Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel&Resort

First opened in 2006, the Limak Lara De Luxe is as visually impressive as the rest of the neighboring mega-resorts, with large grounds, big pools, and a huge main building. The property has undergone several rounds of renovations (the most recent in 2017), but it has kept the original Asian-inspired theme throughout the years. Pagoda-style roofs top pavilions built on stilts over an artificial lake, and dragon-shaped slides decorate many of the pools. Indoors, the theme is more subtle, though there are still a few nods to Asian culture and style, including small Buddha statues decorating pagoda gates, and Japanese-style pebble gardens. 

The hotel has a bustling atmosphere more suitable for those interested in joining the pool games than for those seeking some peace and quiet. There is a full entertainment program with daily activities and evening shows, and the pools have music and waterslides. The main pool deck is huge, but some guests have complained that during peak season the property can feel overcrowded, with loungers crammed side-by-side, dozens of guests around the buffet display tables, and waiters that seem overwhelmed. Families seeking something quieter may want to compare rates at the Liberty Hotels Lara, which has an adult-only pool and a great stretch of beach. The Ramada Resort Lara is a cheaper option with a similar bustling atmosphere, though food is better at the Limak Lara. Couples wanting to splurge a little may prefer the Titanic Deluxe Belek, which has huge pools, attractive rooms, and a peaceful riverside setting.

The Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort is located directly on the main thoroughfare running through Lara, a hotel-filled area just east of Antalya. The hotel is pretty much self-contained and few guests leave the property during their stay, but those wanting to explore the neighborhood can find a number of shops and malls within a 10-minute walk. Several top local attractions -- including Antalya’s old town and the Perge archaeological site -- can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, while the Duden Waterfalls are just a 15-minute drive away. Belek’s many renowned golf courses are all within a 20-minute drive of the Limak Lara De Luxe, while the drive to Antalya International Airport takes about 15 minutes.

Although the hotel was built in 2006, all 441 rooms were renovated in 2015-16 and have a polished, upscale feel. Tasteful Japanese-inspired accents -- such as big painted fans on walls, backlit headboards, straw ceiling fans, and bed runners with flower motifs -- give rooms style and character, while wide-plank wooden floors and clean lines in desks and chairs add some balance to the themed decor. Even entry-level rooms are spacious enough to fit in a sofa bed and a long desk, and all have glass doors that open to furnished balconies. Many offer side sea views, yet others overlook the gardens. 

Family Rooms occupy a separate block and are connected to a pool via a long set of stairs. These duplex units have a living room outfitted with two sofa beds, two bathrooms, and a master bedroom with a whirlpool. Jacuzzi Suites are generally reserved for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special occasion, and feature a hot tub placed by the window.

All rooms feature the same standard amenities, including minibars stocked with free water, beer, sodas, and juice (all replenished daily free of charge), safes, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and flat-screen TVs. Central air-conditioning can be controlled from the room, and Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the property, though there have been complaints of slow service in rooms. Bathrooms were not renovated in 2015, but are still looking fresh and in good shape. All have mosaic tiling in gray hues, free-standing sinks, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Most come with walk-in showers, but a handful of rooms have shower/tub combos with glass screens. Toiletries and a few extras such as cotton buds are provided in all rooms. 

As a resort that caters to families, the Limak Lara offers a wide array of amenities for kids of all ages. Children between 4 and 12 years old can take part in the activities organized at the kids’ club, while younger ones can use the facilities if supervised by a parent. Teens have their own club, complete with books, video games, and ping-pong tables. There is also a game room with arcade machines and a bowling lane (for a fee), a mini-golf area, and a playground at the beach. Additionally, the hotel has many large outdoor pools, including one with dragon-shaped slides. The indoor pool is small but pleasant, and has a fun waterslide, big windows, and a few loungers. 

The spa has an inviting, relaxing feel, with a soft incense smell, warm lights, and about a dozen cabins where guests can get an array of Asian-inspired massages for a fee. The all-inclusive package includes free use of a lovely hammam, a sauna, and steam and relaxation rooms. The fitness center is big and well-equipped, with an array of cardio and strength-training machines, personal trainers, and flat-screen TVs playing music videos. 

Zen is the hotel’s main buffet restaurant, offering good international cuisine in a big dining room and a spacious terrace. A separate area in the restaurant has a selection of healthy options for kids, and there are themed nights daily. All guests get one free dinner per stay at the Turkish restaurant, which serves a small buffet with local specialties. Additionally, there are three a la carte eateries at the Limak Lara -- including Mexican, Asian, and Italian -- though all are an extra charge. The a la carte snack bar is open in the summer only and serves up small bites along with drinks and desserts. 

Extensive meeting space encompasses a large ballroom and several smaller boardrooms.