Alize Hotel – Olu Deniz – Turkey

Got back early hours of this morning & missing it so much. The Alize hotel in Olu Deniz is lovely and in a superb location. I went with my sister & our children all teenagers. The hotel is more geared up for families and couples rather than youngsters wanting to be out until the early hours, so suited us perfectly.

Rooms are basic with a small balcony but very clean. You do need to be able to take your suitcase up two flights of stairs if you are in one of the higher rooms as the hotel porter leaves them at the bottom of the stairs & waits for his tip! We had two teenage boys who were able to carry cases up, otherwise I might have asked if the porter could take them to the door but I’m not sure if he sees that as his job! We spent very little time in the rooms, they are air conditioned thankfully as it was very hot at night.

Food I couldn’t fault. There was plenty of choice, always something different on the barbeque. We tried plenty of different Turkish foods. some we liked, some we wouldn’t want again but it was nice to have the opportunity to taste. Lots of sickly sweet puds & fresh fruit.

Drinks were fine for us. However if you are whisky, brandy or a Baileys drinker then you won’t be impressed if you are all-inclusive as drinks are limited to wine, raki, vodka, gin, beer (Efes & one other draught) and soft drinks. Anything else you have to pay for! Coffee available all day, I think tea was too but I didn’t order any myself.

You have a fridge in your room, handy for other drinks that you want to buy from the local supermarket (3 minutes from hotel) & reasonably priced.

Didn’t realise until the last day but pool towels are available free of charge, you keep them for 3 days then swap them for clean ones. Handy for the last day if you don’t want to pack wet towels.  I can recommend the hotel masseur, I had a full body massage for £15.

Entertainment is er, interesting! Daytime they work very hard with aqua aerobics starting at 10.30, then darts, water polo, pool games, bowls etc. They will ask if you want to join in but no pressure if you would rather sunbathe. Evening entertainment ‘could be better’! It starts at 10pm for approx one hour & they do work hard but it’s not really that good.

Waiters are very, very attentive, if you put your knife & fork down you are likely to have your plate taken away even if you haven’t finished! It was a bit irritating to start with but I sort of got used to it by the end of the week. The waiters work so hard, they are serving breakfast at 7.30am & evening meals finish at 9.30pm. They work two weeks before having one day off - they deserve a medal in that heat. They are all lovely, speak good English & always have a smile for you.

The pool is lovely. Plenty of lilos & inflatables so you don’t have to take your own. They are all piled up under the slide at end of day & you can help yourself while you are there.

This is not a 4 star holiday & if you go with that in mind then you will enjoy yourself. Its comfortable, easy going, & excellent value for money. We were very sad to leave & will be looking to book again for next year. One of the best holidays I have had.