Best Bodrum Hotels [2024 Guide]

Bodrum, located along the picturesque coast of southeastern Turkey, has a rich history stretching back to prehistoric times. This attractive location, famous for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings, attracts travellers with its vibrant culture and gorgeous shores.

Bodrum is home to some of Turkey's finest hotels, which provide a mix of modern elegance and traditional charm. Bodrum is one of our favourite and in our opinion most underrated summer destinations for a good reason. Take a look at our favourite hotels:

Best Hotels in Bodrum

• Best Hotel Bodrum Overall: Amanruya
• Best Hotel Bodrum for families: Caresse
• Best Hotel Bodrum for couples: The Bodrum EDITION
• Best Luxury Hotel Bodrum: Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Amanruya

Amanruya is located in a corner of the Turquoise Coast, snuggled amid the trees of an ancient pine forest.

The winding road that leads onto the huge property and its own private pebble beach creates a sense of remoteness, but you are only a 30-minute drive from Milas-Bodrum airport and the numerous other hotels along the north coast.

Similarly, the city of Bodrum is just a 30-minute drive away. Note that in late spring and early summer, many little pests appear around twilight; use the spray provided in your room.

The name Amanruya is a combination of the terms meaning 'peace' in Sanskrit and 'dream' in Turkish. This could not be a better way to describe how it feels to remain here.

Its rooms, restaurants, and lounges are spread around the pine-scented grounds that lead down to the Aegean Sea, with the outdoors playing an important role in the architecture.

Consider al fresco dinners, open-sided pavilions for reading, and winding paths through stone arches, olive groves, cypress trees, and massive terracotta pots. The colours reflect the arid terrain, with clay pinks, sandy browns, and muted whites.

Service is outstanding. Everyone is friendly, and staff frequently anticipates your needs before you do, whether it's a fresh chilled bottle of water at the pool or the apparition of a cocktail menu as the sun sets. The staff will know you by name and all of your requests will be sorted in record time.

The concierge can help you plan everything from day activities (such as a fantastic hands-on pottery course in a nearby town with a charming couple) to a secret candlelit table for a particularly romantic night.

Every day, a casual afternoon tea is offered in one of the poolside pavilions; stop by to sample the complementary Turkish pastries and coffee. There's also a three-story library, fitness studio, yoga studio, tennis court, and spa treatment rooms; the hot-stone massage is great for chilly days outside of peak season.

The real features, however, are the massive infinity pool with panoramic views from its elevated vantage point and the private pebble beach. It is usually quiet (no doubt because many people come here for privacy and prefer to swim in their own pools), whereas the beach (a 20-minute walk along a dry dirt path or a buggy ride) is busier but never feels crowded due to the sun loungers and daybeds scattered along the edge of the wooded coastline and across two wooden jetties.

One jetty has stand-up paddleboards ready to try, and both have step ladders to help you gently lower yourself into the sea without having to scramble over the stones.

Each quiet and beautiful room is located in its own isolated pavilion and seems more like a suite due to its size and amenities.

Some have stunning sea views, while others are more secluded - but all include tranquil outside areas and a heated pool. Do take a midnight dip. There's also a pergola with a double day bed for shade, wooden chaise longues for sunbathing, and a refreshing outdoor shower.

Inside, a four-poster bed with thin white curtains serves as the focal point of the room, creating a peaceful sleep atmosphere in the high-ceilinged open-plan space. A living room is furnished with a sofa, table and chairs, and a charcoal fireplace.

The bathrooms are enormous, with the same white marble flooring, freestanding bathtubs large enough for two, and separate outside showers. Standard amenities include television, bathrobes, slippers, a safe, adaptors, and more. Own-brand shampoo and conditioner in white containers are a cut above.

At lunchtime, the Poolside Dining Pavilion and the Beach Club serve lighter meals with many of selections that are ideal for lazy days by the water. Consider Caesar salad (adjusted with grilled asparagus), a variety of delectable traditional pides (flatbreads covered with melted cheese and toppings), and charcoal-cooked kebabs.

In the evening, reserve a table at Sushi by Amanruya or the Anatolian Dining Pavilion one hour before sunset and watch the sky fade from dusky pink to deepest blue, accompanied by the twinkling of stars.

The former is the hotel's newest restaurant and serves the greatest rolls, tempura, maki, sashimi, and more. Don't miss the exquisitely delicate hamachi sashimi, which is served with cucumber ribbons, edible blossoms, and spicy ginger. Pair with a bottle of Turkish Sauvignon Blanc—there are several great alternatives.

You can enjoy Mediterranean and Turkish-inspired shared plates, such as silky baba ganoush with pomegranate seeds and a courgette and pink grapefruit salad, as well as rich beetroot hummus topped with chickpeas. Save room for the decadent and insanely delicious pistachio baklava dessert.

