Kaleiçi (Old Antalya), the historic center of Antalya surrounding the Roman harbor (), has traditionally been the place to find atmospheric, inexpensive pensions and hostels.
In recent years many of the cheap pensions have been upgrading their facilities to provide more comfort and services. They look better than ever, and are more enjoyable, but also more expensive.
However, for the budget price you usually receive a room with private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, Wifi, and buffet breakfast all included in the rates. Hardly roughing it!
Coming from the Otogar (bus terminal), take the Antray tram in the direction of Merkez and get out at İsmetpaşa (the 8th stop) near the city center,Kalekapısı and Kaleiçi ().
Don't even try to get to any of the pensions below by car without detailed instructions—it's way too complicated. Contact your pension for help.
Here's a description of the various mahalles(neighborhoods) of Kaleiçi, their locations and advantages. More...
My favorite boutique hotel in Kaleiçi is the beautiful Tuvana, but if that's out of your budget, try one of the following pensions. Click on the name for information on room rates and availability from Booking.com, a champspinco.com partner.)
Sabah Pansiyon
Long-time family-run pension recommended for decades. Some disappointments with overbooking—ask about it when you make your reservation. More...
Özmen Pension
Located on a quiet dead-end street near the Broken Minaret, an easy walk to Karaalioğlu Park and the Roman harbor. Guests particularly enjoy the roof terrace. More...
Sultan Pension
Simple but good small (5 rooms) family-run pension with terrace and free Wifi. More...
Lazer Pension
Sixteen rooms, most with private bath and air conditioning. There's a shady terrace. More...
Bacchus Pension
17 rooms on a quiet dead-end street, with a roof terrace to enjoy the view. More...
Mavi & Ani Pension
The central garden is particularly nice at the Mavi & Ani, a pension with a family atmosphere in a quiet location. More...
The Oasis Pansion
Another good location with good prices, a friendly welcome, and relative quiet, as the street is not wide enough for cars. More...
Secret Palace Pansion
The very name lures you here. Secret? Palace?! Worth a try. More...
Dedekonak Pension
An old standard pension here for decades, well located, friendly and inexpensive. More...
Anatolia Pansiyon
The last of the old-fashioned plain little pensions run by an ev kadını (housewife), it has the lowest prices in Kaleiçi. More...
Want a bit more comfort, and more services? See my list of the best boutique hotels in Kaleiçi.
—by Tom Brosnahan