Which ever hotel cabinessence decides I would recommend you look at all the reviews on here and other sites as some AIs have dreadfull reviews,especially the ones offered by the smaller companies on teletext.

We stayed at the Fantasia in Kusadasi a couple of years ago and we've been going A/I ever since. I'd recommend it for a first timer as you are far enough away from the night life, a Dolmus away from the town and only a couple of dolmus rides from Ephesus.

I would also vote for Olu Deniz it was my first time to Turkey last year and Olu was a great introduction.

In my mind the area has everything you need for a perfect holiday.
The scenery is very beautiful as you have badagbag (spelling ) mountain. The main beach although sand and shingle is very large. Plus you have the private lagoon beaches which are more sandy and exclusive .

There are plenty of trips, ie boat rides, mud baths, jeep safaris, markets. You are a 30 min dolmus ride from Fethyie. there is good shopping.

If you want AI the Belcekic Beach hotel and Olu Deniz Resort hotel always get excellent reviews. Plus there are B&B and HB hotels like the Karbel hotel and Asena Beach hotel, plus many others.There are also quite a few cafes, bars & restaurants for the evening if you fancy a change from what your hotel has to offer.

Good Luck.

Hi
I would also agree with doepmc above. I would also recommend Olu Deniz to you as it has supposedly the best beach in Turkey, and the scenery is amazing.
It is also not too commercialised, and is family orientated, friendly and safe.
I think it would tick all the boxes for your requirements, including being a good base for many trips.
We frist went there in 1989, and this will be our 5th visit in 2007.

For AI can highly recommend the Belcekiz Beach hotel which is right on the seafront. The reviews on this site are fantastic, it was one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in and the location is so idyllic.

Download google earth, and look up Olu Deniz, you can clearly see the BB hotel, as it is the only hotel on the main front, and has the biggest pool. I think you will love the lagoon, real picture postcard stuff!!

I would also vote Olu Deniz, I went there first & LOVED it.

The Belcekiz Beach hotel IS NOT THE ONLY BEACH FRONT HOTEL, The Olu Deniz Resort Hotel is right beside it equally beach front, but the beach is wide & then there is a grass area (like a tiny strip of park) then a pedestrainised road, THEN the hotels butt up to this. Sounds furthur than it is, LOL.

I've stayed in the Olu Deniz Resort hotel twice, I pay extra for the sea-view rooms (up the mountainside!!!), if you have young children, or are elderly or have any sort of walking problems these sea-view rooms are not for you, but if you want peace & tranquility they are fab & MUCH bigger than the normal rooms.

There is one other beach front hotel in Olu, the Oyster Residence, but thats B&B and quite expensive. As owned ny the White Dolphin people, who are creating a hotel where the White Dolphin was, now that will have FAB sea-views when built!!!!!

Go to Olu, you will love it

I will add my vote for Olu Deniz. we went in 2005 and returned in 2006. I have never returned to the same place twice. It is lively enough if thats what you want but in easy reach of quieter places. I could live my life floating in the blue lagoon , looking up at the mountains. Iknow we will return, trying Turgutreis this year the Aegean Dream Resort (so is kimevans but I think she will be there before me)
In olu we stayed at the previously mentioned Belcekiz Beach and cannot fault it. Although AI we ate out 5/6 times out of choice - food at the BB is great - but we like to go out and about as well. Location of the hotels in Olu mean you are not isolated and the choice is yours. as others have said research nd you will find the right place for you - I was also wary of Turkey , bit of a grecophile, but love it now
Lally