Kemer Barut Collection

The Barut Kemer has come a long way since it opened in 2003. With its glass facade and big driveway, the hotel could very well pass for a convention center from the outside, but extensive renovations in 2017 and 2018 have turned the property into a contemporary, stylish one. Some of the older elements remain, including the golden exterior elevators and the plants hanging from the railings of the atrium-style lobby, but the worn carpet and dated couches have been replaced by sleek, dark floors, exposed brick walls, and lounge furniture. Outside, spacious decks wrap around big, clean pools, while a large lawn dotted with pine trees separates the pool area from the beach. This is a compact property, but its U shape allows for ample outdoor common areas, including two big pools, a kiddy pool, a small water park with three slides, and a pleasant wooden pier with lots of loungers. 

The hotel itself is mostly quiet, with just some soft entertainment and separate areas for activities and quiet relaxation. Unfortunately, its neighbor, the Orange County Resort, has a bustling atmosphere and booming music, which can be annoying for those wanting some peace and quiet. The beach and the pier are mellower, and the areas of the Barut farthest away from the next-door resort are more pleasant, but those expecting a serene atmosphere may be disappointed. 

The Barut Kemer has a decent array of amenities for children, but families wanting a livelier atmosphere and even more kid-friendly features may prefer the Limak Limra Hotel, which is a little bit cheaper, but also less upscale. Couples seeking a party vibe may want to compare rates at the Rixos Sungate Hotel. In this price range, the Sherwood Breezes Resort is closer to the airport and has bigger, greener grounds. 

The hotel is located on a wide boulevard running parallel to the coast all the way to central Kemer. The area is home to a mix of self-contained beachfront resorts and private vacation villas, and there is little foot or vehicle traffic during the day. There are several convenience stores, boutiques, and small restaurants and cafes in the blocks around the hotel, but a wider array of dining, drinking, and shopping options can be found in the city center, which is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest airport is located in Antalya, which is about a one-hour drive away.

The hotel carried out extensive renovations in most of its rooms in 2017 and 2018. Penthouses, Deluxe Suites, and all Superior Rooms have been fully redone, and feature stylish, contemporary decor with minimalist lines, exposed brick walls painted white, and a soothing gray, white, and raspberry color scheme. Plush beds are topped with several pillows and blue-and-gray bed runners with geometric patterns, while raspberry chairs around wooden tables stand out against the overall soft palette. Wooden floors and strategically placed LED lights make spaces warm, and pocket doors in bathrooms and living areas make the most of the space. Deluxe Rooms have not yet been fully renovated (as of February 2018) and are decorated in a more classic style, with soft carpet in brown hues, handsome wood paneling, and a brown palette with a few silver accents. 

Big glass doors open to furnished balconies, most of which offer at least side sea views. Amenities are on par with those found in other upscale all-inclusive resorts in the area, and include free Wi-Fi, central air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with international channels, and robes and slippers. Minibars are stocked with free water, sodas, juices, and beer (all replenished daily free of charge), and all rooms feature electric kettles and pullout sofa beds. 

Bathrooms have an attractive open layout that makes them sleek and upscale, with walk-in showers, spacious sink areas, and warm lights. Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap are provided in all rooms, as are loofahs, body lotion, combs, and toothbrushes. Deluxe Jacuzzi Suites feature hot tubs by the window.  

Barut Kemer offers a comprehensive all-inclusive package that covers not only all food and drinks (including some imported brands) but also one dinner per stay at each of the on-site a la carte restaurants, and fresh orange juice at breakfast. The buffet restaurant receives great reviews for variety, quality, and taste, as do the four a la carte eateries, which serve fish, Italian, Ottoman, and Asian cuisines. An outdoor snack bar has a solid menu of sandwiches, pastries, "pide", burgers, and pizzas, and the poolside bar offers a long list of drinks until late in the evening. The lobby bar is a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps, and the patisserie offers tasty pastries and hot and cold drinks. 

Barut Kemer has two big outdoor pools (one with music and activities), a kiddy pool, and a small water park with three slides. There are plenty of loungers around all of them, and additional seating is available on a lawn adjacent to the beach. The indoor pool is big enough for laps and has large windows and a whirlpool, but it is only heated in the colder months. 

The spa was renovated in 2017 and feels upscale and peaceful, with white marble and wood accents throughout, dim lights, and many plants. Guests can use the hammam and sauna free of charge, and a wide array of body treatments are available for a fee, including four-hand massages, aromatherapy, and shiatsu. The fitness center is modern and light, with a great range of cardio and strength-training machines, personal trainers, and a separate room for group classes.

A kids’ club hosts daily activities for children between the ages of 4 and 12, as well as extensive meeting space with audiovisual equipment.