Dardanos Hotel

They are hospitable, very kind people. The rooms are clean. The local people and shopkeepers are wonderful. We had to leave a day early, so they cancelled our reservation. They were helpful in every way.

We were two couples relaxing at the end of a busy 18 day trip around Turkey spending our final days in Gelemis, near Patara beach. I hadn’t been here since the late 80s so was nervous it might have changed beyond recognition. It is still quiet, welcoming, friendly and very charming. There are some fantastic little bars, restaurants and boutique shops there. Arif, the friendly manager of Dardanos is really what makes this little hotel stand out! By the end of our stay we felt like we’d made a friend. He’s incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable, speaking fluent English and German and some French and Italian as well, having travelled all round the world. He is genuinely interested in his guests and wants everyone to enjoy themselves and to relax. He gave us tips on walks and places to visit like the local fruit and vegetable market where we bought kilos of olives and tahini to take home! Dardanos was comfortable with large bedrooms and a wonderful pool in the pretty garden which we appreciated after walking every day down to the beach visiting the ruins, and a day trip to Kas which we loved. The only thing that disappointed us was that Patara beach is where the sun loungers are is now covered in cigarette butts, something we found everywhere in Turkey. No one is collecting the butts - it’s a blight on a protected area, and what was once a stunning pristine beach. There are plenty of bins, but people don’t seem to get that they aren’t biodegradable. Walk away from that area and it is much cleaner. However, don’t let that put you off as a visit to the sand dunes to watch the sunset is absolutely magical. We would all return to Dardanos and Gelemis if we could!

Wonderful Welcoming in Patara where we stopped 3 days during our tour of Turkey on the road. Really unique availability the courtesy and friendliness of the owner who made our stay special and comfortable helping us with valuable advice on Timeline Travel Clean and equipped with every comfort. Absolutely recommend!!!