5 Best Hotels in Uçhisar, Cappadocia and Central Turkey

Exceptional service, a spectacular location, and accommodations that meld sophisticated yet understated contemporary design with lovely local touches make Argos one of Cappadocia's best hotels. Public spaces—including a lounge, an excavated concert space, and the excellent Seki Restaurant—utilize the area's natural materials and feature impeccable design details. Rooms, some in caves and some in restored mansions, are distributed over several buildings amid well-tended gardens. Most have fireplaces, and some have a terrace or balcony (none have TVs). "Splendid" category suites even have small private pools. The property is centrally located for experiencing Cappadocia, but leave yourself a day or two just to enjoy the hotel. Be sure to tour the on-site wine cellar (Turkey's largest).

Occupying three old houses joined by a courtyard and underground tunnels, the delightful Kale Konak promises the friendly intimacy of a small guesthouse combined with the professional service of a larger hotel. Impeccably maintained underground cave and upper-level stone rooms have old-fashioned furnishings, including antiques sourced from around the world. A few, with loft-style beds off the main rooms, are especially good for families. There's a pretty garden and terrace with several resident cats and a small hammam that's open 24 hours. A simple dinner can be provided on request.

French architect Jacques Avizou has restored 16 houses—some carved out of caves, others built from local stone—to create one of the most beautiful places to stay in Cappadocia. The units, which elegantly blend rustic trappings with a clean, modern design, are equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes, and most have fireplaces; one has a gorgeous heated pool on its private roof terrace. Houses sleep from four to seven and studios two to three. A tasty breakfast featuring fresh fruit and homemade jams can be delivered to your room or eaten in a rustic dining room or on its outdoor terrace.

This cluster of cave and stone-building accommodations connected by labyrinthine passages is a work of art; befitting the name, it is filled with the owner's impressive collection of antiques, ranging from metalwork to Ottoman caftans to carpets. Comfortably furnished rooms convey a local feel, with Jacuzzis adding a luxe touch. The showpiece of the terrace is a gorgeous (though unheated) infinity pool with breathtaking valley views. The property also has a chic, open-air bar and a delightful rose garden inhabited by peacocks.

Five rock-cut homes sharing a grassy courtyard have been carefully restored to evoke an authentic sense of place while providing modern amenities. The cave and stone guest rooms inside, most with fireplaces, are elegant but not overdone. All have good-size bathrooms with walk-in showers. Suites have separate sitting areas; deluxe suites also have private terraces. There are pleasant outdoor lounge areas and an open-air bar, as well as a restaurant that serves prix-fixe dinners on request.