This review is honest and unpaid, reflecting my personal opinion along with photos and trip recommendations.

I’m not typically one to choose all-inclusive resorts; instead, I prefer boutique hotels that are centrally located, allowing me to immerse myself more easily in the local culture. However, with a child who loves pools and rides, Alarcha Hotel and Resort seemed like the perfect choice for us. We booked our trip through a travel agency that arranged our flights, hotel accommodations, and transfers to and from the hotel.

The hotel is situated in the Turkish Riviera, conveniently less than two hours from Antalya and its airport, and only 40 minutes from Alanya. It boasts a beach resort with a private beach, making it an ideal location for exploring both towns. During our stay, we even ventured on a day trip to Pamukkale (a four-hour drive each way) and Lake Salda.

However, if you’re looking for evening walks in a vibrant neighborhood, this might not be the best location. The surroundings mainly feature a single busy road and a medium-sized shopping center, with not much else to see or explore nearby.

The hotel itself is stunning, featuring a modern and new design with a plethora of amenities including a wellness and spa facility. Outside, there’s a large pool area with water slides, a separate kids’ pool, playground, and various entertainment zones. The expansive indoor and outdoor dining areas, along with a restaurant, cater to diverse culinary preferences.

However, a notable flaw in the hotel’s design is its elevators. There are only three small and slow elevators, which can be particularly inconvenient when using a stroller. Waiting times can sometimes be as long as five minutes. For those who prefer to avoid stairs, it’s advisable to request a lower floor during booking.

The variety of food at the hotel was extensive, spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with poolside and beach snacks, and even late breakfast options. The convenience of continuous food and drink service was notable. The meals offered a mix of Turkish delights and Western dishes, all of which were tasty.

However, a significant disappointment was the lack of vegan options. While there were fruits, vegetables, hummus, French fries, breads, jams, tahini, salads, and grilled vegetables available, the absence of basics like plant-based milk or margarine was surprising in today’s dining landscape. This oversight may make it challenging for vegans to find suitable alternatives. Additionally, the presence of veal on the menu was disheartening for those sensitive to animal welfare concerns.

Overall, while the hotel provided ample food choices, including vegetarian options, it fell short of being truly vegan-friendly due to these shortcomings.

The beach just outside the resort is stunning, with clear waters and a shack restaurant included in the price. Facilities such as showers and bathrooms are available, and they provide free beach chairs with umbrellas, which is convenient.

However, a recommendation would be to bring water shoes because the beach itself is pebbled, and the large pebbles can be uncomfortable to walk on, especially when entering the water. This was the reason we only spent one day at the beach during our stay.

Trips

• Alanya Castle and Old Town: Visit the historic Alanya Castle, perched on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean. Explore the narrow streets and traditional Turkish architecture of the Old Town.
• Dim Cave and Dim River: Explore Dim Cave, a fascinating underground cave system near Alanya, and enjoy a boat trip or riverside dining along the scenic Dim River.
• Sapadere Canyon: Discover the natural beauty of Sapadere Canyon, where you can hike through lush greenery, swim in crystal-clear pools, and enjoy picturesque waterfalls.
• Manavgat Waterfall and River Cruise: Visit Manavgat Waterfall, a stunning natural cascade, and take a relaxing boat cruise along the Manavgat River.
• Side: Explore the ancient city of Side, known for its well-preserved ruins including a theater, temples, and a harbor. Enjoy a stroll through its charming streets and along its sandy beaches.
• Pamukkale and Hierapolis: Take a longer day trip to Pamukkale and Hierapolis to witness the striking white travertine terraces and explore the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis. Read about our trip to Pamukkale here. 
• Antalya City Tour: Explore Antalya’s historic center, Kaleici, with its Ottoman-era architecture, charming shops, and cafes. Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum to learn about the region’s rich history.

Renting a Car

Renting a car from our hotel was an option, but we found better prices just across the street. The hotel’s rental agency quoted €100 per day for local trips and €200 for Pamukkale, whereas an outside agency offered more competitive rates at €75 and €150, respectively. The rental process was straightforward; we only needed our passport, another form of ID, and a deposit. The car was ready promptly, allowing us the flexibility to travel at our own pace, make stops, and take detours as desired. Renting a car proved to be a comfortable and convenient way to explore the area.

CONS

• Pebbled Beach: The beach is pebbled, which may be uncomfortable to walk on without appropriate footwear.
• Lack of Vegan Options: While there are vegetarian choices, vegan basics like plant-based milk or margarine are not available, which may limit options for vegan guests.
• Loud Entertainment Music: Evening entertainment may be loud until around 10:40 PM, which could disturb those looking for a quieter environment.
• No Splash Pool for Small Children: There is no designated splash pool for children under age 3, which may be inconvenient for families with young kids.
• Limited Exploration on Foot: The immediate surrounding area doesn’t offer much for exploration on foot, as it primarily consists of a busy road and a medium-sized shopping center.

You can check the hotel website here.

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