We have been going to Icmeler for almost 20 years but we did visit Gumbet last year and the year before.
We stayed at the Parkim Ayaz and loved the hotel and its the only hotel we have returned to.
While we were there I kept saying if I could pick this hotel up and move it to Icmeler it would be perfect as the hotel was prone to the noise from the bars outside the hotel.
We went both times in May at the beginning of the season and the noise was intolerable which is why we didnt return this year.
In Icmeler the music has to be switched off at midnight so peaceful nights are guaranteed.
We stayed in the old village in Icmeler last month and it was lovely.It was very quiet with gorgeous scenic mountain views from our balcony.
There are lots of lovely reasonable restaurants in the main resort and the village area.
Icmeler is more scenic than Gumbet and on a bigger bay and I an sure you will love it.
Near the beach front the Gondol and Prince apartments have good reviews.
Even when we stayed in the village it only took about 10-15 minutes to walk to the beach.

Thanks Jay, that sounds wonderful.

Is there much entertainment / busy bars in Icemeler compared to Gumbet ? I like the fact we can have a quiet night in Gumbet or head further into the centre or even Bodrum for a "dancing" night

I'll look at those 2 accom recommendations now, we like to be on top of the beach as we prefer that to the pool area.

P.S. IF you ever feel like going back to Gumbet and avoiding any noise element then I absolutely highly recommend the Tropicana Beach Hotel, fab place to stay with it's own beach and wonderful, wonderful staff

If you go to page 53 of this forum, 22nd April 2008, you will find the Discussion on Icmeler Topic,(perhaps one of the Moderators will be kind enough to provide a link please !!). Also, look at http://www.Icmeleronline.com this will provide you with more up to date information.

Les

Cruisecontroller wrote:

perhaps one of the Moderators will be kind enough to provide a link please

Is this the one you were referring to: Discussion on Icmeler? There are also our members Resort Reports.

While I've never been to Gumbet, I've been to Icmeler 7 times and think it's a lovely place to spend a week or two. Icmeler is one of them places were you can have a quiet, relaxing holiday but if you want the night life, it's only a stroll or short dolmus ride away. If the marine life was a litle more varied, I'd probably go more often.

Darren

Thank you Dazbo, that is the one.

Les

Miss Chief ,I know where the Tropicana beach is and its in a lovely position.
If we went their my husband would want to eat a T bone every night in Columbia.
In Icmeler along the beach is a path that goes all the way to Marmaris and there are lots of lovely places to have lunch when you are on the beach.
We also like the beach and always sit in front of the Kontes beach hotel as the sunbeds have nice thick mattresses.
The canal in Icmeler which leads to the sea has 2 lovely lively bars.Venice on one side and over the canal Majestic.
Both do great food and if you look on u tube there are many videos of these bars.
We dont mind the little bit walk to the beach as it burns the calories off.
The nearest we have stayed to the beach apart from the Hotel Aqua was at the Private hotel at the top of the canal,the Devamli just over the road and the Ercanhan one street back.
These are worth a look especially the Devamli as this is the hotel that houses the Loveboat Restaurant arguable the best restaurant in Icmeler although I must admit its too formal for me.
There are 2 nightclubs but although the bars switch the music off at midnight they stay open until the last customer has gone!
One bar has Efes for 53p

Been to both resorts and Icmeler in my opinion is far superior. Went to Gumbet in 2004 and found that it was rather a compact resort. Icmeler is larger although it to is quite compact. there are many more restaurants some loud and lively others very laid back. There is something for everyone in Icmeler. I think Icmeler tends to attract a lot of couples and families whereas I thi=ought that Gumbet was more geared towards a younger crowd, it may have changed.

The village area in Icmeler is lovely, with some great restaurants, gret prices and a very friendly atmosphere

Marmaris is just a 15 minute dolmus ride away if you are looking for a change

There is a great range of accomadation in Icmeler from simple S/C to quality hotels. I would recommend that you go s/c as the choice of restaurants is great and the food fabulous and well priced

Stewart

Thanks very much for all the replies.

I think we've definitely opted to give Icmeler a go next year instead of Gumbet.

I'll suss out a short list of accom options and am sure I'll be back for more advice

Thanks again

If you are thinking of going s/c and want to book it yourself I can recommend http://www.travelrepublic.co.uk for really great proces. I am going in May for 2 weeks and the apartments I am staying in start at about £50 for the full 2 weeks. have a look see the apartments you want then check out trip advisor for reviews to give you an idea what they may be like

Stewart

Icmeler is unquestionably prettier than gumbet in fact personally with the exception of a couple of areas I don't think the coastline here can be matched and that includes" olu snobby deniz" however icmeler isn't as lively as gumbet and marmaris not as sophisticated as bodrum but icmeler does have a seductive nature hence the repeat bookers who return year after year after year,which in some respects can be a negative thing as It can cause quite a cliquey atmosphere at some of the hotels and bars but overall I think you will love Icmeler