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With some notable exceptions, the hotels in the east are basic, with little in the way of the luxuries you might find in Istanbul or along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. A few boutique hotels are beginning to pop up though, particularly in Mardin, and most cities have at least one decent modern hotel catering to Turkish business travelers. It's advisable to book these well in advance, though there are always plenty of clean and comfortable budget options available.
There are two neighboring buildings here that visitors can stay in, one a restored 18th-century han that has nice rooms with large bathrooms doubling as Turkish hammams. Most rooms are basically suites with separate living rooms and bedrooms, and have lovely reproductions of Ottoman-style furniture.
Popular with Mt. Ararat climbers, this hotel is geared to backpackers but tries harder than most places in town, making it one of the best options in the area. The lobby makes a promising start, although the rooms themselves have fairly average furniture and aging carpets. All rooms have balconies and the ones on the upper floors that face east have views of İshak Paşa Sarayı. In non-summer months, about half the rooms are used to house young schoolteachers from western Turkey who often speak English and are happy to meet visitors from around the world.
This established lodging option a little out of the center of Van makes an attempt at character with reproductions of Urartian art on the walls throughout and gold-embroidered bedspreads and floral wallpaper in the small but pleasant guest rooms. Some rooms face the noisy street—so ask for one in back, though some may overlook a brick wall. The Pastane Café, with Turkish cakes and sweets, is a popular meeting spot. The front-desk staff can help arrange tours of the area.
Although decorated in a questionably outdated fashion, this hotel is one of the better midrange options in town with near-budget rates. The rooms are comfortable enough and have nice bathrooms with large walk-in cabinet showers. There's a bar in the lobby with a range of international and domestic drinks on offer.
One of Trabzon's best budget options, Hotel Nur has spotless (though small) rooms, some overlooking the main square---those on the higher floors, facing the front, even have a sea view. There's also a lovely terrace where you can bring your own drinks.
In the old Christian Bey neighborhood, this mansion-hotel conversion makes sure you feel like a guest at a real Turkish home (shoes even come off at the door). The 130-year-old building has three floors of rooms, some with wood paneling and all with (slightly small) bathrooms and showers. Suites are on the top floor and get their own terrace. On the lower floors, you can explore a rock-cut cistern and a secret early Christian meeting room.
This charming small hotel in an old house has a very friendly and welcoming staff, as well as a pretty, flower-filled courtyard in a converted old Armenian home. Rooms vary, though some are small and windowless and can get quite humid.
On the edge of a green field, this wooden chalet has large, comfortable rooms, and colorful rugs and kilims in the hallways that add a homey feel. The owners are friendly, and a nice restaurant with an outdoor terrace serves local specialties.
Right in the center of Trabzon, in a bustling area near the main bazaar, this modern hotel is a good value for the price.
Some of the front rooms at this basic inn have wonderful views, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable about outdoor activities in the area. An on-premises agency arranges water rafting and guided hikes. Alcohol is available and an informal restaurant serves dinner on request.
In the small village of Karadut, just 8 km (5 miles) from Mt. Nemrut's summit, Kervansaray is a viable option for those that want to stay close to the main attraction. It offers half-board accommodations in simple but clean rooms, and the terrace has stunning mountain views.
A series of old houses near the fishponds, now in the hands of the tourism faculty of the local university, offer an enormous range of rooms, some cut out of the rock à la Cappadocia. The rooms are generally large and nicely furnished with wood pieces. Pleasant terraces overlook the park, lake, and castle.
With a pool, quiet garden, and spacious and comfortable rooms, each with a small couch, this well-run hotel is a good base for visiting Mt. Nemrut. The friendly staff can help arrange excursions to the sight.
