Escape to Paradise: Venessa Beach Hotel, Alanya, Turkey - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Venessa Beach Hotel, Alanya - Is It REALLY Your Dream Vacation?! (My Completely Unfiltered Thoughts!)
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise: Venessa Beach Hotel, Alanya, Turkey - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!" – sounds pretty dreamy, right? Well, I’ve just gotten back from a stay, and let me tell you, the reality is… a bit more complex. Let’s dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished hotel review.
First Impressions & The Dreaded Airport Transfer:
Landing in Antalya and immediately being hit with that Turkish sun is always a win. The promise of a dream vacation starts right then, but let's be honest… airport transfers are a test. Thankfully, Venessa Beach Hotel does offer airport transfer (a great, convenient touch, especially if you're arriving late after a long flight), but, I'll confess, the actual ride was… well, it got us there. No complaints about the driver (professional, efficient), but the van could have used a serious spring clean… (a small imperfection, but it matters!)
Accessibility & Getting Around (My Little Trip-Ups):
Okay, accessibility. The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests, which is great, BUT I didn't get a close look due to how it wasn't a consideration, so you should confirm firsthand if it meets your level. The elevator is there, which is a good sign, and considering how many rooms it has, that's a must. The pool area? That’s where I stumbled a bit, the floor was made of slippery tiles, which made me think twice before heading in the water, so I'd recommend checking the layout before heading in, and if you have mobility issues, make sure you check specifically, and ask for a room on a lower floor, because my room was high up, and it was not a fun climb, which is a huge shame.
Rooms: Not Paradise, but… Comfy Enough!
Entering the room, I was greeted by… well, a room. Not a bad room, mind you! The "Air conditioning" worked like a charm (thank goodness!), "Soundproof rooms" are a total win (seriously, that Turkish nightlife can be LOUD!). I appreciated the "Air conditioning in public area" too. It's got all the basics: "Air conditioning", "Alarm clock" (who even uses these anymore?), "Coffee/tea maker" (essential!), and "Hair dryer" (thank the heavens!). The "Free bottled water" was a nice touch after the journey. The "Blackout curtains" were amazing for sleeping in. No complaints on that front. However, the "Bathroom phone" was definitely a relic of the 90s that no one uses anymore, and the "Extra long bed" was fine, but I wish the towels were bigger. "Daily housekeeping" kept the place tidy enough, and that's appreciated. And the "Wi-Fi [free]"… well, we'll get to that later.
Internet Woes (and Joys – Eventually!):
Ahh, the internet. The bane of every modern traveler! "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they shout. Yeah, well, shout louder, Venessa! The Wi-Fi was… inconsistent at best. Sometimes lightning-fast, sometimes… dial-up era slow. "Internet access – wireless" was the main option, but even the "Internet access – LAN" option was available, but I gave up on both. It was frustrating, especially when trying to research the area or upload my amazing Instagram photos (kidding… mostly). You’d think in the modern age, reliable internet would be a given, but alas. So, bring a book because even the "Laptop workspace" was useless and the "Desk" was used just to keep the phone in place.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly!)
The food was definitely a highlight! The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a feast! "Western breakfast", "Asian breakfast", the choices felt endless. I'd be there everyday during the week, but the weekends were too busy. The fresh bread, the Turkish pastries, the endless coffee… pure bliss. The "Breakfast service" was efficient, and the staff in the buffet restaurants were always friendly. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" were the usuals. I'm not a big "Soup in restaurant" person, nor a fan of "Salad in restaurant". "Bottle of water" - I would keep these in the room.
The "A la carte in restaurant" option was a nice touch for dinner, and the "International cuisine in restaurant" was decent, not amazing. I did not see a "Vegetarian restaurant" option, so it was no use looking for it. I did not try the "Happy hour" either.
