MENE City Hotel Antalya: Your Dream Turkish Escape Awaits!
MENE City Hotel Antalya: My Turkish Dream (Almost) Come True! (A Messy, Honest Review!)
So, you're thinking about Antalya? Awesome choice! Turquoise waters, ancient ruins, kebabs that'll make you weep with joy… and you're eyeing the MENE City Hotel? Smart move, my friend. I've just gotten back, and let me tell you, it's been a journey. Buckle up, because this isn't your sterile, corporate travelogue. This is the real deal, warts and all.
First Impressions (and a Mild Panic Attack):
Okay, so getting there was smooth. Airport transfer booked through the hotel? Nailed it. The driver, bless his heart, was holding a sign with my name on it, which, after a 12-hour flight, felt like being rescued. The hotel itself? Pretty slick. Modern, clean lines, not too ostentatious. The lobby had that "expensive hotel" smell – a mix of something floral and something else I couldn't quite place, maybe ambition?
Accessibility & The Elevator Saga (Because, You Know, Life):
Now, here's where things got interesting. I thought I'd checked the accessibility thoroughly. MENE City Hotel claims to be wheelchair-accessible. But let me tell you, navigating the lobby with my suitcase (which I swear weighed more than me) was a bit of a workout. The ramp wasn't exactly a gentle slope, and I’m pretty sure I witnessed a small child narrowly avoid a spectacular tumble. The elevator… ahem… well, let's just say it had character. It worked, eventually. And the staff were genuinely helpful - I give them huge props. Still, "wheelchair accessible" seemed ambitious, especially if it's truly a necessity for you. (Accessibility: Mostly there, needs work!)
Rooms: My Fortress of Solitude (With a Few Quirks):
My room? Ah, my room. Beautiful! A true respite after a crazy travel day. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) The bed was HUGE and comfy. I had an extra-long bed which was amazing. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those jet-lagged mornings. The Wi-Fi? Thankfully, it worked flawlessly, so I could update my Instagram with a million pics of the view. The bathroom… okay, the shower pressure could have been a little bit stronger, but hey, I'm not complaining. (Bathroom phone: Still a thing in 2024?!?!?)
And here’s my confession: I spent an embarrassing amount of time in the bath tub, mostly because it's a nice break from the world, and I’m a sucker for a good soak.
The Food: From Fantastic Falafel to the Breakfast Buffet Battlefield:
Alright, let's talk food. (Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) The breakfast buffet? A war zone. Like, beautiful chaos. Seriously. Imagine a glorious spread of Turkish delights, fresh fruit, eggs cooked every which way, and more pastries than you can shake a baklava at. The smell alone was worth getting out of bed for, but I was battling crowds for a plate of scrambled eggs, I found myself elbowing people. The "Asian cuisine" in the restaurant was good to try. The poolside bar! The absolute best. That’s where I spent most of my time, sipping cocktails, enjoying the sunshine, and secretly judging the other guests. The salad was a lifesaver. (Vegetarian restaurant: I would have loved to have had more of this)
Relaxation Station: Spa Shenanigans and Poolside Bliss: ** (Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])** The spa! Okay, the spa was a serious highlight. I indulged in the body scrub and wrap. OMG. My skin felt like silk afterward. The sauna and steam room were perfect for detoxing from all those cocktails. I am really regretting not making use of the fitness center! The outdoor pool with that view? Seriously, jaw-dropping. That was my refuge after a long busy day. That pool view was just… chef’s kiss.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe-Ish (But with Some Caveats):
** (Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)** Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so, safety and hygiene are super important to me. The hotel seemed clean. They have all the usual suspects in terms of safety protocols, which I appreciate. But I did see some dust bunnies under the bed which made me cringe. The daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring, but the room service items weren't individually wrapped, which did make me a bit uneasy.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Okay, and the Slightly Confusing:
** (Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)** Okay, the concierge was truly awesome! They were super helpful with booking tours and giving directions. (Currency exchange: a plus, but the rates are always a bit… well, you know.) The Wi-Fi for special events was smooth. The on-site event hosting potential is great. The doorman was always friendly and helpful. But here’s where it gets a little murky. The facilities for disabled guests, as mentioned before, could use a little boost. Other items, like the dry cleaning, were a little slow. And the convenience store? Well, it had the essentials, but not much else. The oddest thing? They had a shrine! I still have zero idea about the function of that, but it sure added an interesting twist.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe? (I Don't Have Kids!)
