Club Mega Saray

Located amid serene golf courses and pine tree forests, the Club Mega Saray doesn’t look as big from the outside as it really is. The resort is set on almost 30 acres of landscaped gardens, and features three large pools, a whopping 22 tennis courts, numerous buildings housing 590 rooms, and a 437-yard-long beach with a pier. Although officially rated as a five-star hotel, the resort is not quite luxurious when it comes to decor, services, and overall feel. The lobby is the most striking of all indoor spaces, with high ceilings, huge windows, and lots of white arches that stand out against the wood paneling and clusters of red lamps. The crimson vinyl couches are a tad generic and dated, but polished floors with geometric patterns in clay-red and brown, and beige lattice details add some style. This mix of generic and stylish elements continues in other common areas, especially in the main restaurant, where simple tiled floors and basic wooden furniture combine with padded benches and dark accent walls to create a pleasant if somewhat run-of-the-mill space.

With its many kid-friendly amenities and spacious rooms, the Club Mega Saray draws mostly families with young children. The atmosphere is lively but generally not rowdy, with quiet adult-only areas -- including a pool and a restaurant -- and a more bustling section around the activity pool. The vibe is mellower during the fall season, when most guests are either couples or groups of golfers drawn by the hotel’s location within a short drive of several renowned courses. 

The hotel does not offer special rates at any of the area’s golf courses, so those looking to hit the links may want to compare prices at the neighboring Crystal Tat Beach Golf Resort & Spa, which has similar rates and offers discounts at the nearby Titanic Golf Club. The Sentido Zeynep Resort is one of the most similar hotels in the area as regards to rates, amenities, and atmosphere. Deluxe Rooms at the Club Mega Saray are more stylish and contemporary than units at the Zeynep, but that is the only main difference between them. 

The Club Mega Saray is located at the end of a two-lane road lined by serene golf courses on one side and beachfront resorts on the other. There is nothing within walking distance of the property but for other hotels, but Kadriye and Belek are each less than a 15-minute drive away and are both home to a few restaurants and shops. The dolmus (local minibus) to Kadriye stops right outside the hotel. The Belek area is known for its world-class golf, and there are over a dozen golf courses within a five-minute drive of the hotel, including the National, the Titanic, the three Gloria courses, and the Carya. Antalya city center is about a 40-minute drive away, and the hotel is less than a half-hour drive from the airport. 

The hotel has 590 rooms spread over several buildings surrounded by nature. Decor varies between buildings, with styles ranging from bland and generic to stylish and contemporary. The two main buildings house Standard and Family rooms, while the Club section offers an array of room types that range from Standard to Duplex Family Suites. Units in these buildings are decorated in a simple neutral palette, with basic wooden furniture, caramel-colored carpets with pastel blue patterns (or laminate floors in some), and silver comforters with white and beige flowers. Club Rooms lack Wi-Fi and are the smallest of all, but have otherwise the same amenities as all other room types, including LCD TVs, free minibar items (replenished every other day), balconies with garden views, and safes. Bathrooms were renovated in 2015 and have either clean shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, round sinks over beige veined counters, and and array of toiletries both in large and small containers. 

The Deluxe section was added in 2015 and is home to the most contemporary and upscale rooms. A stylish combination of Aegean-blue shades with earth tones and delicate flower patterns lends rooms in these buildings a fresh, modern feel. Deluxe units also have slightly larger balconies -- some with partial sea views -- and large walk-in showers with rain showerheads. Swim-Up Rooms offer direct access to a quiet shared pool and are the only rooms equipped with electric kettles. 

The hotel's private stretch of long, sandy beach slopes gently into the sea. There are some pebbles along the shoreline, but they disappear quickly and water shoes are not necessary. Several rows of loungers placed under long, white awnings providing shade are available on the sand, and there is additional seating on the lawn right behind the beach and on a lovely wooden pier. Sea kayaks and paddle boats are available free of charge, while motorized water sports can be booked through a third party on-site. A lifeguard is on duty during the day at the beach, and there is a small playground in a shaded area between the loungers and the beach snack bar.

Other dining options include a spacious buffet restaurant serving a varied, quality spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offering separate areas and hours for children and adults. Additionally, all guests get two free dinners per week at any of the hotel’s six a la cartes, which include Turkish, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, barbecue, and fish. There are also several bars, including a 24-hour indoor lounge (summer only) and a nightclub, plus a bakery with Turkish coffee, tea, and pastries. 

The spa is pleasant and elegant, with lots of wood accents, Buddha statues decorating massage rooms and the reception area, and a soothing atmosphere. The all-inclusive package includes free access to a marble hammam, a sauna with a small window overlooking the gardens, and a steam room, but all treatments and massages are an extra charge. The fitness center is light and airy, with a couple dozen machines and large windows with garden views. The hotel also offers 22 tennis courts on-site, and all but the six clay courts are free. Equipment, lessons, and floodlights are available for an extra fee. 

The kids’ club offers indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as a small kiddy pool with water features, and a playground under an awning. Kids 4 to 8 years old are offered activities such as arts and crafts, face painting, morning gym, archery, mini-golf, and cookie making. Children 9 to 14 can take part in a wider array of sports -- including archery, soccer, darts and volleyball -- as well as pool games and competitions. 

The Club Mega Saray has multiple pools, including four outdoors and a large indoor one with a huge skylight and a kiddy section. The largest outdoor pool is located near the beach and features several waterslides and daily activities. It is also the liveliest, with music and plenty of kids running around, but it typically doesn’t get unbearably loud. The other main pool is lined with palm trees and loungers under umbrellas or awnings, and there is a large lawn right adjacent to the deck with additional seating. Set deeper in the gardens, the adult-only Relax Pool is the quietest of all. It is the only pool that doesn’t have a designated bar area, and offers no activities, making it an appealing option for those seeking something more peaceful. There is also a smaller pool exclusively for guests staying in Deluxe Swim-Up Rooms.