Reviews of Sefa Motel, Ovacik

Second time back to the Sefa following a wonderful stay last year .. have travelled the world and been to Ovacik four times but the first time ever gone back to the same hotel. And we have booked to go again later in the year already . 5 stars for Location, food, cleanliness, pool and the fabulous atmosphere created by Diane, Tim and Jordan. Would I recommend this place ..of course ..I would live there if I could . Diane .. a star .. cooks wonderful food in that heat , and still comes out of the kitchen smiling .. good job she has a heart of gold as an ice queen would melt ! Tim .. entertainment director , Sky TV, Movies, internet, outdoor draughts and pool table nothing too much trouble and proper chips ..tim chips ! Jordan... Barman extraordinaire , wicked sense of humour .. he is a Topman and not forgetting Poppy, Blue and Sefa .. these dogs will show you what serious chilling is. You can make a holiday here as quiet and chilled as you like or there is plenty on the doorstep for culture vultures and adventure seekers.



No restaurants pushed by Tim, and wonder if too much sun has affected the complainers'(previous review) senses as Tim has not been involved with the Jasmin restaurant since the end of last season, and lots of information about different trips available not just Captain Tommi .. when asked for a recommendation all people can do is relate their own personal experience, I am sure if the customer told the Captain how unhappy she was , he would have given her a refund as the turkish people want everyone to have a lovely time as do the owners of the Sefa. And all bills we recieved this year and last were itemised.

A very pleasent stay,lots of choice on the bar menu and all good prices on the food and beer..the pool is ideal for families with there being a separate part for the little ones.The rooms are basic but who needs the room when your on holiday as its only used for sleeping and as i found out for the cure of hangovers!

There is plenty to do during the day from relaxing in the many bars..to paragliding,boat trips,off road safrai etc...the transport to all the activities is organised by tim and diane the management (well diane..tim thinks he manages things..sorry tim :@)..). and the taxis pick you up from right outside the motel.

Thanks Tim,Diane,Jordan and of course the dogs for a very pleasent stay...

And if ya need anything in the night..a beer perhaps or just a little company the bar is open 24/7!!!!

Having read some of the recent reviews on this site, I am amazed and wonder exactly what people expect! My partner and I have experienced some very expensive holidays elsewhere but none so relaxing as a stay at the Sefa. Firstly, I would like to emphasise that I am definitely NOT part of the hotel management writing their own review as some idiotic and ignorant people seem to think!

Our experience was that nothing was too much trouble for Diane, Tim or Jordan. We were made to feel extremely welcome from the moment we arrived at 3.30am until we left reluctantly for home two weeks later. It was great to have advice on which well researched trips and companies to use - we felt it took all the aggro out of it for us. Our perceptions were that we arrived as guests and left as friends (excuse the cliche).

So, the bar is used by expats, and not to everybody's taste (sometimes ours included) but Diane and Tim are running a business and trade is trade wherever it comes from.

We were so impressed with our holiday that you will find us by the pool again this August and we would defy anyone to find any better value or welcome. Incidently, a weekly tab is just one of the options offered, you can pay daily if you wish. OK, the rooms are small but who wishes to stay in a room all holiday. To us it's only a place to shower and sleep! Hisaronu is a leisurely 30 minute stroll away and we NEVER needed a taxi when the dolmus was so cheap and reliable if we needed one.

Finally we are not boring people nor are we retired, we live life to the full but do think that some critical people should get a life. Maybe their critics are these people who are never satisfied with anything. As far as the breakfast is concerned, some typical Brits abroad are not satisfied with anything other than the stereotypical fry up or anything which does not come with chips!

Roll on the middle of August!

We are just about to book for the 2nd time with Tim and Diane at the Sefa. We went last year in August (a bit hot so it's September this year). We looked on here and couldn't help notice the negative review from what seems a very embittered 'lady'.

I do hope it doesn't put people off that there is one bad review especially when Tim, Diane and jordan are the hardest working people we found in Turkey. Nothing was too much trouble and Diane went out of her way to cater to my husbands fussy eating habits.

We went on holiday to have a rest and that is what we did.

I find it also strange that there is a mention of a restaurant that is being 'pushed' by them as they gave up their share in that restaurant last year whilst we were there and from what happened I am positive they wouldn't be trying to get customers in there ever again.

If you want a peaceful location but close to all ammeneties, a chat now and then with lovely people, if you want leaving alone, if you just want to be...................then the Sefa is perfect. but don't all book in the last two weeks of September as I like my poolside read to be quiet.

