Where to stay in Cappadocia

Where’s the best place to stay in Cappadocia? For most people, going to Cappadocia is the trip of a lifetime — so it’s all the more important to carefully choose where you stay.

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCI

GOREME

ANATOLIAN HOUSES

 

Pros

  • Excellent example of rock-cut architecture set in ancient caves
  • Located in town center within easy reach of attractions and ballooning
  • Roman-inspired spa with Turkish hammam and pools
  • Rooms all retain ancient elements with modern amenities
  • Lovely terrace bar with views of the surroundings
  • Home to the area’s only Indian restaurant

Cons

  • Some rooms can feel dark and poky
  • Numerous steps could be tricky for mobility-challenged

Bottom Line

Anatolian Houses is an upscale, traditionally styled complex with 33 suites carved from ancient stone caves located in the center of Göreme town. The original architecture has been superbly maintained as has its wonderfully historic ambience, though with all the modern comforts you’d expect from a hotel of this caliber. The Roman spa is certainly impressive and the wine fountain is sure to appeal to many. But it’s far from the cheapest option around, a few rooms are subpar, and service can be inconsistent. It’s still certainly a contender for one of the finest hotels in town, though — and rates are far from exorbitant.

http://anatolianhouses.com.tr/tr/index.html 

SULTAN CAVE SUITES

 

Pros

  • Rooms, many of them carved directly into hillside rock
  • Town is 10-minute walk from hotel
  • Lovely views from many beautiful terraces
  • Restaurant gets high marks from guests
  • Breakfast included in room price
  • Property has its own wine cellar, and collection of antiquities
  • Staff arranges tours, airport transfers, and free pickup from bus station
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking

Cons

  • No major amenities beside restaurant

Bottom Line

Many of the 30 rooms here are carved directly into the surrounding rock, making for delightful features like curved walls and indentations that have been turned into functional sections. The hotel, set about a 10-minute walk up a cobblestone street from the center of town, is fantastically terraced into the hillside, with stone patios facing multiple directions. Of note is the on-site restaurant, which is described by many visitors as excellent. Besides this and the attractive grounds, there are pretty much no additional major amenities.

http://www.sultancavesuites.com/

CAPPADOCIA CAVE SUITES

Pros

  • Stone, brick, and cave complex integrated into ancient “fairy chimneys”
  • Set overlooking Göreme town with most attractions in walking distance
  • Cozy, grotto-like rooms with minibars, kettles, and small flat-screen TVs
  • Bathrooms have a soaking tub or hydro-massage showers
  • Many rooms have lounges with fireplaces
  • Some rooms open to balconies or terraces
  • Free Turkish buffet breakfast

Cons

  • Wi-Fi can be patchy
  • Decor verges on shabby in places
  • Lots of steps issues for mobility challenged

Bottom Line

The 36-room Cappadocia Cave Suites’ main selling point is its excellent integration with the striking “fairy chimneys” the region is renowned for. The blend of these with ancient cave dwellings and modern stone buildings give a real feel of history throughout — while rooms are well equipped with minibars, small flat-screen TVs, and (in most) nice soaking tubs. Some elements drift from shabby chic to plain shabby, and a few issues with service have been reported, though rates are excellent for the chance of sleeping in a hoodoo. For a slightly slicker, but sometimes pricier, experience check out the Anatolian Houses on the other side of town.

https://cappadociacavesuites.com/tr/

KELEBEK SPECIAL CAVE HOTEL

Pros

  • Charming typical Cappadocia building with twin “fairy chimneys”
  • Set on hillside overlooking town and rock formations
  • Outdoor swimming pool with poolside bar
  • Features one of the town’s best hammams
  • Flower-filled garden and nearby organic farm
  • Lavish suites with fireplaces and hammam basins
  • Excellent Turkish breakfast with homegrown products

Cons

  • Weak Wi-Fi in cave rooms and most lack TVs
  • Lots of steps in property
  • Set on fairly steep hill

Bottom Line

The 36-room Kelebek Special Cave Hotel offers an authentic Cappadocia cave experience but is a cut above many similar hotels by virtue of its excellent hammam and outdoor pool. The hillside setting means some wonderful views, though also a steep walk up to the hotel. Rooms are nicely finished, but amenities can vary widely — as can rates — so be sure to know which you’re getting. Suites are particularly lavish and worth the extra outlay.

