Alba Queen Hotel

Opened in 2008, the Alba Queen is a friendly hotel popular with European families. While it doesn’t quite live up to its official five-star status, the property is a good pick for a relaxed vacation with the kids. Its private stretch of beach is pleasant and sandy, and the huge pool deck is always buzzing thanks to the active entertainment team. The property is small by all-inclusive standards and lacks the big gardens found at other properties in the area. But the main pool is lined with palm trees and flowers, and the spaces between the hotel’s five buildings have well-tended flower beds and shrubs. Spacious decks with Italianate stone balustrades add style and Mediterranean charm. 

Interiors are classic with a few local design elements, such as cute mosaic tiling, wrought-iron accents in lamps and railings, and delicate latticework throughout. The lobby is the most elegant of all common spaces, with stylish white couches placed along large windows, a big chandelier, and classic wall moldings. The rest of the property has a more casual decor style, with simple wood furniture, a neutral palette with pops of turquoise in the main restaurant, and plenty of plastic lounge chairs throughout.

The property closes during the winter and the early spring, but is a favorite among families in the warmer months. The dozens of family-friendly all-inclusives in the Antalya region run the gamut from high-end resorts to budget-friendly properties. One of the top resorts is the Sueno Hotels Deluxe Belek, located closer to the airport and featuring a massive 24-hour kids’ club, as well as a large water park, elegant rooms, and excellent food. The Rixos Premium and Gloria Golf Resort are two other outstanding options in Belek, but -- just like at the Sueno -- rates are higher. Those who can spend just a little bit more may want to consider the Alva Donna Beach resort Comfort, complete with family and adult-only pools, a separate water park, and a more upscale feel. The Vera Stone Palace Hotel is a decent pick for travelers on a tight budget, but the Alba Queen offers better value overall.

The Alba Queen Hotel is located on a small winding street lined with other all-inclusives in the tourist complex of Colakli. There are a few tourist-oriented shops within a short walk of the hotel, but little else of interest can be found within walking distance. There is a small cluster of other shops selling clothes, shoes, and souvenirs about a five-minute drive from the hotel. The lovely city of Side, known for its stunning historic ruins and charming seaside cafes, is just a 15-minute drive away. Other local attractions, including the Manavgat Waterfalls, Aspendos, and the archaeological area of Lyrbe, are all within a 30-minute drive of the hotel. Antalya and the airport are just under an hour away.

The hotel has 324 clean, sunny rooms spread over five four-story buildings set around the outdoor pool. The decor style may feel a little bland to some, especially the simple wooden furniture and the small paintings above the bed, but beige accent walls, dark brown bed runners with lighter patterns and matching pillows, and laminate floors add some elegance. All units have large windows opening onto small balconies furnished with metal chairs and a table, and some have partial sea views. Central air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and minibars replenished daily with soft drinks and water are provided in all rooms. Wi-Fi, though, is only free in some common spaces, and the paid internet access doesn’t seem to work well. There is also a fee for in-room safes, which is a rarity in all-inclusives in this area. 

The hotel offers an array of room types for families, ranging from Superior Rooms with more floor space and larger balconies than Standards, to Family Suites with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Bunk Bed Rooms can sleep up to three adults and a kid, and Family Rooms are two connecting units with one bathroom. 

Compact bathrooms are clean but basic, with gray tiling throughout, simple shower/tub combos with glass screens, and just two-in-one shampoo and shower gel in large wall-mounted containers. Shower caps and hairdryers are also provided, but there is nothing else in the way of toiletries. 

The central part of the hotel is occupied almost entirely by the huge outdoor pool, which leaves only a skinny deck around it with a single row of loungers. There are dozens of seats, but not enough for all guests during the busiest periods, and there have been reports of guests reserving loungers with towels well before breakfast. The atmosphere is lively, with music playing in the background, and daily fitness activities and competitions. Although it may be a little loud for some, the property is not the rowdiest of all family-friendly all-inclusives in the area -- World of Wonders Kremlin Palace, Crystal De Luxe Resort & Spa, and Eftalia Holiday Village surpass it in volume and bustle. 

Those seeking a quieter spot can spend the day at the hotel’s lovely stretch of beach, which offers plenty of loungers under long awnings, and self-serve drinks dispensers. A beach snack bar offers small bites and an array of local drinks; imported drinks are an extra charge. The spa is also quiet and relaxing, with a sweet scent throughout, dim lights, and lots of wood and stone accents. Facials, body wraps, and an array of massages and body treatments are available for a fee, but all guests get free access to a hammam and a sauna. Couples can rent a private room for treatments.

The fitness center is small but well-equipped, with cardio and strength-training machines, and large windows overlooking the grounds. There is also a tennis court that guests can book free of charge, and a crazy golf (ie, mini-golf) area adjacent to the beach. 

Kids between 4 and 17 are kept busy with daily indoor and outdoor activities, including sports, games, arts and crafts, pool competitions, and visits to the small zoo located at neighboring sister property Alba Resort Hotel. The kids’ club is cute and colorful, and features several play areas and a small pool with a tiny elephant-shaped slide. There is also a game room with two bowling lanes, arcade machines, and pool tables, all for a fee. Wi-Fi is free in some common areas. 

The hotel has one main buffet restaurant offering a fresh, tasty spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dinner service offers the widest array of food, with several types of salads, Turkish specialties, a veggie area, and beef, pork, fish, and chicken stations. A smaller selection of hot and cold items is available for both late breakfast and overnight. 

There are also two a la cartes on-site, including one serving seafood, and another one serving Asian cuisine. Guests can make reservations once per week at each of them. The poolside snack bar is open 24 hours a day, and features a nice selection of drinks as well as some bites, including sandwiches, cake, and ice cream. The beach bar serves snacks, gozleme (Turkish pancakes), and pastries. 

The all-inclusive package offers free food and local drinks 24/7, but imported brands and all fresh fruit juices are an extra charge.