Ali Bey Club Manavgat

The family-owned Ali Bey Club Manavgat is packed with traditional local charm. Its 450 rooms are housed in 15 Ottoman-style buildings with terra-cotta tile roofs and lovely red wooden balconies adorned with cute latticework and painted tiles. Rooms are spread over the buildings’ two stories, which feature exterior hallways overlooking charming open courtyards full of plants and flowers. Throughout, fountains clad in traditional tiles decorate the cobblestone paths lined with manicured lawns, lending the gardens a serene feel. 

The hotel shares not only its sprawling grounds but also all of its features with sister property Ali Bey Park Manavgat. Both hotels are identical in every way (including decor and price) and offer the same amenities, but depending on occupancy the Park’s features may remain closed. Each property has 450 rooms, its own lobby, several pools, many bars, and a main buffet restaurant, but there is no distinction between hotels, and guests can access all features in both at no extra charge. The Club and Park also share a long, sandy beach, an a la carte restaurant, a fitness center, a spa, and a huge water park. Rooms are not even grouped in different sections, as Club and Park buildings are all mixed together with no separation between them. In short, there may be two properties in the resort, but this arrangement does not have any consequences for guests, as it virtually operates as one big hotel.

First opened in 1991, the Ali Bey Club is starting to show some age. Though some rooms were renovated in 2011, most have not been touched in years and are in urgent need of an update. Common areas, however, are kept in great shape, and the many traditional touches -- such as arched windows and ceiling moldings in restaurants, beautiful painted domes, cute fountains, and tile details -- make it one of the most charming resorts in the area. 

Most guests here are European families with young kids, but the hotel also draws couples with its adult-only pool, great beach, and many bars. Still, those seeking a kid-free break may want to consider the Sentido Flora Garden, which has more contemporary interiors, great food, and beautiful pools. Family-friendly Gloria Verde Resort and Spa has nicer rooms and is closer to the airport. Families on a budget may want to compare rates at the bustling Eftalia Holiday Village, complete with a huge beachfront water park. 

Ali Bey Club Manavgat is located in a small cluster of large all-inclusive resorts off a country road running parallel to the beach. There are a few touristy shops within a short walk of the hotel, but little else of general interest can be found in the immediate area. Popular Novada shopping mall -- home to a Starbucks, several other cafes, and plenty of shops, including some international brands -- is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Side, known for its stunning Greek ruins, lovely seaside cafes, and many shops, is also just a 20-minute drive away. Other attractions such as the Manavgat Waterfalls and the archaeological sites of Lyrbe and Aspendos are just a little over 30 minutes from the hotel. Antalya and the airport are about an hour and 10 minutes away.

The hotel has 450 clean rooms spread over 15 buildings, all with small balconies overlooking the gardens. At 280 square feet, Standard Rooms are compact, with just enough space for two twin-size beds or a French bed, a desk, and a chair. Each unit is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a free safe, and air-conditioning. Minibars are stocked with water, sodas, and beers (replenished daily free of charge), and Wi-Fi is free throughout, though it can be spotty in some areas. All rooms have comfortable beds topped with comforters and several pillows, and big built-in closets offer lots of storage space. Most rooms, however, feature old-fashioned decor with traditional painted tile floors, and basic wooden furniture. 

Superior Rooms (both Superior Standard Rooms and larger Superior Family Rooms) were renovated in 2011 and have more contemporary decor in neutral tones and splashes of red, marble floors, and extras such as LCD TVs, and magnifying mirrors. Suites feature laminate floors in the living room and carpet in the bedroom, and are equipped with electric kettles, plasma TVs, and robes. 

Bathrooms are clean but smallish in all rooms, with compact showers, Dove toiletries (all-natural Pure Herb toiletries in Superior Rooms and Suites), and wall-mounted hairdryers. Suites have jetted tubs. 

The property is generally quiet at night, but rooms near the nightclub may get some noise.

The hotel is located on a 2,625-foot (800-meter) long beach with fine sand and clean waters. There are dozens of well spread-out loungers under big umbrellas, and a small wooden pier offers direct access to the water but no seating. A gated area with a colorful picket fence, a big awning, and a sandpit keeps children entertained, while two cute thatched pavilions with loungers and curtains can be rented for a daily fee. 

The all-inclusive package gives guests free access to a section in the spa complete with a lovely marble hammam, a steam room, and a sauna. There is also a wide array of massages and treatments available for a fee, including aromatherapy, ayurveda, coffee peelings, hot stone massages, and reflexology. Thatched pavilions can be rented for outdoor private or couples’ treatments.

The kids’ club offers indoor and outdoor areas, as well as daily activities, including arts and crafts, pool games, and sports. Children are separated by age groups, and teens can choose from an array of activities during the summer months, or join the daily entertainment program for adults. The on-site adventure park features rope bridges, climbing areas, and a zip-line, but is operated by a third party and comes with a fee. 

The hotel also features three meeting spaces with audiovisual equipment and a coffee break room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but service can be spotty in some areas, including a few rooms. 

One of the top highlights at the Ali Bey Club Manavgat is its six-acre water park, complete with a whopping 25 slides of all shapes and sizes. It is bustling and a hit with kids and adults, but there are also several other pools to choose from. The activity pool features a number of massage jets and has loud music during the day. Cushioned wooden loungers offer plenty of seating around the pool. Additionally, there are two kiddy pools with water features and fun decorations, and the one for toddlers has sand in the bottom. 

Couples seeking a quieter spot can visit the adult-only (16-plus) pool, which is located near the beach, between the Park and Club sections.

Food at the Ali Bey Club Manavgat gets good reviews for variety and quality. The main restaurant offers a big spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features a large dining room with huge arched windows overlooking the pool, checkered floors, and elegant ceiling moldings. Lunch is also served at the water park restaurant, along with snacks in the afternoon and a long list of drinks. The beachside restaurant is open seasonally and offers late breakfast, pizza, and other small bites. A hot and cold buffet is also available for dinner by the beach seasonally. 

The hotel has one a la carte restaurant, housed in a striking clock tower with a round veranda and serving Italian, French, and Turkish cuisine in alternate themed nights. The restaurant does not open every day, and dinners here are an extra charge. 

The Ultra All-Inclusive package at Ali Bey Club covers food and drinks 24 hours a day, including some imported liquor brands, international-brand ice cream, and Turkish coffee and cake at the patisserie. Guests can also dine and drink at any of the restaurants and bars in the Park section free of charge.

The hotel is home to a top-notch international-brand gym. Fitness First features cardio and strength-training rooms, personal trainers, private fitness sessions, outdoor areas, and group classes. It also hosts biannual fitness weeks with celebrity instructors. The gym at Ali Bey is excellent, but it is only free for guests with an international Fitness First membership. 

The Ali Bey Club Manavgat is also home to a huge tennis center, complete with 62 professional clay courts -- including three for kids -- equipment rental, weekly tournaments, certified instructors, and a sports store.