http://www.kelebekhotel.com/

AYDINLI CAVE HOUSE HOTEL

Pros

  • Friendly, family-run guesthouse set in ancient cave dwelling
  • Located on a hilltop overlooking Göreme town and the “fairy chimneys”
  • Individually styled, atmospheric rooms — most with lounge fireplaces
  • Excellent Turkish breakfast buffet (included in rate)
  • Rooftop breakfast room and terrace with magnificent views
  • Free drop-off and pick-up from local attractions
  • Turkish cooking classes available

Cons

  • No TVs in rooms
  • Steep walk uphill to hotel

Bottom Line

The 14-room Aydinli Cave House Hotel is a mid-range, family-run guesthouse set on a hillside overlooking Göreme town and the surrounding area. Friendly and accommodating service is a real highlight here, as is an excellent breakfast that can be taken on the panoramic terrace. Atmospheric cave rooms too are impressively finished, though fairly basic and without TVs. It’s a steep walk up the hill, but more than worth it for the vistas and a free drop-off and pick-up service is available. Overall it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a warm and welcoming vibe — and with rates that are also great value.

http://www.thecavehotel.com/

ELYSEE CAVE HOUSE

Pros

  • Removed from city center enough to avoid crowds and noise
  • property enjoys an impressive view over surrounding countryside
  • Comfy and clean rooms, some carved into hillside rock
  • Five-minute walk from bus stop and town
  • Free breakfast, with free coffee and tea available round the clock
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
  • Lovely garden and outdoor grounds
  • Warm, friendly hosts

Cons

  • Occasional complaint about overcharging with booking services through hotel
  • Rooms directly beneath the restaurant may be noisy
  • No major amenities like spa, gym, or business center

Bottom Line

This charming bed and breakfast enjoys fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and offers a plethora of romantic places to sit among stone terraces. Multiple guests have lauded the Elysee thanks in large part to the warmth of the owner and the willingness of the staff to help book travel and tourist activities. Guest rooms are rustic and comfortable if not luxurious. Some spaces have the particular appeal of having been carved into the rock of the hillside, giving one the sense of sleeping in a cave. Rates are competitive for a mid-range option in Goreme, but if this is booked, guests should check out the comparable Caravanserai Cave Hotel.

http://www.elyseegoreme.com/en/index.html

TRAVELLER’S CAVE HOTEL

Pros

  • Particularly well presented Cappadocia-style building
  • Located on hillside with panoramic views
  • Spacious and well furnished terrace
  • Nicely finished rooms with ample amenities
  • Many rooms include fireplaces and whirlpool tubs
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout

Cons

  • Lacking a little in personal touch
  • Uphill walk from town center

Bottom Line

The 21-room Traveller’s Cave Hotel is one of the more smartly presented properties in Göreme, both inside and out, while retaining plenty of rustic charm. It’s not a family-run hotel, so service tends more toward the professional than the personal touch, but staff are still on hand to help organize anything from balloon rides to airport transfers. Rooms are also nicely finished (some have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs), while the spacious, plush, panoramic terrace is a real highlight. The location up a steep hill means it won’t be ideal for those with mobility concerns, but all things considered, rates are more than reasonable.

http://www.travellerscave.com/

SOS CAVE HOTEL

Pros

  • Family-run, budget hotel with warm welcome
  • Set on hillside with superb views of the surrounds
  • Convenient location a five-minute walk from the town center
  • Some rooms have furnished terraces and hot tubs
  • Free Turkish breakfast on panoramic terrace
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout

Cons

  • Standard rooms are basic
  • Lots of steps in property
  • Set on fairly steep hill

Bottom Line

The 17-room SOS Cave Hotel is a family-run, value property perched on a hillside with excellent views over the Göreme scenery. A few modern architectural touches detract from the charm of the building and the Standard rooms are very basic in decor and amenities, with dated tube TVs. More upscale rooms, however, provide a few luxuries and furnished balconies are a bonus. All in all, it’s not the best hotel in the area, but the family are known for their excellent hospitality and there are few places in town with rates this affordable.

http://www.soscavehotel.com/en/index.html

KISMET CAVE HOUSE

Pros

  • Centrally located in Goreme near attractions
  • Traditional house cut into a hillside fairy chimney
  • Rooftop terrace overlooking the town
  • Free Turkish breakfast
  • Free airport arrival shuttle (three-night minimum stay)
  • Free parking and Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Lower rooms can be damp
  • Not all rooms are in caves (pro for some)
  • No air-conditioning

Bottom Line

One of the oldest cave hotels in the area, Kismet Cave House has built a loyal following of repeat guests who return for the hospitality as well as the unique, affordable lodging. It’s an intimate hotel with just eight rooms operating like a bed and breakfast — slim on facilities but big on personality with simple but delicious food and distinctive furnished rooms that show off the owner’s collection of Turkish rugs. The similar Dervish Cave House across town has newer, less ornate rooms at slightly cheaper rates.

