"Well, where do I start??! What a most fantastic hotel!
It is a family run hotel and best suited to couples looking for a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of Bodrum. Due its layout over many levels and steps, you do need to be able bodied in order to navigate the hotel, which is built on the side of hill.
The staff are just wonderful and can’t do enough for you. More on that later.
Our room was a comfort room, which was just perfect and the decor is just right. The room was spotless and the cleaners are tireless in their work. We had some lovely towel art most mornings once the room was made up.
The breakfast is quite vast considering it’s mainly a cold continental style buffet arrangement, but there are some hot options like eggs and sausages and you can have a fresh omelette of your choice if you wish.
One morning we were offered a complimentary private breakfast up on the terrace, which was fantastic. We were greeted with a cold fresh glass of Prosecco and basically every thing you can imagine for a breakfast feast. That combined with a fantastic view over Bodrum, just made it perfect.
There is also a lovely complementary afternoon tea offered by the pool at 4:30pm, which is another great little offering. A cup of tea and some savoury and / or sweet bites is a nice touch.
The rooftop terrace restaurant in the evening is another magical moment you will just want to keep repeating. The view of Bodrum and the castle and surrounding hills all lit up with the sun setting is just magical. We only ate there two or three times (wish it had been more as the options in Bodrum were not great!) and each time the food was of a very high standard and the service great of course. Highly recommend any of the seafood options.
The main pool is very very different to your usual hotel swimming pool. Firstly and most importantly, there is no bed reserving with the usual 5am dash to get the towels down! That takes a lot of the stress away straight away. You will see from photos that there are many trees and bushes that surround the pool, so making some great natural shaded areas, which is much nicer than shade from an umbrella. There are still plenty of areas left for those that love the sun (like my wife!). The water is actually quite warm so when it’s very hot weather, the dip isn’t so refreshing, but it definitely cools you down. The outdoor shower by the toilet stays pretty cold so if you need an extra cool blast, get under that!
The service around the pool was always very efficient and I only had to go up a couple of times to ask for a drink. The service is where the hotel excels. They have a great group of staff, most of whom have been there for years, which speaks volumes for how they are treated and valued.
Can (pronounced Jan) is the main man, literally! He can’t do enough for you and makes everyone feel special. It’s like the guy has a 6th sense and knows what you want before you do! I had a beer in the afternoon by the pool and was just taking a sip when I thought this beer is a bit warm. I was just about to get up to ask for some ice for the bottle, then behind me is Can with a champagne bucket of ice (no champagne though unfortunately!), just for my bottle of beer!
Deniz the manager is also very welcoming and is always asking how we are and do we need anything etc.
My wife and I have stayed in many hotels across many countries and although the El Vino is very different to our previous hotels, it rates as one of, if not the best all round hotel when comparing price to offering.
Somehow, even when the hotel is near to or at capacity, it never felt crowded or rushed or manic.
As long as you embrace the different offering that this hotel delivers when compared to your standard hotel, I promise you, you will love it."
