Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
Kusadasi, Turkey
If you are lucky enough to be heading to Kusadasi, Turkey, to see the Turquoise Coast you need a wonderful hotel. The Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel is right on the coast and a great place to spend a few days.
Ilayda Avantgarde is a wonderfully clean and sleek hotel in a prime location. Not only are you steps away from restaurants, shopping, and a Starbucks, but the view could not be any better. From the rooftop pool area you can see the water, feel the breeze and see a fantastic sunset, and in the morning you also see the cruise ships that arrive almost daily. They are impossibly beautiful in pristine white against crazy blue water.
Our room had an ocean view and slept four. The bedroom was furnished in sleek/hip/modern simplicity and had ample closet space. Inside the closet you found all the goodies you might expect at a nice hotel like slippers, robes, and a shoe shining kit (In case you are wearing something other than flip flops at this coast side town). The small bedside tables were just the right size to charge all electronic equipment for the next day. This was super handy as we had lots of electronics to charge each night – phones, cameras…
The bathroom was large and had soaps, shampoos and the always present scrubbing mitt for exfoliating (which is so popular, I wonder if it was invented here in Turkey). The huge shower had a rainfall shower head which the kids found particularly interesting. Interesting showers are always a plus because it makes it easier to get kids clean when they are in that ‘allergic to soap and water’ stage – LOL. At first the kiddos were unsure about the shower because it is glass and seems like you might be able to see through it, but a quick peek from the other side reassured them that they were showering in complete privacy. Another super duper cool thing for kids? Literally steps away from the front door – just across the street is a play area!
The sitting room was large and included a desk, minibar, couch, and in our case – a roll away cot. The floor to ceiling window allowed for an amazing view. You could also crack open the window for a breeze and FYI – the AC can not be turned on when it is open. Which is, of course, BRILLIANT. We need that sort of technology in the states so when the kiddos leave a door or window open you are not air-conditioning the great outdoors!
According to the kids, the room’s coolest feature was a button near the door that allowed you to tell the staff if you wished the room cleaned or not. Red means, “No thank you.” Buttons are always, always WAY cool.
The buffet breakfast is free and even if you do not want to eat you should go because the view with the morning breeze is just glorious. They have reading material in assorted languages, too, so you can sip coffee and get caught up on the world’s news or, as we do….drink coffee and forget about the rest of the world! If you choose to eat you won’t be disappointed. I really like buffets when traveling with the kids because they get to taste everything without paying for 1/2 the menu. So many jellies and jam!
It was wonderful for us to get to taste new things, too. An interesting point about Turkish breakfast is that foods Americans don’t usually consider breakfast food are included. Tea and coffee along with interesting juices completed the menu.
Swim in the pool with the fantastic view but be aware it closes at 7. Then, water proof covers are stripped off the cushions which then transforms the area into more of a hipster area for drinks in the cool evening air. Look at the lights twinkling in the distance. So peaceful and beautiful.
If you are pining away for some American coffee, look no further than the lobby where you will find a Starbucks. Go head and give them your name to see the Turkish version. My Natalie became Nedili. Love it!!
The staff can help you with taxis or holding your bags if you need to check out hours before you head to the airport. We checked out around noon and then left our bags while we explored until we left for the airport late at night. Super easy! They are friendly, speak English, and happy to help with whatever you need.
This lovely hotel would be a fantastic spot for anyone great for families and also for a romantic get-away! Check out this gorgeous sunset – as seen from the hotel. Visit and tell them The Educational Tourist sent you!
Happy lovely travels,
Natalie, The Educational Tourist