Thanks for your mini trip report and review of Sacred House, ss. I agree that Capadocia is wonderful, as is all of Turkey. It was one of my most satisfying trips and I'd go back in a heartbeat.
I concur with everything you've mentioned, though did the reverse of you : lived in Goreme and visited Urgup. My hotel in Goreme was the excellent Kelebek Pension and I too had a cave room, set up on a hill with magnificent views of the valley and rock formations (I had windows, a two-tiered hardwood floor, large sitting area, beautiful turkish bathroom and a fireplace that was lit every night, as well as tens of ambient candles dotted all over the room. There was electricity as well). The breakfasts were magnificent, but I found that to be the case all over turkey as well.

Unfortunately I paid USD 90.00 for the ride from Kayseri airport to Goreme in a private taxi. But I was wiser for the return trip back and got the free shuttle offered by Turkish airlines instead.

M.

We also enjoyed our stay at Sacred House. We had a room that was newly renovated on the top floor. I was not aware that there were any "cave rooms" in the hotel. I would refer to the hotel as a "Greek House" inn. I believe that the house once belonged to a wealthy Greek family in the town.The Greeks were expelled after WWI. Anyway, it was a nice hotel and the staff was most helpful.

Pat

ss,

Thank you for your report. We will be in Cappadocia in two weeks. We're staying in Urgup (Melekler Evi Hotel) and we haven't planned to rent a car, so I was pleased to hear that the cab ride to Goreme is so reasonable. We're flying into Nevsihir which I believe is a little closer to Urgup and our hosts have also arranged a shuttle for TL30 for both of us.

Did you visit any underground cities or the open air museum in Goreme?

Ellen

" Did you visit any underground cities or the open air museum in Goreme? "

Yes I did. The Open air museum is just on the outskirts of Goreme and is worth it for getting a good sense of how people lived in incredible natural 'architecture'. Some beautiful paintings in the caves too.

I took a bus ride to an underground city in, I think, Nevsehir (it was where the castle is) and enjoyed that. It is quite spacious in ther but can get claustrophobic for some and most of the walking is in one direction single file. There will be times when you will have to crouch low and walk at the same time but not too often. The guides are very good and its adequately lit and not hot and stuffy (at least in mid october, when I went).

It is very easy, safe and quite enjoyable to travel by public transport between all the towns mentioned in this post so far. The buses are like large vans, often new, clean and the passengers and drivers very friendly and prepared to deal with tourists. The towns are quite near to one another and the scenery is spectacular along the route.

M.

Mathieu,

Thanks - this is good information and helps me feel better about getting around without a car while we're in that part of the country. We'll be in Cappadocia two weeks from today - can't wait!

Ellen