Ida Hotel Icmeler review: Arrive as a guest, leave feeling a friend

Set along Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast, the charming resort of Icmeler is the perfect place for travellers seeking a slower pace.

Suitable for all age groups, Icmeler’s clear waters, relaxed atmosphere and easy access to lively Marmaris or quieter Turunc, means it offers holidaymakers the best of both worlds — and the Ida Hotel fits perfectly into that rhythm.

The Ida Hotel complex sits on Dolphin Square, in the centre of Icmeler. With shops, restaurants and bars pretty much on its doorstop and Icmeler beach only a five minute stroll away, the location of this lovely, family-run hotel couldn’t be better.

The Ida Hotel from Dolphin Square

Ida rooms

Having been recently refurbished, the twin/double rooms are modern, bright and comfortable - all with television, tea and coffee-making facilities, a good-sized fridge, built-in safe, walk-in shower and private balcony. Air conditioning comes as standard and is included in the price.

two beds in a bedroom at the Ida hotel in Icmeler

Above: A standard twin room at the Ida Hotel.

Bonjour rooms

The recently built Bonjour side of the complex offers slightly larger rooms finished to the same high standard, providing the same level of comfort.

bedroom with 2 beds at the bonjour hotel in Icmeler

Above: One of the Bonjour twin rooms.

Relaxing days

There are two swimming pools, one of which is an easy-access walk-in pool, both surrounded by plenty of loungers and parasols. There’s a separate jacuzzi as well as a pool table and a darts board for those feeling a little competitive or energetic.

The Bonjour Restaurant bar serves drinks by the pool throughout the day and their special iced coffees and delicious cocktails deserve a mention.

two swimming pools surrounded by sun loungers and parasols at Ida Hotel in Icmeler, Turkey

The two pools serving the Ida and Bonjour hotel complex

Breakfast

A good breakfast means that mornings start well at the Ida Hotel. Included in the price, breakfast comes with plenty of choice – full English, traditional Turkish, something on toast, fresh fruit, cereal and more besides! The best thing - there's no having to get it yourself, it comes served with a smile to your table.

Speaking of food…

The on-site Ida and Bonjour restaurants are two of the most popular restaurants in Icmeler, both offering excellent service and exceptionally good food, whether you’re there for a snack or an evening meal - a complete bonus if you're staying there!

Menus range from Turkish and British classics to Indian, Chinese and vegetarian; gluten-free diners are also very well catered for. The Bonjour restaurant also offers a very good tapas menu. The home-made desserts are hard to resist, while the Sunday roasts at both restaurants are almost as good as they are at home, but popular, so booking ahead is advised.

Sports fan?

For sports fans, the Bonjour restaurant shows live Sky Sports on the big screen, making it a lively spot on match days.

Hospitality at its best

What truly sets the Ida/Bonjour Hotel complex apart is its hospitality. Ferhat and his staff are attentive, friendly and nothing is ever too much trouble. It’s the kind of place you arrive as a guest but leave as a friend - it’s no wonder so many guests return to this hotel year after year, after year.

We stayed in a twin room at the Ida Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis. Both the Ida and Bonjour rooms can be booked on a bed & breakfast or half board basis - check out their website for full details and prices.

Getting there

We flew to Dalaman from Exeter Airport and arranged our own transfers in Turkey with Marmaris Luxury Travel, who we would highly recommend. The transfer time is around 1 hour 20 minutes.