The Bodrum Peninsula sits on Turkey’s southwest coast on the Aegean Sea. It is easily accessible from Istanbul and has long been a summer destination for wealthy Turkish travelers.
In recent years, Bodrum has become an international hot spot for celebrities and the jet-setting elite who flock here in the summer months to vacation on the beautiful Turkish Riviera.
Bodrum offers an array of luxury resorts, world-class dining, fun beach clubs, and excellent shopping, all set around the crystal blue Aegean Sea.
In July, I spent seven days in Bodrum celebrating my birthday with a group of friends. We lived like kings and queens for the week: We stayed at the best hotels, dined at the best restaurants, and partied at the best beach clubs.
Based on my experience, I put together this ultimate guide to Bodrum to help you make the most of your visit to this little slice of paradise.
Bodrum is a beautiful coastal town located in southwest Turkey on the Aegean Sea. With its picturesque beaches, ancient ruins, lively nightlife, and excellent dining, it’s no wonder Bodrum is a top travel destination in Turkey. When visiting Bodrum, finding the right accommodation is key to having an enjoyable trip. This article will highlight the top places to stay when visiting Bodrum, Turkey.
Bodrum’s Best Beach Hotels
If you’re looking to spend most of your time sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, staying at one of Bodrum’s luxurious beach hotels is the way to go. Some top options include
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Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – This 5-star resort has a private beach area in Bitez Bay and offers lavish rooms with sea views. It also boasts an expansive spa, infinity pools, and several restaurants.
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Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay – Located right on the beach in the Yali Peninsula, this high-end resort has a massive infinity pool overlooking the sea. The rooms are elegantly decorated with a modern yet cozy vibe.
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Six Senses Kaplankaya – Tucked away west of Bodrum in the Kaplankaya Bay, this secluded resort has gorgeous sea views from every room. It’s perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating beach getaway.
Boutique Hotels in Bodrum’s Center
For those who want to stay right in the heart of Bodrum near all the top attractions, boutique hotels are the way to go Some excellent options include
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The Marmara Bodrum – This hotel is perfect for those who want to experience Bodrum’s vibrant city center. It has stylish modern rooms and gorgeous views over the marina and the Bodrum Castle.
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Maçakızı – One of Bodrum’s most charming hotels, Maçakızı is known for its elegant white-washed bungalows and vibrant gardens overlooking the sea. It embodies Mediterranean elegance.
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Bodrum Loft – Located just outside Bodrum’s center, this hotel consists of eco-friendly villas nestled amidst olive groves. The design is modern, minimalist, and spotlessly clean.
Family-Friendly Resort Hotels
For families traveling with kids, Bodrum has several large resorts that offer amazing amenities and facilities for children. Some top family-friendly picks include:
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DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Işıl Club Resort – This all-inclusive resort has a massive pool area, kids’ club, shallow kids’ pool, and spacious family rooms perfect for vacations with children.
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Rixos Premium Bodrum – This lively resort has splash pools, supervised activities at Rixy Kids Club, family rooms with sofas convertible into beds, and entertainment like concerts and pool parties.
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Lujo Hotel – Set overlooking Güvercinlik Bay, this resort has interconnected family rooms, kids’ pools, playgrounds and a mini-club to keep children entertained during your stay.
Hotels on the Bodrum Peninsula
If you want a more secluded and relaxing stay away from Bodrum’s city center, consider staying at one of the excellent hotels located on the Bodrum Peninsula. Top options include:
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Amanruya – This peaceful retreat has pavilion-style guest rooms overlooking the sea on the quiet northern side of the peninsula. It embodies rustic luxury.
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Kuum Hotel & Residences – Located in Türkbükü Bay, this hotel has elegant rooms and residences with vaulted ceilings and private sun terraces with stunning sea views. The spa is also exquisite.
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Villa Aqua – Offering a secluded escape right on the peninsula, this boutique hotel is designed in vintage Ottoman style with just seven rooms, an infinity pool, and terraces overlooking Kos Island.
No matter your priorities when visiting Bodrum, there is a fantastic hotel to match your needs. Spend some time researching all the excellent accommodation options before your trip to this beautiful coastal destination. With its luxurious beach resorts, charming boutique hotels, family-friendly facilities, and secluded peninsula retreats, Bodrum has it all when it comes to places to stay.
Explore Bodrum By Yacht
There’s no better way to explore the coastline of Bodrum than by yacht. There are dozens of islands and over 100 inlets around the Bodrum Peninsula providing an array of beautiful spots to explore by boat.
During my birthday week, we rented a gorgeous 115ft yacht for the day from Gulet Bookers. We had 15 people in our group but the yacht could accommodate up to 60 people and had plenty of room for lounging, beautiful estate rooms, and all the water toys you could want on board.
The crew was excellent. They kept our drinks filled and served us a wonderful sunset dinner. We swam in private bays, danced, and did an excursion to a seaside bar at an amazing new hotel, Bodrum Loft, which has killer views and delicious handcrafted cocktails that would rival any of the top bars in the world.
This was by far my favorite day in Bodrum and I would highly recommend booking a boat through Gulet Bookers. They offer luxury charters at reasonable prices in Turkey, Greece, and Croatia.
Best Time To Visit Bodrum
If you want to experience everything Bodrum has to offer including a lively beach club scene then summer is the best time to visit. June, July, and August are considered high season in Bodrum. This is when all the hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, and shops are open and in full swing.
But while summer is an ideal time to visit it can be pricey, hard to get reservations, and very hot, especially in July when average temperatures peak at 94°F and sea temperatures around Bodrum average 76°F.
If you want to avoid the crowds and score better prices on hotels I suggest visiting during shoulder season. May and September are both great months to visit Bodrum. Flights to Bodrum and hotel prices are much cheaper during these months, most places are open, and the weather is great.
September, in particular, is an ideal month to visit. In May, the sea around Bodrum can be a bit chilly averaging around 64°F in the spring, but in September the sea is still warm with an average temperature of 73°F in the fall.
TOP 10 Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels And Resorts In BODRUM, Turkey
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