Hiya,

Maybe Kedi will know what I am yapping about, so here goes.

We went to a little house come restaurant come all that is wonderful about Turkey, it was called (rough translation) Garic and Onion? it was run by a mother and daughter, family anyhow, got the Dolmus into Gumusluk, and just wandered in. The ladies brought a handwritten menu and we had lamb (kofte') salad, this bread that knocked me bandy, best I have ever eaten, yum coffee and a chilled out atmosphere. So small, so different, and just one of the best experiences we have ever had. About £25 for the 2 of us, but how cheap is that, everything so fresh, and we will return.
This I think is what Tweetie wants, and I hope you do visit Bitez or Ortakent so you can just jump on the Dolmus and go to all these fabulous places. We always go AI, but that has never stopped us from venturing out and finding the real Turkey.

My sister in Law has just returned from Muskebi Apartments in Ortakent, and I quote,

"Just fabulous very small, but they had a good little restaurant on site, and it had everything we needed in the room for a good sc holiday, even a washing machine? Maids cleaned daily, and the staff were lovely. We went to Scala and Camel beach, 15 minute walk away, and the little restaurants and bars were just up the road. Some good food here"

She said she booked through Manos, which is a Thomas Cook branch of holidays, and they have booked to go next year already, 2 weeks flying from Manchester end september just under £900 for 2 sc, and I know others will do it too, probably cheaper. She said the Dolmus picked up from outside the hotel, and she said it is the best chilled holiday ever. So, maybe this one Tweetie?

But I think the little cafe/house would be right up your street.

See ya, and Oh, yes, I know my name is weird, lol and most people think I am a bloke, but I am of the female persuasion................

Oh yes, do take a trip to Gumusluk, it is one fo my favourite places. the fish restaurants along thew front are lovely but quiet expensive but the little restaurants at the back, like the one Trflebum mentions are very cheap and the food is wonderful. Once you have booked your holiday I can give you some more recommendations of good traditional places to eat.

Kedi

Triflebum you were done!!! over 60lira for Kofte...or did you have alcohol with your meal? like you say lots of little eating places scattered over the Peninsula waiting to be discovered.

You have done a fantastic report on Bodrum well done!!! If I was not already in love with the place I would be booking my next holiday there

Mmmmm love Ortakent but not sure it would suit Tweeties husbands requirements but would be lovely to visit for the day Vicky who runs "The Viras" restaurant there is a member here (I think )it is on the beach and does excellent food.

Kedi spill the beans on your favourite eating places. The only time we visit Gumbet is to visit our favourite restaurant (wont name names but I am sure you know which one) well on our first visit this year we had the most awful meal and could not even taste the vodka in our drinks we complained and they did make our drinks stronger. Last month we decided to give them another chance...weak drinks again and they even tried to over charge us 10 lira. Shame really we used to love it there!!!

Hiya

Oh the £25, 60 lira- ish was everything in, a couple of coffees and a drop of the giggle juice too,

I agree with both you and Kedi, wow, on the little bars and restaurants along the Bodrum Peninsula, we make sure we always get out and about as much as possible. Already got 2 booked for next year, and so that's more places to discover.

Thanks for the nice comments on my posting too, but, I think you are like me and just love this part of Turkey so much, that all you want is to get back and discover more all the time.....................lovely jubbly.

Deffo going back to Gumsuluk, just wonderful.

There is one that we wanted to visit whilst staying in Turgutreis in September, someone may know the one I mean, sorry don't know name, another guest was talking about it,
Fish restaurant near Ortakent? overlooking ocean, belly dancers and a completely traditional Turkish eatery.
This is all I know, but they were raving about this place, but we ran out of holiday........any ideas please as to where it may be?

Thanks and speak soon.

Right got a bit more info on that fish restaurant, found the card that had directions.

It is near a mosque on the Gumsuluk road, a little track takes you to the beach, and the restaurant is there, she had forgotten the name??????????????? as you do!!!!!!!!!! but she has written Krozet, googled it, not coming up, too little info me thinks.

So, any budding Sherlock Holmes out there? please tell me where it is, need to just go, sounds brilliant.

