Gold Island Hotel

Even from the other side of the bay, the Sentido Gold Island is easily recognizable. The main building (known as Block A) has an eye-catching futuristic design with an oval floor plan and beehive-style balconies going all around the facade. Guests -- most of whom are European couples and families -- are checked in in a striking oval atrium-style lobby with similarly whimsical decor. The centerpiece of this space is a large, curvy structure plopped right in the center and housing the hotel’s 24-hour bar. A large zeppelin-shaped lamp seems to float amid painted clouds just below the blue ceiling. The rest of the space (and the hotel) has a more subdued style, with big white columns, elegant wood accents, and polished brown floors. The Sentido Gold Island is like two hotels in one, with two separate buildings and double of most features, including two family pools, two buffet restaurants, two kiddy pools, and two water parks. The original building (Block B) is boxy and somewhat nondescript from the outside, but over half of its rooms were added in 2016 and are contemporary and stylish, and common areas have a fresh feel. The buffet restaurant and the patisserie in this block are especially appealing, with industrial-style decor featuring exposed pipes, chalkboard details, and concrete accents. The newer Block A is not only more aesthetically striking but it is also where most amenities are, including the spa, the main restaurant, the a la cartes, the fitness center, and the pool with daily activities. It is a little louder and livelier than Block B, but the atmosphere is generally relaxing.Sentido Gold Island has some of the nicest rooms in this price range, but couples seeking an even quieter atmosphere may want to compare rates at the hotel’s adult-only sister property Sentido Flora Garden, which has stylish decor throughout, yoga and Pilates classes, and a spa with indoor and outdoor areas. The larger Long Beach Resort Hotel & Spa has a more bustling atmosphere, but rates are generally higher and can be a little chaotic at full capacity. In this price range, the livelier Port Side Resort Hotel is another good pick, but Sentido Gold Island has better rooms. 

The hotel is located on the very tip of a small peninsula in an area halfway between the historic cities of Side and Alanya. There are other resorts and a few touristy shops within a short walk of the Sentido Gold Island, but little else of interest can be found in the immediate vicinity. Alanya is the nearest major city, and offers a wide array of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as a number of excellent beaches. Major attractions in Alanya include a stunning medieval castle with panoramic views, the Damlatas Caves, and the 13th-century Red Tower. The bus to Alanya stops right outside the hotel. The city of Side -- known for its extraordinary archaeological sites, charming seaside cafes, and many shops -- is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Sentido Gold Island is about an hour and a half from Antalya and its airport. 

Sentido Gold Island has a total of 422 rooms spread over two buildings. At an average of 322 square feet, rooms are spacious and sunny, with large windows and furnished balconies. Most have at least partial sea views, and many have full views of the Mediterranean. The best rooms (as regards to views and access to hotel features) are located in Block A, but Block B offers a wider array of room types, ranging from adult-only Superior Swim-Up Rooms with direct access to a private pool, to Family Rooms for up to four guests, to cheaper Eco Rooms with small French balconies and views of either the gardens or a construction site. Island Rooms are technically part of Block A, but are housed in single-level adjoining buildings right on the beach, and have cute patios with loungers.Regardless of their location, all rooms have great amenities such as free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, large flat-screen TVs, safes, and free minibars restocked daily with water. Decor style, however, varies between rooms. Units in Block A are stylish and elegant, with gray textured walls and a soft neutral palette throughout. Cute carved details and clean lines lend rooms a minimalist look, while thick wall-to-wall carpets and warm lights make them cozy. Units in Block B are decorated in several different styles, ranging from contemporary with laminate floors and black-and-white accents, to sleek, with exposed brick walls, tufted couches, and a blue and white color scheme. Bathrooms are clean and appealing, with dark and off-white marble-style tiles, big sinks over wooden vanities, and spacious walk-in showers. In most rooms bathrooms are separated from the bedroom by glass walls equipped with blinds for privacy. Hotel-brand toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided in all rooms. Some guests have noted that while rooms are clean on arrival, maid service is just superficial during the stay. 

The hotel offers direct access to three small beaches, the sandiest of which is shared with other neighboring hotels. There are free loungers and umbrellas on all of them, and two of them have breakwaters for calmer seas. There is no waiter service at any of the beaches, but the hotel’s two poolside snack bars are relatively close to all three beaches. Guests get free access to a hammam, a sauna, and a steam room, and the spa offers a wide array of treatments and massages for a fee. Adjacent is a hair salon run by a third party, and a small but well-equipped fitness center with cardio and strength-training machines. The hotel has one tennis court with sea views, but charges a fee for floodlights. The kids’ club is open to children between 4 and 12 years old, and offers daily activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and games. There is also a seaside playground complete with swings, trampolines, and a jungle gym. The kids’ club closes for lunch but reopens in the afternoon. 

The hotel has an array of outdoor pools, all with sea views. The activity pool is located adjacent to Block A and has a lively atmosphere, with daily poolside games and fitness classes, and a separate kiddy pool. The other family pool is located in Block B and is quieter despite being adjacent to a large kiddy pool with water features and a small water park with slides. There is an additional water park on the other side of the property, closer to the main pool and Blue Bar. Block B is also home to the hotel’s adult-only pool, which has a relaxing setting in a quiet garden and is exclusive for Swim-Up Rooms. The indoor pool is located in Block A, and features a large skylight, a kids’ section separated by a metal railing, and a long row of loungers. The water is heated between May and October. 

Sentido Gold Island has two main restaurants, both offering a varied buffet spread for all three main meals. The one in Block A is open year-round, but the one in Block B only opens when the hotel is full. Early and late breakfast are also offered at both buffets, and a smaller spread with a few snacks is available until the early morning. The buffet spreads generally get good reviews, but some guests have pointed out that they don't vary much throughout the week.The hotel also features two a la carte restaurants, which serve Italian cuisine some nights and Mexican food the rest of the week in the same dining room. Guests get one free dinner at an a la carte every five days.Snacks are available at both poolside bars, and the lobby bar in Block A offers 24-hour drinks. The all-inclusive package includes all food and local beverages, as well as some imported drinks.