Cats Garden Aparthotel

1 reader found this review helpful

Wow was pleasently surprised when we arrived in Cats Garden,was a lovely apartment with a garden view,nice pool area which my kids enjoyed,friendly staff and was very helpful, rooms were cleaned everyday,the only thing i could fault with it though would be the self catering facilities, was very basic with only fridge and a two ring electric hob which made it impossible for me to cook with 3 children, so you would need to eat out everynight, that was the the only downside otherwise i would have gave it a 3*.
They only had 2 nights of entertainment bbq nite and a turkish night which were very entertaining, they did have a disco of an evening but didnt seem to get that busy.
There wasnt much there for the kids to do they did have a pool table and ping pong table which you had to pay for which i think should have been free to use.For smaller children they did have a little park with swings and slide.
The beach was only 10-15 min walk which was very nice but was also busy.
I would definatly go back again but without the children, i think its more for adults as the children didnt want to walk around. One restaurant we went to called sultan which was 10 mins away from our apartment, food was lovely and the kids also enjoyed it and staff was great even when my son broke his nose.
All left to say cats garden was very nice staff was very helpful and was always kept clean.
Mrs T Bagnall

Cats Garden Apartments was a great place to spend our holidays. Large, clean, well serviced rooms. Around the pool was busy but still lots of space to move your sun lounger around throughout the day. Staff were friendly and helpful and the food was reasonably priced compaired to the english pubs and hotels locally (nice french fries). One thing to bear in mind is that the apartments are VERY close to a Mosque. The call to pray is 5am but only lasts 2mins so we just went back off to sleep and there is ALWAYS music around the pool. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony enjoying the sun and not a mosquito to be seen at this time of year. I do not recommend the massage on site - very short.
It was a 20 min walk to the beach and about 30 mins to old Side. The best resurant was Ugar. Past the mosque turn left and walk up to the hospital. This was full of locals and offered more authentic food.
The flights are pretty horrific. Little to no room - budget flying at its worst. Take a pack up for the flight as there is a food trolley but it is expensive. Also the holiday rep is useless. He is only there to sell you tours and his prices are 3-4 times the price in the local town.
General tips - take EUROS not turkish lira, you will get much better value on all the tours/markets and souvenir shops.

1 reader found this review helpful

we got to the apartments around half 10 at night, as soon as we got there, the key was waiting for us, we were told a few health and safetys, then a member of staff helped me and my partner with our bags, when booking we asked for a top floor apartment with a pool view .... thats exactly what we got, the bar stays open however long you are there or want it open, though it was too hot to drink :-), everyone was so friendly all the staff were great especially Emin and Kerem (Brothers) such a laugh, the room was cleaned everyday clean sheets and towels everyday, we read a review about the food, but we had no problems at all, we met a few other people from england at the hotel who said they really enjoyed it and would come back again.
whenever you wanted something they were always around to help, we enjoyed the turkish night they hold every friday, when we came back we went straight to the travel agents to book it for next year again. we loved it and cant wait till we go back next year. it maybe not the place the rich might want to go to but for somewhere fun and for relaxing this is great.

After a 2 hour transfer (the coach driver had no idea where he was
going). We were eventually dropped off at Cats Garden at 7.30 in the
morning, desperate to get to our room after no sleep on the flight over.
The 3 other parties with us were checked in, my partner and I were told
to 'Stand down'. After the other guests received their 'information'.
We were told by 'I'm only a waiter' that there was a technical
problem with our room and it may take 2 to 3 days to fix. Please save this
for somebody who believes you and not a travel agent. We were
eventually ferried via pick up truck to a hellish room in residential
apartments. Ripped sheets on the bed, stains on the walls, no balcony to hang
towels etc, no drink making facilities. The owner thought it a good idea
to hose the marble steps down once a day creating an ice rink effect -
we could have cleaned up if we'd fallen over!!
We went back to Cats Garden who told us there was nothing they could do
and we would have to stay for 3 nights in this hellhole. Maybe come
back after 2 nights. We returned two days later only to be shown a room
in the owners mothers house. We left after deciding hell for another
night was a better option.
So after 3 nights, we finally moved in. Made sure we had free air
conditioning as compensation. The apartments were clean but very basic.
Any health and safety inspector would have a field day!!
Just be prepared before you book this place.

