Place to Stay in Cappadocia?
 

I'm trying to decide between the Ataman Hotel in Goreme and the Esbelli Evi in Urgup. Has anyone stayed at either, and, if so, what is your opinion? I also read that the Ataman Hotel has a disco in the basement -- does it get noisy at night and can you hear the noise from the guest rooms? I'd appreciate any advice.

I suppose this belongs on the strange things I did on vacation but here goes. I am sorry you are most likely going to frown on my suggestion. When I went to Turkey in 1994 we offered hotel owners 2 dollars a night to sleep on their roof tops. It was hot August and few hotels were equipped with air-conditioning and to do so with a full moon over that bizarre landscape was truly incredible. Oddly enough most hotels have a roof equipped with beds and blankets for just this reason. Enjoy, one of the highlights of all my travel experiences.

P.S. I am woman so don't think this is a guy thing. And if you have not been to turkey before have no fears being female if anything you are protected in that country if you are female.

I wanted to stay at Esbelli Evi for our trip in September and it was booked so we are staying at Yunak Evleri. <BR> <BR>Katherine

Thanks, xxx, for the advice. Sounds like a great idea, but I think I'll pass this time.

Katherine, how far ahead did you try to book Esbelli Evi? I'm going in May-June 2002, but I know it's hugely popular and has only nine rooms, so I'm wondering if I should try to get a room now. Yunak Evleri is also my second choice -- it looks beautiful. <BR> <BR>xxx -- Sleeping on roof in Cappadocia sounds dreamy. Good thing you were there in August, though, otherwise brrrr. <BR>

We tried to get in early spring of this year and they had been booked for a year-no chance of cancellation because the $ had been put up front. We needed 3 rooms. The owner of the Esbelli Evi is a friend or business partner with the Yunak Evleri and recommends it so it should be very nice.

Rosenatti - I just booked a room at Esbelli Evi for the end of this coming August.

Thanks, Katherine and JC. It looks like the luck of the draw with Esbelli Evi -- no matter how far ahead you book, if there's a large group of people headed there for the same night, those nine rooms will be taken. If not, voila! A vacancy! Maybe there's a contingent of hot-air balloonists staying there in Sept. <BR>But I feel I've hijacked Judy's post, so I'll top her second question: Any feedback on the Ataman Hotel in Goreme?

We stayed in Gamirasu Cave Hotel, in Ayvali just outside of Urgup, and staying in that <BR>town was truly an experience. A VERY small town-- when you walk outside, you <BR>are entertainment for everyone: kids come running up to you, the men all <BR>insist that you have tea....it made Urgup seem like a large, impersonal city! <BR>

We also have stayed at Gamirasu Cave Hotel and it is definitely recommended. It is like a step back in time and worth a stop to visit a town<BR>that will seem like you've gone back several hundred years in history. But DO NOT let that scare you away.<BR>On the contrary, all the more to visit this place.<BR>This is a chance to experience cave dwelling life but<BR>you will have all the conveniences. Do not think<BR>Holiday Inn or Ramada Inn. Think about experiencing<BR>the culture of the area with so much comfort, warmth,<BR>and hospitality you will think that Turkey is the<BR>travellers' dream and best kept destination secret.<BR><BR>The meals are so good and the best part is that both breakfast and dinner are included in the price. That<BR>leaves the guesswork up to them and you can forget hunting for that "good food, reasonabley priced" restaurant. <BR>You may find them at : www.gamirasu .com and e-mail: [email protected]

I stayed at the Esbelli Evi in 1999-It was a wonderful experience. The staff was pleasant. The rooms were very cool-you are literally living in a cave, but a comfortable one with a full bathroom. Outside of our room was a pleasant patio with roses in bloom-perfect for catching the afternoon sun after a busy day of hiking. They also have a large patio of the hotel entrance where all the guests seemed to convene late afternoon to share stories & wine-very nice crowd. Breakfast (awesome fresh yogurt & homemade preserves w/fruit & toast) was also served on a sunny balcony with sweeping views of the town & hillsides. I don't know anything about the other hotel, but I would strongly recommend Esbelli Evi. If you can't get a room here-I would definately opt for another cave hotel.