H
ere is that rare thing: a comfortable weekend retreat set within less than two hours' commuting from downtown Istanbul, and surrounded by enough unspoiled nature to feel as if it is much farther. The fast ferry zips across to Yalova in 40 minutes. In another half hour you are up in the hills, surrounded by forest and meadow, turkey and sheep.
The hotel is converted from a (large) private house. That means a degree of interior intimacy that can be enjoyable if you are with a group of your own, but may leave insufficient room for privacy otherwise. The host, the owner of a large travel agency in professional life, is present on most weekends. He keeps enough musical instruments on premises to equip a full-scale orchestra. He plays most of them, and what is more, he makes his guests to play along. There is a large-screen DVD room and a pair of professional billiard tables to fill up the remaining time. The cuisine comes highly recommended.
Facilities:credit cards accepted • suburban setting • nice garden • tv in room • AC in room • internet present • open off season • phone in room
Location:in village • in the forest • on the mountain
Restaurant:Mediterranean cuisine • Custom • Southeastern cuisine • Meals served on request • Homemade cuisine • Local • Vegetarian cuisine
Child policy:children welcome
Net connection:available everywhere • free of charge
Activities:table tennis • trekking • cycling • pooltable • jacuzzi
Pet policy:in the garden only