The "Poolside bar" was a godsend for drinks, especially after a long day of doing absolutely nothing but enjoying the hotel's facilities. The "Snack bar", was a good option in moments, but nothing too amazing. The "Room service [24-hour]"? Also a win! Late-night cravings? Sorted. A deep dive on food - the Turkish Desserts were unreal!!! Every single one of them. Chewy, creamy, sweet bliss that was enough to make me go to heaven! The best thing to do at Venessa Beach Hotel, and I recommend it to everyone.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (Maybe)
Okay, this is where Venessa almost hits the "Paradise" mark. They have a "Swimming pool" and "Swimming pool [outdoor]", so I didn't think too much of it. The "Pool with view" was there.
"Spa/sauna" sounded promising. I booked a massage, and it was divine. One of the best massages I’ve ever had. The "Foot bath" was relaxing too. The "Sauna" itself was… a sauna. Hot, steamy, and good for you, probably. They also offer a "Body scrub" and "Body wrap", but I'm not really the spa type. The "Gym/fitness" centre was there, but I'm on vacation, I'm not going to go there.
Cleanliness and Safety (A Sign of the Times):
This is where Venessa impressed. They're taking things seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, "Staff trained in safety protocol," and a "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items." I felt pretty safe, which is a huge relief. They even have "Doctor/nurse on call", "First aid kit", "Hygiene certification". The "Cashless payment service" was convenient and the "Room sanitization opt-out available". They're clearly making an effort, and it shows.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras…
Venessa offers a comprehensive list of "Services and conveniences". I did not try any of the "Business facilities", or "Meetings", nor any of the "Meeting stationery". I also never saw any of the "Audio-visual equipment for special events" or the "Wi-Fi for special events". The "Concierge" was helpful. "Cash withdrawal", "Currency exchange", "Dry cleaning", "Elevator", "Facilities for disabled guests", "Gift/souvenir shop", "Laundry service", "Luggage storage", all of these are here. The "Daily housekeeping" was efficient. The "Car park [free of charge]" was useful. There is a "Convenience store" nearby. The "On-site event hosting", nor the "Outdoor venue for special events", and "Indoor venue for special events" were unavailable.
For the Kids:
I don’t travel with kids but I saw "Babysitting service". I also saw "Family/child friendly" on the website, but I didn't see any "Kids facilities", or a "Kids meal" so I cannot confirm.
Overall… Should You Escape to Venessa?
So, is Venessa Beach Hotel your dream vacation? Maybe. It’s a solid choice, especially if you prioritize relaxation and sunshine. The service at the hotel was very good in general.
It's definitely not perfect. The internet could be better. But the food is delicious, the location is great, and the staff are generally helpful. For the price, it’s a very good value.
My Opinion: The Venessa Beach Hotel is a solid choice. Relaxing, enjoyable, and generally well-run. If you go, enjoy the Turkish desserts and if you see a good deal -- book it!
SEO-Optimized Call to Action: Book Your Unforgettable Escape to Venessa Beach Hotel Today!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving sun, sand, and relaxation? Escape to Paradise at the Venessa Beach Hotel in Alanya, Turkey!
Here's why you should book NOW:
- Unwind in Style: Indulge in our spa, complete with massages and saunas. Soak up the sun by our sparkling outdoor pool with views!
- Delicious Dining: Savor mouthwatering breakfast buffets, international cuisine, and Turkish delights that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Stay Connected: Enjoy free Wi-Fi (even though it can be spotty, you CAN still use it!) and stay in touch.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to the Venessa Beach Hotel in Alanya, Turkey, we're living it. This isn't some sterile, perfectly polished brochure – this is the raw, unfiltered truth of one slightly frazzled travel enthusiast getting her tan on.
Venessa Beach Hotel: Alanya - The Real Deal (or at least, my version)
Day 1: Arrival & That Sunbed Situation
Timeline: Late afternoon arrival, thanks to a flight that felt suspiciously like it was trying to become a space shuttle. Then, the Great Sunbed Hunt of 2024.
Mood: Giddy with anticipation mixed with the low-level anxiety of "Did I pack enough sunscreen?"
