Tahir Bey Sok. No:87, Esentepe Mah. Cappadocia, Ortahisar, Turkey | (888) 616-5829
Lovely, cozy cave rooms with bright accents, some with balconies
Traditional Turkish breakfast of fresh eggs, local cheeses, and vegetables served daily
Traditional hammam spa
24-hour bar operates on honesty system
Self-serve laundry facilities available
Free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast
Shuttle service
No full restaurant and limited dining options in Ortahisar
Low headroom in some areas of the bedrooms
Rooms are quiet but animal noises can be heard on property (pro for some)
Steep stairways to rooms (not wheelchair accessible)
No fitness center
No air-conditioning, but cave rooms are cool so most don't miss it
Opened in 2011, the Hezen Cave Hotel is a traditional but chic 14-room boutique in the village of Ortahisar. It was originally an old Orthodox Greek house, and the rooms are carved from the soft volcanic rocks of Cappadocia. They are cozy and intimate, with colorful, stylish modern decor accents. There’s a system of stairways and tunnels leading to the rooms, public areas, and beautiful gardens. While the surrounding area lacks nightlife and restaurants, there are plenty of historic sites nearby for outdoor adventures.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Contemporary yet traditional hotel with natural stone walls
The Hezen Cave Hotel is a romantic property with a charming setting. The stone structures are certainly atmospheric, and deeply rooted in the history of Turkey. Looking at the hotel, one might not expect the contemporary and sometimes whimsical style inside, but they make for an appealing contrast. Outside, there are terraces at multiple levels with patio seating and potted plants. Inside, an enormous lobby has sleek white couches lined up against the walls, traditional antique carpets, colorful accent tables, and marble tables. The overall vibe is peaceful and intimate.
Location
Isolated among farms and other village cave houses, about 30 minutes from most main attractions
For those searching for a more local experience, Hezen Cave Hotel -- located in the small town of Ortahisar -- delivers. Ortahisar is much less touristy than either Goreme or Urgup, but both are close (10 minutes by car). Goreme National park is also a 10-minute drive away, and provides an excellent day hike for viewing ancient monasteries and settlements. Many popular hiking trails begin nearby. Goreme is the main tourist hub, and Urgup is a bit quieter and more upmarket; both have a good selection of restaurants. A 25-minute drive north will lead visitors to Avanos, a center of traditional pottery since the Hittites, and a 25-minute drive south will lead to the closest underground city of Kaymakli. For those in search of authentic souvenirs, the region is well known for its high-quality handcrafts, particularly pottery, jewelry, and carpets.Nevsehir and Kayseri airports are both approximately one hour away.
Rooms
Spacious cave rooms with a mix of traditional and whimsical, modern style
The rooms blend local Cappadocia influences with modern decor. The cave architecture, pottery pieces, unique vessel sinks (such as one hand-painted in a traditional Turkish style), and the occasional small wall fresco add historical charm, while the furniture is a whimsical mix of contemporary and traditional (think: tufted armchairs, bright green geometric lamps, wrought-iron bed frames painted red). The color accents that lend a bright feel to the space: Entrance doors are painted turquoise, closets are bright yellow, and the bathrooms mirrors are bright red. Embroidered cushions and bed sheets add more color and style to the room. En-suite bathrooms with marble showers, underfloor heating, traditional slippers, and toiletries come standard in all rooms. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars are also provided. Some of the rooms on the upper floors have private balconies, while some of the lower rooms have access to a courtyard. Suites are the classiest of the bunch, with separate living areas and plenty of lounging space. The Superior Suite we saw was the only accommodation without colorful accents, instead favoring dark accents in both the bedding and the marble flooring, making for an elegant contrast against the stone walls.
Features
Laundry machines, traditional Turkish breakfast, and hammam spa
A free breakfast of local jams, honeys, breads, cheeses, and olives is served daily alongside the common offerings of pastries, fruit, and cereals. Guests can enjoy their morning meals in the brightly accented dining area or on the outdoor patio. A hammam indoor spa is a welcome extra for anyone looking to relax after a long day’s hike. For anyone looking to explore the nearby town or Urgup, the hotel has a free shuttle that runs during limited hours. They also have an honor system for drinks, in which guests will report and pay for any services used at checkout.
