Kaleiçi, or Old Antalya, the historic Roman/Ottomancenter of the city (), was declared a historic districtdecades ago.
In recent years many old mansions have been restored as luxury or near-luxury boutique hotels with old Ottoman ambience but all modern comforts and conveniences.
Here’s a description of the various mahalles(neighborhoods) of Kaleiçi, their locations and advantages. More…
Here are Kaleiçi‘s top hotels, the ones I’ve looked at which are also highly rated by other travelers.
Most of these boutique hotels and inns have shady gardens, restaurants, swimming pools, and guest rooms equipped with private baths, air-conditioning, TV, wireless Internet, minibar and hair dryers. A good-to-great buffet Turkish breakfast is included in their rates.
Finding any of these places in Kaleiçi‘s maze of narrow, winding streets is a challenge on foot, and a near impossibility in a car. After making your hotel reservation, let your hotel know that you’ll want help in getting to it.
My Favorite
Tuvana Hotel
My favorite! For over two decades the Tuvana has hosted visitors to Kaleiçi, and it’s never been better: old Antalya houses with comfortable, even stylish rooms, a swimming pool surrounded by tropical verdure, a shady garden terrace (site of periodic barbecues), a Residence section for those who want even more space; Seraser, Antalya’s finest gourmet restaurant, and Il Vicino Pizzeria, for gourmet pizza and trattoria cuisine.
Tuvana is open all year round (many Kaleiçi hotels are not).
I’ve arranged with my friends at the Tuvana to offer valuable bonuses to anyone who follows these rules:
1. Make your reservation directly with the hotel via its website or by telephone. (If you use a booking or travel-agent service or website, you do not receive the benefits. You must click here and reserve.)
2. Be sure to mention champspinco.com. If you do not, you will not be entitled to the bonuses.
—by Tom Brosnahan
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