“Make like a modern troglodyte in this stylish cave hotel, set into the steep slopes of Ortahisar”
The guest rooms are carved into the hillside at different levels and no 2 are the same. Some of the rooms on the upper floors have private balconies, while some of the lower rooms have access to a courtyard.
They're surprisingly light and airy for caves, and the Turkish designer Halide Didem was inspired by the region’s traditional houses to use colourful décor. Green window frames, a yellow door and a glossy red bedstead enlivened the rustic sand-coloured stone walls of our room, while bright embroidered cushions and a throw adorned the large bed. Goosedown duvets and pillows kept things cosy at night.
All rooms have ensuite bathrooms with underfloor heating, marble showers, attractive round basins decorated with Ottoman-style designs, thick white Turkish bath towels, and traditional slippers.
All Standard Rooms have seating areas - ours had a pair of contemporary button-backed chairs - and the Suites have a separate living area with plenty of lounging space, flat-screen TVs and minibars. These latter rooms are best for families.
More recently, 4 Superior Suites have been added to the collection. We haven't seen them yet and they're set in a slightly different location to the other rooms, but the look particularly luxurious and have a slightly more modern design than the original rooms.
A buffet breakfast is served in the colourful dining room or on the sun-drenched terraces. We really enjoyed our typical Turkish feast - white cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, freshly baked bread, strong coffee - and there are also fresh pastries, fruit, cereals and cold meats, as well as eggs made to order.
The honesty bar stocks a full range of spirits and beers. Post-sightseeing, relax alfresco or in front of the fire in the lounge with a Turkish tea, a glass of the excellent local wine, or raki, Turkey’s potent anise-flavoured spirit.
Ortahisar has several small restaurants. Süreyya Restaurant near the castle is one of the best, offering traditional Cappadocian cuisine in a cave setting.
Further afield - the hotel has a discounted rate with the local taxi station - try A’laturka in Goreme (3km away), which serves traditional Turkish dishes with a contemporary twist. Ziggy’s in Urgup (6km away) is also a favourite with both visitors and residents, but make sure you book in advance. We loved the Turkish menu, which included 10 mezze plates - smoked aubergine dip and fava bean purée among them - and garlic chicken skewers.
Children are welcome on request.
All ages
Suites have 1-2 sofas (which can be made up as single beds for children aged 6 and under), or can fit 1-2 rollaway beds for older children. One of the Superior Suites has space for an extra bed or baby cot.
The hotel can provide a car seat, buggy, baby cot and highchair.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
