Gaziantep's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Luxury of Ugurlu Hotel!
Gaziantep's Glorious Gamble: A Review of the Ugurlu Hotel - Prepare to be Spoiled (Maybe a Little Too Much?)
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Okay, so picture this: me, fresh off a flight, overwhelmed by the sheer vibrancy of Gaziantep. The air is thick with the aroma of spices, the streets are a whirlwind of activity, and my brain is already overloaded. Then, BAM! I arrive at the Ugurlu Hotel. And let me tell you, the contrast is quite something. This place is like a shimmering oasis of calm amidst the glorious chaos.
First Impressions and a Few Quibbles (Because Nobody's Perfect, Right?)
The lobby? Stunning. Think polished marble, plush seating, and a level of air conditioning that could chill a polar bear’s toenails. Accessibility is clearly a priority. The elevator whisks you up and down seamlessly (a godsend after a day of exploring!) and facilities for disabled guests are clearly thought-out, a major plus. The front desk is 24-hour and the staff, bless their hearts, are genuinely helpful. They even offered me a welcome drink – a strong, sweet Turkish coffee that jolted me back to life. (Needed it!)
BUT… and there's always a "but," isn't there? The first time I tried to find the convenience store, I wandered around for a solid five minutes. Turns out it's tucked away behind the spa. Little things like that - signs could be a little better, you know? Minor, but hey, I’m a detail person. And the welcome drink, though appreciated, wasn't exactly personalized. Felt a little bit…mass market.
Rooms: A Sanctuary of Sweet (and Smelly) Peace
Now, the room. Oh, the room. I opted for the non-smoking option (thank goodness!) and it was a haven. The air conditioning was my best friend. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those late-night baklava binges. The bed? HUGE. Like, seriously, I could have hosted a small dance party on that thing. There was even an extra long bed!
I loved the complimentary tea and coffee… I'm an addict, okay? A coffee/tea maker so I was in heaven, and the free bottled water was a godsend given the Gaziantep heat. The Wi-Fi [free] was mostly reliable, and hey, there's Internet access – wireless/LAN if the main connection decided to take a breather.
Now, for the little blips… The bathroom phone seemed to be permanently disconnected. And, okay, minor complaint, but the “freshly laundered” scent from the towels was a bit…overpowering. It reminded me of my grandma’s closet (bless her). But overall? Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The slippers were a nice touch, and the bathrobes felt like a hug.
Dining: Feast or Famine for the Foodie Soul
This is where things get interesting. The Ugurlu Hotel is a food lover's goldmine…and also, sometimes, a bit of a confusing minefield.
Let's start with the good: the breakfast buffet . Now, I'm not usually a buffet person. I prefer my breakfast simple. But this… this was epic. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast choices, a ridiculous amount of fresh fruit, endless pastries (hello, baklava again!), and everything you could possibly want – I swear, the coffee/tea in the restaurant was flowing like a river. The breakfast service folks were attentive and the buffet in restaurant was all very well-organized. The Daily disinfection in common areas kept the food really clean.
I loved the salad in restaurant, and the soup in restaurant was spectacular. Seriously, I had the best lentil soup of my life. The vegetarian restaurant was really well-equipped; I felt the place was so thoughtful about this.
And then you have the a la carte restaurant. I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant one night - a noodle dish that was amazing! The international cuisine in restaurant was also pretty decent, but not as adventurous.
BUT… and here's the messier part… The room service [24-hour] menu can leave you wanting. One night, I ordered what was supposed to be a simple salad. It arrived an hour later, limp and sad. A real letdown. The poolside bar, while looking lovely, was never open when I wanted a drink. (Maybe I was just unlucky.) The snack bar was…well, it was there.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Foibles
Okay, time for the pampering! The Ugurlu Hotel really shines when it comes to relaxation. The spa is a proper escape. I indulged in a massage (heaven!), and the body scrub was a delightful exfoliation. I can’t remember feeling my skin that soft. The sauna and steamroom were great, but let's be honest, I spent most of my time just chilling in the pool with view. That infinity pool is the stuff of Instagram dreams! A totally Poolside bar on the terrace.
The fitness center is…well, it’s there. Lots of equipment, but a little cramped. And the air conditioning in that area felt a little weak. More like “room temperature” than “refreshing.” I didn’t try the foot bath, or other features.
