Blue Lagoon Hotel

Like most hotels in Oludeniz, the Blue Lagoon has a traditional villa-style complex, with a large shapely pool as its central feature. With 73 rooms, it’s small enough to offer personal attention to the couples and families who make up the hotel’s clientele. Its other feature is that, despite its central location in the town of Oludeniz, it retains a tranquil setting, made even more so by the nicely manicured garden areas and the surrounding mountains dotted with pine trees. Public spaces are few, but the restaurant is a cheerful spot with cream wooden chairs and tables topped with red-and-white-polka-dotted cloths. It has an outdoor terra-cotta tile terrace that bleeds into the bar area. The clientele tends to be Brits and Germans. The Blue Lagoon caters to them, which is fine unless travelers are searching for a more authentic Turkish experience. The property is closed from November to May.

The Blue Lagoon hotel is located about four to five blocks from the beach, taking about eight minutes to walk. It's farther from the lagoon, though, which takes nearly 30 minutes to get to. The hotel shuttle provides a free lift to nearby Billy’s Beach (a less crowded sandy beach) or Sea Horse Beach Club (good for children), both of which take about five to 10 minutes. The hotel is close to the main street in Oludeniz and has the added advantage of being on a street closed to vehicular traffic. The hotel is a seven-minute drive, or for ambitious walkers, close to an hour’s walk, to another amenity-filled village, Hisaronu. Fethiye, which has a castle, an amphitheater, and ruins, is 30 minutes away by car. Dalaman Airport is a little over one hour’s drive away. 

Rooms at the Blue Lagoon have beige color palettes, making them light and airy, but a bit bland. The only real decor comes from floral-print bedspreads and some peach-painted walls. All have balconies or patios that let in plenty of natural light, and provide views of the mountains, sea, or pool. Some rooms have direct access to the pool from their patios. Four Family Rooms have two bedrooms, each with their own balconies. Small flat-screen TVs are standard, but guests will have to rent mini-fridges and air conditioners. Safety deposit boxes also have to be rented, and even then they're located at reception. Wi-Fi doesn't reach the rooms. Straightforward bathrooms are modern, outfitted in tan marble, basin sinks, and showers -- some with rainfall showerheads. All have hairdryers, but only higher-category rooms come with toiletries and slippers.

Like most hotels in this beach resort town, the pool is the main attraction. The hotel has a large pool with a shallow section for kids, surrounded by a terra-cotta tile deck lined by cushioned loungers and umbrellas. Guests wanting to go to the beach can take the hotel's free shuttle to Billy’s Beach and Sea Horse Beach Club. There are no gym or spa facilities, but often there are activities for kids and nightly entertainment for all. Free Wi-Fi has the strongest signal around the pool and bar area.The casual restaurant is open-air, with seating under a ceiling and out on a terrace by the pool. The bar is adjacent and has more stylish decor and several flat-screen TVs. Food and beverages receive predominantly positive reviews, but as it all gets put on a final bill, it's wise to keep track of all purchases. Breakfast is typically included in the room rate and some days, omelets and pancakes, which are free and a big hit among guests, are offered in addition to the continental fare.