Hotel Derici

On the seashore, in the heart of the very lively seaside resort of Kusadasi. To reach the hotel from Izmir airport, located 46 miles away, allow 1 hour.

Open all-year long. The clientele is mainly German, Dutch and English. If you are tempted, you can do a bungee jump opposite the hotel... or watch others do it! From Kusadasi, you can get to the Greek island of Samos every day from 1st April to 1st November.

Built in 1989 and renovated in 1999, the Derici is a modern 5-storey building (with 87 rooms) that is nicely kept and decorated. A small pool with kids' pool, bar and solarium can be found on the terrace on two lanscaped levels on the top floor. In this floral, tiled setting, you can get a breath of fresh air while looking at the marina and the ruins of the fortress, which was built in the 14th century on a tiny peninsula. In the basement, there is a garage free to the residents.

The rooms have simple decor, dark wood furniture, carpets and white walls. They have a balcony, a bathroom with bathtub (no hairdryer), telephone, satellite television, and adjustable air conditioning. If you pay extra you can use a safe at the reception.

Evening meals are served in a small a la carte restaurant with a terrace overlooking the road that separates the hotel from the sea. International cuisine but a good choice of cocktails for the aperitif. A buffet is served at lunchtime.

330 ft from the hotel, the small public beach of Kusadasi is covered in sand but is not very charming. In high season, like on the Cote-d'Azur, expect to be crammed in like sardines.