Grand Yazici Bodrum

The Grand Yazici wows at first sight. Set high above Bodrum City, the hotel is nestled in expansive gardens full of palm trees and colorful flowers that offer panoramic city and sea views. The main entrance, a large wooden structure with a security guard and a low gate, is located right off the road, but the building itself is set back from the street, allowing for a high level of privacy and tranquility. Two vintage cars parked against lush greenery and a red carpeted entrance hall set the vibe for a chic French Riviera-style stay. The lobby is airy and stylish, with a sleek white and turquoise color scheme, and a few pops of red and plum. While decor is sophisticated and contemporary, dark wood furniture and delicate wood latticework screens add lots of local charm. 

Outside, the views are the focal point at the Grand Yazici, and the property has been designed to take advantage of its hillside location. Most common spaces offer panoramic views of Bodrum City and the sea, including its stunning infinity pool and three restaurants, all of which have spacious decks with comfortable seating. The hotel doesn't have the poolside activities and entertainment team found at the all-inclusive resorts in the area (a pro for most guests who choose to stay here), but the music played at the main pool and beach club may sometimes be a touch loud for some tastes. The atmosphere is relaxing overall, with most guests lounging by the pool or spending the day at the hotel’s sister property’s beach on Torba Bay. 

Though families may appreciate the pools, and a number of exclusive two-bedroom villas with private pools, kitchens, and hammams, the property is better suited for couples. Those who do want to go the all-inclusive route may prefer the similarly priced Diamond of Bodrum, which is directly on the sea -- but it is not as luxurious or intimate as the Grand Yazici.

The immediate area surrounding the Grand Yazici is quiet and residential, with no restaurants, bars or shops around. A 10-minute drive away, however, is the center of Bodrum, which offers a wide array of dining and drinking options, as well as a number of shops. Bodrum City is also home to several major tourist sights, including the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Bodrum Antique Theater, and St Peter’s Castle, all within a 15-minute drive of the hotel. There are no beaches within walking distance either, but the hotel provides free shuttle service to its sister property in Torba, which features a private beachfront area with dozens of loungers and umbrellas. The airport is a 30-minute drive away. 

The Grand Yazici features 96 spacious air-conditioned rooms with balconies, some overlooking the gardens and others offering panoramic sea and city views. Crisp whites combine with bright pops of aquamarine or plum to create sophisticated spaces, while parquet floors add some warmth. All units are large enough to fit in an armchair and a big desk with a flat-screen TV, and floor-to-ceiling windows bring the lovely outdoors in. Each unit has a king-size or two double beds, minibars (stocked with water and soda; fees apply), electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi, but coffeemakers are only available in suites and villas. Bathrooms in all units are spotless, with either large rain walk-in showers or deep soaking tubs with jets, and a wide array of toiletries. Some bathrooms have windows overlooking the rooms, but all feature shades for privacy. 

Villas are some of the most luxurious accommodations in Bodrum. They’re stand-alone units set in their own gardens, and feature two bedrooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a spacious living area with a fully stocked kitchen, gym equipment, and private in-villa spas with a hammam and a sauna. 

The hotel has two outdoor pools, including a large infinity pool with stunning city and sea views, and another, quieter one nestled among pine and palm trees. Both have loungers, umbrellas, and sleek wooden cabanas with large padded loungers and drapes for shade. Additionally, there are indoor and outdoor pools at the stunning spa, decorated in a sophisticated white, gray, and turquoise color scheme with wooden accents and marble finishes. The wellness center offers salon and body treatments, and features an excellent fitness center complete with a movement studio and personal trainers. 

The hotel has three dining options, including Anatolian, Turkish, and Mediterranean restaurants, all with great views and good cuisine. Guests spending the day at the beach can order food at the hotel’s beach club, but meals there are not included in the full-board rate. Breakfast buffet is offered free to all guests and includes continental options as well as egg dishes. The hotel also features four meeting spaces, including an outdoor deck for up to 450 people.