We arrived at 5.00 in the morning to be told that our room was not ready but that accomodation had been booked for us at different local hotel. It seems that there were a few rooms that were having trouble with their toilets. The hotel that they transferred us to (Royal Apart Otel) was excellent. We were asked to return to the Cats Gardens four days later, unfortunately our room was again not ready and were asked to wait in the pool/bar area whilst they finished cleaning. We wre immedaiately approached to sign up for the Turkish night and Turkish massage (both of which I declined). The pool area was packed with families and there were no sun beds left. The publicity photos show a deserted pool (huh!). I also noticed that you're expected to pay 10 YTL per day for air con and that the exchange rate that the hotel offers is 2.20 YTL to the pound whereas the going rate anywhere else in Side is over 2.3.
When they finally took us to our room, it was a basement room - ie below ground. The room smelt of damp, it was small and most of the furniture and kitchen units were tired and shabby. We were desolate. I've taken a few photos so that you can get a feel of the reality of this squalid place. They're nothing like the photos on the website. We immediately complained to the manager, who was very friendly - I think he was anticipating our reaction. We were able to do a deal with him whereby we would share the extra cost of us moving back to the Royal for the rest of our holiday, an arrangement with which we were delighted.

This was a budget holiday and I must say we did get good value for money but it certainly got off to a bad start.
When we arrived at this hotel we were informed that our room had a 'technical problem' and we would have to stay at a sister hotel for two nights whilst it was being fixed. We took it on trust and agreed to go to the other hotel. Bad move. The sister hotel was substandard - wet sheets on bed, patchwork stapled-together sofa and an overwhelming stench of cats urine!! Not pleasant!!
We had no joy contacting the local resort office or the London office to complain about the situation. My partner had no option but to hassle the caretaker for three hours to arrange to speak to the hotel manager back at the Cats Garden about a possible change of hotel. Much to my relief the problem seemed to disappear and we were escorted back to the Cats garden that morning!! I strongly believe that the 'technical problem' is known here as overbooking - this happened to five other families in the fortnight that we spent in the Cats Garden Hotel. These were five that we heard about, how many more have been treated in this way??
On the other hand, the bar and restaurant staff at the Cats garden Hotel are warm and friendly. They are good with children and entertain everyone at the poolside and bar. The pool itself is of a good size and has many sunloungers and shades for all. They staff will bring out more loungers if all have been taken early in the morning.
The hotel is basic and clean. Towels and sheets changed every other day. The location is reasonable if you like a walk out at night. Our slow pace made it 10 mins to the beach and approximately 25 mins into the town centre.
Nearby is 'Mehmets in the Ruins' restaurant. Its well worth a visit as it has excellent service, good food and most of all cheap prices. The music is also very easylistening unlike some eateries in town. Another must for foodies is Doruk cafe/bakery. Treat yourself to a slice of cake for only 4YTL (less than £2 at time of review). Its unlike anything we have seen in this country.
Local supermarkets near the Cats Garden Hotel have 'priced' items if you don't fancy haggling for goods in the town centre. Beware of traders pushing the hard sell, usually a firm 'no thanks' or 'I don't like' does the trick. The town centre leads down to a harbour area with many restaurants and bars which are slightly more expensive that the local eateries. Don't let that put you off - the quality is still very good but watch out for the added service charge that is not present in the smaller restaurants.
Overall we were happy with this holiday even though it had a 'problem' start. My advice to anyone staying at the Cats garden would be to stand your ground and demand the room you have paid for. Do not accept the offer of the sister hotel!!

Went in August 07 with my daughter and her friend both 20. Our first time to Turkey usually do Spain.
It was the most relaxing holiday I have ever had, no bites, no cockroaches and no holiday tummy.
All staff were really friendly, we liked Erdal the best. Only one night of entertainment in the week, but being self catering you go out most nights; Memht in the ruins - great filet steak meal with starter for under a fiver and the restaurant on the corner overlooking the road was good too.
Went on a boat trip/market/waterfall trip, good value for money - bought ticket on the beach.
Had a drink in the Red Lion and were allowed to use their free bus service to the beach and free sunbeds and shades on the beach.
Great Pizzas at the Cats Garden, the maids were fantastic, would definitely go back the Turkey and definitely go to the Cats Garden again, and definitely go with Kim (who) and Grace Kelly again.

