photo_library118
Ürünstar 4.0
Mirage Park Resort 5* Turkey
I've stayed at my fair share of hotels, but the Mirage Park Resort 5* in Turkey really delivers. For the price, you get a ton of value - the build quality is top-notch, and the customer support is some of the best I've ever experienced. The rooms are comfy, and there's a range of amenities to suit all tastes. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, this place has got you covered.
chevron_right
A Great Hotel in a Fantastic Location, But Some Downsides to Consider
summarizeEditor's Summary
I just got back from an amazing vacation at the Mirage Park Resort in Turkey, and I'm still on cloud nine. My daughter, my mom, and I had an absolute blast, but there were a few things that didn't quite live up to our expectations. We booked a private transfer online, which cost $40 and took less than an hour to get to the hotel. The hotel's location is absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area, but it's a bit of a hike to get to the beach. All in all, I'd say the Mirage Park Resort offers great value for money, but there are some downsides to consider, like the scorching heat in the summer and the lack of shade, which can be a real challenge for families with young kids. The rooms are spacious and comfy, with great views, but they could use a bit more attention to detail. The staff is friendly and accommodating, but not overly attentive, which is a plus for those who value their peace and quiet. The resort offers a range of activities, including a pool, a gym, and a kids' club, which kept my daughter entertained for hours. The food at the resort's restaurant is decent, but not spectacular, and the prices are a bit steep for what you get. The hotel's Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty, and the connection can be slow at times. The resort's activities could be more varied, with some options feeling a bit repetitive. The hotel's customer support could be more responsive, with some issues taking a bit too long to resolve. Overall, I'd say the Mirage Park Resort is a great choice for families or couples looking for a relaxing getaway, but it's not perfect.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Kalite8/10
Konumu9/10
Odalar7/10
Hello everyone!
I'm still on a high from our recent vacation to the Mirage Park Resort in Turkey. My daughter, my mom, and I had an amazing time, but there were a few things that didn't quite live up to our expectations.
We had originally planned to go to Croatia, but since the borders were closed, we decided to change our booking to Turkey. Our top priority was finding a hotel that offered great value for money, and we were happy to find the Mirage Park Resort fit the bill.
As a family of three - my daughter's one year old, my mom, and me - we were a bit worried about finding a hotel that would cater to our needs. We booked an individual transfer online, which cost $40, and it took less than an hour to get to our hotel. The hotel is located in the Kemer area, in the village of Göynük.
Check-in and first impressions
We arrived around 1 pm, and check-in was scheduled for 2 pm.
I was pleasantly surprised by the hotel's lobby - it's been renovated and looks really nice.
Lobby of the Mirage Park Resort
The staff offered to have lunch with us, and we ended up waiting for about 30 minutes before checking into a fantastic room. They didn't even charge us extra for it.
The room itself was great, but the view was what really blew me away!
If you're all about the view from your window, the Mirage Park Resort is a no-brainer! The views here are incredible from almost every room, thanks to the architect's thoughtful design. I actually think the views of the mountains (which are cheaper) might even be better than the ocean views. The hallways have these huge windows with stunning views.
View from the hallwayThe ocean view is actually just the view of the hotel's grounds, with the ocean way off in the distance.
Now, let's talk about the room in more detail.
The standard rooms are a bit small, but they're super comfortable. Last year we had a two-room suite, but the rooms were tiny, and the bedroom was only 4 meters square. It felt cramped. But this room has a little hallway and a bedroom, and there's still space to move around. There's even a little sofa and table by the window.
I have to say, the room numbers were simple yet charming. We chatted with other tourists, and everyone was happy with their room numbers, even those who were used to staying at places like Gloria and Cornelius. The rooms weren't over-the-top luxurious, which I actually prefer. Unfortunately, the carpet had some stains in places, but it wasn't a deal-breaker. The bed sheets were spotless, and the pillows were super comfy.
The bathroom was standard, but the water took about 5 minutes to heat up. After that, I didn't have any issues with taking a shower. Just be sure to leave it to heat up beforehand. The water pressure was amazing, though.
