Side, Daisy Hotel

When we eventually made it to our hotel after the taxi driver got lost for over an hour, we had the difficulty of booking in due to a non-English speaking man and a young boy. We had requested at least one room on the ground floor as we had a wheelchair bound member, we were given the top floor. My father was then given a room but not given a key. He had to ask at the desk every time he needed his room which was not good with the language problem.

The hotel is close to a few bar restaurants which all offer the same food, but the one we favored is called Cheers and is just 2 minutes from the hotel. Food is good, drinks are cheap.

The beach is advertised as a few hundred metres away, which is true. However for us it was a struggle as it is a few hundred metres down a very steep climb. Very hard work with the wheelchair.

Breakfast at the hotel consisted of cheese, some form of meat, olives and melon. Chunky bread and jam were generously on offer too. This did not change at all for any of the days we were there. The pool is unusually cold, and the sun seemed to be hidden by the hotel in the afternoon. A bar is on hand near the pool, selling Efes or cocktails.

This review seems a little negative, which is a shame as I personally enjoyed most of the holiday. Nights were good, big screen television showing Euro matches, karaoke nights, some good music, the weather was beautiful and the nearby harbor and ruins were great to visit. One warning though - if you are offered anything make sure you agree a price beforehand. I had a shave and was rather taken aback when he wanted 50 lire (20 pounds) after he had finished - he got 15.

If you are looking for cheap, clean, but no frills accommodation, the Daisy Hotel in Side is a great base. It's within walking distance of the Harbour area. where the Remains of Apollo's Temple Lie adjacent to the beach. A beautiful spot for sunset. There's so much to see in Side, and the eating places and atmosphere are great.