We stayed at this hotel late June early July this year and had the most wondeful relaxing time. We had gone to unwind and recharge our batteries after a few hard months at work. As it was just before the main holiday season we mostly had the place to our selves which was bliss. The hotel is run by an english family and they made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived, nothing was to much trouble. The place is spotless and the pool very well maintained and cleaned daily. The bedrooms are a little on the small size but very clean and all have wet rooms and balconys.The surrounding area has wonderful views so you have no need to stay in the bed rooms other than to sleep. the hotel provided an adequate turkish style breakfast of fruit, chesse,cold meats and salad. Wonderful fresh bread and cereals. They also gave a choice of a cooked english breakfast for those who missed home comforts, there was a small adiditional charge for this. Snacks where available from 11am to 7pm daily and the standard of the food very high and generous portions. The management of the hotel went out of their way to be helpful and even arrange trips for you on request.

We will most certainly be going back.

Thanks Tim, Diane and Jordan for a great holiday

Nice little place but Diane (the owner's partner) chilled the atmosphere without any effort.

Made to feel a nuisance.

Pay your bill daily is my advice.

Lots of gossip about residents - not nice and v unprofessional.



Better places than this in the area. If you stay at Sefa, food is good and large portions but 'in-house' bickering is pathetic.



Thank you to Jordan who was genuinely chatty and genuine. Diane & Tim don't deserve you!



Get your act together (especially Diane the ice queen)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JULY 2008 - JUST ARRIVED BACK IN THE UK.



EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY ACCOMMODATION. Nice pool area with plenty of sunbeds and parasols. Food very good and plentiful.

Owners friendly but false. The only genuine 'people person' was Jordan - a lovely, personable guy.

Diane created an atmosphere which was most uncomfortable and made you feel as though you were too much trouble.

Tim (her partner) did his best to smooth things over, but Diane was miserable beyond belief.

Turkish run hotels are so much better, offering excellent and consistently friendly service.

Don't be fooled into creating a 'tab' to pay at the end of your holiday. No itemised bill - a ideal opportunity to add extras without your knowledge!

Also, you will be encouraged to go for a turkish bath as soon as you arrive.

Very gossipy motel, british ex-pats were up their own backsides and pathetic, very ignorant!!

Met much nicer genuine people down in Hisaronu.

Don't be cajoled into booking a boat trip with 'captain Tommi', the only choice offered by Tim & Diane. Boat leaves from Olu Deniz. Loud music, boat stops every 10 minutes to get the brits in the sea. Salt water causes thirst.....so they sell more drinks that way.

You get a 10% discount to eat at the Jasmine Terrace restaurant. How convenient that Tim & Diane co-own the place!!!!!

Much better boat trip on popeye&olive from Fethiye we learned from other brits!! You won't be offered this by Tim or Diane as they don't earn commission on it!

All in all, Diane ruined the last 4 days of our holiday by her rude and moody unprofessional manner.

I would love to re-visit Ovacik but I prefer the genuine Turkish hospitality.

Oh, the bed & breakfast rate at Sefa includes turkish breakfast only, Comprising of meat, cucumber, olives etc. English is approx £5 extra.

Another guest commented on how expensive the air conditioning is, so beware.



All in all, great base, great food but falsely friendly patrons (except the lovely Jordan)!!



Nothing genuine about Diane - that's for sure.

This was our first trip to Turkey and I can tell you that it will not be our last and that is down to Tim, Diane and Jorden.



My wife and I were part of a family party of 13 (including 3 children) and from the moment we arrived, to the moment we left, they would not do enough to help (thanks for the lunch boxes Diane :-).



The rooms are quite small but to be honest, for the price, they are perfect. They are always very clean.



The food at the Sefa is very, very good. Diane knows how too cook a good full english breakfast and there so called 'snacks' are big enough to be full meals.



The hotel has a very good pool including a childrens pool. It is a very short and cheap taxi ride away from the beach and night life. Tim will be able to recommend a good place to eat. The bar is open 24 hours a day which is a nice touch.



I can not recommend the Sefa enough. We will be going back. I fell as if I have know Tim, Diane and Jorden for years and not just the 2 weeks that we were on holiday.



