The Best Hotels in Izmir, Turkey, for Every Traveller
Known as the “Pearl of the Aegean,” Izmir, Turkey is both modern and historic, with more than 3,000 years of recorded urban activity. The city and all its various districts are tourist magnets in the summer, so make your reservation at one of these excellent hotels in Izmir – bookable on Culture Trip – before the temperatures start to rise.
1. Svalinn Hotel
Independent Hotel
Classical opulence reigns supreme at the Svalinn, a four-star operation located on the main road that links Izmir’s Old Town with the Adnan Menderes Airport. Start the day by choosing from a table-bending breakfast buffet – featuring culinary contributions from both East and West – and a soak in the pool or a brief workout, before heading out to explore. Rooms are consistently praised for being spotless and representing excellent value, and the staff win stars for friendliness. There’s free parking for guests.
2. GAIA Bazaar
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel
The charming GAIA Bazaar is found on the western end of Izmir province in Alaçati, a town known for its pale stone houses and quaint narrow streets. A committed advocate of design and recycling, the hotel offers Standard, Deluxe, Superior and Suite rooms in which the bohemian-style furniture is upcycled or custom made in Bali – ask staff if you’re interested in purchasing any items. The onsite cafe and restaurant spreads out beneath hanging plants and softly-lit lanterns and offers a menu of traditional Turkish cuisine.
3. L’agora Old Town Hotel & Bazaar
Independent Hotel, Boutique Hotel
The four-star L’agora occupies a 300-year-old building in Izmir’s Old Town, surrounded by the sounds, smells and colours of the Kemeralti bazaar. As well as refined rooms that wouldn’t be out of place in a much more expensive hotel, its key draw is a central, open-air patio where you can enjoy breakfast, bar snacks, drinks and live music. L’agora is a clean, economical base from which to explore the historical part of Izmir, although it might be worth brushing up on your Turkish beforehand.
4. Viva La Vita Butik Otel
Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel
Friendly, English-speaking Viva la Vita Butik is located in the Alsancak district of central Izmir, on a quiet street named after a much-loved Turkish poet, just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront promenade. Simple yet stylishly decorated rooms wear smart whites, browns and blues and come in three types: doubles either with or without balconies and a suite that can sleep a child in addition to two adults. All have views out over the centuries-old rooftops of Izmir, air conditioning and plush carpets for your slipperless comfort.
5. Key Hotel
Hotel, Airport Hotel, Bed and Breakfast
6. Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir
Independent Hotel, Bed and Breakfast
7. Mövenpick Hotel Izmir
Independent Hotel, Business Hotel
8. Wyndham Grand Izmir Özdilek
Hotel, Independent Hotel, Bed and Breakfast
9. DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir, Alsancak
Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Spa Hotel
Mark Nayler contributed additional reporting to this article.
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