The Arrival Debrief: Let's be honest, getting out of the airport felt like wading through molasses. The customs line? A masterclass in patience. But finally – the turquoise gleam of the Mediterranean! The hotel… well, the lobby was nice enough, a bit generic, but clean! And the staff? Bless their hearts, they were trying.
The Sunbed Saga: Okay, this. This is where the real adventure began. Apparently, securing a sunbed at Venessa is Olympic-level sport. I swear, people camp out from dawn! I, being a lover of sleep and a hater of early mornings, arrived about 4 PM. Let's just say I was "strategically" located near the pool's bustling heart with the strategic view of the bar…
Dinner Disaster (and a tiny triumph): The buffet. Oh, the buffet. Initially, I was overwhelmed, but then, a burst of courage: I tried everything! The kebab meat may have been overcooked, but the baklava…oh, the baklava. I might have eaten three. Food coma, commence! Honestly, after the Baklava – nothing else mattered. Then, I ended the night by watching the sunset, which, admittedly, was pretty spectacular.
Day 2: Exploring & Overdoing It
- Timeline: A wake-up call that the sun was scorching already, followed by a trip to the Alanya Castle (allegedly), and then a triumphant return to the pool (and further sunbed skirmishes).
- Mood: Optimistic. Maybe even a little smug because I'd managed to snag a sunbed before lunch.
- The Road to the Castle (or, the Lack Thereof): I was all gung-ho about seeing the castle, all the time the sun felt like it was attempting to burn me. The reviews said the views were "breathtaking"! I'm pretty sure my breath was, at best, a shallow gasp. The walk up was… intense. I discovered muscles I didn't know I had (or wanted). I am a sweaty mess.
- Castle Views & Mild Regret: The actual castle, though? Stunning. The history was (admittedly) fascinating. The views were breathtaking. But the main emotion I felt was: "Dear God, I need water." I'm pretty sure I saw people who literally skipped parts of the climb. I should have.
- Pool Redemption: Back at the hotel, sunbed secured, cocktail in hand (a surprisingly potent margarita, I must say). The rest of the day was a glorious blur of swimming, sunbathing, and strategically avoiding direct eye contact with the sun.
- Dinner, Take Two (and another food coma): Tonight, I was wiser. I focused on strategic food choices. The grilled fish? Divine. The local wine? Dangerous. I am once again ready for bed.
Day 3: The Turkish Bath, and a Moment of True Relaxation
- Timeline: Spa day! Focus on the Turkish bath, then a lazy afternoon.
- Mood: Blissful anticipation
- The Turkish Bath Tango: Okay, so I was a little intimidated by the whole Turkish bath thing. The thought of being scrubbed down by a stranger… well, it was new. But oh my god, it was amazing! The steam, the massage, the sheer feeling of being completely cleaned. Honestly, I think I could have stayed there all day.
- Post-Bath Bliss: After the bath, I floated around the pool like a happy manatee. The sun felt softer, the world felt calmer. I even considered skipping the sunbed altogether, but then common sense (and the allure of a good book) prevailed.
- Dinner and a Show: The hotel offered a Turkish night! It was a bit cheesy, I'll admit, but the belly dancing! The energy! The food (again, the food!) was great. I, being a terrible dancer, tried to get up and do a little bit of dancing. I am terrible. I still had fun.
Day 4: The Boat Trip (and a Swim That Almost Went Wrong)
- Timeline: A boat trip, complete with swimming in the Mediterranean - and a near-disaster.
- Mood: Excited, but with a low-level nervousness about the choppy water.
- Boat Life: Cruising along the coast was gorgeous. Crystal clear water, hidden coves; it was Instagram-worthy (even though I'm terrible at photos).
- The Near-Drowning Experience: The boat stopped for a swim. I jumped in, eager to cool off, but the currents were stronger than expected. I panicked. I struggled. Then, thankfully, a kind stranger (who definitely didn’t want to be bothered) pulled me back to the boat. Holy crap. That was terrifying.
