"We've just got back from 10 days at the Delphin Botanik (also known as Platinum Botanik with Jet2). Overall we had a great time. I'm going to write quite a detailed review because these were all the things I was wondering about when we were booking!
We (2 adults, 2 children) stayed in a family room in the main/newer building. It was a really good size (a twin room for the kids, a bathroom in the middle and our bedroom at the other end with a good size balcony. Plenty of wardrobe space, a safe, (free) minibar and a tv in both bedroom areas. We upgraded from the standard room (when we arrived) which would have had one main bedroom area for us all (a double bed, a single bed and one of the children on the sofa). In our opinion the upgrade was well worth it as it meant we all had a proper bed and more space. We were able to put the children to bed and close their door and then not worry about having to stay quiet and keep the lights off like we would if all in one room. The only small faults with the room were that the shower door was a bit leaky so would often be quite wet in the bathroom if we all had a shower one after another and the lighting in the bathroom was quite dim so not ideal for applying makeup. In the evening we could hear a lot of noise/music from the next-door hotel- not enough to really bother us/stop us sleeping but you might want to request a room in a quiet area of the hotel if this would be an issue for you, eg if trying to get a baby to sleep.
The pools were great- there were lots and therefore a good range of depths and vibes so we could choose where we preferred each day. Some of the pools have music/ activities going on, some are quieter and more relaxing. There's a separate quiet pool for adults only and a range of different slides for different ages (baby/toddler ones, ones aimed at probably 5 years upwards and then some that were very high so more suitable for teens and adults). We were never bored and enjoyed mixing between quieter pools, the kiddy pool and the slides. There are loads of bars dotted around where you can go to get your own drinks but there are also skaters who come around and take your order and bring drinks back to you if you like. You can walk down to the beach (stony not sandy) and there are plenty of sunbeds there, as well as a pier with a bar and sunbeds on it. You would need pool shoes if wanting to walk into the sea from the beach, or you can jump off/ go down ladders straight into the sea from the pier. There is also a small sandpit area for kids to play in near the entrance to the beach.
The resort has photographers who offer a family/kids photoshoot which is free and then you go back to look through the photos and buy any you want to later on. We found the photographers really friendly and talented and there was no pressure to buy the photos afterwards. We bought several as they were great quality. Every time we saw anyone from the photography team they stopped to chat with us and were very friendly.
We spoke to someone from the spa who explained the services they offer. Again he was very friendly and professional but there was no pressure to book. We didn't end up using the spa on this occasion.
The staff running the kids club were lovely. Very approachable for the children and they made an effort to speak to my very chatty 5 year old in English (we didn't know if this would be possible as we had read some reviews that there are not many English guests at the hotel, but we didn't need to worry as the staff all seem to speak multiple languages, they are very talented.) Each day they had a different program of games and crafts on.
The food offering was excellent. The buffet restaurant is open for all meals and has a great range of options catering to different palettes. There are also stations for having omelettes freshly made at breakfast and outside in the evening for pasta dishes and cooking stations with fish, meat etc. There are themed nights in the restaurant on some evenings (Fish, Turkish, Italian etc).
There are different a la carte restaurants which you can book. It is not super easy to do so as the bookings go quickly. You can either queue at guest services in the morning or use an app and book on your phone. If you are quick at midnight you will hopefully get a reservation. We managed to get one at the Mexican restaurant and the Italian. The food was very tasty and it was nice to sit all together and be served rather than each going up to the buffet separately. There is a set starter, soup and salad which everyone gets and then you choose your other courses from the menu. It is a lot of food so go there hungry!
There are also various snacks available at different times through the day if you don't want to go for a sit down lunch/ just want something small. (patisserie, ice cream, pizza, chips, rice, kebabs, jacket potatoes, waffles etc). We loved going to the Gozleme each lunchtime and eating at the pool bar with a cocktail or beer.
We liked the range of drinks and enjoyed trying out different cocktails. They even had slushies and non alcoholic mocktails for the kids which they loved.
There is an arcade with games, bowling, pool tables etc for an extra cost. We did bowling one day (think it was around 10 euros per person) it was ok but kept jamming up so the guy had to keep going to reset it for us.
The staff are all super friendly and happy to help. Waiting staff are quick to come over to ask if you'd like a drink/ clear plates away etc. Many made an effort to chat to us and the kids. There are tip boxes dotted around but there doesn't seem to be much tipping from many of the guests/an expectation of it from the staff. We took a bunch of 5 euro notes with us and just gave them to staff as and when rather than using the boxes. It doesn't seem to be expected but they were always appreciative and we were so impressed with how hard they are all working, especially in the heat, and serving guests who all speak different languages, they do a great job!
The transfer from the airport took about 1 hour 20 mins on the way there (at night) and around 2.5 hours on the way back (there was a traffic jam due to an accident). The distance was a bit of a downside but the facilities were a lot better than at hotels we have stayed at closer to the airport so we think it was worth the journey. The holiday operators offered visits and excursions but we didn't do any this trip. The hotel also offers a free shuttle bus to Alanya and Side.
Each evening there is different entertainment going on- a mini disco for the kids, themed dance shows, circus acts, live musicians... Gala night down by the pool was really impressive with a drone show and a range of different acts- get there early if you want a seat! We only went to around 4 of the shows as the children were often tired by the evening but we were impressed by everything we saw.
Overall we had a great time and would recommend this hotel to others!"
