Sentido Gold island Hotel ALanya
By Mike Pickup, Mike writes about travel for numerous newspapers and magazines, both consumer and trade, and has over a hundred features published each year. He is also the Editor of Holiday Magazine and a professionally trained photographer. For more information click here
The first view of our hotel was an amazing sight. It was already dark but the rugby ball-shaped hotel was lit up with Happy New Year being rotated round the building in contrasting red lights. OK, it was in German, Turkey's second language, but you didn't have to be a genius to work out the message.
We had decided to get away for Christmas, somewhere a little warmer, all-inclusive but at a reasonable price. There was an obvious link between Christmas and Turkey so we explored the possibilities of a country we have hardly visited and found the Sentido Gold Island hotel in Alanya. The Sentido group of hotels is represented in the UK by Thomas Cook so after a couple of brief phone calls we were booked and set to go.
Our trip started well thanks to the excellent service of I Love Meet & Greet who were ready to meet us at the Gatwick terminal. Within minutes of arriving we were checking in while our car was driven away to be looked after for the week. Next up was No 1 Gatwick, a comfortable lounge where we enjoyed a late breakfast, coffee and a celebratory glass of wine before board the plane for the flight to Antalya where we were met by cheerful local Thomas Cook staff.
All the hotel rooms have balconies except the Garden Rooms which have their own garden area. The bathroom was very well appointed with an impressive range of toiletries. Guests also receive bath robes and slippers. Inside the 'rugby ball' and the lower area, the hotel has main and a la carte restaurants which are both included in the price, a gym, spa, indoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi complex, disco, games room, doctor's surgery and kids club. There is also a small blue flag beach in the grounds and a play area for kids.
What greatly impressed us throughout our stay was how immaculately clean it was, both inside and out. The service was excellent, the toiletries replenished daily and the beds large and comfortable. Most of the guests were German and over Christmas the hotel was full, but there were always plenty of sunbeds available!
Christmas came and went, we had a great time and returned home relaxed and ready to face the New Year. Would we go back? Certainly.
We had decided to get away for Christmas, somewhere a little warmer, all-inclusive but at a reasonable price. There was an obvious link between Christmas and Turkey so we explored the possibilities of a country we have hardly visited and found the Sentido Gold Island hotel in Alanya. The Sentido group of hotels is represented in the UK by Thomas Cook so after a couple of brief phone calls we were booked and set to go.
Our trip started well thanks to the excellent service of I Love Meet & Greet who were ready to meet us at the Gatwick terminal. Within minutes of arriving we were checking in while our car was driven away to be looked after for the week. Next up was No 1 Gatwick, a comfortable lounge where we enjoyed a late breakfast, coffee and a celebratory glass of wine before board the plane for the flight to Antalya where we were met by cheerful local Thomas Cook staff.
All the hotel rooms have balconies except the Garden Rooms which have their own garden area. The bathroom was very well appointed with an impressive range of toiletries. Guests also receive bath robes and slippers. Inside the 'rugby ball' and the lower area, the hotel has main and a la carte restaurants which are both included in the price, a gym, spa, indoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi complex, disco, games room, doctor's surgery and kids club. There is also a small blue flag beach in the grounds and a play area for kids.
What greatly impressed us throughout our stay was how immaculately clean it was, both inside and out. The service was excellent, the toiletries replenished daily and the beds large and comfortable. Most of the guests were German and over Christmas the hotel was full, but there were always plenty of sunbeds available!
Christmas came and went, we had a great time and returned home relaxed and ready to face the New Year. Would we go back? Certainly.
