Turkey offers everything from family guesthouses to cave hotels, boutique hotels in restored mansions, resorts and thermal spas. The right choice depends on where you are going, how long you are staying and what you want from the place. This guide explains the main types, what each is good for and which area to choose as a base. We do not quote nightly prices because rates change by season and by year. Compare current rates and recent reviews before you book.

Types of accommodation

Cave hotels (Cappadocia). Rooms carved into or built against the volcanic rock around Göreme, Uçhisar and Ürgüp. They are the main reason to stay in the region, so book early for spring and autumn. Check the room type, since some are modern conversions with private bathrooms.
Boutique hotels. Small, individually designed hotels, often in historic buildings in Istanbul, Bodrum and Aegean villages. Good for couples and for a sense of place.
Pansiyons (guesthouses). Family-run, common in smaller towns and coastal villages, often with breakfast included. Check recent reviews.
Apart-hotels and apartments. Useful for longer stays and families, with a kitchen.
Hostels. Found in Istanbul, Göreme and Selçuk, with dormitories and private rooms, and a good way to meet people.
Resort hotels. Concentrated on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, many sold as all-inclusive packages. Good for beach holidays.
Thermal hotels. Spa hotels in thermal areas such as Bursa and Afyon. See our spa and wellness page.
Mansion hotels. Restored Ottoman houses, for example in Safranbolu. See our Safranbolu page.

Where visitors commonly stay

Destination	Common bases	What to know
—	—	—
Istanbul	Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu and Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy	Sultanahmet is next to the old city sights. Beyoğlu has restaurants and nightlife. Kadıköy is on the Asian side, a ferry ride away. See our Istanbul guide.
Cappadocia	Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp	Cave hotels cluster here. Göreme is central, Uçhisar quieter, Ürgüp more upmarket. See Cappadocia.
Antalya	Kaleiçi, Konyaaltı, Lara	Kaleiçi is the old town. The others are beach districts. See Antalya.
Fethiye	Fethiye town, Ölüdeniz	Ölüdeniz is the beach resort, with guest houses, camping sites, motels and restaurants open all year. See Fethiye.
Bodrum	Bodrum town, Yalıkavak, Gümüşlük, Bitez	The bays differ in feel. See Bodrum.
Selçuk (Ephesus)	Selçuk town	The nearest town to Ephesus. See Ephesus.
Pamukkale	Pamukkale village, Karahayıt	The village is next to the travertines. See Pamukkale.

How to choose

First-time, short stay. Choose location over price: a central base saves time and transport costs.
Couples. A boutique or cave hotel is part of the experience.
Families. Look at apart-hotels or resorts with kitchens, pools and children’s facilities.
Budget travelers. Pansiyons and hostels give the best value, and breakfast is often included.
Beach holidays. Compare all-inclusive packages with what is included and what costs extra.

Booking tips

Book early for Cappadocia and for Turkish public holidays.
Read recent reviews, and check the date.
Check whether breakfast is included, since many Turkish hotels include it.
For stays of several nights, ask the property for a direct rate.
Compare location against transport costs and time.
Read the cancellation terms, particularly for balloon season and holiday weeks.

Plan the rest of the trip with our budget guide, itineraries guide and getting around guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I stay in Istanbul?

Many first-time visitors choose Sultanahmet for the historic sights, or Beyoğlu and Karaköy for restaurants and nightlife. Kadıköy is on the Asian side.