Olu Deniz, Hotel Karbel Review

Overall Rating

Hotel: Clean, efficient, well-run and pleasant atmosphere.
Resort: Relaxed, nice beach, great lagoon and plenty to do.

Hotel: Too many kids on occasion. The pool can get busy.
Resort: Knocking back Turkish bar and shop staff can get tiresome.

Thoroughly enjoyed Olu Deniz. Lovely resort; small enough to be cosy and large enough to offer plenty for everyone. The fleets of Dolmus (minibus) that travel between Hisaronu (usual neon tourist town but a good night out), Fethiye (large Turkish port, great food and market), and Olu Deniz, make it incredibly simple to get around in about 15 minutes.

With reference to one of the negative reviews, I certainly didn't smell any sewage, and I found the Hotel Karbel perfectly adequate - at the end of the day you get what you pay for.

That said, the pool can get busy, and the wedding parties we overlapped with ensured a few too many kids and teens for our liking, hence our regular trips to the lagoon. It's very easy - either head for the beach (which is nice in it's own right) and turn right, or catch a minibus from one of the bars that takes you to the private beaches on the lagoon. Bliss. Quiet, relaxed, waiter service, good food, great beach bar - I could go on, but let me just recommend the private beaches as the place to chill out. They don't cost any more, and you're in the lap of luxury.

The pool bar staff at the Karbel were fine, except they often seemed a little distracted by the teenage girls staying at the hotel, and treated some males with a little disdain as a result.

Out in the resort you get touted by the bar and shop staff - don't take it the wrong way - a firm and friendly 'no' is usually enough, but whatever just keep walking and they'll soon go after someone else. If you're haggling with them don't give in too easily, as they'll always give a little more. They love a bit of banter over money, and it's a good laugh all round.

Nightlife is limited, but for a small resort there's plenty - some great restaurants (let me recommend Captain Hook on the main street - a little more than some others, but definitely worth it, and still peanuts in UK terms. Their sea bass is fantastic). Following your meal you can choose one of the quieter bars or head somewhere a bit louder - most of which are on the promenade and stay open later. There's also a bar on the beach if you head left - lovely and relaxing on comfy deckchairs surrounded by candles, listening to the waves, some nice music and sipping your drink.
Also, head to Fethiye for a more Turkish experience, and to Hisoranu if you want a big night out. Both are dead cheap in a taxi or 10 - 15 minutes in a Dolmus.
I would also recommend heading elsewhere; either on a boat trip as some of the coastline is beautiful and each stop uncovers another lovely little bay just crying out to be swum in. There is plenty of history in the area, and by visiting some of the ancient sites you will also see the 'real' Turkey and how the locals actually live. Don't forget there is a lot of poverty, and making a small purchase from time to time might just help a little.

Scuba diving is also worth trying. There are plenty of dive companies for the beginner up to expert, and they'll look after you wonderfully. A day on the boat out on the coast - and if not everyone fancies scuba they can snorkel, or just sunbathe and have a swim. It's good fun either way.

Overall, don't believe the bad hype. I've stayed in Gumbet and Bodrum as well as Egypt, and I would recommend Olu Deniz every time.