Breakfast is of the same high quality, with items to order such as menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs) or a generous traditional spread of meats, cheeses, breads, and more to share.

The Bodrum EDITION

On a gorgeous harbour on the north shore of the Turkish Riviera, with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea from many rooms, as well as the pool, beach, and restaurants.

The beautiful clear water fades into deeper turquoise blues in the distance, while the parched slope surrounding the bay and sprinkled with white buildings adds to the area's rustic beauty. The glitzy Yalikavak Marina, along with fashionable restaurants and designer boutiques, is only a 10-minute taxi ride away.

Despite its name, the hotel is only 35 minutes from the peninsula's main city, Bodrum. If you want to visit, you can easily take a taxi (they are relatively cheap here, and you are unlikely to require a rental car). The hotel is also a 50-minute cab ride from Milas-Bodrum airport, which has direct flights to the UK and more connecting options through Istanbul.

The sparkling white, sun-dappled lobby features huge planters and luxurious armchairs. A large mirror leans against the wall, casting shimmering reflections of the surroundings and passersby.

This vibe is carried throughout the hotel: basic on the whole, but with bright, whimsical touches (a neon sign here, a string of festoon lights there).

Outdoors, cobbled roads and steep steps lead down to the sea, framed by colourful splashes of purple bougainvillaea, tall olive trees, and a variety of green plants.

Chilled beach club music sets the tone for cocktails afternoon by the beach and beside the pool, followed by late nights in Discetto. It's a fine balance to create a bright, fun-spirited ambiance without it being too much of a raucous party scene, but The Edition just gets it right.

The amenities are a major lure for lodging here, including a private beach, infinity pool, nightclub Discetto, full spa, pop-up shops, and a gym with equipment, free weights, and a climbing wall. It's lovely to be able to select between a lounger on decking or sand at the beach, and for an extra cost, you can rent a wooden cabana on the jetty that extends into the ocean.

These are extremely elegant, with ample seating for large groups on white outdoor sofas, loungers, and netting hammock daybeds. For an extra rush, stop by the watersports hut to reserve time on jet skis, paddleboards, and other activities on the bay in front.

The amenities are a major lure for lodging here, including a private beach, infinity pool, nightclub Discetto, full spa, pop-up shops, and a gym with equipment, free weights, and a climbing wall.

It's lovely to be able to select between a lounger on decking or sand at the beach, and for an extra cost, you can rent a wooden cabana on the jetty that extends into the ocean.

The rooms have a sleek minimalist look, with muted shades of beige, brown, and white creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Crisp linens cover ultra-comfortable king-sized mattresses (or two queens if you prefer), and black-and-white amusing seaside images hang from headboards against the wall. Pay attention to the bright colours in Turkish ceramics.

This is where you may recharge after spending time in the hotel's buzzy, sociable areas, which are why people come (and return). Soom suites feature gardens, terraces, and private pools, and many have floor-to-ceiling windows with views.

Overall, the bathrooms are a highlight, with huge glistening tubs, monsoon rain showers, double vanities, and sweet-smelling Le Labo amenities. There is a thin drape that pulls over the glass dividers, making the area feel larger while still providing seclusion.

USB ports, extremely comfy robes and slippers, and a minibar stocked with carefully selected delicacies such as kombucha and champagne are among the amenities provided.

The three restaurants, all with outdoor seating and views of the bay, each provide something unique: Morena for sushi, tempura, and gyoza (don't miss the beef truffle nigiri, it was so amazing we got it twice), Kitchen for regionally inspired meals, and Brava for Peruvian flavours.

The kitchen is especially noteworthy, with its elevated vantage point providing the greatest views and a selection of Turkish classics prepared to the highest standard, often with a twist.

Start off your meal with a velvety hummus topped with meaty mushrooms, smoked paprika, and crispy onions, followed by a fresh and sunny salad of stracciatella, purslane, and strawberries. The delicate beef rib main dish with ravioli is delicious, as is the dessert of sweet baklava ice cream, filo pastry, and pistachios.

Breakfast is a feast, with a wide variety of dishes delivered to your table, including breads, tomato and cucumber salad, olives, Turkish cheeses, Aegean honeycomb, tahini and carob molasses (which is really delicious), and more. That's all before you choose your main course; try the courgette cake with smoked yoghurt for a light and fresh local fare.

Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Located on the Bodrum Peninsula, near the picturesque, upscale resort of Goltürkbükü. The hotel faces Cennet (Paradise) Bay in the Aegean Sea, where sleek yachts and gulets bob gently in the pure blue waters.

Chic Bodrum, with its yacht harbour, Knights of St John Castle, and Halicarnassus Mausoleum remnants, lies 13 miles south. Milas-Bodrum Airport is a 40-minute journey north.