Thanks. TB

hi all.....Bitez seems to be whispering to me louder and louder as a safe bet...me and the eldest lad who is in early 20's are fairly like minded ...good food eaten in a nice place , relaxing with nice drink, good atmosphere, jumping on a bus and exploring, having a mooch in a market, walking along the beach at sunset....like me friendly but doesnt like being pestered.. Bitez a nice chill out hols for us 2

Hubby likes chillin in the daytime....will tag along out with us but when he does he spoils it for us most of the time as he gets bored easily ...ye seen that now lets get going attitude....same if we go a market or mooching round the shops...he does a quick tour ... then pesters till we go get him whatever he has seen...then sighs and moans at us enjoying our mooch till we give up and go home....usually he comes to find a tobbacco shop...once thats found and he's got his allowance he pesters to go back to hotel...he is exactly the same at home....so I find it for him early as possible in the hols...then me and the lad go exploring...loves it if he gets a bit of attention or has found a few friends to have a drink with round the hotel pool...so good fiendly staff that would give him some attention while were off exploring would be good...and others to make friends with

but he likes a buzz in the evening...going for a nice meal...a drink ...a bit of music... and friendly chatty people....he likes being centre of attention ....likes entertainment with audience participation...(not really mine or either of the boys idea of entertainment ...but we find its amusing to watch him) he takes it serious and is noticably disappointd when he doesnt win..dont know what a traditional turkish night consists of but think we would all enjoy that...belly dancers would be good...

he says he likes watersports ...but would never do any....unless messin with the lads on a peddala counts...wont even go down a slide in the water park

The baby would be nearly 17 when we go but looks that now...as he is tall and muscally due to being sporty...he will try most sports...likes snorkeling and fishing and the older lad likes to join him then....never tried watersports off a beach...but would be old enought to try this time round...enjoys chillin round the pool with others his age during the day...I used to take one of his friends with us....but got too expensive where weve been going...last time he made some new friends anyway....sometimes he likes to tag along with me and the eldest...so the chance of a few teenagers would be a bonus ..

Like others his age he likes music and dancing....but without us fuddy duddies around...he banned me from going to the only club in pefkos cause I let it all hang out an was dancing...I was sent back to the hotel to have a drink in the bar each night after we had been out for a meal and a drink in the cocktail bar ...while he and his 3 elder brothers went the club...but I didnt really mind ...was lovely big couches in the open air with big handy foot stools...friendly family run hotel...they found me fast asleep one night still on the couch with me feet up when they came back one night,

Dont think it safe letting him loose on his own...and the elder lad who likes music too would cramp his style...but this would be the same wherever the 4 of us we went together..and plenty of time for him to do that in years to come....but somewhere with a bit of pop music ect would be handy for a night out...

We all like a boat trip...but on a good sized boat...like a katermeran

So Bitez sounds good....main holiday base...me and the eldest lad are sorted....can explore from here...with options to suit hubby and youngest son for a few different nights out in bodrum or gumbet

So focusing on Bitez...I need to know what gumbet and bodrum have to offer that hubby and teenager would enjoy....any names for livelier safe pubs clubs ect I could take them to for a night out
How much does a taxi cost to gumbet and bodrum... and whats the score when it comes to getting safely back to bitez very late at night ?

Going BB if poss or good recomended HB...what are the prices for a decent 3 course meal in the resturants in Bitez....also a pint of beer ....a white wine....and whats the best cocktail liquoer or spirits to be drinking price wise ...like most of them ...but not whisky or gin...but like whisky liqueors and baileys....

What are the alchol laws regarding age...and how stict are they about them in turkey.

Lastly ...there are not many hotel reviews for bitez....so need a list of clean ...friendly ...well run places to stay that would suit us...in a previos post I told you Id priced one up out of curiosity with olympic...the safir...so any one know any info on it...sounded nice

I started this post ages ago and have been adding to it ever since as thing have crossed my mind...so appologies to you if youve posted whilst Ive been dilly dallying...tweetie

Bitez has a small harbour that does daily boat trips which would be an ideal day out with your sons if they go with you.

It also has a gentle breeze on the sea front that picks up in the afternoon which would suit you to cool you down,the sea can be a bit stoney so you would need jellies. You do not have to pay for sunbeds either,I can send you pictures if you decide on Bitez, it's a very chilled place with Gumbet a few mins away in a taxi in you want something a bit more louder personally it's not our cup of tea but each to their own. My son gets his clothes from there they sell good copies.

Like I mentioned before I would defo go self catering.... there are so many fab places to eat and you will love the banter with the Turkish waiters they have such a good SOH (by the way are you from Liverpool)

What month are you planning to go?

sorry forgot to mention

Vodka= cheap drink.

Cocktails half price in lots of places after 10

Prices vary but more expensive on the front.

Hubby needs to buy cigs at airport on arrival and airport on departing.cheaper than Manchester.

So here 's the update.....O YES TB.....your reading me well .....fact can jump a dolmes to gumusluk and have a meal in that little house sets me buzzin...something we all would enjoy...