** (For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal)** I’m not in a position to comment on kids, but I can tell you there was a family or two there.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly):
** (Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking)** The airport transfer was convenient. Parking was readily available and car park [free of charge]! Taxi service with a friendly driver was amazing. I didn’t use a car power charging station, but that's awesome it's available.
The Big Question: Would I Go Back?
Here's the truth: despite a few hiccups, I had a fantastic time at the MENE City Hotel. The location is great, the staff are lovely, the food is delish, and the spa? Heaven. I’d definitely go back. But I'd go back with a more realistic expectation of accessibility, a healthy dose of patience
**Xiamen's SHOCKING Twin Towers Hotel: You Won't BELIEVE What's Inside!**
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Antalya, Turkey, and it's going to be… well, it's going to be something. Specifically, we're crashing at the MENE CITY HOTEL. Don't expect perfection, expect real life, and maybe a little existential dread.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Turkish Breakfast Belly-Bomb
8:00 AM (ish) - The Great Pre-Flight Meltdown: Ugh, airports. They're the same everywhere: overpriced coffee, questionable ventilation, and the overwhelming aroma of stressed-out humanity. Found my passport! Miraculously, the flight actually took off on time. Feeling cautiously optimistic… until I realized I'd forgotten my noise-canceling headphones. Cue internal scream.
11:00 AM (local time) - Land of Kebabs and Confusion: Antalya! The sun is blasting. Immigration was a breeze, surprisingly. Now, figuring out where to find a taxi… that's a whole other saga. Google Maps leads me to a street full of what I think are taxi touts, all of whom seem to know exactly zero English. Finally, after much pointing and miming, managed to negotiate a ride. Price? Who even knows. Probably got ripped off. Whatever.
12:30 PM - Check-In at MENE CITY HOTEL. Okay, the lobby is… a little bit dated. But the staff are incredibly friendly (and thankfully, at least one speaks some English). My room? Well, it has a bed! And air conditioning! Which, in this heat, is a literal lifesaver. Unpack and immediately collapse, exhausted from the journey.
2:00 PM - The Turkish Breakfast… Apocalypse? Alright, this is where things get interesting. The MENE CITY HOTEL breakfast. It’s included. And it’s… a lot. Seriously. There's a mountain of food. Olives, cheeses I can’t pronounce, bread that's fluffy as a cloud, dips, jams, pastries of every shape and size. I feel like I'm attending a breakfast buffet gladiatorial arena. I start eating. And eating. And eating. I vow to be "sensible". Then I see the Nutella. Game over. I'm pretty sure I've consumed enough calories to power a small village for a week. I stumble back to my room, feeling like a lethargic, sugar-fueled walrus.
4:00 PM - Mild Panic and the Search for Water: I'm sweating. Profusely. The breakfast coma has hit hard. I need water. Desperately. Wander aimlessly around the hotel trying to find a vending machine. Fail. Decide maybe a walk around the area to stretch my legs might do the trick.
6:00 PM - Antalya's Charm Revealed (Maybe?): Stumble out to the streets, and… wow, Antalya is actually quite beautiful. The old town is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with charming shops. The air smells of spices and something delicious cooking. I get lost. Repeatedly. Buy a ridiculously oversized Turkish delight. It's amazing. I'm still sweating, but hey, at least I smell vaguely of rosewater now.
8:00 PM - Dinner: The Kebab Conundrum: Found a restaurant with a guy who seems to know a bit English. Kebab? Yes, please. This kebab is… amazing. Seriously, world-class. The meat is perfectly spiced, the bread is fluffy. I'm already thinking about breakfast. Feeling pretty good. Maybe Antalya isn't so bad after all.
9:30 PM - The Sunset and the Existential Dread: Walk along the harbor. The sunset is breathtaking. Orange, pink, purple cascading down the sky. It's beautiful. I feel… a little bit overwhelmed. Maybe it's the jet lag. Maybe it's the sheer amount of food I’ve consumed. Maybe it's just that I’m standing in a new place in a new world, realizing that everything is uncertain and it is all so, so temporary. I buy a gelato. It helps.
