ss

Just back from 2 nights at Sacred House in Urgup. We did not realize that landing at Kayseri Airport the drive was a good hour away from the tourist areas of Capadoccia (Urgup, Goreme, etc).
Fortunately I called Sacred House from IST airport to find out about transportation, I could not recall if my agent had booked this for me. Fortunately the very efficient, friendly and outgoing manager Yesen got us on a shared shuttle bus (about 10 passengers) for a mere 30 TLR which is a huge bargain. A private cab would have been over $100.00 usd.
Anyway the hotel is very lovely, we stayed in a cave room in this cave hotel. However, please note small pieces of sandstone fall off occasionally and feel like sand on your skin. Also besides the door there is no other natural light (no windows). We did see many of the gorgous suites in this hotel and one was more inspiringly decorated that the other- only a few are in the actual cave. Breakfast on the upper terrace was delicious, creative & with beautiful presentations. They greet you with open arms and a welcome drink. Yesen was eager to please - made dinner recommendations, reservations and arranged transportation at good prices.
The courtyard and all rooms are tastefully presented. I would highly recommend this hotel.
Urgup doesn't have as many shops as Goreme, but it has nice restaurants - for shopping a cab ride to Goreme is about 22 TLR - pretty cheap and about 15 mins away by cab. It's also a very nice town, more to do than in Urgup, but do not know anything about their hotels. Just want to put out a good word for Sacred House and their excellent staff.

Mathieu

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.

wanttogo

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

ellencmog

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

Mathieu

" 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.

ellencmog

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

luisabekker

If you want to experience life in a small Turkish village with genuine hospitality and amazing home cooked Turkish meals,Aravan Evi-this is the place for you. We loved our 3 days at Aravan Evi-it felt like being welcomed into someone's home. you can visit for more information: www.aravan.com