Views, views, and more views. Set on a hilltop, The Marmara Bodrum boasts a beautiful backyard, and it takes full advantage. Overlooking the hopping coastal resort city of Bodrum and the turquoise Aegean Sea, this hotel makes it oh so easy to make a case for simply staying put and enjoying the scenery.
Loaded with intriguing nooks, crannies, and colorful stairways, the property’s grounds have an expansive feel that might make you think the 97-room property is larger than it actually is. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio, The Marmara Bodrum offers a long list of amenities including a spa, Turkish bath, and Michelin Recognized Restaurant.
Rooms with Views
I stayed in a Luxury Sea View Room for three nights. When I wasn’t sleeping, it was hard not to be out on the balcony enjoying the spectacular view. Both sunrise and sunset offer photo-worthy moments.
The room was essentially divided into two spaces. The top portion was mostly dedicated to the king bed. (I had to get a bit creative to plug in my phone to charge at night, as there were no USB outlets.) A few steps down from the sleeping section of the room was a compact sitting area with a television, refrigerator, electric kettle, and selection of coffee and teas. It was quite warm during my visit in late June, and the air conditioning did a great job keeping the space cool.
The bathroom featured a vanity with a single sink, toilet, and combined shower and bathtub.
Overall, the room was comfortable, but a bit tired. The bathroom design and color palette contributed to the outdated feel.
Room keys are attached to a heavy metal skeleton-style key inspired by nearby landmark, Bodrum Castle. The weight and bulk makes it hard to lose your room key, but at the same time it also makes it inconvenient to carry. Guests can drop their room key at the front desk when they leave the property.
Hotel Amenities
The pool at The Marmara Bodrum is postcard worthy. If you’re not the type to make a splash, you can take a snooze on one of the many comfy loungers. During the summer months, the pool bar serves drinks and a variety of snacks. The onsite spa offers a variety of treatment options, as well as a Turkish bath that’s complimentary for all guests. There’s also a small fitness center.
Guests craving a beach day can take advantage of a complimentary shuttle that delivers sun seekers to Bodrum’s Turkbuku neighborhood, referred to by some as the “St. Tropez of Turkey.” Thanks to a partnership with seaside property Flamm, guests have access to a dock and grassy stretch lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas. (The coastline here is rocky not sandy, so you won’t typically find chairs actually on the beach.)
The Marmara Bodrum guests can also charge food and drink from Flamm’s bar and restaurant, directly to their rooms. The beach shuttle is offered from mid-May until the end of September; plan for about a 30-minute drive, each way.
Michelin Recommended Dining
Onsite Tuti Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; all stays include complimentary breakfast, served buffet style. Along with cheese, olives, jams, and a table loaded with assorted breads, you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, and more. Juices, coffee, and Turkish tea are also plentiful. Even if you’re not a breakfast person, it’s worth rolling out of bed to take in the views of Bodrum from the restaurant patio.
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Lunch and dinner are more refined affairs with full-service and inventive dishes the likes of local artichokes combined with avocado, cave-aged Turkish cheese, and strawberry cream. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy wine and food pairings that focus on vintages from wine regions in Türkiye. (Turkey)
Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) is the closest airport; it’s just shy of a 22-mile drive.
Rates for Luxury Sea View Rooms start at $154 in low season. Wi-Fi and parking are included. The Marmara Bodrum is designed for adult guests. Children must be 13 or older to stay at the property. You can also compare rates and book your stay through Expedia or Booking.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Go Türkiye, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
