Side Star Park Hotel – All Inclusive

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest with you – when I first pulled up to the Side Star Park, I wasn’t expecting much from another all-inclusive on the Turkish coast. But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked right into that sweet spot in Side where you’re close enough to walk to the ancient ruins (seriously, the Apollo Temple is maybe a 15-minute stroll), but far enough from the main tourist crush that you can actually hear yourself think. The hotel sits on this gorgeous stretch of beach that somehow feels less crowded than the spots closer to the harbor – I mean, you’ll still have company during peak season, but it’s not elbow-to-elbow madness.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to nail that tricky balance between having enough going on and not feeling like a cruise ship on land. The pools are actually swimmable (not just Instagram props), and honestly, the main pool area has this relaxed vibe where you can grab a decent spot even if you’re not the type to throw your towel down at sunrise. The food situation is way better than I expected too – sure, it’s buffet style, but they’ve got this Turkish grill section where the guy actually knows what he’s doing, and the fresh fish is legit. I found myself going back for those little börek pastries way too often. The staff here seems to genuinely care, which you don’t always get at these bigger properties. Check-in was smooth, no weird upselling pressure, and housekeeping actually paid attention to details.

Now, you know what really sets this place apart? The location gives you options. You can do the full resort thing and never leave if that’s your vibe, but Side’s old town is right there when you want to explore. Those narrow cobblestone streets with the little shops and restaurants – it’s touristy, sure, but still charming, especially in the evenings when the day-trippers head back to their buses. The hotel’s beach access is solid, and the Mediterranean here has that perfect blue-green color that makes you understand why people keep coming back to this coast. Parking’s handled if you rent a car (which I’d recommend for hitting some of the less crowded beaches nearby), and the whole setup just feels more thoughtful than your typical all-inclusive factory. Is it perfect? No – the evening entertainment can be a bit cheesy, and August gets pretty packed with families. But for what you’re paying and what you get, especially with that 8.0 rating reflecting real guest experiences, it’s honestly a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience Side without the hassle of piecing together accommodations and meals separately.