http://www.kismetcavehouse.com/

CARAVANSERAI CAVE HOTEL

Pros

  • Centrally located in Goreme near attractions
  • Traditional house cut into a hillside fairy chimney
  • Rooftop terrace overlooking the town
  • Free Turkish breakfast
  • Free airport arrival shuttle (three-night minimum stay)
  • Free parking and Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Lower rooms can be damp
  • Not all rooms are in caves (pro for some)
  • No air-conditioning

Bottom Line

One of the oldest cave hotels in the area, Kismet Cave House has built a loyal following of repeat guests who return for the hospitality as well as the unique, affordable lodging. It’s an intimate hotel with just eight rooms operating like a bed and breakfast — slim on facilities but big on personality with simple but delicious food and distinctive furnished rooms that show off the owner’s collection of Turkish rugs. The similar Dervish Cave House across town has newer, less ornate rooms at slightly cheaper rates.

http://www.caravanseraihotel.com/en/index.html

DIVAN CAVE HOUSE

Pros

  • Charming, typical dwelling with integrated “fairy chimneys”
  • Quiet location on hillside overlooking town
  • Town center and many attractions within walking distance
  • Particularly attentive and hospitable staff
  • Excellent rooms with handmade furnishings
  • Free breakfast with superb views
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout

Cons

  • Uphill walk back from town (10 minutes)
  • Windowless rooms can get musty

Bottom Line

Although similar to many offerings in the area, the 12-room Divan Cave House stands out on two levels: its integrated “fairy chimneys” and particularly hospitable service. Most rooms too are excellent, some featuring fireplaces and hot tubs, though a few can suffer from the usual dankness. Being set up on the hill is great for views over the town — especially over breakfast — though not ideal for guests with mobility issues. Rates aren’t the cheapest in town, though still good value, especially for the wonderful cave suites.

http://www.divancavehouse.com/

GOREME INN HOTEL

Goreme Inn Hotel

Pros

  • Close to all local town attractions
  • Some rooms have private hammams and whirlpool bathtubs
  • Large shaded rooftop terrace with seating for taking in views
  • Beautiful vistas from sunny breakfast room
  • Breakfast included in room price
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
  • Computer terminal for guest use
  • Airport transfers available for fee

Cons

  • Large number of steps on property
  • Limited amenities

Bottom Line

Some of the eight spacious rooms of Vineyard Cave Hotel offer special luxuries like private whirlpool baths and personal hammams. The father and son team who run the property receive an endless stream of praise from guests, who note they will often drive visitors to their sightseeing destinations and are happy to offer suggestions for tourist attractions and culinary offerings. Of particular note is the large, shaded rooftop deck with spectacular views of the surrounding valley.

http://www.goremeinn.com.tr/en/index.html

VINEYARD CAVE HOTEL

Vineyard Cave Hotel

Pros

  • Close to all local town attractions
  • Some rooms have private hammams and whirlpool bathtubs
  • Large shaded rooftop terrace with seating for taking in views
  • Beautiful vistas from sunny breakfast room
  • Breakfast included in room price
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
  • Computer terminal for guest use
  • Airport transfers available for fee

Cons

  • Large number of steps on property
  • Limited amenities

Bottom Line

Some of the eight spacious rooms of Vineyard Cave Hotel offer special luxuries like private whirlpool baths and personal hammams. The father and son team who run the property receive an endless stream of praise from guests, who note they will often drive visitors to their sightseeing destinations and are happy to offer suggestions for tourist attractions and culinary offerings. Of particular note is the large, shaded rooftop deck with spectacular views of the surrounding valley.

http://www.vineyardcavehotel.com/

DERVISH CAVE HOUSE

Dervish Cave House

PROS

  • Set in charming and rustic converted rock-cut cave dwelling
  • Quiet and secluded spot five minutes’ walk from town center
  • Particularly cozy, grotto-style rooms
  • Pretty, flower-filled garden with excellent views
  • All bathrooms include jetted tubs
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout

Cons

  • “Natural” air-conditioning doesn’t always sufficiently cool rooms
  • Cave rooms can be a little humid and musty

Bottom Line

The eight-room Dervish Cave House is a particularly charming and intimate hotel built in the typical Cappadocia style cut into the rock. Rooms are cozy and snug with more than adequate amenities, though small windows mean it can get a little humid (and there’s no proper air-conditioning). Although bathrooms look basic, all provide jetted tubs. The highlight of the hotel, however, is the pretty garden terrace overlooking the wonderful surroundings. It all feels a little more secluded and quaint than most, if a little rough around the edges, but low rates give the property good value.