The hotel's 20 or so olive-colored geometric blocks (intended to fit in with the area's native olive trees) are situated in layers along a wooded slope that spans approximately 150 acres, leading to two curved white sandy beaches.

Interiors by Italian architect and furniture designer Antonio Citterio, who previously designed the Mandarin Oriental Milan, are elegant and sumptuous, with large expanses of costly wood and subdued marble intermingled with contemporary artwork.

The hotel has almost the same number of polite, efficient employees as guests so we guarantee you will have a truly luxurious experience. Its massive three-story spa is one of the greatest on the Turkish Med, with treatment rooms the size of small apartments and a dizzying assortment of amenities.

There is also a watersports centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, private curtained beach cabanas, a pilates and yoga class, five designer boutiques, and a Turkish designer department store outlet called Brandroom. If you require a helicopter landing pad, there is one available, as well as a fleet of buggies to transport guests throughout the grounds.

The hotel offers 132 rooms and suites, including 62 in the main building. The majority of them have a sea view (or a partial sea view), while the remainder have a garden view.

The decor is clean and simple, and even the lowest category rooms are vast, with high ceilings, walk-in wardrobes, Bang & Olufsen televisions and tall sliding teak panels dividing the bedroom from the bathroom, which features a freestanding porcelain oval-shaped tub.

The Presidential Suite costs £35,500 a night and includes seven bedrooms, a maid's room, a lawned garden, a gym, and a sauna.

There are eight restaurants: choose Assaggio (on an expansive decked platform overlooking the sea) for classic Italian dishes such as beef carpaccio with truffle oil and seared tuna and aubergine, Bodrum Balikçisi for fish and seafood, Kurochan by Ioki for a menu created by ex-Nobu superchef Scott Hallsworth, Sofra for traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, Blue Beach Club & Bar and Pool Bar & Restaurant for cocktails and daytime snacks, the Mandarin Bar for a late afternoon drink and  the cake shop for handmade cakes and pastries.

Sofra offers extensive buffet breakfasts, including waffles and pancakes, a bread 'island' with freshly baked breads and lahmacun (Turkish pizza), organic health drinks, and a wide variety of cooked entrees.

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum

The hotel is located at Barbaros Bay, between tranquil rural settlements, around a 25-minute drive from Bodrum. In addition to an 1800-square-metre infinity pool overlooking an unspoiled seascape bordered on each side by mountains, the resort has exclusive beach access and a small marina.

Taxis to Bodrum cost around £15 each way, however, a more affordable shuttle bus runs every half hour from morning to midnight and can take you into town in half an hour for less than £1.

The main part of the hotel is decorated in the Kempinski chain's signature high-end conservative style. With floor-to-ceiling white drapes blowing in the sea wind over wicker sofa beds, the chill-out room turned shisha lounge, which looks out into the main pool area, lends a little pizazz to an otherwise simple design.

Most public places offer peace and quiet, but for those who want to get away from the kids, there is adults-only sunbathing at a marina bar with direct access to the sea.

A concierge, 24-hour manned reception desk, poolside waiters summoned via a doorbell mechanism on sun loungers, and golf carts to ferry passengers down to the beach ensure that guests never have to lift a finger. The library and spa are spacious with high-quality furnishings, and there includes a children's club. Some of the employees speak English poorly, but the majority are fluent.

All rooms have sea-facing balconies, and the décor is clean and conservative, with dark wood furnishings contrasted by crisp white walls and bed linen. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the rooms, poolside, and on the beach.

Three nighttime restaurants on-site serve Italian, Vietnamese, and Aegean cuisine. The meal quality is reasonable, however it is regrettable that none of the menus completely reflect Turkey's rich culinary heritage. The beach bar Barbarossa has a more Turkish vibe.

Poolside lunch menus also feature international cuisine, including pizza, salads, burgers, and paninis. Breakfast is of good quality and includes practically everything you can think of, from a full English (without the pig) to pancakes and exquisite Turkish simit.

LUX* Bodrum Resort & Residences

You will reach the hotel via winding rural lanes; it is located in a quiet, premium residential area in a sheltered cove on the Aegean coast, across from a small uninhabited island.

The busy resort of Bodrum, where the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus once existed, is located 18 miles north. Milas-Bodrum Airport is a 20-minute drive north, Dalaman Airport is two and a half hours south, and Lake Tuzla, a gathering place for thousands of migrating flamingos, is only four miles distant.

The hotel is situated in a staggered pattern on a steep slope surrounded by 20 acres of sapling palm, olive, and cypress trees. Its diverse glass and steel structures lead down to a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach adorned with muslin-draped cabanas and a covered sunbathing area flanked by two wooden piers.