- Post-Trauma Sundown: I was incredibly shaken up. At the end of the day, I enjoyed the sunset: reflecting on life. It was beautiful, but maybe not worth the swim?
Day 5: Souvenir Shopping and Farewell Dinner
- Timeline: A dedicated day to shopping for trinkets and treasures and a final dinner.
- Mood: Slightly melancholy.
- The Souvenir Hunt: The first couple hours I thought every shop was selling the same cheap crap, until, I found it. A small, beautifully painted ceramic tile - the perfect memento!
- Farewell Feast I ate an entire lamb shank. No regrets!
Day 6: Departure… and the Promise of Return!
- Timeline: A final, bleary-eyed goodbye to the Venessa Beach Hotel.
- Mood: Exhausted. Sunburned. Slightly heartbroken to be leaving, but already dreaming about the next adventure.
- Departure & Final Thoughts: Leaving the hotel was a blur. The airport was still crowded, the flight still delayed. But as I looked out the window, one thing was clear: I'd had a good time. A really good time. And, you know what? I'd come back. Next time, though, I'm bringing an umbrella for the sunbed and maybe learning how to swim better.
So, there you have it. The messy, imperfect, and utterly human truth of my trip to the Venessa Beach Hotel. It wasn't perfect, but that's what made it real. And honestly, isn't that what travel is all about? Embrace the chaos, be open to new experiences (even the ones that almost drown you), and never, ever underestimate the power of a good baklava.
Hoi An Villa Paradise: 4BRs, Pool, Sauna, Breakfast & Bikes!
Escape to Paradise: Venessa Beach Hotel, Alanya - The REALLY Real FAQs!
Okay, spill the beans. Is this place REALLY paradise? Or just… another hotel?
The Food. Tell me EVERYTHING about the food. I’m a foodie. (And a bit of a snob, if I'm honest…)
The a la carte restaurants? Now, those are a different story. The seafood restaurant? Worth every penny. The grilled octopus? OMG. Just... go. The Italian place? Pretty solid. But, and this is a BIG but, book early! Those places fill up FAST. And for the love of all that is holy, learn a few basic Turkish phrases. Trust me, it helps with ordering. (My pathetic "Teşekkür ederim" got me a *lot* of extra baklava.)
Beach time! What's the beach *really* like? Is it crowded? Are there loungers available? (The important stuff!)
The water itself? Perfect. Swim, snorkel, splash... just be prepared for the occasional rogue wave that tries to steal your sunglasses. (I survived. My sunglasses? Not so much.)
What's the vibe like at the hotel? Is it family-friendly? Party central? Somewhere in between?
Party central? Not really. While there's music and some evening entertainment, it's not *that* kind of place. You want a wild party? Head into Alanya town. But for a relaxing, fun, and generally chill vacation? Absolutely perfect for the family.
The Rooms! What's the deal with the rooms? Clean, well-equipped, mosquito-infested hellholes? (Be honest!)
The bathrooms were… functional. Let's put it that way. The water pressure was a bit weak at times, and I may or may not have accidentally flooded the entire place once (my fault, not the hotel’s... I swear!). But hey, it's not a dealbreaker. Bring your own toiletries, and you'll be fine. And *yes*, there are mosquitos. Load up on repellent!
Okay, let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or are they just going through the motions?
Sure, you might encounter someone who's having a bad day. We all do. But overall, the staff made the experience far more enjoyable. Tip them! They deserve it. You'll be surprised by how much it brightens their day. I saw the smile on the waiter who got the extra tip.
What activities are there to do besides, you know, *being* on the beach? (Because, let's be honest, I can't just sit still…)
And then there's Alanya town itself! A bustling, vibrant place, full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Go to the harbor, have a Turkish coffee, get lost in the Grand Bazaar… just be prepared to haggle for everything! It’s an experience. This time, I also saw a belly dancer, and it was so fun!
My most important question: Would you go back? (Be honest!)