Pete and Sian Evans

My wife and I booked Sefa Motle because of good reviews and we were not disappointed. Rooms were basic, clean and fresh. Tim and Diane and Jordan made us very welcome. We were the only guests staying as it was early in the season, but the weather was good and Tim and Diane gave us great advice on where to go and what to do. We used the local Dolmus which pass regularly on the main road, 100 meteres away to Hisaronu/Oludeniz and Fethiye. Tim and Diane gave us lifts into the local markets on Tuesday and Saturday as they were going there anyway, thoroughly enjoyed, although you have to get used to haggling and the twenty questions to get your interest, ask Tim or Diane the turkish for "Thank YOu NO"

We ate at places in Hisaronu and Fetiye and then heard local residents saying going for fish and chips in the Salhan across the main road and ate there the next two nights, lovey food very reasonable, well worth a try.

Gentlemen, get Tim to book you in for a turkish shave first off, local barber who picks you up at the door and returns you, fantastic for £2 odds. I did not go till Sunday and would definately have gone more times.

We normally go self catering but it was great not to straight out and buy the milk/tea/coffe etc. everything you need is couple of steps from you room. The bar has sky tv and more and free internet use and Diane does good snack meals.

Had a great and relaxing time and hope to be back.felt like part of the family

Only negative was a trip to Gimilier beach- warning do not eat there, take your own food/picnic- live and learn

My wife and I, plus 3 children 13,11 and 5 loved this place. OK the rooms are quite small and basic, but they are clean and there is air conditioning so that's all you need. Value for money this scores 10/10 and I would definitely recommend it. We will hopefully go back in 2008



The pool area is as good as any 5 star hotel I've stayed in and because there are only 12 rooms, there is enough sun beds and umbrella's for everyone so no need to do the early morning towel run to reserve a place.



The Sefa is family run by Tim, Diane, Samantha, Dan and Jordon who will all bend over backwards to make sure that you have a fun and relaxing stay and are only too pleased to arrange any day trips taxies etc that you may need.



For us the location was perfect, very quiet, but in easy reach of the busy resort of Hisaronu. There is also a small water park only 5 minutes walk from the hotel, which is a fun day out.



Board Basis is Bead and Breakfast only, but to be honest they do themselves a bit of an injustice, because the so called snacks they do are very good meals so no need to go out for lunch or dinner if you want a lazy day and believe me we're all big eaters in our family.



I can't really think of any negatives, other than the fact that you need to take a bus to the beach, but that does not seem to cost anything as the beach bar owners will come and pick you up and drop you off again. We found it too hot in August on the beach though, whereas back at the hotel it's a bit higher up so a bit of a breeze kept the temperature more bearable!

Six of us were holidaying in Ovacik in July this year. The Sefa Motel was invaluable to us all. The staff were very helpful and friendly and ensured we had an ample supply of drinks, food and friendly banter on tap.



They allowed us to keep our valuables in their safe which was only accessible by the owners, Diane and Tim - they would not accept any payment for this facility. The owners regularly phoned taxis to take us to various restaurants within Hisaronou, again free of charge and even gave us a ride in their own vehicle when they had reason to go into Hisaronou themselves.



My sister took ill when we were on holiday and when I asked if Diane or Tim could recommend a clinic, Diane phoned the local doctor that the hotel deals with and arranged for him to come and see my sister. I hope I've demonstrated how friendly and warm the owners of this hotel are but the unusual factor here is that we DID NOT even stay at the Sefa Motel, we holidayed in a villa round the corner and yet the generosity and friendliness of all the hotel staff knew no bounds. They even cooked for us all when my sister was too ill to leave the villa, allowing us to bring back the plates etc the next day. They phoned other restaurants and ordered take aways for us too.



In terms of hotel facilities, there was a well stocked bar, good snacks (not just chips), clean swimming pool, large TV screen and free internet access which was a big plus for my 15 year old son. Although we couldn't comment personally on the interior of the rooms everyone we spoke to was very complimentary and quite a few people were planning to holiday there next year (only £60per person a week bed & breakfast).



As far as eating is concerned, try The Jasmine restaurant for a quality varied menu or The Shine restaurant for a good curry, both in Hisaronou.



In finishing off, we would all recommend this hotel, try it I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

This hotel is a disappointment to say the least, the small hotel is home to gossiping, the rooms are small and I would never ever stay in an English run hotel. The hospitality is zero compared to Turkish run hotels.