10:00 PM - The End of the First Day: Back at the Hotel, collapsing into bed. Exhausted. Happy. Slightly terrified. I could get used to this Turkish life. Sweet dreams! and I hope I wake up hungry.
Day 2: Exploring the Ancient City, Getting Lost (Again), and the Yogurt Disaster
8:00 AM - Rise and shine! Or, more accurately, stumble out of bed. That breakfast is calling out my name. Oh, the cheese!
9:00 AM - Breakfast Take 2: The Sequel (and more food) Brace yourself. Here we go again.
10:00 AM - Hitting the Ruins: Today, I'm venturing out to explore the ancient city of Termessos, known for its ruins. I have no idea how to get there. Find a local (more pointing and gesturing) who directs me to a bus.
11:00 AM - The Bus Adventure: The bus is… crowded. People are friendly and smiling, I’m getting squished but I am enjoying the ride.
12:00 PM - Termessos… and the Hiking Fiasco: Okay, Termessos is AMAZING. Seriously. Ruins clinging to the side of a mountain, with views that literally take your breath away. The hiking here is intense and so incredible.
2:00 PM - Yogurt and Remorse: Stopped at a small, family-run cafe in the little town, hoping for some food. The cafe is great, and the owner is very kind. He brings me this yogurt, with honey and some fruit. Then i realize that the yogurt is so rich and thick, that I'm in a food coma again. I paid and decided to take a seat.
4:00 PM - The Struggle is Real: Back at the hotel, ready to nap!
6:00 PM - The Wanderer's Delight: Take a walk on the coast, taking in the views and some photos. Feeling lucky to be here!
8:00 PM - Dinner: Dinner time! Found another kebab place. I'm not sure what I'm doing with my life.
9:00 PM - Reflection!: Head back to the hotel, ready for bed. Good night!
Day 3: The Beach, the Bazaar, and the (Possibly) Haunted Room
9:00 AM - The Great Hotel Shuffle: More great breakfast, going to the beach!
10:00 AM - Beach Bliss (and Sunburn): I made my way to Konyaalti Beach. The water is crystal clear! I swim until my limbs feel like jelly. I forgot my sunscreen. Cue internal scream.
1:00 PM - The Bazaar: A Sensory Overload: The Antalya Bazaar. It's a glorious, chaotic, overwhelming explosion of color, sound, and smells. Bargaining is a must, and I'm terrible at it. But find some cool items.
4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: Resting, and getting ready for the evening!
7:00 PM - The Mysterious Room: Back at the hotel, something feels… off. There's a cold spot near the window. And I swear I just saw a shadow move. Okay, maybe it's just the exhaustion. Or the fact that I spent way too long in the sun. I ignore it.
8:00 PM - Late night bite: Decided to eat a quick meal. Head back to the hotel, and to bed!
Day 4: Departure (and a lingering sense of Turkish Delight withdrawal)
7:00 AM - Packing: Wake up and pack. I have a flight to catch!
8:00 AM - Last breakfast: Last breakfast at the hotel.
9:00 AM - Taxi time: Get to the airport!
10:00 AM - Flight: Flight time.
12:00 PM - Arrival: I return home, a little changed.
The Aftermath: I'm left with a longing for sunshine, kebabs, and the general chaos of a place I will never forget.
Okay, that's the plan! Remember, this is just a framework. Life will happen. Get lost, embrace the chaos, and remember to pack extra underwear (just in case). And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen. Happy travels!
Unbelievable Sitka Getaway: Westmark Sitka Hotel Awaits!
MENE City Hotel Antalya: Your Dream Turkish Escape? (Maybe... let's talk!)
Okay, so, what *is* MENE City Hotel, and is it really the 'dream escape' everyone's raving about? (Or are they all bots?)
Alright, picture this: You're in Antalya, the sun is BALMY, the Mediterranean is calling your name, and you've (hopefully) chosen a hotel. MENE City Hotel is, well, it's *a* hotel. It's right smack-dab in the city center, which is great for exploring. The "dream escape" part? Hmm... depends on your definition of "dream." I've seen reviews that gush, like they were paid in baklava. And I've seen reviews… well, let's just say they make you question the writer's sanity (and the bot situation). It's cleanish, the staff *tries* to be helpful, and the location is golden. But DREAM? Let's say it's a pretty decent basecamp for your Antalya adventure, not necessarily a luxurious, sun-drenched hallucination. Expectations are key, people!
