When I travel, I often find myself lingering in places I love. That’s why I only booked accommodation in the first city before our trip. Since I was traveling with my sister and her child, I debated whether to plan everything in advance. But in the end, I decided to embrace spontaneity (okay, maybe also laziness). This post shares how I actually booked our hotels during our trip to Turkey, and offers honest recommendations for family-friendly stays across different cities.
Where to Book Hotels in Turkey
1. Booking via Platforms (Agoda, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Airbnb)
- These platforms allow you to book in advance according to your itinerary.
- Each site offers reward programs or discounts based on your status:
- Agoda: Agoda Cash
- Booking.com: Genius discounts
- Hotels.com: 1 free night per 10 nights
- Airbnb no longer issues friend referral discounts since COVID-19.
2. Booking via Google Maps
- If location is important to you, search by neighborhood.
- Many listings show availability and link directly to booking platforms.
- Some hotels offer a “chat” option directly via Google.
- I even booked a hotel in Kaş via chat while on the bus there. Most hosts replied quickly.
3. Walk-In Booking (On-Site)
- This was my go-to method during longer trips.
- You can inspect the room before deciding.
- Prices are often cheaper than online, and showing a platform’s price may get you the same rate.
Recommended Hotels in Turkey (Tested and Approved!)
All rooms were suitable for 2 adults + 1 child (6 years old). Most had a double bed and a single or sofa bed.
Istanbul — Nea Suites Old City
- Address: Hoca Paşa, Muradiye Cd. No:13, Fatih, Istanbul
- Price: ~$75 USD per night (Junior Suite)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Clean floors, spacious room and bathroom, friendly staff
- No breakfast included, but basic amenities (tea, kettle, towels) provided
- Tram runs nearby, which may be noisy at night
🏨 Book Nea Suites Old City Now
Cappadocia 1 — Yusuf Bey House (Göreme)
- Address: Avcilar Mah. Pansiyon Sk. No:4, Nevşehir
- Price: ~$48 USD/night (Deluxe Family Room)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Rooftop breakfast with stunning views, homemade food
- Rooftop is great for balloon views — no need for pricey cafes
- Super clean and family-friendly
Cappadocia 2 — Unicorn Cave Hotel
- Address: isali gaferli avcıar mah.cevizler sok.no 13 A/A, Nevşehir
- Price: ~$50 USD (walk-in)
- ⭐⭐⭐
- Authentic cave feel, a bit damp and dark, but great photo spots
- Very kind owner family; gave our child homemade cake
- Rooftop had balloon views too
Antalya — Mustafa House (Airbnb)
- Address: Zerdalilik, Değirmenönü Cd. No:10, Muratpaşa
- Price: $42.91/night (entire unit)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Big terrace with laundry facilities
- Quiet and 10–15 mins walk from the Old Town
- Netflix, spacious rooms, recommended for long stays
Kaş — Selim Pension
- Address: Anfi Tiyatro Sk. No.12, Kaş, Antalya
- Price: ~$50 USD/night (triple room, walk-in)
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Amazing rooftop breakfast with ~18 kinds of jam!
- Clean, bright, and very friendly owner who speaks English well
- Quiet and close to the amphitheater, cafes nearby
Pamukkale — Ozturk Hotel
- Address: Pamuk Mah., Fevzi Çakmak Cd., Denizli
- Price: ~$25 USD/night + $2 breakfast/person
- ⭐⭐⭐
- Big pool and casual bar
- Room condition was just okay; some plumbing quirks
- Friendly owner who spoke Korean!
Cesme — Sercan House (Airbnb)
- Address: 2060. Sokak Suites Gündoğdu, Çeşme, Izmir
- Price: $116.64/night
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Host lives on-site, super responsive
- Very clean and has a washing machine
- Nice pool and quiet neighborhood
Useful Links from the Same Trip
📌 Full 3-Week Family Backpacking Itinerary in Turkey, Greece, and Abu Dhabi