Need help/advice from Turkey experts!
 

Gee...I had this whole thing typed out, then hit a wrong key and it disappeared! Hope this post doesn't show up twice.

Anyway - I am trying to get hotels lined up for our October trip to Turkey (just Kusadasi/Ephesus and Bodrum). I know I am a little late in finalizing things - my DH has already gotten on my case about it!

I have a quote from a website (kusadasihotels.com) for 3 nights at the Kismet Hotel. I requested 1 standard double room and 1 deluxe double room. The quote was $1275 for the 3 nights. Does this seem right? I wasn't able to find room rates on the hotel's website.

I am also trying to find a nice, upscale resort in Bodrum. I have searched websites and the one that keeps popping to my attention is the WOW (World of Wonder) Resort . BUt I haven't been able to find any reviews on it. Does anyone know about this resort? We are looking for something with a lot of water sports (sailing, skiing, tubing, etc). The Sunsail resorts look great, but we will only be staying 5 nights, not a full week.

Finally, can anyone recommend a good/reputable rental car agency in Izmir? We will need a car with an automatic transmission and will pick it up in Izmir and return it in Bodrum. I know automatics are harder to find, but that's what we need!

Thanks in advance for your help......the assistance that the fodorites give is always appreciated!

Hi

Contact Kismet - http://www.kismet.com.tr - direct and compare prices.

Good luck

That price seems too high for the Kismet.

I don't see prices on their website, e-mail them. I think a standard was about 120E and a deluxe about 150E. You should also ask a travel agent for their rates for the hotel. Check out turkeytravelplanner.com for travel agencies. I think I used Argeus.

Thanks for the quick replies. I actually had emailed the Kismet awhile back - but never got a response. I may just call them.

Nothing like a phone call to get matters settled - don't know why I didn't do it to begin with! Got prices of 99 Euros ($126) for the double and 179 Euros ($229) for the deluxe double. I guess there might be cheaper rates out there, but this is cheaper than the quote I got and within the budget I had.

Now - any thoughts on the WOW Resort or other resorts in Bodrum????

grcxx3:
You'll love Kismet...excellent hotel ..view of the harbor, delightful staff.

Azka Hotel in Bodrum..ten minute walk to town, but hotel has a little skiff jiyney boat they transport guests to downtown...it's on the bay, nice beach amd pool area...good food available...lovely rooms with view balconies...very inexpensive for this hotel location and ambience...less than $100 USD.

Consider also driving to Pamukkale for a wondrous sight to see!!! One of a kind. Look it up at

http://www.bitez.net/turkey/pamukkale/

http://hoteldirectoryturkey.com/hotels/fiveazka.html (Azka Hotel)

Stu T.

Stu - thanks for the confirmation on the Kismet. It looks wonderful.

I will take a look at the Azka hotel in BOdrum, but I think my husband has it in his mind to do some sailing. Are there any water sports available at the beach at the Azka?

We are skipping Pamukkale this time. My younger son and I were there a couple of years ago and loved it, but we just don't want to do a bunch of driving this trip. We live near Turkey and plan on coming back frequently.

Finally - has anyone taken the ferry from Bodrum to Kos? What is there to do on the island? I tried searching, but couldn't come up with anything specific about that island.

Sit in the garden of the Kismet, the western end overlooking the sea, order a drink and watch the sun go down !! Great memories.

gr...being a resort type lodging, I believe the Azka can arrange sailboat rentals, etc...best to phone them rather than write or e-mail..
Stu T.

Kýsmet is a ghood choice, Azka and Wow are different stories. Bodrum has good hotels if you have the budget... You can also take day gulet trips...Kos ferries are twice daily but should check how it runs on october.
Happy travelling,
Murat

Just when I thought I had things all together.....we've had to alter plans slightly due to DH work schedule!!! So - a few additional questions if you don't mind (and some I forgot to ask earlier).....

We will be at the Kismet in Kusadasi for 3 nights (2-1/2 days). Some of that will be much needed R&R, some sightseeing. Will we will okay with lunch and dinner there most of the time, or should we venture into town?

I plan on hiring a guide at the entrance to Ephesus. Does anyone know what the going rate is? And any recommendations for lunch spots near Ephesus for when we finish?

I am thinking of returning the rental car in Bodrum upon our arrival, since I don't really think we will need it for our short stay. Does anyone know what a taxi would cost from the harbor area (Hotel Marina Vista) to the airport?

Finally - assuming ferries are running, is a trip to Kos a good idea? What is there to do on the island?

As always - I appreciate all the help I get from the fodorites!!! I don't think I could plan a trip with you guys!

At the Kismet, walk out the driveway turn left when you reach the street, about 50 meters away on the top of the cliff overlooking the sea is a fantastic seafood restaurant. The outdoor area is wonderfull at night. Choose your own seafood and have it prepared for you. Have and Efes or two as well !

Marko - Thanks for the suggestion! I think you mentioned it before but I am glad to be reminded. I can't eat seafood, but my husband and boys will be thrilled!

And there won't be any problems with me having a few Efes!!! We can get there here where I live and it's definitely one of my favs!!!!!

Kos - another castle, although I think the one in Bodrum is more interesting. Some Roman ruins in Kos town, including a nice small theater. The Asklepion - I loved this site, but it is quite ruinous - depends on how you feel about ruins and how you feel about Hippocrates. Beaches in the southwest of the island, but not so easy to get to. I thought Kos was pleasant enough, but I was mostly there to catch the ferry to Bodrum, and found Rhodes much more interesting. YMMV.

Thanks for the info on Kos. I think we'll just spend out time bumming around Bodrum.

Marko-My husband & I have reservations at The Kismet the last 2 nights of our trip to Turkey. YOur suggestions to watch the sun set & that sea food restraunt on the cliff sound like a wonderful end to our vacation-Thanks Chris