Safety and Cleanliness: Reassuring, but a Touch Over-Obsessive (Perhaps?)
Look, in a post-pandemic world, you appreciate a hotel taking things seriously. And the Ugurlu Hotel certainly does. The anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection in common areas, the sanitized kitchen and tableware items… it was all very thorough.
Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. It was a bit…intense. The individually-wrapped food options felt a tad wasteful, and the room sanitization opt-out available was a thoughtful touch, trying to avoid being seen as just obsessive.
Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Blessings
The Ugurlu Hotel offers a dizzying array of services. The concierge was fantastic when I needed help booking a taxi. The daily housekeeping was impeccable. Laundry service was fast and efficient. And the car park [free of charge] was a major bonus.
However, some of the other services felt a bit…unnecessary. The dry cleaning. The ironing service. (Honestly, I don’t even own an iron.) I didn’t need the babysitting service or the kids meal.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
Accessibility and Safety - The Things I Didn’t Try But Noted
- Accessibility
- Exterior corridor
- Fire extinguisher
- Hotel chain
- Non-smoking rooms
- Pets allowed unavailable
- Safety/security feature
- Smoke alarms
- Soundproof rooms
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Check-in/out [express, private, contactless]
- Clinic/nurse on call
- Cashless payment service
- First aid kit
- Hygiene certification
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
Things I Didn’t Use But Noted (Too Many Services!).
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities, Meetings/seminars
- Indoor venue for special events
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Cash withdrawal
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- On-site event hosting
- Xerox/fax in business center
- Proposal spot
- Room decorations
- Security [24-hour]
- Smoking area
- Shrine
- Elevator
- Doorman
- Luggage storage
Getting Around (Easy Peasy!)
- Airport transfer
- Car park [on-site/ free]
- Car power charging station
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is real travel, Ugurlu Hotel edition, Gaziantep, Turkey. Prepare for the beautiful chaos. I’m typing this from the hotel bed, surrounded by a half-eaten baklava and a guilty conscience (more on that later.)
The Ugurlu Hotel & Gaziantep: A Messy, Wonderful Journey (and maybe a side of existential dread)
Day 1: Arrival, Baklava Bliss, and the Existential Crisis of Olives
Afternoon (ish - because who tracks time on a vacation really?): Arrive in Gaziantep. First impressions? HOT. Like, Sahara-Desert-in-July hot. The airport felt like a sauna. Taxi to Ugurlu Hotel. Pictures? Lie. It doesn't do it justice. This place…it’s a freaking dream. Courtyard, a fountain babbling merrily, the scent of jasmine and…I think…baklava baking? My soul did a happy dance. Check-in was smooth, the staff, genuinely friendly. They're probably used to tourists looking like they’ve wrestled a bear – jetlag is a cruel, cruel mistress.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Post-check-in, I immediately dropped my bag and bolted. Baklava hunt! The hotel recommended Imam Çağdaş, a legendary place. Finding it was an adventure – Google Maps tried to lead me down a donkey path, which is probably a sign of good things to come. Finally found it. The line was insane. The anticipation? Torture. Got to the front, and…holy sweet, flaky, honey-drenched heaven. Pistachio-filled, walnut-filled, everything-filled. I may have blacked out for a moment. I think I ate an entire plate. No regrets. Zero. Zilch.
Evening: Wandered the old city. It was beautiful. Ancient cobblestone streets, crumbling architecture, enough history to make your head spin. Found a tiny cafe, where I ordered… olives. I know. Olives. A small, seemingly innocent dish. Here's where the existential dread crept in. I sat there, staring at these perfectly pitted green orbs, and had a moment. "Am I just a tourist, gobbling up history and baklava without really seeing anything? Am I authentically experiencing this culture, or just consuming it?" Dramatic, I know! The olives were delicious, though. And the waiter gave me a knowing smile. Maybe he gets it. Maybe he's been there.
Night: Back to the hotel. Exhausted, but happy. Journaling in the blissful quiet of my room, only to realize I forgot to buy a converter for my phone charger. "Are you Kidding me?" My phone is half-dead, and the next day’s itinerary…well, it's going to be interesting.
Day 2: Zeugma Mosaic Museum (And the Surprisingly Emotional Power of Ancient Art)
Morning: Breakfast at the Ugurlu. Another reason to love this place. Freshly squeezed orange juice, Turkish coffee, and menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers). I think I was seated next to a very old british man, I heard him talking over himself and it was the funniest thing I ever heard. Energized, I ventured out, converterless.
