The Best Hotels in Bodrum

Bodrum Hotels

This beautiful port town drips with history, and was once host to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, Bodrum offers an eclectic mix of the ancient and modern. The shimmering swell of the Mediterranean Sea laps the weathered stone of a historic coastal castle, while sleek white yachts and luxury powerboats bob in the shadows of the battlements. Turkey's affluent mingle with international tourists on the nearby beaches, and in the bustle of the town's many hotspots.

Things to see

Taking advantage of the ever present, glorious sunshine is likely to be a priority during your visit here, and you'll be pleased to know that Bodrum, while having a few pleasant shingle beaches for swimming, is also close to a number of pristine sand beaches too. Gumbet Beach for example, has the inviting, beautiful off-white sands that you expect to find in the Med. Of course, you'll be hard pressed to avoid the huge amount of ancient history here, and a trip to Bodrum Castle, that sits majestically on the edge of the marina, is a must see. This sprawling 15th century coastal fortress was constructed by the Knights Hospitaller, and in addition to the panoramic views of the sun soaked coast, you can visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in the grounds. The castle is also close to the bustling city centre, where cafés and bars aplenty await.

Hotels in Bodrum

Bodrum is a major tourist centre, so you can expect to find a wide variety of Bodrum hotels to suit all tastes. There's glittering pools, terraces and on-site bars at many hotels in Bodrum too, so you can lounge by the pool, icy cocktail in hand, and soak up the rays whenever suits you. You'll find plenty of luxury hotels here too, of course, including impressive resorts and smaller, luxury boutique accommodation (perfect for that romantic break). Many hotels also offer complimentary breakfasts – a great way to start a day of sightseeing.

Where to stay

Digs around Ataturk, a major road in the town, will put you right next to the bustling city centre, as well as Bodrum Beach. It's the ideal place to stay if you want to weave through the crowds at the farmers' market, where you'll find all manner of juicy, sun-ripened fruits and vegetables. The Marina area, especially around Bodrum Belediyesi, places you right in view of the gently swaying masts in the marina itself, as well as the glorious castle. If you're after a luxurious romantic retreat, then heading a little out of town along the Bodrum-Milas Yolu can be ideal.

How to get to Bodrum

There's a number of ways to reach Bodrum, but the most common, if you're flying into the country, is to head to Bodrum-Milas Airport. From here, you can hop on a shuttle service to the town itself, or catch a private taxi. The nearby islands of Kos and Rhodes also have regular ferry services to Bodrum, and make a great destination for a day trip, too. A unique shared taxi service - known locally as a 'dolmus' - is one of the best ways to get around the town itself, and to local attractions. It's also the cheapest way to travel.