The interconnected, flower-filled gardens and sun-soaked terraces are perfect for drinking in the views over Pigeon Valley and the snow-capped cone of Mount Erciyes, while enjoying one of the local wines from the hotel’s impressive cellar. Take in the view from the pool, and when it gets cooler, settle in front of the log fire in the cosy lounge, where piles of books and magazines await. This place is all about the big relax.
Highs
- Lovely Uchisar, one of Cappadocia's highlights. It's an ideal base for hiking, adventure sports and visiting Goreme Open Air Museum
- The rooms are stunning, spread between houses and caves, and a mix of ancient and modern with chimneas and breathtaking views
- Young and friendly staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome
- Dining under the stars on delicious local dishes
- Lots of space for everyone, so popular with couples and families alike
Lows
- Those lacking a sense of direction could find themselves getting lost in the warren of buildings
- Some rooms have been added since our visit, so we haven't personally viewed them yet
- You might be woken by the early morning call to prayer from the neighbouring mosque
- The pool, although spectacular, isn't particularly large given the size of the hotel
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 51 rooms
- Restaurants and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
The guest rooms are spread between seven different mansions (Monastery, Tunnel, Vasil, Gemil, Tiraz, White and Kavak) and caves that once sheltered holy men. They are a mix of Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites. No two are the same size and shape, but each has been decorated in muted tones that complement the exposed stone walls.
Our spacious Deluxe Room was a subtle mix of ancient and modern. An enormous bed was a delight to sink into; we also loved the antique Turkish carpets, wardrobes with intricately carved wooden doors, and the traditional fireplace (some rooms have a chimnea instead). The all-stone bathrooms have walk-in showers and soft Turkish cotton bathrobes.
Standard Rooms have access to a communal terrace or corner from which to soak up the sun and the views. The plush Suites have separate living areas, and some open onto a private terrace, balcony or secluded courtyard.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Iron
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s light and airy restaurant, Seki, also open for lunch and dinner. The large windows meant we could watch hot-air balloons drift over the valley while we tucked into a selection of cold meats and cheeses, olives, freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, jams, and omelettes to order.
In the evening, you dine under the stars or under stone arches, on a mixture of international and local dishes with a contemporary twist. Think slowcooked crispy duck leg with mashed potato, grilled fig and sour cherry sauce. We plumped for a perfectly cooked steak washed down with Kalecik Karasi, a fruity red from the hotel’s own vineyard.
A second restaurant, Nahita, offers a dinner menu that celebrates traditional Anatolian cuisine, where all ingredients have been sourced within a 60km radius. This is rustic yet refined food, proudly rooted in local heritage.
For a change of scene, we liked sophisticated Elai, which sits in the shadow of Uchisar's fortress. We started with a glass of local wine in front of the Ottoman-style fireplace, before an assortment of meze, followed by tandir (oven-roasted lamb) and a delicious Turkish crème brulée.
Locals also recommend the unpretentious Center Café and Restaurant on the square for its straightforward, tasty Turkish fare: chicken shish, shepherd’s salad and lamb and aubergine stew.
Features include:
- Bar
- Organic produce
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Marvel at the jaw-dropping landscape from above on a sunrise hot-air balloon flight
- Climb to the top of Uchisar’s natural rock citadel for spectacular panoramic views - it’s the tallest point in Cappadocia and can be seen from miles around
- Hike along stunning Pigeon Valley to Goreme (see below) or further afield in the Ilhara Valley. Ride a horse along canyons, go quad biking across dunes and try your hand at cross-country golf; adventure sports of all kinds make the most of the incredible landscape
- Don't miss Goreme Open Air Museum, a Unesco World Heritage site. Its rock-hewn monasteries and churches covered in exquisite Byzantine frescoes are quite incredible
- Explore the labyrinthine passageways and rooms of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, ancient subterranean cities
- Go shopping! Haggle for jewellery, carpets, kilims, gemstones and textiles in Uchisar’s small marketplace, and in Urgup and Goreme’s many shops. The local ladies on Uchisar’s main square sell traditional Anatolian headscarfs edged with beautiful hand-woven embroidery, which make great gifts
- Try the local wines at the Turasan and Kocabag wineries in Urgup - wine has been produced in Cappadocia since 3,000 BC. The hotel has an impressive cellar, too
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Hot air ballooning
- Mountain biking
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Quad biking
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
- Wine tasting
Kids
Children of any age are welcome and under-6s stay free of charge if using existing beds in rooms. Note all rooms have shower-only bathrooms.
Family friendly accommodation:
Most rooms can fit a rollaway bed or a baby cot. The Suites can accommodate two additional beds for children.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Argos in Cappadocia is set in the small town of Uchisar, on the highest peak of Cappadocia, in central Turkey. It's 8.5 km from Nevsehir and 14 km from Urgup.
By Air
Fly into Nevsehir (37 km away, and a 40-minute drive) or Kayseri (80 km away, and a 75-minute drive. There are daily flights to both from Istanbul.
From the Airport
The hotel can book the shuttle bus from either airport for you, or arrange for a private transfer. Enquire when booking.
By Car
If you want to hire a car to explore the area then see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Nevsehir 30.0 km NAV
- Kayseri 75.0 km ASR
Other:
- Beach 0.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km