Mandarin Boutique Hotel

2 readers found this review helpful

We enjoyed our honeymoon at Mandarin in early April,the accommodation was superb,excellent host and a lovely dog Pasha,which took us for walk and we explored the Lycian Way,valleys full of wild flowers,crystal clear blue skies..And the food at Mandarin was excellent thanks to Bilge.Aysegul our host was charming and very helpful in directing us.
We will be back.

1 reader found this review helpful

During this depressed winter and doom and gloom, I wish I was there, such lovely place, lovely people,delicious food,stunning scenery,fantastic compagnion Pasha,beautiful accommodation what else can you want from a holiday. Can not wait to go back in July..
It is only 8 suites so not all of you can come at once...:)

1 reader found this review helpful

We came au hasard,seen couple of comments and after 10 days of travelling around Turkey we end our journey in Faralya. Our aim was to stay at Oludeniz, however when we saw that the place was more for the energetic,young and night life people, we made our journey along the Lycian Way to Faralya. We were lucky that they had one suite available, and as all 8 suites are of the same quality, with the exception of one which is a supa dupa large de luxe.We stayed in Number 4 which got a large sea facing balcony,with nice uninterupted views.The food was excellent the best we had during our trip, the wine was delicious and the walks sea and mountain views was the most scenic ones..Our host and our guide Pasha took us along the Lycian Way down to Aktas a pebble stony beach which is excellent for snorkelling, and I did also catch couple of fish a bit small on the size but I am sure they will be ready for our next visit during 2009...I can recommend this littel paradise to honeymooners,people who enjoy the nature and also all the archaeological sites that are easily accessible nearby..

Arriving at the hotel you are greeted by the manageress’ pet dog ‘Pasha’. They called him a puppy as he was only 2.5 yrs old but to be frank he is quite a ‘large’ puppy. Be aware of your first introduction to Pasha as he gets extremely excited and has no limits due to lack of training and exercise. Expect to have scratches on your vehicle (if you are inside and he leaps up to poke his head through the open window on your side), paw marks all over your trousers and good old saliva drops on your toes. Must say he is a very ‘friendly’ dog.
First impression of the hotel gives you an awkward feeling that you are going to spend the weekend over at your in-law’s villa - until you are shown the way to your room. The rooms are absolutely stunning. Well thought and designed, clean as it could get. Quiet with an air con that cools the hot room thoroughly. It was weird not to have a telephone in the room when you had a DVD player with a flat screen TV hooked up to the wall, but the receptions on mobile phones were absolutely fine. You may also find it ironic that you are provided with quarter filled 500ml used shampoo bottles with bath towels made from ‘organic’ fabric hanging along its side. For the hotel, little things don’t matter we presumed.
The hotel is run by the manageress and her team of nearby villager maids. The maids were extremely respectful and kind. They do all the home cooking, cleaning and serving. They reflect all the kindness and care of the villagers and have the best manners ever.
The food is traditional, served with a modern presentation. However, the menu is fixed and every guest will eat whatever the chef has cooked that day. It is a shame that they cannot provide you with an option to have a vegetarian main course at the least. If you’re vegetarian and cannot eat the main course there’s nothing to worry about because the wide selection of Turkish mezze’s and bread they serve up front is more than enough to fill you up. You will find a very rich selection of wine and other soft or alcoholic drinks too.
The manageress sits along with the guests, sunbathes, and eats meals just like you do as if you are taking a vacation all together. Minor problem is that she does like to keep you talking and occasionally tells you stories about other guests that had stayed at the hotel previously, makes you wonder what she would be saying about you after your departure.
The pool is relatively small and you cannot use it unless you like swimming in dog hair. Unfortunately, the pool does have a thick layer of Pasha’s hair floating on it and he also likes to use it as his water pot to drink from.
They serve complimentary cakes and tea, which they kindly bring to your room without you even asking for it. Due the fact they have no ‘do not disturb’ signs, your door will be knocked in the middle of your midday nap until you answer to collect the tray. We were devastated to realise that we were served two pieces of cake with moving tiny little maggots in it! What was worse is that we actually ate three quarters of it by the time we noticed. We were told that they gave us pieces left outside rather than pieces from the fridge and that this was the main cause. After a couple of other rude incidences and no intentions of maintaining customer satisfaction, we demanded our remaining two days worth of money back and left.
It was hurtful to witness such a greatly designed and well presented hotel being managed so poorly. But remember, Faralya is a place to see and experience with its delightful views and hostile villagers. Just be cautious of where you stay and that your money is worth the stay.
Overall, must say that the bad experience turned out to be the best thing ever as we discovered a PARADISE on earth in Bordubet (one of Marmaris’ villages) and had the privilege to stay there, which we cannot mention here but will definitely write about it in a different review, so watch this space!

1 reader found this review helpful

While touring the marvelous and unspoilt Oludeniz area, the paths drove me to Villa Mandarin. I discovered a peaceful garden with pool and outside jacuzzi, a terrace restaurant. The rooms, very wide and with jacuzzi, were just more than I could expect for a relaxing few days before ending my tour.
The surrounding beaches and area, walking paths, the view from my room and the top class service only added to the quality of the accommodation and the cleanliness of the premises.
Finally I regretted I was to leave but I will surely be back...