Mid-Morning: The Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This place is a mind-blower. The sheer scale of the mosaics, the colors, the level of detail…it's astounding. But here's what got me: the emotion in some of the faces. There was a mosaic of a woman, a Gypsy girl, who looked almost mournful. And I…I got choked up. I started thinking about the people who made these mosaics, the lives they lived, and the stories they told. It felt so far removed from Instagram filters and selfies. It was a connection to humanity, across millennia. Totally caught me by surprise. I nearly cried. Publicly.
Afternoon: Lunch at a tiny kebab place near the museum. Best kebab I’ve ever had. The owner didn’t speak a word of English, but we managed – smiles, gestures, and the universal language of delicious food. Then, the search for the elusive converter. Turns out Gaziantep isn't exactly a tech hub. I wandered through a bustling market, the air thick with spices and the calls of vendors. I bought a weird hat, which I'm pretty sure I'll never wear, and eventually, finally, a converter. Victory!
Evening: Dinner & Exploration. Back to the hotel and then to the city. Tried a new restaurant. Stumbled in an alleyway, and was surrounded by street cats. Took the taxi back to the hotel. Back in my room, I'm suddenly craving more baklava. I mean, one can never have enough, right? This is my life now. Sweet, messy, utterly addictive.
Day 3: A (Possibly) Ill-Advised Souk Adventure & the Baklava Hangover
Morning: Ugh. The baklava coma finally hit. It's a real thing, people. I dragged myself out of bed, caffeine-fueled, and decided to hit the souk. This was either brilliant or disastrous.
Mid-Morning: The souk. Chaos. Glorious, overwhelming, sensory overload. Spices of every color imaginable. Carpets that took my breath away (but, like, where would I put a carpet?). Ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, everything you could possibly imagine. I got lost. Frequently. I may or may not have haggled for a silk scarf (I’m pretty sure I overpaid but I loved it). I bought a bunch of spices I don't know what to do with, but they smell amazing. I was on the verge of complete and utter sensory shutdown when…
Afternoon: Lunch break. I found a little lahmacun (Turkish pizza) place. Cheap, delicious, and exactly what I needed. Refueled, I plunged back into the souk. This time, with a slightly more focused mission: finding the perfect souvenir for my mother. Then I found them. The most beautiful, handcrafted, mother-of-pearl inlaid boxes. I lost all ability to haggle. Bought one. Maybe two. (I can't remember, honestly.)
Late Afternoon: Back at the hotel, collapsing on my bed. Legs aching, brain fried, but heart full of the magic of the souk. I decided to order room service, because I deserved it. And because, well, baklava. Of course.
Evening: The realization. I’m leaving tomorrow. I haven't done half the things on my "list" (which is more of a suggestion, really). I missed the castle. I didn't even attempt to learn any Turkish beyond "Merhaba" (hello) and "Teşekkürler" (thank you). I wonder if I'll ever come back. Then, more internal conflict and the dreaded voice of doubt. "Am I being a bad tourist?" Then I looked out my window at the courtyard below. The fountain trickling, the scent of jasmine heavy in the air, the promise of another plate of baklava tomorrow morning…
Day 4: Departure and the Promise of Baklava (and a return)
Morning: One last breakfast at the Ugurlu. I almost cried in my coffee. Ate two (or three?) more plates of baklava. Said goodbye to the incredibly kind staff. They may have known I was falling in love this place.
Mid-Morning: The airport. The departure. I bought a bag of baklava to take home. The security guard smiled. He understood.
Afternoon: The flight. I stare out the window, already making plans for my return. I'll learn more Turkish. I'll see the castle. I'll try every single type of baklava Gaziantep has to offer. This wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience. It was messy, imperfect, full of contradictions and emotions. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Evening: Home. Tired, happy, with a baklava hangover and a heart full of Gaziantep. And already dreaming of the next visit… to the Ugurlu Hotel. And the baklava. Always the baklava.
So there you have it. A brutally honest, beautifully chaotic, and utterly human travelogue. Gaziantep: You’ve stolen a piece of my heart (and my stomach).
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Ugurlu Hotel: The Good, the Bad, and the Absolutely Gaziantepian! Let's Get Real, Folks.
So, Ugurlu Hotel… Is it REALLY as good as they say? Because, you know, Instagram lies.