http://www.dervishcavehouse.com/

URGUP

KAYAKAPI PREMIUM CAVES – CAPPADOCIA

Kayakapi Premium Caves - Cappadocia

Pros

  • Large luxury rooms set in historical caves
  • Full spa with sauna and Turkish bath
  • Terraces with incredible views
  • Restaurant, bar, and wine cellar on-site
  • Gorgeous outdoor pool and kiddy pool
  • Small fitness center
  • Business lounge with printers
  • Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking

Cons

  • Car needed to get into town
  • Ongoing construction and restoration

Bottom Line

One of the top hotels in Urgup, Kayakapi Premium Caves is poised to grow from 32 to 55 rooms when its ambitious restoration project is completed. The hilltop property occupies 2,700 acres of a residential neighborhood composed of hundreds of long abandoned cave homes and historical buildings. A full spa, outdoor pool, and two restaurants fill the unique stone interiors and gorgeous grounds, from which guests can take in stunning views of the town’s terra-cotta rooftops stretching into the distance.

http://www.kayakapi.com/

ESBELLI EVI CAVE HOTEL

Esbelli Evi Cave Hotel

Pros

  • Intimate hotel that captures the authentic lifestyle of Cappadocia
  • In-room laptops for every guest, with scanning and printing capability
  • Lovely rooms with stone walls, wood floors, and big bathrooms
  • Honor system for use of the laundry machines and cafe
  • Thick natural stone walls ensure privacy
  • Free breakfast on the terrace overlooking the valley
  • Free parking, Wi-Fi, and electric adaptors
  • Self-serve laundry facilities

Cons

  • Cars or tour services are required to visit most sights
  • Nearby restaurants and cafes are downhill (return trip is a steep trek uphill)
  • Spotty Wi-Fi in rooms
  • No spa or gym

Bottom Line

Converted from nine abandoned cave houses and the neighboring fifth-century caves, Esbelli Evi Cave Hotel is a boutique with 10 suites and four standard rooms. It was the first hotel in Cappadocia and opened in 1990. The rooms are each unique, quite large compared to other cave hotels, and include personal-use laptops. There are laundry machines, a well-kept garden, and a breakfast area set up along the hill’s cliffs. The hotel is about a 15-minute drive to  the caves in Goreme National Park.

http://www.esbelli.com.tr/

FRESCO CAVE SUITES & MANSIONS

Fresco Cave Suites & Mansions

Pros

  • In the center of Urgup
  • Historical details abound in restored 18th-century mansions
  • Luxurious cave rooms with air-conditioning
  • Large rooftop terrace with covered seating and hammocks
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Free Turkish breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking

Cons

  • No elevator
  • No fitness center or spa
  • No coffeemakers

Bottom Line

Dating from the 18th century, the Fresco is a collection of restored mansions that served as opulent residences during the Ottoman period. Some rooms are traditional and brightly decorated with original frescoes, but with three stories and no elevator, some travelers may find that it’s a hassle to reach a few of them. Most of the rooms however are true cave rooms, hewn from the rock deeper within the buildings. And, unlike many others in the area, they’re air-conditioned.

http://www.frescomansions.com/

MDC HOTEL

MDC Hotel

Pros

  • Traditional Cappadocia-style cave hotel set in large gardens
  • Perched on hillside with impressive views
  • Particularly impressive marble bathrooms — all with whirlpool tubs
  • Rooms open to furnished terraces
  • Free breakfast and restaurant with panoramic terrace
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • Free parking on-site

Cons

  • Uphill 15-minute walk from town
  • No pool or spa facilities (though planned for 2015)

Bottom Line

The MDC Hotel is an upscale, typical Cappadocia-style property set on a hillside overlooking Urgup town. The location offers some lovely views of the area, though is also a bit of a hike to and from town center (though free drop-offs are available). Its cave rooms are nicely finished and their spacious, marble bathrooms are a real highlight — all have under-floor heating and whirlpool tubs. The lack of pool or spa facilities is a shame, so if this is an issue check out the Kayakapi Premium Caves — it’s a little pricier but offers the full Turkish Baths experience.

