Louisa Coulthurst
Hotel Aqua is a very strong four in my opinion, although it seems a bit dated. It's very clean. The room is cleaned daily, floor mopped, towels changed, disinfected, the mini fridge is also refreshed daily with some branded drinks in there and the pool is cleaned daily after six. What I do like about the venue is that outside the Palm bar, there are knives and forks always in a plastic bag so that flies can’t crawl over them.
The staff are very attentive and can't do enough for you.
One thing I will say about the food is that most of it was good (Waffle Corner and Gozleme). Some of the desserts were really nice and so was the milkshake cartons (at breakfast) and some of the non-alcoholic cocktail drinks. But there were times with the show/on demand cooking like on the last day we left, we had an early breakfast, and the pancakes were raw on the inside as the cook was also frying sandwiches. Once some of the evening BBQ kebab was pink on the inside, but we didn't eat those and left it. Also, several occasions trying to get a fried egg. The lady doing the fried eggs was also doing the pancakes and sometimes she wasn't there (tidying up). It would be good to have them prepared in advance like the boiled eggs.
The beach is a bit a bit stony near the water's edge, but it's more sandy further out and you can always get a sunbed at any time (if you can’t get a bed round the pool). Also went to the spa and indoor swimming pool, which was good if you couldn't get into the main pool, which was always very busy with games.
Also liked that the hotel was near shops.
Mark Stonard
I really can't believe all the fantastic reviews for this hotel. I guess it depends on your experience of 5 star hotels - but this is definitely not a 5 star hotel. 3 stars maybe.
We went for 2 weeks in August for a family holiday (2 adults & 2 children aged 16 & 9)
The hotel is clean and the staff work really hard and are friendly.
Rooms were ok but not 5 star. No alcohol in the minibar (not that we are big drinkers but we kind of expected a little something).
No hot water first thing for a shower in the morning - reminds me of being in Greece in the 1980's!
Food in the restaurant is very limited, repetitive and very "Turkish" for every meal. Most of the dishes are a concoction of various foods, are unrecognisable and sometimes unlabelled so you have to chose with your eyes. Not sure what the "meat" was.
We noticed lots of English guests (us included) walking around the food dishes, lifting the lids then putting them back down without taking any.
Whoever is filleting the fish in this place needs a good talking to as every dish containing "fish" has some bones in it.
Children are not very well catered for either as far as the food goes.
The outside BBQ grill was ok but the same food every night.
The sweet/pudding section was probably the highlight of the main meal if you like that but there's only so much one can eat.
We decided to eat out quite a few times in Icmeler town to break up the food monotony which in itself was a bit of a chore due to the fact that every restaurant/bar you pass is trying to drag you in.
Drinks are rubbish - no premium brands available or on display. However I did see a few Turkish speaking guests getting them at the "sunset bar". When I asked for them, all the bar staff just looked at each other for a second and then I was told that I couldn't have them.
The standard cocktails and spirits all taste watered down and tasteless - they even put ice in the fizzy white wine (which didn't resemble prosecco what so ever).
Beer was ok but you get fed up with it pretty quick.
The only outdoor pool is way too small and the sunbeds are really cramped round it so you'll likely get to talk to the person who's sitting 6 inches either side of you, or be shrouded in their cigarette smoke/vape plume. It's noisy and cramped.
Of course that's if you can get a sunbed - you'll need to be up putting your towels out before 6:30am.
We were a bit wary of going in the pool after about 3pm as there's a lot of people in and out of it (being so small the water gets a bit "soupy" towards the end of the day)
Beach was ok but not great. That was until my son spotted what he thought was a jelly fish in the water but turned out to be a tampon. Needless to say we kept out of the sea.
All in all, we were very disappointed that this hotel didn't live up to the standard advertised.
Top Tips
- Go somewhere else if you want a 5 star experience.
- Don't believe all the "fantastic" reviews - chances are someone is paying for them.
Dimitrj Ciamarra
The best choice for Içmeler. The personnel is very kind and prompt even if sometimes doesn't understand the English language. The 5 stars hotel is a Turkish valuation, unfortunately not in line with the European standards. But, it's very appreciated all the efforts the personnel does to let the holiday be at the top. The beach is too busy and a bit dirty, nothing compared with the fabulous turkish beaches. The position is very strategic, and this is the point up because it's situated among the beach front alley and the main streets full of pubs, garment stores, and jewellery shops. In brief, if you've passed the 70s, come here, and it will surely be the best choice for you and your partner or friends! In any case, to evaluate a place for a one-week stay is not simple, and it is a great responsibility. The people involved in a perfect organisation like a hotel are not easy enterprises. Finally I've really appreciated this hotel. Elder people are a warranty of a good stay, that's why I came here... there are also many children and teen agers. Buone vacanze a tutti!!!!! I'm VERY HAPPY.
yvonne mccrudden
Excellent hotel, Staff were very friendly, rooms were clean, food was varied and great quality. I have a gluten allergy and they were very accommodating. Highly recommend.
Kevin O'Brien
Excellent staff, service and location at this all inclusive hotel.
Own beach on doorstep with free sunbeds.
Will visit again.
Forgot to mention the outstanding service manager Ahmet who leads by example with a 'hands on' approach to all aspects of the hotel!
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