As one would expect from a hotel of this size and style, the personnel is courteous and efficient, and the amenities are plentiful: two main restaurants, as well as a cocktail, coffee and shisha bar; a docking space (and check-in) for private boats; a spacious spa, gym and various fitness courses.

A tiny outdoor amphitheatre with English-language films and a red telephone kiosk where guests can make free landline calls to any country in the world are pleasant touches.

Guests can take the hotel's speed boat to Torba or Turkbuku (both a 20-minute trip) for £88 each way, and tours of surrounding attractions can be organised, such as the town of Etrim, where weavers have been crafting hand-knotted Turkish carpets and rugs for centuries. The excursion to Etrim costs £22 per person plus £61 for the minivan transfer.

There are 91 rooms, all with sea views, and 72 Residencies (available for purchase). Sea Front rooms, the most basic type, are vast and glossy, with pale mocha and stone décor, glistening marble floors, and a large, glass-fronted balcony.

Walk-in showers and full-sized metal pump dispensers for LUX* own-brand toiletries are available in the marled grey marble bathrooms. All rooms include a Nespresso machine and an iPad.

The hotel features three restaurants. During the day, visit the canopied, open-air Beach Rouge, which serves Turkish and international food and features a somewhat too loud DJ. The restaurant shuts at 7 p.m. Stella also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views and a spacious outside deck.

Head chef Zülfikar Demirci, formerly of Nikki Beach in Bodrum, prepares authentic Italian à la carte dishes as well as the occasional Turkish delicacy, such as akireçte balkabagi (a sweet, crispy lime and pumpkin dessert). There is also a fish restaurant named Bodrum Blue.

Stella's buffet breakfasts feature a variety of Turkish delicacies, including gözleme (stuffed pancakes), cheeses, jams, and honeys, as well as cereals, omelettes, breads, and pastries. The hotel also has a vineyard near Izmir and produces its own label (Scrucap) wine, which, like most Turkish wines today, is very tasty.

Caresse

Located in Bitez, Muğla province, this calm coastal location is noted for its long sandy beaches. Bodrum Marina is 12 miles east, while the little Aegean island of Kara Ada, a famous yachting destination, lies eight miles offshore. Bodrum's vibrant centre is a 10-minute journey east in a dolmuş (shared taxi), which stops right outside the hotel and costs a couple of pounds (there and back).

The hotel's varied mocha-colored geometric blocks are distributed across three levels, passing through mimosa flowers and palm trees, past a vast infinity pool, and down to sleek teak decking that stretches the length of a white crescent-shaped beach (sand brought from the Black Sea region). Indoor public rooms feature marble flooring and walls of a same colour, giving the space a business atmosphere.

Arrive in grandeur and check in via helicopter or yacht, or request your own butler. The hotel has four boats available for hire: a luxury gulet (traditional wooden sailing boat), a big yacht, and two speedboats, one of which was used in the 2006 film version of Casino Royale. The yacht costs £2,625 per day.

One of Caresse's features is the big Balinese-inspired spa, which includes six treatment rooms (one with a whirlpool tub), an indoor pool, a large hamam, and a yoga massage area. There is also a 24-hour Technogym, tennis courts, a Pilates studio, and a personal trainer.

There are 75 rooms and nine suites, all with a sea view and a spacious patio or terrace. The two-bedroom Caresse King Villa features a huge private terrace and a whirlpool tub. My One Bedroom Suite was sleek and large, complete with Acqua di Parma amenities, two marble-lined bathrooms, and modern furnishings. Each room has an Illy coffee machine, and mineral water is refilled daily.

The hotel features four restaurants. Glass is the primary restaurant, offering buffet breakfasts, à la carte lunches, and evenings. The poolside Glass Lounge Bar serves drinks, cocktails and light nibbles during the day. Prices are reasonable at £7 for a delicious salad, for example.

La Plage, which has a pergola on the beach, serves South Aegean and Mediterranean food, as well as sushi. The Maserati lounge features open-air sunken sofa seating (the hotel has an agreement with the luxury automobile firm that allows visitors to test drive new models).

The beautiful buffet breakfast includes Turkish simits (sesame-sprinkled bagels), breads, tomatoes, olives, and cheeses, as well as omelettes, cereals, and pastries.

Conclusion

Bodrum is a wonderful place to visit, especially during the summer - it's easy to see why many are crowning it as the in place to visit in summer 2024. It seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty with its gorgeous beaches.

Whether you're coming to sunbath by the pool, to enjoy some family days or to have fun on a friends trip, this place will not disappoint. From the lively alleys of the old town to the peaceful shores of the Aegean with fantastic beach clubs and restaurants Bodrum will welcome you with the charm of Turkey's southwestern coast.