http://www.mdchotel.com/

AYVALI

GAMIRASU CAVE HOTEL

Gamirasu Cave Hotel

Pros

  • Historic hotel converted from a 11th century monastery with original artwork preserved
  • Free bicycle rentals and shuttle service to the center of Urgup
  • Lovely, spacious cave rooms, some with fireplaces and scenic balconies
  • Big, heated outdoor pool with lounge chairs
  • Food is all organic and prepared on-site
  • Caves have a stable and naturally cool climate
  • Free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast
  • Laundry facilities available (fee)

Cons

  • Rooms and public areas are accessible through a series of stairways
  • Cramped spaces and low headroom in some areas
  • 20 minutes away from Urgup

Bottom Line

Designed for explorers who prefer a quiet and meditative space, the 35-room Gamirasu Cave Hotel is a stunning and romantic find in Ayvali Village. The property is a combination of converted village houses and a Byzantine-era monastery that now hosts a number of modern conveniences — from a heated outdoor pool to free Wi-Fi — but has retained historic details such as frescos decorating the walls. Standard rooms have the basic bed and en-suite shower, while the larger suites have luxuriously decorated separate living areas and balconies with great views. The secluded location a 20-minute drive out to Urgup may be a drawback for some, but for others it’s part of the appeal.

http://www.gamirasu.com/

ORTAHISAR

HEZEN CAVE HOTEL

Hezen Cave Hotel

Pros

  • Lovely, cozy cave rooms with bright accents, some with balconies
  • Traditional Turkish breakfast of fresh eggs, local cheeses, and vegetables served daily
  • Traditional hammam spa
  • 24-hour bar operates on honesty system
  • Self-serve laundry facilities available
  • Free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast
  • Shuttle service

Cons

  • No full restaurant and limited dining options in Ortahisar
  • Low headroom in some areas of the bedrooms
  • Rooms are quiet but animal noises can be heard on property (pro for some)
  • Steep stairways to rooms (not wheelchair accessible)
  • No fitness center
  • No air-conditioning, but cave rooms are cool so most don’t miss it

Bottom Line

Opened in 2011, the Hezen Cave Hotel is a traditional but chic 14-room boutique in the village of Ortahisar. It was originally an old Orthodox Greek house, and the rooms are carved from the soft volcanic rocks of Cappadocia. They are cozy and intimate, with colorful, stylish modern decor accents. There’s a system of stairways and tunnels leading to the rooms, public areas, and beautiful gardens. While the surrounding area lacks nightlife and restaurants, there are plenty of historic sites nearby for outdoor adventures.

http://www.hezenhotel.com/

UCHISAR

ARGOS IN CAPPADOCIA

Argos in Cappadocia

Pros

  • Centrally located in Uchisar
  • Unique historical property set in millennia-old caves
  • Richly decorated stone-walled rooms and suites, some with their own pools
  • Restaurant serves local specialties
  • Outdoor terraces with stunning views
  • Lounge bar with fireplace
  • Concert hall with incredible acoustics
  • Winery and vast wine cellar
  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Labyrinthine underground layout can be disorienting
  • Some rooms have little natural light
  • No TVs or air-conditioning
  • No spa or fitness center

BOTTOM LINE

The sprawling hillside property made up of six stone buildings (and the caves beneath them) has stunning views of Pigeon Valley from its many terraces and courtyards, where guests can enjoy wine from the hotel’s immense cellar. Some of the rooms also have terrific views, while others lack natural light, but they all combine a unique cave-like design with Turkish decor and modern amenities. Wi-Fi and an excellent breakfast are included, and the property features an music hall (once a monastery) with wonderful acoustics. The Anatolian Houses has less spectacular cave rooms, but travelers interested in a Goreme location and a spa may prefer that venue.

http://www.argosincappadocia.com/EN/

AVANOS

SUHAN CAPPADOCIA HOTEL

Suhan cappadocia

Pros

  • Backyard access to the famous Red River
  • Restaurant serves traditional Anatolian cuisine with occasional wine tastings
  • Spa with traditional Hammam service plus indoor and outdoor pools
  • Pleasant rooms with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and safes
  • Free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Rooms have small bathrooms
  • Some complaints about food quality and service

Bottom Line

The 453-room Suhan Cappadocia Hotel is located in the town of Avanos, and unlike others in Cappadocia, is not a cave hotel. Instead visitors will find amenities such as two pools, a spa, and a full-service restaurant. It is one of the largest hotels in the area, with simple, pleasant rooms with small bathrooms; suites have indoor sitting areas and private outdoor balconies. The exterior grounds show regional influence and the lobby is considerably more polished than the bordering-on-bland rooms. Travelers looking for a true local experience may want to check out the area’s cave hotels; otherwise, this is a decent value option.

http://suhankapadokya.com/

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