Where to Stay in Turkey
The best areas and types of stay for every kind of trip
Turkey has every kind of stay, from cave rooms in Cappadocia and restored Ottoman houses in Istanbul to big all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera and small family guesthouses on the Lycian coast. In most places, the area you choose matters more than the star rating. Use this guide to pick the right base, then read the detailed guide for each destination.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the most popular seasons for sightseeing; July and August are peak beach season. Book early for those months and for holidays. Winter brings the best value, except on the coast where many resorts close.
Where to stay by destination
- Istanbul: Sultanahmet for the sights, Galata and Taksim for nightlife, the Bosphorus for views, Kadıköy for local life.
- Cappadocia: cave hotels in Göreme, Uçhisar and Ürgüp, many with balloon-view terraces.
- Antalya and the Riviera: the old town of Kaleiçi, or resorts in Lara, Belek, Side, Kemer and Alanya.
- Fethiye and Ölüdeniz: the harbour town, Çalış for sunsets, Hisarönü and Ölüdeniz for the beach and paragliding.
- Bodrum: the lively town, quieter bays like Gümüşlük, or stylish Türkbükü and Yalıkavak.
- Kaş and Kalkan: small hotels and villas with sea views, ideal for couples.
Types of accommodation
- All-inclusive resorts: meals, drinks and activities included, mainly on the Antalya coast. Great for families.
- Boutique hotels: small, characterful hotels in restored houses, common in Istanbul, Kaleiçi and Cappadocia.
- Cave hotels: rooms carved into the rock, unique to Cappadocia.
- Villas and apartments: popular in Kalkan, Kaş, Bodrum and Fethiye for families and groups.
- Guesthouses (pansiyon): simple, family-run and good value, often with home-cooked breakfast.
Budget tips
- Budget: guesthouses and simple hotels, often in great locations.
- Mid-range: boutique and chain hotels with comfortable rooms and good breakfasts.
- Luxury: palace hotels on the Bosphorus, spa resorts on the Riviera and top cave hotels.
- Prices change by season and event; compare direct booking with booking sites, and check what is included.
Getting there
Arriving by plane? See Istanbul Airport to the city centre and Antalya Airport transfers. Combining cities? Read Istanbul to Cappadocia.
Where to stay in Turkey: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Turkey for first-time visitors?
Most first-time visitors combine Istanbul (stay in Sultanahmet or Galata) with Cappadocia (a cave hotel in Göreme or Uçhisar) and a few days on the coast, such as Antalya, Fethiye or Bodrum.
Is all-inclusive good value in Turkey?
Yes, especially for families on the Antalya coast, where resorts include meals, drinks, pools and kids’ clubs.
When should I book hotels in Turkey?
Book a few months ahead for spring, summer and autumn and for holidays. In winter you can often book closer to the date.
Are cave hotels comfortable?
Yes. Most have modern bathrooms, heating and Wi-Fi; some rooms have steps and low doorways.
Guides in this section
Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons