Apollon Hotel Kas: Your Dream Turkish Escape Awaits!
Apollon Hotel Kas: More Than Just a TripAdvisor Review… It’s Therapy, Honestly!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the Apollon Hotel Kas that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "honest conversation with your slightly sleep-deprived, caffeine-fueled best friend." You want a dream Turkish escape? Well, let's see if this place delivers on that promise, shall we? And trust me, I'm brutally honest.
First, let's be real. Kas is gorgeous. Like, "Instagram feed exploding with envy" gorgeous. So, the Apollon starts with an advantage – that location. It's perched somewhere, overlooking the turquoise embrace of the Mediterranean, ready to knock your socks off with views. Sigh.
Accessibility - The Good, The Possibly Good, and the "Hmm…"
Now, the accessibility front. This is where things get a little… nuanced. The website mentions facilities for disabled guests. Sounds promising, right? Well, if you absolutely need a wheelchair-accessible room and specific features, I HIGHLY recommend calling ahead and confirming everything. Don't take a website's word for it, especially when it comes to accessibility. Personal experience shouting in the background because I learned this the hard way, people! The hotel has an elevator, which is a HUGE plus, but navigating the property, with its beautiful terraces, could pose some challenges. Check out the exterior corridors and pathways.
Cleanliness and Safety – Let's Talk Sanitize… (and My Slightly Overactive Germophobia)
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is QUEEN. And honestly? Apollon seemed to be taking it seriously. They boast about anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, professional-grade sanitizing, and staff trained in safety protocols. See? Not just me freaking out. The info says daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt… relatively at ease. Now, did I see them sterilizing my cutlery? No. Did I feel like I knew exactly what they were doing the entire time? No, of course not! But the effort was there, and for a slightly paranoid traveler like myself, that’s a fantastic start. The availability of a safe dining setup, including sanitized kitchen and tableware, was reassuring too for the food.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Feed Me, Seymour! (aka, My Stomach Demands Attention)
Right, food. This is where things get really fun, or not. The Apollon features:
- Restaurants: A la carte, Buffet, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, Vegetarian cuisine, Western cuisine
- Bars: Poolside, a bar
- Snacks & Breakfast: Breakfast (Buffet, service, in room, takeaway), Coffee/tea in the restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts, Happy hour, Salad, Soup, Bottle of water
- Room Service: 24-hour
The buffet breakfast was fine. Standard hotel fare. I ate my weight in Turkish delight… because, well, it’s Turkish delight, and I’m a sucker for that stuff. The Asian options and Western options sounded tempting, and I was too lazy to dine at the restaurant in the evening. The poolside bar? Sigh. Picture this: you, lounging by the pool (more on that later), sipping a delicious cocktail, and watching the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues. Pure Bliss. The happy hour was a nice touch, and the coffee shop saved me from a caffeine withdrawal. There are so many options, from the standard buffet breakfast to room service and a variety of cuisines. I am not picky, but I like to have tasty variety. In my personal opinion, the offerings were a little middling, and my stomach was definitely rumbling for the dinner.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa-tacular or Just "Meh"?
Okay, the big question: how do you relax? Apollon has a serious arsenal in this department, including:
- Spa: It has a Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath.
- Pools: Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view.
- Fitness: Fitness center, Gym/fitness.
I'm a massage fiend. I get one everywhere I go, even if it's just to try it. The Apollon's spa… was a revelation. I opted for the full body massage and oh my GOD. It was. chefs kiss. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. The masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Best. Massage. Ever.. The pool area was also stunning, with that killer view I mentioned earlier. The fitness center? Okay, maybe the gym was a bit small, and the equipment might not be top-of-the-line for the most demanding gym-goer. But for a quick workout or a treadmill session with a view? Absolutely perfect.
The Room - Ahh, My Sanctuary… or Not?
Here's where personal preferences really come into play. My room was…nice. Comfortable. It featured:
- Air conditioning (thank GOD)
- Free Wi-Fi (bless the internet gods)
- Air conditioner
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub (I’m a bath person, so this was a big win)
- Blackout curtains (crucial for sleep!)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Mini bar
- Satellite/cable channels
- Shower
- Slippers
- Soundproofing
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Window that opens
The view? Stunning. The bed? Comfy. The Wi-Fi? Surprisingly decent. My only minor complaint: the bathroom. Could have been a little bigger, and maybe the toiletries could have been upgraded. Look, I’m just being honest. But overall, it was a solid, comfortable room, perfect for crashing after a day of exploring Kas.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Matter
Apollon tries hard to make things easy, with:
- Reception: 24-hour front desk, Concierge, Check-in/out, Doorman
- Practicalities: Elevator, Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Food delivery, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Free car park, Airport transfer, Taxi service.
I used the laundry service, and it was fast and efficient. The staff was friendly and helpful, especially the concierge who gave us some great restaurant recommendations. And the 24-hour front desk was a lifesaver when I needed to order more Turkish delight at 2 am (don't judge me). It's not a luxury hotel, but it’s clearly trying its best, and that counts.
For the Kids - Family Fun?
I did not travel with my family. So, I was unable to see the kids facilities.
Getting Around:
This is a HUGE plus for Kas. Parking is free, they offer a car park, and there's a taxi service. The location makes getting around by foot easy.
Internet, Internet, Internet! - Because We Can’t Live Without It, Let’s Be Real
WiFi is available: Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms, Wi-Fi in public areas, Internet access – wireless, and Internet services. This is a must-have. I’m a digital nomad, so you could say that it's essential.
Overall Impression - The Verdict?
Apollon Hotel Kas is a good choice. It's got that killer location, a solid spa, mostly clean, and the staff are lovely. It's not perfect. No hotel is. The restaurant could up its game, and some upgrades in certain areas would be welcome. But, the overall experience was very good. I would recommend it, for couples, or for a solo travel.
SEO-Fueled Summary:
- Keywords: Apollon Hotel Kas, Kas, Turkey, Turkish Escape, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Massage, Pool, Views, Cleanliness, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi, Dining, Breakfast, Mediterranean, Best Hotel Kas.
- Accessibility Note: I did my best to cover accessibility features, but ALWAYS confirm with the hotel if specific needs are crucial.
- Why Book? It delivers on most of its promises with a strong emphasis on relaxation, great views, and a friendly staff!
- For Who? Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and people looking for a relaxing getaway in a beautiful location.
And Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, My Honest, Slightly Rambley Offer!
Look, you want a real Turkish escape? You want a hotel with stunning views, a kick-ass spa, and staff who genuinely seem to care? Then book the Apollon Hotel Kas. But… and this is a big BUT… before you book, call them. Confirm the accessibility, the food options, and your specific needs. Do your research.
MY OFFER: If all of the above
Lanzarote's Hidden Gem: Discover Nazaret Sol!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into my gloriously imperfect, possibly disastrous, and definitely opinionated trip to the Apollon Hotel in Kas, Turkey. Consider this less a rigid itinerary and more a… well, a chaotic dance of me and travel.
DRAFT TITLES (Because I’m a prepper):
- Kas, Chaos, and Caffeine: A Turkey Trip That Almost Broke Me (But Didn't)
- Apollon & Apocalypse (of My Sanity): A Kas Diary
- Turks, Tourists, and Terrible Sunburns: A Kas Odyssey
DAY 1: Arrival & That Initial, Overwhelming "WOW"
- Morning: My flight landed in Dalaman. Dalaman! I swear I’ve spent more time in airport security lines than actually on vacation. Anyway, I arrive and the airport is a hot, sweaty blur of baggage claim and overpriced taxi rides. Finally, the driver, Ahmet (who probably says his name is “Ahmed” but I don't want to ask), takes me on an hour-and-a-half drive to Kas.
- Afternoon: The drive is stunning. Truly. Mountains that look like they've been sculpted by gods, the turquoise sea… it's enough to make you choke up. Or maybe that was the dust from the road. Anyway, finally, we arrive at the Apollon Hotel. I'm expecting… well, not perfection. But maybe something a little less… rustic? The lobby is cute, in a charmingly faded kind of way.
- Anxiety Alert: The check-in process is clunky. The receptionist guy (his name is definitely Mehmet, or at least, I think that’s what I heard) speaks limited English, and my Turkish vocabulary is… non-existent. It involves a lot of pointing, smiling, and the universal language of “please god let me have the right room key.”
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Okay, room acquired! It has a balcony, which is great! Until I realise I can hear everything from every other room. I also may have to navigate some steep stairs. Still, the view is incredible. I immediately dump my bags (after struggling with them up the stairs, again), change into something less travel-worn, and head to the hotel restaurant for a celebratory Efes beer and a first meal.
- Food First Impressions: The food is… okay. The meze are incredible, vibrant, flavorful, so much better than whatever I can find back home. Then the main course comes. I’m not sure what it is. It smells vaguely fishy. I’m too shy to ask. I eat it. It's… edible. Definitely needs hot sauce.
- Evening: I'm exhausted. I crash in bed. Pure bliss.
DAY 2: Kas Town Exploration & The Unexpected Beach Drama
- Morning: Breakfast! It's a buffet, which is my kryptonite. I try everything. Bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes (they actually taste like tomatoes!), and those little honey pots. I probably eat enough calories to run a small country.
- Mid-morning: Time to explore Kas! The town is ridiculously picturesque. White-washed buildings, bougainvillea spilling everywhere, little shops selling… well, all sorts of stuff. I pick up some hand-painted ceramics, and a knock-off Ray-Ban (because… priorities, I guess?).
- Lunch: I find a tiny, little restaurant tucked away down an alley. I order… I have no idea what I ordered. I pointed at something on the menu that looked vaguely appealing. It was amazing. The best kebab I’ve ever had. I make a mental note: Find this place again. I also accidentally leave without paying. Anxiety level: ELEVATED. I have to go back.
- Afternoon: Okay, now for the beach! I select one of the beaches that is a 10-minute walk away from the hotel. The water is the most incredible shade of turquoise. Perfect. I settle down, slather on the sunscreen (or so I thought), and…
- Beach Disaster: IT'S THE WORST SUNBURN OF MY LIFE. I was convinced I'd applied enough sunscreen. Apparently, I was very, very wrong. I spend the rest of the afternoon in agony. The sun, it burned me. The waves, I swear, laughed at me. I retreat to my room, looking like a lobster, and vow to become a hermit for the rest of the trip.
- Evening: I cannot move, it hurts to breathe! Dinner at the hotel restaurant, again. I avoid the sunlit area, I avoid the fish, and I eat as slowly as possible. Maybe I should’ve gotten the “sun tan” oil. I’ve already spent all my money on souvenirs so this is the best I can do.
DAY 3: Boat Trip! (And My Ongoing Struggle with the Sun)
- Morning: Despite the agony, I've signed up for a boat trip! It's the thing to do in Kas, so I am on board, even though I'm pretty sure I’ll melt in the sun and then be the one served at the restaurant.
- Mid-morning: The boat trip is… beautiful. The coastline is breathtaking. They serve a tasty lunch (thankfully, no suspiciously fishy smell this time). I manage to stay in the shade, hiding under a towel like a vampire, drinking water, and avoiding eye contact with anyone.
- Afternoon: We stop at a gorgeous hidden cove for a swim! I’m still in pain, and don't really enjoy swimming. The water is perfect. The boat trip is fun. I start to feel a bit better.
- Evening: Back at the Apollon, I try to have a peaceful dinner (it’s the grilled chicken this time. Solid.). I am more cautious around the sun. Eventually, I am able to walk to the town, get some more “sun tan” oil, and buy some ice cream.
DAY 4: Kayak Adventure (And More Mishaps)
- Morning: Okay, I’m feeling brave. Kayaking! I rent a kayak and head out into the sea. I imagine myself as a seasoned explorer, gracefully gliding through the waves.
- Mid-morning: The reality is… less graceful. I struggle to stay upright. The sea is choppy. I’m paddling in circles. I nearly tip over, and scream. Other kayakers watch me, laughing. I'm pretty sure I saw someone filming me on their phone.
- Lunch: I retreat to a small cafe for lunch. I order a simple salad, figuring that would be safe. It's delicious. I'm starting to love Turkish food. I swear, this is all worth it, just for the food.
- Afternoon: The rest of the day is dedicated to recovering from my kayaking humiliation. I get some much-needed rest and reapply copious amounts of aloe vera (seriously, I look like a luminous swamp monster at this point).
- Evening: One last dinner at the hotel, and more Efes. I start actually enjoying the food. I start wishing I were staying longer.
DAY 5: Departure & The Bitter Sweet Goodbye
- Morning: Last breakfast! I try to eat as much as possible, hoarding those delicious honey pots. I can barely eat one last bite because… the food gave me a gut ache.
- Mid-morning: I pack. I check out of the hotel. The staff are incredibly friendly. I almost, almost, get teary eyed.
- Afternoon: The drive back to Dalaman is just as stunning as the first time. Now, with my sunburn still throbbing, I see the mountains and sea, I have a new appreciation for the view.
- Farewell, Kas: As I sit in the airport, waiting for my flight, I realize something. This trip was messy. It was chaotic. I got sunburned. I made a fool of myself. But… I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Kas is a magical place. Maybe it needs a little magic to make me understand it, and… well, that’s part of the fun, right? And I'm already planning a return. This is not a goodbye, but a ‘see you again’.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES & RAMBLINGS:
- Lessons Learned: Sunscreen. Always more sunscreen. And learn a few basic Turkish phrases. Like, "Where is the bathroom?" And "I really can't stand the fish, could I get the chicken?".
- Quirky Observations: The cats! There are cats everywhere in Kas. They stroll through the restaurants, sleep on the sun loungers, and generally live their best lives. I am jealous.
- Emotional Reactions: I felt frustrated, delighted, embarrassed, and so, so relaxed. The food. The views. The people. Kas has a magic that creeps into your soul.
- Opinionated Language: The Apollon Hotel is charming, if a little rough around the edges. The food is consistently good, despite my initial reservations. Kas itself is an absolute must-see. Seriously, go.
- Messy Structure: This itinerary is all
Apollon Hotel Kas: Seriously, Is It *That* Good? Your Burning Questions Answered (Plus My Ramblings)
Okay, so everyone's raving about Apollon Hotel. Is it really worth the hype?
Alright, buckle up. The hype? Yeah, it’s *mostly* justified. Look, I’m a cynical traveler. I’ve seen "luxury" that involved shared cockroaches and lukewarm showers. Apollon? Okay, first, the location. Killer. The balcony over the sea? Forget about it. I spent a whole afternoon just *staring*. Seriously. Staring. My partner kept saying, "Are you going to do *anything* today?" Nope. Sea-staring was activity number one. Plus, the breakfast. Oh, the breakfast! They have this honey, right, that’s just… well, it's like sunshine in liquid form. I may have smuggled a small jar home. *Maybe.*
However… and there's always a "however," isn't there? The Wi-Fi was dodgy sometimes. And the pool… it's lovely! But, and this is a crucial “but,” I saw a kid, yes, a *kid*, pee in it. Mortifying. Made me rethink my pre-breakfast dip. So, is it perfect? No. But that view? And that honey?! Yeah, it's pretty darn good. I’d go back, kid-pee and all.
What's the *real* vibe of the hotel? Is it all perfect Instagram models or… something else?