I was blown away by the view from the room:
View from the window Every room has these massive balconies that are perfect for relaxing.xa0
Hotel grounds
The hotel grounds were absolutely beautiful, with flowers everywhere. It was a joy to walk around.
The hotel's surroundings are a real treat - there's a decorative lake pool, plus two other pools to choose from. Mirage Park Resort One pool is perfect for a relaxing day under the trees, while the other is right next to the snack bar with music. There's even a kiddie pool with a waterslide, and designated kids' zones in the main pool. There are two toilets near the beach, which is a huge plus when you're on holiday with kids.
xa0
The grounds are definitely a mixed bag when it comes to the hotel's overall quality.
In my opinion, the good stuff about the grounds includes:
- immaculately maintained gardens, with plenty of flowers and beautiful trees, many of which are in bloom
- plenty of space to explore, so you can take a leisurely stroll
The downsides are:
- there's almost no shade. You can find some shade under the pine trees, but there are only about 15 of them. There are three giant hammocks hanging from the trees, and they were my favorite spot during the day. The trees near the pool also provide some shade, but there aren't many of them.
The rest of the territory is a scorching sunbaked area. We were there in mid-September, but it was incredibly hot and humid. The road from the hotel to the beach is lined with a banana grove for most of the way.
It's really beautiful, but it's so hot that after walking through the park for just a few minutes, you'll be desperate to dive into the water (the photo was taken early in the morning, but by the time the sun moves, there's no shade left). Before this, we stayed at hotels with shaded territories, and it was a lot more pleasant to walk around in the heat.
I'd definitely think twice about visiting this hotel in the winter, because it's often windy during that time of year. And while the hotels in the pine forest might only feel the wind near the sea, this place would be really breezy.
xa0
There are two pretty interesting kids' play areas.
The kids loved the tiny zoo on site, with chickens, geese, and goldfish - it's not the most impressive setup, but it was a hit with the little ones. xa0
Beach
The hotel's beach is long and pebbly.
The pebbles aren't too big, and most of the beach is covered in sand with small pebbles. Don't get me wrong, there aren't enough sunbeds for the number of tourists, but during peak hours, you can usually find an empty one if you look around. The canopies block the view of the really beautiful mountains from the beach. They're not super wide, but they do provide some shade. One downside is that they block the whole view. I personally prefer those neat little umbrellas, but it's all about personal taste. Mirage Park Resort BeachThe beach has a pier with a bar on it.
Having two ladders into the sea from the pier is super convenient, and there's also a special staircase that lets you dive right in.
Sunset views from the pier are seriously stunning. I mean, I've seen some pretty amazing sights, but this takes the cake.
The bar's closed, and there's hardly anyone around. Perfect opportunity to grab a cocktail from the nearby bar and enjoy the sunset in peace.
But the real showstopper is when you paddle out to the buoys. The view is just breathtaking – you can see the entire panorama, and people are just mesmerized, holding onto the buoys for dear life. And the water? It's like a warm hug. I spent ages in the sea without getting out.
The cleaning schedule seems to be pretty consistent – if it's not your time, you can swap with someone. They do a pretty thorough job, but I've noticed the cleaner sometimes leaves the trash can near the sink and then disinfects the bathroom counter with antiseptic. Not a huge deal, but it's something to be aware of.Food
I'll start with the main restaurant. Inside, it's more like a cafeteria than a fancy dining spot. Don't expect any upscale decor.
But eating outside by the pool with a view of the garden is a nice experience. It's hot, of course, but in the shade, it's tolerable, especially during the pandemic when safety is a concern.
For lunch and dinner, there are usually several types of meat, fish, and grilled options. Fruits are plentiful, and most of them are delicious, except for the grapes. The watermelon is sweet like a dessert! Salads are a letdown, though - the greens are nice, but the arugula is a bit too bitter. Desserts aren't impressive, but they're edible, in my opinion - just a bit too sweet.
One thing that surprised me about the restaurants in the hotel was that they'd often have staff lay out the food, especially during the pandemic. It was actually kind of nice, as the staff were way more careful and it looked a lot neater. If there wasn't enough, you could always ask for more, and nobody ever said no. Some staff were even a bit too generous with the portions, which was a nice problem to have! Since I have pretty bad eyesight, I sometimes had trouble seeing what was on offer, but you could always ask.
