The best hotels in Antalya: six places to stay, old town to beach resort

Ottoman houses around a courtyard

Tuvana Hotel is made up of several old Ottoman houses in Kaleiçi, restored around a courtyard with a pool and shady trees. Rooms have wooden floors, heavy doors and details from the old building style, and the garden restaurant is one of the best in the old town.

This is our design pick and the place to experience the old town from the inside. It is a good fit for couples and lovers of small, personal hotels with history. There is no beach, but the harbour is a few minutes' walk away, and from there boats and taxis reach the beaches.

On the cliffs above the bay

Akra Hotel sits on the cliffs east of Kaleiçi, with terraces, pools and bathing platforms stepping down to the sea. Many rooms have balconies looking across the bay to the Taurus Mountains.

It makes an easy first choice, combining city access with a resort feel and the old town ten minutes away. It is made for couples and anyone who wants to mix sightseeing and swimming. There is no sandy beach, but the platforms and pools make it easy to swim in the clear water.

The hotel shaped like a jet

Concorde De Luxe Resort in Lara is built in the shape of a Concorde aircraft, with the main building as the fuselage and the wings as its side blocks. It has a long sandy beach, large pools and all-inclusive dining.

It is right for families and friends who want a resort with a sense of fun and a short transfer from the airport. Children tend to love the building. The style is more entertainment than elegance, and it is large and busy in summer. With the airport so close, you can be in the pool half an hour after landing.

Golf and space in Belek

Regnum Carya sits in Belek, with its own golf course, extensive gardens, several pools and a long sandy beach. Rooms are modern and spacious, and there are many restaurants.

It is a strong pick for golfers and families who want space and plenty to do without leaving the grounds, and it works well for longer stays. It is a very large resort, so if you want somewhere intimate, look elsewhere. The pine forest behind the beach gives shade and makes for good morning walks.

Luxury with everything included

Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort stands on the beach at Belek, with elegant rooms and villas, large pools and a high standard of food and service, all included in the price.

It appeals to travellers who want all-inclusive at luxury level, with restaurants and bars that hold a high standard. It is popular with couples and families alike. Rates are high and the resort is large, but the offering is so broad that many guests never leave.

The full package for families

Rixos Premium Tekirova lies south of Kemer, with a long beach, many pools, water slides and a large kids' club. The mountains rise directly behind the resort.

It takes our family pick, keeping children busy all day while adults enjoy the spa, restaurants and beach. It also suits big groups of friends. It is large and lively, so if you want peace, a small hotel such as Tuvana Hotel in the old town is a better fit.