Okay, let’s be honest. I was a little worried about the "Instagram model" thing. You know, the perfectly coiffed hair, the pouty lips, the endless photos of… well, everything. And yes, there were *some* of those. But! It was surprisingly chilled out. A nice mix of people, actually. Couples, families (kid-pee incident aside…), solo travelers like me, and even a few eccentric characters, which I adore because you NEVER know what they are going to say.
I saw a guy wearing the *loudest* Hawaiian shirt I've ever witnessed, laughing hysterically while trying to order a beer in very broken Turkish. That encapsulates it, really. It's not stuffy. It's relaxed. Think a little bit of luxury, a whole lot of casual, and a sprinkle of "let's have fun!" This is Kas, people. Not a fashion show.
The rooms: are they actually as nice as they look online? And are there any hidden downsides?
Okay, the rooms. Yes, the pictures are accurate. The bed was ridiculously comfortable. Like, I genuinely considered taking a picture of the mattress tag and buying one immediately when I got home. (I didn’t. My bank account hates me). The decor is stylish, minimalist, calming… All that good stuff. The sea view rooms? Book them. Just do it. Unless, you know, you like looking at a brick wall. In which case, go ahead and save a few euros.
Hidden downsides? Well, yeah. My room was right near the bar. And the bar is lively, which is good, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Really, bring them! Also, the air conditioning, while functional, could be a little… unpredictable. Sometimes it blasted arctic air, other times it was more a slightly-cooler-than-the-outside-temperature breeze. Minor things. But still… pack earplugs!
What about the food? What should I absolutely try at the hotel?
The food… Oh, the food. Listen, I'm a foodie. I am. And Apollon didn't disappoint. Breakfast, as I mentioned, is legendary. But dinner? Go for the fresh seafood. Seriously. The grilled octopus? To die for. I ordered it three nights in a row. Don't judge me. The restaurant has a very picturesque view and the staff are very personable. They know their stuff.
They also do a *fantastic* Turkish breakfast platter. Expect mountains of olives, cheeses, tomatoes, cucumbers, breads, and of course, that honey! I could have lived on that breakfast alone the entire time. I think I actually *did* eat it for lunch one day, too. They also offered a very good variety of cocktails. I got a little carried away with the raki. But that's a story for another time.
How easy is it to get around Kas from the hotel? Can you walk everywhere?
Kas is small, charming, and wonderfully walkable. Apollon Hotel is in a *perfect* location. You can stroll to the harbor in like, ten minutes. Cute little shops, restaurants galore. You can wander down to the market if you're feeling it. Get lost in the backstreets. It's idyllic, honestly.
To get to the more far-flung beaches, like Kaputas Beach, you'll need a dolmus (local bus) or a taxi. But honestly, the main town is all right there. I spent most of my time just wandering, getting lost, and then finding myself back at the hotel for another swim and another octopus dish.
Any tips for making the most of my stay? Like, really *useful* tips?
Okay, here's the nitty-gritty. First, book your room in advance, especially during peak season. Seriously, they fill up fast. And try to get a sea view. You won't regret it. Pack sunscreen. Lots of it. And reapply. I saw some seriously lobster-red people. Don't be one of them.
Second, learn a few basic Turkish phrases. "Merhaba" (hello), "Teşekkürler" (thank you), and "Bir bira lütfen" (a beer, please) will get you a long way. Third, *embrace the chaos*. Things might not always go perfectly to plan. The Wi-Fi might fail, the air conditioning might be… shall we say, temperamental. But that's part of the charm. And fourth? Go diving! Kas has incredible underwater life. I didn't. I spent my time staring at the sea. But you should. And listen, just relax. You're in Kas. You’re at Apollon. Just… breathe.
Okay, let's get real. What was the WORST part of the hotel?
Honestly? The kid. The pool-peeing kid. I can almost laugh about it now. Almost. It was a major mood-killer for a bit. There I was, dreaming of a refreshing dip after a scorching day of wandering around the ruins and… well,Instant Hotel Search
