F
rom a modest settlement of fishermen's huts scattered between dramatic ruins and a deserted beach, Side grew in 30 years into a tourist-processing plant. Its Main Street is now probably the most crowded place in the country after the Grand Bazaar on a Saturday. Over 100 B&Bs and small hotels vie for space in this manic maelstrom, offering tiny quarters, slapdash facilities and a lax outlook on life.
Lale Park Hotel is easily the best of the lot. Its garden is positively huge by Sides lilliputian standards. The beach is 50 yards away, and the Temple of Apollo is maybe another 100. There are no bars or discotheques next door, though you can find an astonishing range of restaurants within strolling distance. Above all the hosts are gentle, friendly, and easy-mannered people who even like playing classical music during the day. Rooms are functional but spotlessly clean and full of daylight.
The brothers Gökkoca also own an attractive historic house in the Old Town of Antalya, called Candles House, which they offer for accommodation by prior reservation.
Facilities:credit cards accepted • right by the sea • traditional architecture • nice garden • swimming pool • AC in room • internet present • suburban setting
Location:in village • just by the sea • in the city • in a historical setting
Restaurant:Mediterranean cuisine • Meals served on request • Homemade dishes • Seafood • Vegetarian • Local
Child policy:children welcome
Net connection:free of charge • available everywhere
Activities:trekking • guided tour
Last review
“A little gem in a Turkish Paradise” We wanted a small, peaceful hotel where we could relax, and forget our busy work for two weeks. We could not have chosen better. This fitted our prescription perfectly. A beautiful hotel, in a lovely setting - wonderful staff and managers, very clean, comfortable, with all the facilites we wanted. It is within a stones throw of the most magnificant amphitheatre, beach, restaurants, shops, and transportation, yet it feels as if you are in the countryside. Nothing was too much trouble, and there was always someone on hand to help if needed. Where else could you sun bathe, and swim to the sounds of Beethoven, or the owners lovely little daughter practising her violin as if she had been playing for years (two months, in actual fact). We made friends with Norwegians, Dutch, Turkish and fellow English visitors, everone blending together, especially on Turkish night, when we had an impromptu peice of entertainment by our night watchman, after an excellent traditional Turkish meal. We enjoyed the breakfasts, and would thoroughly recommend sampling some of the evening meals, rather than dining out every night. We had a lovely holiday in Lali Park Hotel and would certainly return here. We were lucky enough to enjoy the Side festival of culture and art during our first week, ending with three Turkish Tenors singing at the Apollo temple - magical.
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