My heartbelongs to kedi .....Manuels...for hubby...that would be his dream hols....and the loud irish music no problem...I like irish music...and he would love it....and it wouldnt bother me or the eldest son..and the youngest son has a good laugh at his dad ......and there is always the option for us to go somewhere more chilled out if we wanted to ...the themed nights would be right up his street...and we would enjoy them too...

Right on the beach with nice veiws a big plus too

Think the perfect hols for us all is taking shape....Manuels in Bitez is ticking loads of my boxes...a balance between all our ideal hols...and thats a toughie to do...must find out more about manuels...
So whats the hotel like ...what kind of rooms...is it clean and well run ...what type of board do they offer...MHBTK says redoing resturant....whats the food like and his prices...how does his bar prices compere with the prices outside....whats the staff like...would I have to do a DIY...

Am going on google...to see what info there is on manuels

The Manuela is a basic B+B hotel the rooms have been refurbished this year threy are cleaned daily but it is looking a bit worn and tired hence Oktay sprucing it up.

It can be noisy at night it is where most people gather for the entertainment.The breakfasts are good cold meats eggs cheese jams ext.

The staff come back year after year...Oktay is a lovely man he has been a good friend to us over the years and will do anything to help you. Ersun head of reception is a good guy he holds the key of our apartment and checks it for us.

People also come back to this hotel year after year .... you get picked up from the airport for £40 return. Ersun is in touch weekly with us if you do decide let me know and I will give you cotact numbers.

I think if you do decide to go as a family Manuela will tick most of your boxes.

Age and alcohol in turkey...my eldest drinks alcohol on holiday (when she's with us) and its never been a problem ordering it in turkey (outside of the hotel...inside of the hotel she doesn't drink it but thats mainly because it was a lot more expensive). I have heard of larger AI hotels allowing underage teenagers to order unlimited amounts of alcohol without their parents knowing.

Don't know what the actual law is though.

MHBTK...Gumbet not my cup of tea either...but of interest for livening up hubby and youngests hols...but if manuels as you described it...then no need to worry about gumbet

ps...how did you guess I was from Lpool....yes born an bred...but live in Wales now

Incase you didnt read past posts....next years hols are booked...was doing my home work for 2011 hols as want to be ready to book early as possible next year at best prices for following year...I know Im daft but next years july hols have been booked for ages....and they are now £626 dearer for the hols Ive booked....never been turkey before...was a bit dubious...but a gentle shove from Lynnwestie made me decide to take the plunge...I thought it would take me till next year to find our ideal hols in Turkey as starting from scratch without a clue...but you lot are stars

I think last 2 weeks in june 2011 is what Im planning for...with first 2 weeks in sept as a second choice ...wouldnt cope with the heat july or august ....it may come down to whats going on with the youngest....if he would be taking exams last 2 weeks in june or if his ones would have been done...or if he is in college would sept cause problems....have to get more info ...he may have to stay home ...but will send him on hols with another one of older the lads instead in school hols...they would both like that (got 4 lads ...hes the baby...and his best holiday clubbin buddies are the 2 oldest)

ps...think booking early would be a must if I decided on manuels

Hiya Tweetie and the rest of the Turkeyites

Tweets, glad you like the sound of the little house/restaurant, wonderful. Trying to get the name of the other fish restaurant near Ortakent. I have posted a please help, so when I get that, we will both be able to taste and try........sounded wonderful though.

Most of the AI we have stayed at have been quite strict with the age policy, and most of them had the "not under 18 to be served with alcohol" and not under 16 at the bar, but of course, some of the younger ones get people to pick them drinks up, and the parents get them the odd beer or 2. Outside, well, if you look old enough, then you are old enough, so to speak, and the local beer (Efes) was working out at about 3 to 4.5 lira per big glass, although we saw it at 2 lira at some of the bars, Raki about 5ytl, and the local whiskey, vodka, gin etc, is priced reasonable, but, the premium international brands can be expensive. Local wine is quite good, especially the white, and some of the cocktails are well worth the pennies. There are happy hours at the bars everywhere, and there is always a deal going on. Glass of wine with meal etc, the boards are always offering the customer something worth having.

Boat trips etc from Bitez, and you can venture into Bodrum for a day trip across to Kos, it is a fixed price 24 euros. Also, the castle and museum is a good day out. The new marina at the opposite end from the Castle, has the most wonderful restaurant, everything was priced in lira, and was very reasonable. They had entertainment within the audotorium, so you could eat, drink and be very merry under the stars. Nice night out for a bit of romance, or, just a change.

