Strayed from Icmeler - my review Hisaronu v Icmeler

[White Yorkshire Rose]

Please dont shout at me all you Icmeler Lovers, but here goes anyway, my review of Hisaronu :-

We went to Hisaronu 20 July to Pinara Apartments. On first impressions we thought we were in the middle of nowhere, but soon found that actually we were only 10 mins walk to the main part, albeit downhill, which in the heat did become quite a slogg back up the hill, it wasnt too bad at night time when it was cooler, but almost impossible during the day in the blistering heat - so therefore a Taxi is needed, although this only costs about £3.

The Apartments were perfect, we were in a one bed apartment, but very roomy and everything we needed including a washing machine which I have now found is a godsend on holiday as you dont end up with a massive pile of washing when you get home.

The pool was MASSIVE! and never overcroweded - the only point I would make there was definately not enough umberellas to go round when it was busy, so much so that one person decided it was a good idea to take one in with him at night time, I can see where he was coming from as he had a family with him, but we were all in the same boat, and I personally thought it was bad him hogging the umberella. Some of the residents eventually went out and bought their own umbrellas.

We had some lovely meals namely in Dragonara which was absolute the BEST chinese we have had in a long long time and ate there three times, the only advice I would give is book a table or go early otherwise you are waiting a while for a table. Also The Swallow was lovely too, and ate there three times also. We did have some not to good meals too, but cant remember the names of the restuarants.

Olu Deniz beach is gorgeous - stunning ! and watching the paragliders is awesome - we werent so impressed with the Blue Lagoon, thought that was overrated.

Although we had a lovely relaxing holiday and enjoyed the area, we did feel that Hisaronu is lacking in the "turkish hospitality". We normally go to Icmeler (4 times) and made some lovely life long friends there - this year we didnt get to know anyone - they just seemed to get on with it, and didnt seem particularly interested in you. Icmeler is much more inviting and friendly.

If I could have picked up the apartments (as these are by far the best we have ever stayed in), and the beach (which beat Icmeler hands down) and place them in Icmeler it would be paradise.

So all in all, I loved Olu Deniz for the beach and the pale pale blue sea, but prefer Icmeler for the "warm welcome and friendly banter", but my youngest daughter prefered Hisaronu because there was no touchy feely waiters, which she doesnt like.

We will be back to Hisaronu mainly because of the apartments and beach. But will hopefully return to Icmeler also. Now as Hisaronu and Icmeler are the only places we have visited in Turkey so far - and there was such a contrast in the "friendliness" of the two places, I wonder if Icmeler is unique in making everyone feel so welcome?

The only thing we absolutely didnt miss was the hassle - that was very laid back with a quick ask if you would like to eat there and a polite have a good evening when you say not tonight thanks, but the main street is pedestrianised during the evenings, so you could walk down the middle with no hassle whatsoever.

I know a few people that go to Hisaronu on holidays and love it, your review was very good I enjoyed reading it

Thanks for sharing your thoughts etc with us

[White Yorkshire Rose]

Thanks, I just thought it would be a change for everyone to read someone's view on a different resort. As I say we had mixed feelings, but each resort has its own special features, its just a shame we went expecting to make some new Turkish friends, and came away making none - other than other tourist and the guy who worked in the apartments. There was a very different feel to the place.

[juneflo]

I have the same thoughts about the comparison. My first visit to Turkey and we stayed in Ovacik, in a small turkish run hotel - up a dusty road - we felt we'd landed in the middle of nowhere too. Soon found our way to Hisonaru, Olu, Fetihye but they're all too spread out for my taste.

I remember the Dragonara - I took photos of my first meal there - not only taste but presentation was perfect.

I think one outstanding difference is Icmeler is more accessible for people who find walking difficult or tiring and of course anyone in a wheelchair. The road between Olu and Fethiye had no pavement when we were then, the dusty,stony roads and the hills were difficult for me.

Can't say I found that much difference in people - wherever I've been in Turkey I've always found people lovely, welcoming and interesting. Then again at my age I don't get the attention of men!

Thanks for bringing back my memories of my first visit.

[marks]

Our first visit to Turkey was to Icmeler in Oct '92, our 2nd was to Hisaronu in '95. Our 3rd was back to Icmeler in '96 and we've been back to Icmeler every year since.. Just keep on going back!!!!!! People often ask why we keep going back to the same place, I just tell them to try it for themselves and they'll understand.

Last edited by marks on 23 Sep 2007 20:35, edited 1 time in total.

[kazz59]

Our holiday to Icmeler next week will be our 16th time there. Last year we decided we would like a change and booked for two weeks in Hisaronu. Don't get me wrong, it's very beautiful - mountains etc, but after 3 days we got really "home sick" for Icmeler, so checked out of our hotel and got a taxi to paradise and really enjoyed the remainder of our holiday.

Maybe if we'd been to Hisaronu first we might have had the same love of the place that we have for Icmeler. As an overall package, I just don't think you can beat Icmeler, so I don't think we'll be straying again - if it's not broke don't mend it

[marks]

Kazz59

3 days ?
Talk about loyalty !!!!!
I see where you'recoming from though

[sharnig]

Olu Deniz beach was great but only if yuo're a competent swimmer. I shelves very sharply

[kazz59]

Marks

3 days was rather a long time, wasn't it ? although we had most probably decided on the first day that it was not going to live up to Icmeler. The problem was, neither of us wanted to tell the other that we wern't enjoying it - All it took though was us eating a rather disgusting curry and comparing it to the Taj Mahal, and that did the trick !!!! I've never packed a suitcase as quick in my life