Okay, let's be honest, the 'gram is a highlight reel. Ugurlu? Well, it *is* gorgeous. Like, seriously, the courtyard is breathtaking. Think Moorish arches, a pool that whispers "relax," and a general vibe that screams, "You've made it, darling." But... (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… it's not perfect. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. The breakfast? Divine. The service? Mostly impeccable. The only thing that slightly irked me was the wifi in my room wasn't always as strong as I'd have liked – had to sneak out to the lounge to actually post my killer Instagram photos. The irony wasn't lost on me.
The Location: Is it a pain to get around? Or is it, like, *right there*?
Right there! Largely, yes. Getting around Gaziantep is a breeze. The hotel is smack-bang in the Old Town, which, let me tell you, is where you NEED to be. The copper bazaar? A five-minute walk. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum? A slightly longer stroll, maybe 15 minutes, but honestly, you *should* walk; take in the sights, the smells…. The hustle and bustle! You'll get lost, you'll ask for directions in broken Turkish (I butchered it relentlessly), and you'll LOVE it. It's part of the charm! Just remember to haggle… and drink your tea. Lots of tea.
Let's talk FOOD. Is the hotel restaurant worth it, or should I just wander off for kebabs?
Okay, *this* is where Ugurlu really shines. Their in-house restaurant? Oh. My. Goodness. Forget wandering off… at least for the first night. The food is INSANE. I'm talking Gaziantep cuisine at its finest, with a modern twist. The *lahmacun*? Spectacular! The *fistikli kebab*? Prepare to weep tears of joy (and maybe a little bit of regret for how much you're about to eat). The presentation is gorgeous, the flavors are incredible, and they have an impressive selection of local wines. Seriously, skip the restaurant at your own peril! Just… pace yourself. You will want to try EVERYTHING.
The Rooms: Are they as luxurious as the pictures suggest? And how noisy is it?
Alright, the rooms... They're pretty darn luxurious, yes. Think high ceilings, plush bedding, and bathrooms that are Instagram-worthy. I had a room overlooking the courtyard, which was STUNNING. But... (there’s that “but” again!)... there was a wedding going on in the courtyard *one* night. And the music was… lively, shall we say? I'm not a light sleeper, but even I had to shove some earplugs in. So, maybe request a room away from the action if you're a sensitive one. Other than that, the rooms are fantastic! And make sure to try to get a room with a balcony. Just… do it.
Anything I should avoid? Or any secret tips you can share?
Okay, secret tips... First, book a massage. Their spa area is small but incredible. Secondly, ask for a guided tour of the local attractions, as the hotel sometimes has connections and knows the best local secrets. A personal tip: Do NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT skip the pistachio ice cream. It's a religious experience. And, also, learn a few basic Turkish phrases. It'll endear you to the locals and make your experience much more enjoyable. Don't be afraid to get lost. That's where the magic happens. The only thing I would say to avoid? Over-packing! You'll want to buy ALL the things – the spices, the textiles… your suitcase will be bursting by the end of your trip! And just a note for the hotel, a few more readily available power outlets would be great in the rooms! Other than that, book it. You won't regret Ugurlu – just be ready for the food coma!
Speaking of the spa… Worth the hype?
Ugh, the spa. YES. Absolutely yes! I'm not usually a spa person, I'm more of a "wander around and sweat it out in the bazaar" type of traveller. But after a few days of relentless walking and food-sampling (which, let's be real, is a workout in itself), I caved. And it was glorious. The hammam was the bomb. The massage was… well, I think I actually fell asleep. It's a small space, but perfectly formed. Worth every penny. You'll leave feeling like a new person. Or at least, a considerably less stressed-out one!
And the staff? Are they friendly and helpful?
The staff are brilliant. And it's not just the forced smiles, either. They genuinely seem to care. From the receptionists to the waitstaff, they were ALL amazingly helpful. They were always ready to recommend restaurants, book taxis, and even help me navigate the ridiculously complicated Turkish coffee machine in my room. I had a minor issue with my luggage (it arrived a day late - thanks, Emirates!), and they went above and beyond to help me sort it out. They even offered to run out and buy emergency toiletries for me! (I turned them down, but the offer was so lovely!). It definitely makes a huge difference when the staff genuinely want you to have a good time. This adds a lot to the vibe of the hotel. 10/10 on service!
