ive been to turkey a few times over xmas although to marmaris area and the weather was hit and miss, freezing at night and winter coats were needed the average temps in the day were around 14-16, but you could be lucky and have a really warm week, its pot luck really, and antalya area will be very slightly warmer than marmaris by 1-2 degrees i guess. there are some showers too, so be prepared for all eventualitites

You don't really get much of a Christmas atmosphere in Turkey because most people wont be celebrating. I have been in Bodrum around Christmas time, although I always went home for Christmas as it was nicer in England! The weather was not good, very cold, often rainy and not much was open. I don't know what Antalya is like but I wouldn't choose to go to Turkey for Christmas, New year is better though.

I think violet123 has been to that very hotel and at christmas time too ! Sure she will be along soon to answer your query's.

Denny

Hi Markers
Denny sent me a message asking me to fill you in about Xmas and New year at the Barut Lara.
In a word WONDERFUL !!!
We have been now 4 times so like you we think the Barut Lara is superb, we are going again next Easter to!
We have a teenage son and did worry that he may be bored because normally we go at Easter when the weather is good and lots of activities!WE need not have worried he enjoyed it so much! Bonus was there which helped because he introduced our son to some teens from other countries and he had the most enjoyable time!
The Gala dinners are superb, but new year was the best. Christmas Eve was good but not the same atmosphere. New Years eve they grouped people of different nationalitites together. We had a great group of people to see the New Year in with and the meal and atmosphere was great! Even Mr Barut Lara and frends and family celebrate New Year there! You started at 6.30 pm in the lobby area, with Cocktails, pink champagne etc and nibbles and people then moved over to the Conference centre and again drinks were flowing freely and live musicans played! Everyone was then seated in the beautifully set up room! We had huge party bags with quality hats and goodies! There are several couses served and drinks flowed freely! There was entertainment and a really great atmosphere. The night club opened about 1am and people partied in there until the early hours! The teenagers went off and we went to the lobby bar for several more drinks!
During the day there are some activities and some days it was warm enough to sit out for a few hours!Peo

Som

Marker had to do in 2 halves!! Not sure what happened!
Anyway it should read, Some brave souls did go in the sea and some were sunbathing! We were unlucky because the year before it had been hotter over Xmas and New Year, we went in 2008.
It was however bright and sunny most days but very cold at night! The inside of the hotel was toastie but we heard some hotels can be chilly! The New lobby bar is great and is tucked where the chaise lounges were and the noisy bird!
Entertainment was good at night and I am sure after the late nights not having to rush to get up early will appeal!
We had a Junior Suite so used the executive lounge in the mornings and had the self service bar and use of laptops! After lunch we sat down by the beach for a couple of hours! The beach bar was open for drinks! The Turkish restaurant was the lunch time snack bar similar menu to the beach bar at easter and the buffet was open!
Any other questions please ask!
We would love to go back again at Xmas and New year!

Cheers Violet, sounds fantastic, didn't know what to expect. We haven't been to Barut Lara since 2008 although we called in at Easter to see Bonuz, Arzu, Fade, etc. I believe several improvements have been made although it was a great hotal beforehand.
How busy is it at Christmas Violet? Are all the a la cartes open? Wont matter really as the restaurant is fine.

If I think of anything else I will be in touch, thanks again

Hi Marker
The hotel was busy for Xmas but more so for New Year and then we had a few days afterwards to recover when the hotel was quieter. We came home on the 6th January !
There were 2 Al a cartes open the sofa fine dining and the Akdeniz which this Easter was even better with an excellent new menu!
The lobby bar is the biggest change and we loved it. The noise does not travel up towards the bedrooms now! Plasma TV's in the rooms now. The main dining room has had some changes and is nicer but the furniture was not changed! The trees have gone which was good!
Yes if you have anything else you need to know please ask!