We have just arrived home from our first visit this year... What a difference 10 days makes!
Starting at the Kassandra Hotel - that was still closed when we came home.
The Ambrosia Hotel - has been bought by the Owner of the X-Bar in Gumbet, and he has spent serious money on it. It has beautiful round sunbeds (around the pool), the beach has been raised, new large palm trees have been planted and a new bar called 'Scruffy Murphy's'.
The Manuela Hotel - was a building site when we arrived, with huge metal fences around it. They managed to work a miracle and get it completed... it has a new large bar and a new restaurant - and fantastic toilets - which were much needed!
The Dolphin restaurant has changed names, and is now 'The White Point'.
Engin from the 'Golden Spoon' now has another restaurant on the back road (it used to be the Pinahan Hotel and Number 48) this was due to open as we were leaving. There is also a new little Turkish restaurant opened next door called 'Buber' and an Indian restaurant opened next to the Kontas Hotel/Apartments.
CJ's has been gutted, and the workmen seemed to be sitting outside most of the time talking and drinking tea! This is due to open on the 10th May.
The Sultan Restaurant (our favourite in Bitez) now has a new bar built inside you can sit at and has been refurbished with pink sunbeds!
Had a nice meal at the Blanca, Vedat arrived last Sunday and I told him about you Prawn... he sends his love, sadly they lost their father the week before. The Lemon Tree has been extended with a new bar fitted. Bitez was coming to life, as we were leaving... We ate mostly at the Pedesa.
The exchange rate wasn't too good when we were there. We got 2.20 at the Bank, and 2.25 at the jewellers on the beachfront.
Prices have gone up...
The price of dishes varied between;
Chicken dishes - 14 lira to 26 lira
Steak - 24 lira - 34 Lira
Lamb Shish - 18.50 Lira - 29 Lira
Beer - majority were charging 5 Lira, but some 6 Lira.
Soft drinks 2.5 Lira (round the back roads) to 4.5 Lira
Vodka - 6 Lira - 8 Lira (mostly 8 Lira)
Some of the restaurants are giving smaller portions and aren't giving anything away/discount.
The Mayor of Bitez had stopped all the cushions/hammocks/swings etc being on the beach - but we went to a meeting and this has been over turned. So they will be back! Thats one of the charms of Bitez...
Thank you for the report. We're off to the Meis in Bitez for the first time in a couple of weeks - be nice to have a break from this sweltering British summer
I don't know the area at all, so do you have any tips/recommendations please? We like Turkish food and try to seek out the good quality/value restaurants (maybe in the back streets) rather than those with dancing waiters! It's also become a tradition for us to find the bar with the cheapest Efes in the resort, although I gather prices may be up this year generally?
Cheers.
Some of my Turkey pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomphoto/sets/
All in all we had a wonderful time, the weather was beautiful - not one cloud in the 10 days we were there!!! The nights had even started to warm up towards the end of the holiday.
Gumbet is still looking like a bombsite. The main drag is closed off - rubble and dust EVERYWHERE! Most of the people staying around Gumbet, are being shipped into Bitez.
Bodrum Airport - are taking water and liquids off you, after you go through passport control. Also, on entrance and exit, they only have 1 duty free shop now - so no competion, and cigarettes are much more expensive.
Roll on our next visit...!
You can't beat the Pedasa for price!!! Cheapest food and drink... and Nuri throws in a free hand/shoulder massage. Lovely staff... open 24 hours.
If you find a cheaper place in Bitez, ill refund the difference lol
Regarding Bodrum airport prices, does that mean that it's better to buy cigarettes, sprits etc. in the UK or on the plane rather than on arrival?
Shame they've introduced the liquid ban. Is water is expensive in the airport as well?
Cheers.
Do you think that Bitez is going to become an extension of Gumbet? It seems to be changing it's character - but then that's life!!
Take care
Prawn
I do hope Bitez doesn't become an extension of Gumbet, the two resorts are so different and should stay that way.
I agree, Kedi - Bitez is like a little peaceful haven away from the frenetic crowds! Ah, well, roll on 2011!!!
I was talking to a guy last week who lives in Bitez and he tells me the place has really changed this year. All the years of overpriced drinks and meals has caught up with them and Bitez is almost empty, also boat trips were to be had for as little as 15TL.
I heard someone say it was very quiet too. Maybe they will learn and stop putting the prices up if people don't visit as much.
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