Location ok, not too far out of town or from beach [10 to 15mins walk for both]. Accommodation adequate, basic but spotless, cleaned and linen changed every day. Self catering a bit of a misnomer though, one portable electric ring in our studio. Restaurant good [lovely food and reasonably priced], pool area large, plenty of sunbeds, well kept. No entertainment when we were there although it was advertised as having some.
Best place to eat- Mehmets in the ruins which is not far on the main road, just past the roundabout with the large flagpole and water tower. Food fantastic well presented and reasonably priced and you aren’t hassled. Do not eat at Alremu or Cicek Pansiyon, looked out for them after being recommended on travel review sites. Cicek ordered fish which came partially cooked, was sick for two days, alremu food adequate service poor and expensive, lamb chops, meat balls, two efes, half bottle wine came to 77 lira, same meal but more tasty from Mehmets 47 lira.
Side itself busy plenty to look at lots of history, amphitheatre and Apollo temple lovely. If you take the short cut to town beach past the amphitheatre unofficial tour guides wait to try to part unsuspecting tourists from their cash with overpriced second rate tours and photo opportunities, don’t be taken in!
Overall very enjoyable two weeks would go back to side and to the cat’s gardens.

When we pulled up, my heart sank, the exterior is not much. However once in our room it was clean and well laid out. The maids came in every day to change and make beds, wash the floor.
The staff were all great except the IDIOT they have for entertainment director. It is a family complex, but he felt he was working for club 18-30. The owner, who is very nice, really needs to dump him, he is an IDIOT. Must be a family member.
The location of the complex is fantastic, within easy reach of Old Side, about a 15 min walk. A decent sized market on Saturdays, ( if you walk out of the complex, walk opposite, cross the main road, turn left) is best to do your shopping there, they have the same stuff, then you don't have to run the gauntlet in Old Side.
Don't bother eating in the restaurant, unless you just want chips, or hot dog, everything else is just not worth eating. The staff are lovely, just need a new chef. For snacks during the day- there is a GREAT bakers 5 mins walk around the corner, which has great cakes. When we first went there, I thought they only did cakes and biscuits, however one morning I went up early and found you can buy breakfast rolls and pastries - look a bit like sausage rolls, filled with mince and onion or cheese, or cheese and potato. They also have a pizza like filled roll, which they say is sausage - actually hot dog, but they are delicious.
Best meal we had was at Mehmets in the ruins - an 8 mins walk from complex. Don't be drawn in by the guys at Hamiskoy - they talk a great talk - especially the Iraqi/Turkish guy at the door. They ripped us off BIG style, then wondered why we would not go back. The food was good, but not at the price they charged us. Mehmets in the ruins, do not hassle you, and the food was GREAT. Also Dogan at the beach have a great buffet, just get there around 7:30pm. It is all cleared at 9pm. It costs 15 l, and you get meze, main and dessert. Good value!
For Turkish delight and Turkish tea, the best value is Delboy around the corner from the complex, nest to the pharmacy. He is delightful to talk to, funny, great understanding of humans, and will not rip you off.
I would recommend this complex and location to any one. I would go back, just hope entertainment managerhas been fired, when I get back!

The cats garden is basic, but saying that very clean with fantastic staff that give a dam...The pool area and gardens are very nice, the bar is ok prices. I didn’t eat at the rest so I can’t comment but I was told it was not up to much but with so many other places to eat there is no problem.
If you come out of the cats garden and walk towards the internet cafe as if you were going to the main road there is a shop on your left walk past there past the butchers you will come to a little cake/ pastry shop which sells lovely food at very cheap prices you will find mainly local people in there. If you like Chinese food on the main road going away from side harbour is a very good one. Check out the harbour area its beautiful. Don’t book trips through reps you will get much better deals down on the beach and you can pay when they pick you up.
The departure trip, beware you are stuck on a coach for 2 and half hours in the morning, the boat trip is good, the hotel showers small but all can be forgiven because the buffet dinner is fantastic, drink prices in that hotel are however over the top. If your on the 3.15 am flight back to Manchester you are also sat around until 12.30 in a hotel lobby so think long and hard before you book it especially if your a big group. Overall I had a fantastic time and I would stay at the cats again, however the Raga gets fantastic feed back and its closer to the beach and Casper and vikine bars.
Should you go there say hi to Adam from Marion lol. If you ask any Turkish waiters to do traditional dance for you they are always happy to please, so go and enjoy.