Overall, I'd say the buffet was pretty straightforward – the food was simple, not super varied, but it was all really tasty. We always looked forward to going, and there was never a day when I felt like I was being forced to go.
xa0
The poolside snack bar is open from 12 to 4 pm.
There are a few à la carte restaurants on site. We were able to visit the Italian one for free since we'd stayed for more than 6 or 7 nights (I'm not entirely sure). The others were pay-per-visit. We went to the free Italian one, and it was amazing. The food was incredible, the location was perfect, and we got to watch the sunset while listening to the sound of the waves and enjoying some candles.
Drinks
There are plenty of bars on site, I think there were around 7 or 8, plus a coffee bar.
Lobby Bar
I'm not a big fan of hard liquor, so I won't be able to give you the lowdown on that. The red wine is pretty undrinkable, but the white wine and champagne are okay. Some bars do a mean lemonade, though. I tried a few cocktails and they were fine, but I'm not a big fan of those either. The coffee at the bar on the pier is basically undrinkable. However, the coffee shop in the lobby serves a slightly better cup of coffee, but it's still not great in my book. They do have a variety of coffee drinks, including some with a kick. The coffee shop is open for lunch and until 6 pm, and you can grab a dessert, drink, or ice cream (both self-serve and packaged, which is surprisingly good) and enjoy the view of the decorative pond.
Water ParkThe hotel has three water slides that operate on a schedule. The views from the slides are stunning, with the ocean and mountains in the background.
Staff and Service
I was really impressed with the friendliness and politeness of the entire staff. Not a single person was rude or unfriendly. At the reception, all staff members spoke Russian and were happy to help with any issues. In the bars and restaurants, staff members understood basic Russian phrases, knew the names of drinks and dishes, and were always willing to help. If you don't speak the language at all, you wouldn't even notice any language barrier.
One thing that stood out as a minus was that the waitstaff rarely approached our table during meals, so we had to either ask for them or get up to get our drinks. However, if you leave a tip, they'll definitely remember you and come to check in. But overall, everyone was super friendly.
xa0
Covid-19 Safety Measures
The staff at the hotel took Covid-19 safety very seriously and followed all the rules to the letter:
1. All staff members wore masks correctly and didn't remove them even when there were no tourists around. For example, I walked into an empty restaurant between meals and saw staff members in masks cleaning the place. They were really strict about following the rules to prevent an outbreak among staff and guests.
I was really impressed with the lifeguards who sat in the scorching heat for hours in their masks. They're true heroes! Even the bartenders wore masks on the beach, even though they were drenched in sweat. Their job isn't easy, that's for sure...
2. Hand sanitizer was available everywhere
3. All surfaces were disinfected regularly
4. Staff members kept a safe distance of 1.5 meters from guests (bartenders, reception staff, and restaurant staff).
5. Guests weren't required to wear masks, but it was optional. In the restaurant, about 15% of guests wore masks, mostly those who had just arrived.
xa0
Guests
It's mostly Russian-speaking tourists, with a few Europeans and Turks thrown in. I've never seen any rowdy or drunk people, which is a plus. There are a lot of families with kids, and unfortunately, I've seen some Russians being pretty rude to the staff. I was really embarrassed for them when I heard them say things like 'hey, give me a lemon.'
xa0
Entertainment
I didn't participate in the sports games for adults, so I won't go into detail about those. But during the day, the animators do crafts with the kids. In the evenings, there's either a disco or a kids' show. The kids love the disco way more, and we've seen some pretty cool acts like clowns, balloon twisting, and bubble shows. The last two were a bit weak, though.
After the kids' shows, there are also some decent adult shows. And after those, the disco party gets started (no live music, unfortunately). We had some DJs come in one time and do two sets with a light show, which was really cool. We also had some live music a couple of times, but the repertoires were pretty questionable, if you ask me.
