try olu deniz it ticks all the boxes well nearly there is sandy beaches but also pebble beaches

Here's another suggestion. Try looking at the Bodrum peninsula - the airport is only 35kms from Bodrum and then you've got a choice of resorts that are not much further on so you haven't got a long transfer time. And for a quicker transfer, you might like to consider using a private transfer (may be a bit but well worth it with young kids in tow). Try looking at http://www.propercar.com for prices as they're reliable and reasonable.

You say you're on a budget. Have you looked at Travel Republic and booking your flights and hotel? We always found it worked out cheaper. Or try looking at other website for flights (INVALID URL Thomas Cook or depending where you are Easyjet) and then book your hotel with Travel Republic or similar.

There's a variety of resorts on the Bodrum peninsula to look at - Gumbet, Bitez, Gundogan, Yalikavak, Turgetries, etc so it may be worth having a look at those to see which would suit you best.

If you do decide on that area, come back and ask for hotel ideas - I live part of the year in Gumbet so maybe can help.

JAK xx

Got to agree with Gumbet Jakki if you want a quick transfer from the airport it has got to be the Bodrum peninsula.As much as i like the Dalaman area the transfers are to long.

Yes, I agree too, if you want a short transfer then the Bodrum Peninsula is an ideal place as none of the resorts are more than an hour from the airport. I have two young children and we spend a lot of time there.

Most of the beaches are shingly but you will find sandy parts on most of them and there a couple of beautiful sandy beaches too.

Gumbet is the liveliest resort, so plenty of entertainment there and you will find a good range of very reasonably priced hotels and apartments. There are only a couple of decent AI hotels but they are quite expensive and you may find in better to go b&b or sc and eat out.

You could also look at some of the smaller resorts: Bitez, Turgutreis, Yalikavak and Ortakent (this is where the lovely sandy beach is) are all worth a look.

If you need any more help just ask

Kedi

Dalyan is a lovely resort with a great beach although this requires a boat trip on the river ( which the kids would probably love) or a dolmus trip. The transfer from Dalaman airport is only 30 minutes.
I've been to Bitez and would think it would fit the bill too: nice quiet beach resort within striking distance of Gumbet or Bodrum for a change of scene.
Don't think you'd go far wrong with either

Hello All

Just wanted to thank you for all your ideas, I will now read about all these and will probably get back with some questions about acommodation.
Actually, what should I expect the prices to be like for a B&B on a medium prices resort?
And while we are at the same conversation, could you please suggest some hotels/apartments?

Thank you ever so much
Helen

Okay, here I go with my two penny worth. If you are on a budget, then I can recommend the Serhan Hotel for B&B as it's in a good location - a small and friendly hotel, you would just need to check on the size of the rooms if all four of you are wanting in the same room (you don't say how old the kids are). If you're looking at a decent AI, try the Royal Asarlik which also is in a good location. For SC, maybe look at the Siesta Beach - I think Kedi could probably tell you more about these as I'm sure she has stayed there before. Other SC options would be the Greenhouse Apartments or the Queens Resort which are both in a really good location. Or the Seray is good (next door to the Serhan). These are all in Gumbet 'cos it's the area I know best but do give some idea of prices.

Just looking at hotel prices for a rough comparison (with Travel Republic), a week at the end of August (from 28 August) would cost as follows. This isn't exact though 'cos I didn't know the age of the kids or if you would all share a room.

A duplex studio would cost £167.82 in total - Greenhouse SC
A 1-bedroom apartment would cost £149.87 in total - Seray SC
A 1-bedroom apartment would cost £240.08 in total - Queens SC
A family room would cost £1014.52 in total - Royal Asarlik AI
A double room would cost £451.76 in total - Grand Newport AI (this looks a good deal but I don't know much about the hotel)

These are just a few costings for you to maybe look at in more detail. As you can see there's quite a range to choose from so you can take your pick. If there's a couple of three that you fancy, just ask on here and there's bound to be somebody who can help with more in-depth reviews.

JAK xx

Siesta Beach costs £125 per week for a one bedroom apartment, the apartments are set right on the beach and there are two swimming pools, each with bar/restaurant area. We have stayed there a couple of times with our young children and they are very nice.

Hello Gumbet Jakki

I am sorry, but I do not know what does SC and Al stand for, could you please tell me? I know I sound think, but I really do not know. Thank you for all the info so far, it is really appreciateD

Helen

Self catering and All Inclusive. Hope that helps!

thank you, steve-mcr.
did not cross my mind.....

Have to also agree with the suggestion of Dalyan, if you want a short transfer and great beach. Trying googling images of Dalyan and you'll see how lovely and unspoilt the beach is. The resort is a smallish, low key resort perfect for families!

Dalyan isn't on the beach though is it? You have to get a boat there.

Yes that's true Kedi, but I didn't say it again as the earlier poster who talked about Dalyan had already said it. We found that the boat trip to the beach was a great part of our holiday as the surroundings are so lovely, and kids usually love going on boats, so we didn't look at it as a negative at all.

Sorry , I didn't read the earlier post

Thank you, All! Sorry for not replying sooner, but my kids will not allow me to go near a computer especially during the week-end.

Thanks to your posts, I have narrowed it down to Dalyan and Olu Deniz. If I get a good deal through a friend, I might go to Olu Deniz. If I don't, then I will look for some SC options in Dalyan.
However, another friend pointed something last night and that worried me a bit. Is it extremelly hot in July and August - I am referring particularly to these two resorts? How high do the temperatures go? I doubt any of us will enjoy much if they are over 35C

Kindest regards
Helen

olu denis is in the high 40s in july august has got to 50 before now that is why hisaronu or ovacik is better as it is cooler

how about dalyan, is that slightly better?

Dalyan has a high average of about 34:

http://www.holiday-weather.com/dalyan/averages/#avg_high_low

Olu Deniz is similar:

http://www.holiday-weather.com/olu_deniz/averages/#avg_high_low

It can get higher, the highest official recorded temperature in that part of Turkey is 44 degrees