The review states its within walking distance of the popular Hisaronhu night life, this is a lie a taxi will be needed. The hotel is more suitable for retired people or any one who is boring . The staff are friendly but false the only genuine nice member of staff was Jordan, the wife of the owner was miserable and when she spoke it was like it was a effort for her.



I am under the impression the reviews are wrote by the owners. One good thing I will say is that the food is nice there but the recommendation of a good restaurant is actually the owners and to be honest a bit pricey and I ate in better try the English Ivy by the post office in Hisaronu.



While I was there I spoke to another couple who were staying there and they were not happy as they felt a tab was encouraged and they felt like they were being ripped off. There are a few things to be aware of what is not mentioned when booking, air con is at extra charge and a pot of tea is cheaper than a mug another conning feature if this hotel.



There is no entertainment not even a radio on in the back ground and apparently from speaking to other guests your whereabouts are logged - why I don't know. So my advice is give this hotel a miss.

We found the Sefa Motel Purely by chance on EBay. The Sefa is very efficiently run by Diane, Tim and their family.



Situated in Ovacik surrounded by extensive mountain views we would recommend this as a great chill out holiday destination.



The motel has 12 rooms all kept spotlessly clean, with bedding and towels changed regularly.The Pool is cleaned every morning kept to a very high standard as with the children’s attached pool.



If you don’t want to venture away from the motel freshly cooked food is readily available until 8pm every evening. The bar is open 24 hours.



Nothing is too much trouble. Diane and her family will do anything in their power to ensure guests have a memorable holiday. So much so we have booked for next year.



Hisaronu is only 10-15 minutes’ walk with plenty of bars and restaurants on the way.



Alternatively 5 minutes in a taxi or Dolmus (local Bus). Here it is buzzing with shops, Bars, and restaurants. Our favourite Restaurant was The Jasmine, where we found the freshly cooked food and Service exceptional.



Further afield a 10 minute taxi or Dolmus ride away is Olu Deniz this is the nearest beach with its famous Lagoon not forgetting all the Bars, Clubs, Shops, and restaurants.



10 minutes in the other direction is Fethiye with its idyllic marina. Shops, Bars, and restaurants are also in abundance.



Please take a look at The Sefa you won't be disappointed. We weren’t!

My family and i have just returned from the Sefa and vowed to go back next year.



We found the hotel just by chance and like others we were obviously apprehensive.



All our fears and worries were blown away as Diane, Tim, Jordan, Sam and Dan, could not have been more helpful. This was our first holiday abroad with our 5 year old twins, so as you can imagine everything was worrying us, heat, bugs etc.



With 12 rooms you are virtually guaranteed a space by the pool every day, which is where we spent most. In the evenings you can stay at the bar or venture into town. Which is not too far at all. The Jasmine is very recommended.



I cannot tell you in words, what a wonderful time myself and my family had there. We would recommend the hotel to anyone, but secretly don't want to as there may not be enough room for us next year.



The only down point we can think of is we should've booked two weeks instead of one.



The atmosphere at the hotel can only be described as you arrive as guests and feel you leave as friends.

Well, well, well. What can I say? Perhaps this should be renamed Turkey Towers simply because I can’t fault it. Having just spent one week at the Motel and having had a ball it’s taken me nearly a week to write this review. This is because if I had been any more laid back I think I would have been on a concrete slab in a morgue.



Thank god for e-bay I knew the wife would come in useful one day, but to find a little gem like this she has excelled herself.



There are many comments I would like to put in this paragraph but the contents could only have a connection with the great people who looked after me and my wife on our stay because that’s what kind of relationship we built up all in one week.



This is not the Ritz it’s a basic Turkish Motel with clean rooms clean linen clean beautiful pool (thanks Dan) great English proprietors great food and good cold beer, not to mention the great hospitality.



It’s really a cosy little home from home all for £60 each per week, I think I have just been ripped off (joke).They recommended we tried the Jasmine restaurant in Hisaronu, only 5 minutes in a local bus or taxi, we were so pleased we went, the food was second to none including all the staff, everything freshly cooked with free children’s menu.



I almost forgot free internet, big screen TV, have I missed anything out ?



Guys if you are going to the Sefa keep an eye on the boss at the quiz she cheats.



On a serious note we have had a fantastic week whatever we wanted we got what these people won't do for you is not worth mentioning, Many thanks to Diane,Tim,Sam,Dan and birthday boy Jordan, Poppy & Blue(the family dogs) and uncle tom cobbly and all. Love you all and will see you soon, Phil and Eileen.