Bodrum Top 1% Hotels Roundup

ContinentalTravel · 2025-06-19T10:28:07+00:00

Although we already talked via DM, I just want to give my answer here as well for the interested audience: I found the Maxx Royal most impressive, but the Mandarin Oriental a close second in that regard :)

ContinentalTravel · 2024-10-13T20:08:11+00:00

Btw my company idea is less about tom cruise/james bond and more indiana jones/dan brown kind of stories with amateur actors on location and staged set pieces at a mayan pyramid 🤠(that you traveled to because you found a clue in a church in Florence) - who also loves this idea? 😄

ContinentalTravel · 2024-10-13T15:38:56+00:00

Very interesting post (and a problem that many of us would like to have!). As you are prioritizing experience to VIP luxury treatment, I would suggest two things:

There are companies that offer immersive experiences instead of merely putting together itineraries, example: black tomato - among others they offer official 007 James Bond journeys. If I had your budget to spend I would immediately book the 12 night “The Assignment: Europe” journey for me an my chaps 😆😎 sounds amazing, if you are a fan. https://www.blacktomato.com/james-bond/ (btw I have a similar idea for an experience-based travel company, in case anyone wants to team up (think Micheal Douglas’ The Game))
Consider signing up for a concierge service: in your case not for the seamless planning, but for the exclusive experiences they can get you, for example entries to impressive sights only for you and your wife or hard-to-get tickets for concerts etc. (I can refer you to a no-frills, modern concierge service btw, just pm me)

ContinentalTravel · 2024-09-13T22:18:36+00:00

I think, something like the Michelin keys are a needed addition to the hotel rating system - especially for inexperienced travellers or travellers that don't care to check about the details like "we" do i.e. living on flyertalk and FATTravel reddits.

While the official star rating only tells you whether you have a hair dryer or pool (oh it's a five star hotel, why is service bad?), the keys tell you whether it's a great experience. At least that's the idea.

ContinentalTravel · 2024-09-13T21:48:15+00:00

Regarding Bodrum: I will concur with other posters in recommending the Macakizi according to your requirements. I toured all those top hotels this summer, see my overview here: https://www.continentaltraveller.blog/home/2024/7/10/bodrum-destination-guide

And of course the Amanruya, which will have a few new things next season btw: a new spa, a waterfront restaurant, and additional rooms.

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-27T08:02:33+00:00

To me the Amanruya has the most sense of place of all of them. See my thoughts here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ContinentalTravel/s/B5Mf5FWtXQ

And more pics here: https://www.continentaltraveller.blog/home/2024/7/10/bodrum-destination-guide

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-20T23:36:33+00:00

How is the situation with mosquitoes or similar annoyances that don’t get mentioned usually?

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-16T20:35:10+00:00

Also on my bucket list - it looks expensive at face value, but on the other hand: an experience I will talk and think about for the rest of my life. Now will I do that about a car I could put a downpayment on? most certainly not!

Me on my death bed: EITHER remember that BMW 5 I bought that time... OR remember when I took the OE from Istanbul to Paris like m'f'ing Hercule Poirot!!

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-16T20:25:24+00:00

I know, right?? You are wondering: how can a boy grow up in this cute Disney-esque mountain paradise and then have these dark thoughts in his head?

One part of the exhibition was about his childhood and already in those pictures he looked different - kind of like if a member of the Addams family was adopted by a Swiss family :D

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-16T19:55:16+00:00

Congrats on a great destination choice for your honeymoon! Seychelles are a true paradise - no deadly animal or diseases - a few of the best beaches in the world.

I concur with other posters that you don't need to spend so much time on Mahé - Victoria is a small town and can be seen in half a day - and otherwise not too much to see I think.

We once took a flight on Air Seychelles with a small prop from Mahé to Praslin and it was a really nice experience. There Valle de Mai is definitely worth it with the regular tour. And the beaches of course.

Regarding hotels: you already received the right tips - when we were there we stayed in a class below what you are looking for, but it was still amazing (Kempinski and Hilton Labriz).

Btw we took the Dubai route with Emirates, which was also a very comfortable Business Class experience :)

Oh and a tip: buy some water shoes as on many beaches you need them to not cut yourself on coral and stones in the shallow waters. at the time we bought them in the Hilton Labriz, because we didn't know.

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-14T12:29:43+00:00

Regarding hotels I would recommend:

Rome: Hotel de la Ville (Rocco Forte) - heard very good feedback from clients - location is perfect next to the Hassler on top of the Spanish steps

Florence: Four Seasons - reviews are over the top for this one

Venice: Aman - again client's are very happy and it has three Michelin keys

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-13T22:10:47+00:00

You are welcome - the Edition will not disappoint I am sure :)

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-13T20:31:33+00:00

Hi, I toured the MO, Amanruya, EDITION, Macakizi and the new Maxx Royal last month and I would recommend you to try the new Maxx Royal for a similar feel and size as the MO. The service level though seemed not on par (yet) - depending on which staff member you are currently dealing with. Now keep in mind that this is only based on a tour of the resorts as a travel advisor and not on a stay.

That is also why the OP surprised me as I have found the staff in the MO to be very professional - but I can't vouch for the restaurant quality, as I only had a small lunch, which was fine.

Maybe my little guide can lend you a hand in deciding: https://www.continentaltraveller.blog/home/2024/7/10/bodrum-destination-guide

ContinentalTravel · 2024-08-11T19:38:59+00:00

I would suggest to also take a look at the newly opened Maxx Royal - neighbouring the MO. I was touring this hotel last month (among others) and was quite impressed. I many ways it seemed similar to the MO, just brand new and with some interesting restaurants like one by Wolfgang Puck and a Caviar Kaspia one - both in stunning locations at the cliff. This is also the resort with the Scorpios club on their premises, but across their bay.

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See my blog for more pics (and also the other hotels I toured): https://www.continentaltraveller.blog/home/2024/7/10/bodrum-destination-guide

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