We returned to the Samira for 3 weeks again this year, using it as a base for visiting Lycian archaeological and birdwatching sites. It’s very convenient for travelling as it’s just across the main D400 road from the bus station (otogar) via a pedestrian bridge, but far enough away not to be disturbed by traffic noise. We were not disappointed. The pool area is better than ever after more refurbishment – new seating areas, showers and a changing cabin adjacent to the toilets, with a beautiful reflective blue floor at the bottom of the pool which shifts and sparkles under the water. We regularly swam at the end of the day after long, hot and dusty hours travelling and traipsing around remote archaeological sites; we would often share the pool with skittish swallows dropping in for a quick, late drink. We stayed in an apartment again, and as others have said, although they are a bit tired they're clean and comfortable. The management told us they intend a total refurbishment of the self-catering apartments this winter, so this is good news! And for the price they can’t really be faulted. We generally cooked ourselves (longtime wholefood eaters) though we occasionally ate out at some of the more Turkish establishments in Kalkan (of which there are not many, Zeugma is our favourite haunt). But we did enjoy a latte by the poolside at the hotel, and the friendly service from Esen, Gülcan and Erin. And Tuğra. They always appreciated a friendly “Merhaba nasılsın?” and worked extremely hard while we lazed in the sun. Many reviews mention the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and I can only concur. On arrival in the middle of the night, we were welcomed by a wide-awake Kadir – the night porter who never seems to sleep, and with his other hat on is a doctor who finds time to teach online at Cambridge, as well as swimming for hours at the end of his shift – the mind boggles! We had already had many interesting conversations with Kadir the previous year and this time he welcomed us with open arms, lugging our heavy cases up 2 flights of stairs and then adamantly refusing the note I proffered. Later in our stay we again encountered Emine, the matriarch of the management family, who was just as effusive in her welcome. And Mete on reception is now joined by Neda, the new customer relations officer from Iran, who is a great addition to the team and speaks excellent English. All the staff, including the ones whose names I can’t remember, are a credit to the hotel, and one feels there is an underlying sincerity and Turkish sense of hospitality in action. The only downside we experienced was during one week when many young guests arrived, most of whom had no idea of hotel etiquette – I heard one of them saying he’d never been away from home before – and they made life very difficult for those of us who wanted to sleep at night. The night time bar staff seemed to pander to their insistence on alcohol and music till the wee hours, and this disturbed many of
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