. Resaurant area was ok staff very good at collecting plates and cutlery almost before your your plate was empty.

The rooms were clean. With wonderful sea views

“ Top Tip: No very quiet area

“ We had a great time at the Caria. I went with my husband for a getaway without the kids and we loved it. The rooms were clean and spacious, ours could have done with the bathroom being re grouted but shower was good. We were given a family room with fridge even though we were a couple, on the 5th level. Its cleverly set up so that you walk several yards then do more steps, and if you are fairly fit and healthy then its no problem. My husband is 51 and he managed it fine, but if you have kids with you or are, shall we say, on the larger side it could be a problem!

The food was really good. The soup and bread were lovely, always lots of choice of hot food and so much salad to choose from. If you are going expecting pie and chips or roast dinner then Turkey is probably not for you. But if you like trying the foreign foods on offer then you will eat very well. The staff were attentive, smartly dressed and spoke good english, we were impressed. The drinks were good at the bars we were very happy. There were also a few cats at the outside restaurant that were the cutest things ever, they were tame and played with each other and were the best entertainment!

The pool was lovely very clean, it was cleaned nightly. There was a smaller kids pool which is good as the main pool starts at 1.50cm hard to keep your head above the water as an adult! They play music around the pool but we liked it to be honest. The slides were also good fun. We took the bus down to the beach a couple of times and that was very nice too, great that they had a cabin for drinks and we had lunch down there one day for a change.

The evening entertainment was not brilliant. The animation team were quite busy amusing each other rather than the guests! Some of the 'shows' were terrible and about 20 yrs out of date. Better than nothing, but only just! There was a man singing and playing the keyboard at the kaya bar most nights and we enjoyed that there were people dancing having a good time. There were not many Brits there but the other holiday makers were friendly enough, it was fairly quiet but we had no problems with people pushing in, and always found a sunbed.

The weather in September was gorgeous, the parasols really needed. The views were super and the little town good to get nik-naks and souvenirs.

I would recommend this hotel, it was amazingly good for the price we paid. However I wouldn't bring my teenagers as they would find it too dull. There wasn't much to do at night, no strolls along the beach etc. If you want peace and relaxation, nice and sunny, nice environment, then come to the Caria in September :)

“ Top Tip: Two weeks would be too long, but a week here is just what you need to recharge your batteries.

“ The hotel is in a wonderful location up a mountain with amazing views. The only downside is that you have to walk up lots of steep steps to get to your room, we are pretty fit and were on the 7th street and struggled to get all the way up, so if you are older, unfit or have very small kids you may find it a problem.

The rooms are very basic, and at 1st we were a bit disappointed when we walked into the room, but the shower was powerful and the bed comfy and for the amount of time you actually spend in your room they are the most important things to get right.

If you book a room that says balcony, beware that doesnt mean you will get one, when we pointed this out the reception they told us its no guarantee you will have one.

The beach is wonderful, there is a free mini bus that takes you there, you do have to fight at busy times to get on as some people dont understand queuing.

The food was wonderful, i dotn understand people who have complained, it was all fresh and made in front of you. If you are expecting english food then shouldnt really go to turkey. kids might struggle if they are fussy and prefer chips/burgers.

I would say keep an open mind, there are not many english people, 95% Russian, but we thoroughly enjoyed the holiday even if reception were unhelpful.

If you think about how much you are actually paying to stay at this hotel you cant expect luxury

“ Top Tip: beach is wonderful.

beach bar is very handy as all inclusive, they do offer hamburgers but dont display that they are on offer you need to ask as they are not put out with the food.

“ loud music at the pool area ,miserable staff, ok food. You need to be really fit because we had over 150 step to climb to get from restaurant/reception area to our room!!