Location, Location, Location! Seriously, how walkable is this place? I’m aiming for minimal taxi/dolmuş action.
Okay, this is where MENE City Hotel *earns* some brownie points. It's SUPER walkable. You're right in the heart of things. You can practically roll out of bed (okay, maybe not *roll*, the beds are… functional) and be in the old town, Kaleiçi, within minutes. Shopping? Done. Restaurants? Oh, you're set. Public transport is everywhere, too. But honestly, I walked most places. It's a delightful city to wander. One day I got completely lost, stumbled onto a little bakery with the most incredible *simit* (Turkish sesame bagel – pure heaven) and I just *stood* there, basking in the aroma and the unexpected perfection of it all. That's the beauty of walking – the happy accidents!
The Rooms: What’s the *real* deal? Are they clean? Spacious? Do they have, you know, *windows*?
Alright, let's be frank. The rooms are… fine. They're not luxury suites dripping with velvet and gold. They are, however, generally clean(ish). I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I always bring those disinfectant wipes. The last thing you want is to share a room with some uninvited hitchhikers. The space varies – some are cramped, some are slightly less cramped. The windows? YES! Thankfully, they usually have windows. And yes, they are windows. The view? Well, it's usually of… another building. Don't expect a panoramic Mediterranean vista from your balcony. Unless you're *really* lucky. Don't get your hopes up.
Breakfast! Is it a continental nightmare, or a Turkish delight? My stomach is already growling...
Okay, breakfast. Ah, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. It's included, which is always a win. Think a buffet-style setup with a selection of Turkish staples. Olives, cheese, bread, some sort of mystery meat (sometimes tasty, sometimes… not). The coffee is… well, it's coffee. The yogurt is usually good. They have those little Turkish pastries, which can be pretty delicious if you get there early enough. My advice? Go down early. The later you go, the more picked-over it gets. And try *everything*. Don't be shy. That’s where the adventure is. Once, I accidentally ate a plate of something I *think* was eggplant and nearly had a religious experience. Or maybe it was just the jet lag… but still, TRY EVERYTHING!
Customer Service: Are they friendly, helpful, or just plain MIA? (I'm picturing awkward miming…)
The staff… bless their hearts. They try. They really do. English isn't always their strongest suit, so yes, there might be some awkward miming involved. But they're generally friendly and willing to help. One time, my friend’s luggage got lost at the airport. The front desk *bent over backwards* trying to help us track it down (even though they mostly shrugged). They made phone calls, wrote frantic emails… They were actually quite endearing. Patience is key, and a smile goes a long way. And learn a few basic Turkish phrases. "Teşekkür ederim" (thank you) is your best friend, trust me.
Air Conditioning & WiFi: Essentials or optional extras in the Antalya heat?
Air conditioning: ESSENTIAL. Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, essential. Antalya gets HOT. Like, baking-in-the-sun-and-melting-your-brain hot. Thankfully, the air con in my room worked like a CHAMP, a true lifesaver. WiFi? It's there, and it's… okay. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. It’s enough to check your emails, post some Instagram photos (because, duh), and maybe do some light browsing. But if you're planning on streaming movies, be prepared for buffering. Embrace the digital detox!
Pool or No Pool? Because pool time is crucial.
No pool. Sorry to burst your bubble. This is a city hotel, not a resort. You're within easy reach of beautiful beaches (Lara Beach, Konyaalti Beach), so don't fret about the pool situation. Personally, I prefer the beach anyway. The sand, the waves, the chance to actually swim. Plus, there’s usually a beachside cafe with cold drinks and delicious snacks, which is *always* a bonus.
Is it noisy at night? I need my beauty sleep! (Which is a lot.)
Being in the city center, there's some noise. Traffic, people chatting, the occasional (and fantastic) call to prayer from the local mosque. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Seriously. They're a lifesaver. I'm a heavy sleeper, so I slept like a baby. That said, if you’re facing the street, it'll be louder than if you get a room at the back. Request a quiet room if you can. And embrace the city sounds! It adds to the atmosphere, in a way. Sometimes the noise is the soundtrack to your adventure.
