Sunis Efes Royal Palace Resort & Spa

The Most Disappointing Vacation I've Had in Turkey in the Past 10 Years — Speaking on Behalf of a Group of 20+ People

This was, without a doubt, the most disappointing holiday I’ve experienced in Turkey over the past decade. I'm writing this review on behalf of a group of over 20 people, and unfortunately, it’s difficult to mention many positives.

To start with the few good things: the hotel has a nice design and the rooms and common areas were generally well-maintained and clean. Special thanks to Sedef, who kept our room spotless every day. However, my parents' room had an ant infestation, so even cleanliness wasn't consistent across all rooms.

Food and Dining Experience
The food was mediocre at best and nearly identical every day. Grilled items and fish required waiting in line for 10–15 minutes, and many dishes were gone within 10 minutes of the restaurant opening, never to be replenished. The overall quality and taste were poor. Desserts looked different but tasted exactly the same. I am certain that some 3- or 4-star hotels offer a much better variety and taste.

Hygiene and Cleanliness
The hygiene standards at the restaurant and bars were appallingly low. Cutlery and plates often had visible grease and looked unwashed. We had to return drinks almost daily due to dirty glasses that were greasy and had residue from previous use.

Pool Bar and Drinks
There were always long queues at the pool bars, many drinks were unavailable, and cocktails were badly made, if available at all. The reusable plastic cups were so old and worn out that I won’t even describe them—it’s enough to say just thinking about them turns my stomach.

Children’s Entertainment
The so-called kids’ entertainment was nearly non-existent. Apart from a trampoline and a small water slide, there was nothing. The indoor kids’ area was just a room with a table, chairs, and balloons. Occasionally, the staff gathered the children to draw under an olive tree in the blazing heat—for about 15 minutes. The evening kids' program lasted 20 minutes and repeated the same songs every night. My child was pushed off the stage during one of these dance sessions, and if it weren’t for another parent who caught them, they could’ve hit their head badly. Other kids weren’t as lucky—some were injured on the water slide with split heads and dislocated shoulders.

Adult Entertainment
There were virtually no activities for adults. We only saw the so-called “entertainment team” three times during our entire stay. One time we overheard that a Zumba session had started, but by the time we got there, it had already ended—it lasted five minutes.

The Sunbed Chaos
And now, the cherry on top: the complete lack of control over sunbeds. Every morning at 7 a.m., people would start “reserving” sunbeds by placing towels on them. By the time we arrived after breakfast, all the sunbeds were taken—yet no one was actually using them, just their towels. I personally spoke to the hotel manager twice about this issue, and absolutely nothing changed.

The same practice happened during dinner—tables were “reserved” by placing glasses of cola on them ahead of time.

Management and Conclusion
Hotel management is clearly failing at their job. The standards have significantly declined compared to our previous stays, and I strongly believe the former management team from 2019 should be reinstated. Back then, everything was outstanding—unlike now.