I've been to Olu Deniz several times and loved it....especially the first time in 1995, it was so slow and laid back. I've noticed an awful lot of changes since then as it's grown rapidly as has Hisaranou at the top of the hill.

I decided to try Gumbet for the first time last October, I really liked it, I chose my hotel very carefully as I always do and couldn't have asked for better. So much so that I'm returning to Gumbet twice this year and have booked already for June & October and at the same hotel as 2009. I can see the differences between Olu & Gumbet and I loved the fact we could get out & about and visit lots of other resorts from Gumbet without too much trouble. Bodrum on the doorstep for a change and Bitez for a better beach.

I can't understand the "dump" comment, what constitutes a "dump" anyway ?? You really need to justify that comment I think. Okay I found some of the shopkeepers a little keen shall we say and a polite no thanks usually did the trick and when it didn't we just ignored it completely. You get this everywhere in Turkey in my experience and as long as you shrug it off all's fine. I also usually travel with friends as an all female group and again we didn't get any hassle over and above the norm in Gumbet, we ate very well, drank very well, had some fabulous day trips and a fantastic hotel and can't wait to return 15 weeks time

I intend to try Icmeler next year as it's also been recommended and we were torn between there and Gumbet when looking to book in 2009.