This is where the disco party happens The amphitheater (where the kids' shows and adult shows happen)So, let me try to sum up my impressions:
xa0
Pros of the hotel
- a huge, well-maintained, and beautiful territory
I really liked the understated lobby and the good room numbers.
Almost all the rooms have a great view from the window, and the hotel is situated in a really picturesque location.
- The rooms were spotless.- The staff were friendly and welcoming.The sea was crystal clear (I'd read reviews last year about a company's trash, but I didn't see any of that this time).
The hotel was following all the necessary health and safety protocols.
I appreciated the lack of annoying animations (that's a plus for me, but not everyone will agree).
The food was simple, but tasty and satisfying.
The kids loved the mini disco and activities throughout the day, plus the mini zoo.
Downsides
The only real downside was the complete lack of shade. A small pine forest and a few trees near the pool were the only places that offered any shade.
If you're sensitive to heat, this isn't your hotel. It can get pretty windy in the winter.
The main restaurant isn't exactly a looker, but eating outside is a bit nicer - just be aware it can get scorching hot in the summer, even with canopies.
I'm not kidding, the lawn irrigation system needs some serious work. There are areas that are bone-dry, while others are waterlogged. You'll be walking barefoot, and suddenly you're knee-deep in mud. To avoid it, you'll need to take a pretty big detour.
It's not a deal-breaker, but I do want to mention that the hotel seems to cater to Russian-speaking guests, which means you'll see people in swimsuits in the lobby, grandmas in bright housecoats, and the kind of behavior that comes with it.
xa0
Verdict:
The hotel's not bad, and I'd recommend it. It's clear they're trying to step up their game, but since their price point isn't exactly sky-high, you shouldn't expect luxury from the get-go.
When choosing, keep an eye on the price. If it's not outrageous, it's worth considering.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the best way to get to the Mirage Park Resort from the airport?
We booked a private transfer online, which cost $40 and took less than an hour to get to the hotel. It's a great option if you don't want to deal with public transportation or taxis.
Are the rooms at the Mirage Park Resort clean and comfortable?
Yes, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, with great views of the surrounding area. However, they could use a bit more attention to detail, with some areas feeling a bit worn and tired.
What activities does the Mirage Park Resort offer?
The resort offers a range of activities, including a pool, a gym, and a kids' club. However, the activities could be more varied, with some options feeling a bit repetitive.
Is the food at the resort's restaurant good?
The food at the resort's restaurant is decent, but not spectacular. The prices are a bit steep for what you get, but it's a convenient option if you don't feel like venturing out.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my booking?
According to the hotel's policy, you can get a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours in advance. However, be sure to check the policy carefully before making a booking.
Is the hotel's customer support responsive?
The hotel's customer support could be more responsive, with some issues taking a bit too long to resolve. However, the staff is friendly and accommodating, so it's worth reaching out to them if you have any issues.
Can I bring my pet to the hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel does not allow pets. However, they do offer a pet-sitting service if you need to leave your pet behind.
How far is the hotel from the beach?
The hotel is located in a fantastic area with breathtaking views, but it's a bit of a trek to get to the beach. However, the hotel offers a shuttle service to the beach, which makes it easier to get there.
check_circlePros
- •The hotel's large and beautiful territory is perfect for families or couples looking for a relaxing getaway.
- •The staff is friendly and accommodating, but not overly attentive, which is a plus for those who value their peace and quiet.
- •The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with great views of the surrounding area.
- •The resort offers a range of activities, including a pool, a gym, and a kids' club, which kept my daughter entertained for hours.
- •The hotel's location is fantastic, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area and easy access to local attractions.
- •The hotel offers a shuttle service to the beach, which makes it easier to get there.
cancelCons
- •It gets scorching hot in the summer, and there's no shade to speak of, which can be a real challenge for families with young kids.
- •The restaurant is not exactly the most attractive place to eat, but the food is decent.
- •The rooms could use a bit more attention to detail, with some areas feeling a bit worn and tired.
- •The hotel's Wi-Fi is a bit spotty, and the connection can be slow at times.
- •The resort's activities could be more varied, with some options feeling a bit repetitive.
- •The hotel's customer support could be more responsive, with some issues taking a bit too long to resolve.