Gumbet, we enjoyed during the day, enjoyed walking around the streets and having a coffee at the little bars down by the beach, but when we were last there, we went into the town a couple of times of an evening, and it wasn't really what we wanted, a bit noisy and a little too much come in here for a drink. Lovely guys, but, a bit too in yer face for us.

I listed some hotels in Bitez in my first reply to you Tweetie, maybe one of them may be up your street, but I am sure, now you know where you are going, the accommodation will be recommended to you thick and fast.

So, not bad hey, nearly sorted after just 24 hours, what a wonderful site this is. Happy days.

MHBTK...The fact you get picked up and taken back to airport is a bonus...makes DIY a lot easier ...contact number to book direct with Ocktay ....should imagine it would be cheapest deal as no middle men ....so only flights to worry about....and plenty of reliable airlines to choose from that fly to bodrum.....all seems too easy
Got some questions...

How do the bookings go at manuels....are there set check in/out days?
Is it a deposit ...how would I pay?
What month does he take bookings for following year?
What type of rooms does he offer?
If youngest cant go does he do room for 3 ?
So have a good idea of how much I'd need ...where can I find out or do you know cost for 4 adults for last 2 weeks june or first 2 weeks sept next year

TB....

So, not bad hey, nearly sorted after just 24 hours, what a wonderful site this is. Happy days

Im sure if more people trying turkey for the first time...had done what Ive done...they would not have been dissapointed as some have been...Turkey is so big and so varied ...as I have found out...that you really need to do your homework if you want a good holiday that suits your needs likes ect

And yes Im gob smacked...thought I was in for the long haul...thought better start now as will take ages.....

Thanks all you are stars

ps.....Manuals in Bitez looks red hot....any one got any comments or other Hotels would love to hear about them too...and others reading this topic in the future would be glad of a run down too

Im starting to answer my own questions now....just been reading some great reviews on the Manuela...and its getting hotter...if I wasnt needing the cash and the annual leave to take lad France as well as having booked 2 weeks family hols already...I would be trying to book now for next year...it looks really good.....hope the prices are as good

Manuela

No set day to check in.

No deposit required.

Pay in cash on arrival.

Price approx p/p £1OO including A/C and breakfast.

Can put extra bed in room but leaves you with not much room.

They do have a couple of family rooms sleeps 4.

You could book tonight.

hey Tweetie

I think everyone on this site wants everyone to just have a wonderful time wherever they holiday. I haven't been using this site long myself, but, it beats some of the others in spades, and everybody I have spoken to on here has been positive, responsive and really helpful.

Glad you getting your holiday sorted, brilliant. The Manuela, sounds fan daby dosey.

When we stayed at Manuela we just emailed them an they booked the rooms for us, they also picked us up at the airport. It was very a reasonable price and they didn't ask for a deposit. The rooms were small and basic but clean, if you stay at the back of the hotel it shouldn't be so noisy, we ended up with a room right above the bar and the noise really disturbed us at night, not so much the music but the really loud people! We managed to get a fridge put in our room too. It is definitely in a great position and if you like all the entertainment it will be perfect, especially for your husband. I'm sure they do a Turkish night there too, traditional dancers, belly dancers, that kind of thing. we went B& B so we could eat out at all the lovely restaurants in Bitez.

There are lots of watersports long the beach, including pedaloes
Your 17 year old would be fine to go off in Bitez, there are a couple of lively music bars, but I wouldn't let him go off to Gumbet alone. If you all want to go into Gumebt for an evening it is juts 5 minutes in a taxi and would probably only cost about £4 or £5 at the most and you will have no problem getting back any time of the night. There are loads of lively bars; Smilies, Roxy's, Leos, Aloha, Atlantis are all nice and suitable for families and a lot of them will get you up dancing. There are also some very good restaurants there and quiet a few shops.

You can get a dolmus into Bodrum and they return late at night to Bitez so no need for a taxi, it will take a bout 15 minutes. There are somelovely restaurants and of course it is great for shopping there. As I mentioned before drinks like Baileys will be very expensive, best just to stick with local drinks or cocktails.

The legal age for drining is 18, the same as here but they are pretty relaxed so I'm sure your 17 year old wil be able to get a drink.

Boat trips from Bitez are mainly from smaller boats but I thinkthey are much ncer thanthe bigger boats as they pull into some lovley little bays. If you book with the corporationa long the beach they are a very good price, around £10 for a day out including lunch.

You have been getting loads of info, you had better print this off when you go so you don't forget anything

Kedi