Destina Hotel
, Ovacik
Destina Hotel Reviews
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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1 reader found this review helpful
The Destina was clean,the food was great , staff friendly and efficient,the bar staff were attentative and the entertainment run by Christine and Lyndon was brilliant !We got to see a fireeating/glass walking conjuror,a traditional belly dancer and traditional turkish dancing as well as having competitions ,quizzes and hilarious games!All in all a fabulous holiday.We will certainly be going back!
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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1 reader found this review helpful
Hi we have just returned from the Destina after a 10 day break. Yes the walls are thin but we still got sleep and the other guests on the whole did respected this. The food was also ok we never went hungry and the tea is the best I have tasted abroad by far. Rooms were cleaned every day Pool area was kept clean but you will have bother with flies and bites. AZDA is just down the road and you can get a spray call OFF which did help stop the bites so be warned. Lots of trips to book at vast ammounts of street agents in Hisaronu at reasonable prices. We had a brilliant time mainly due to the fact we met really lovely people at the hotel Audrey and Ian especially also Sue George Miriam Ronnie etc you all know who you are and thank you for sharing your time with us. We flew with Thompson and for the first time ever we had our hand luggage weighed!!!! so also be warned (a bit of a ploy for excess baggage charge )
- Advice: Yse local dolmus or taxi to return to Hotel as its up a steep hill
- Good For: Beach
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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4 readers found this review helpful
We arrived at the hotel feeling quite wary as some of the reviews on here were quite harsh. However, we have had an amazing holiday.
The rooms are quite basic and small but seeing as you only sleep in them we didnt find this a problem. They were cleaned every day and the maid was very friendly - we quite often got back to the room to find flowers and swans made from sheets/towels which was a nice touch.
The food was absolutely amazing- there was always a soup on at lunch and dinner and they were all very tasty and hot (and yes I did try most of them lol). A huge choice of salads and I didnt realise there were so many ways to cook eggs !! Yes there was lots of chicken and turkey but it was all cooked very well, different every day, was tasty and hot.
Chris and Lyn (the entertainment team) are a lovely couple and tried very hard every day to get people to join in. Me and my husband dont usually do things like this but had such a laugh doing the water aerobics, water volley ball, music quiz and "Beat the Clock" (had to be seen to be believed-one of our team still has rope burns lol).
Turkish bath was a lovely way to spend a relaxing hour and we didnt expect to get a face pack included at the end.
All the staff were polite and friendly and most had a good sense of humour. The food and bar manager, Saygin, was very helpful and knowledgeable and Mustapha and Yousef (waiters) were always up for a joke. Murat (bar staff) was like Marmite-you either loved him or hated him.
Met some wonderful holiday makers, made some new friends and had such a laugh.
Hisaronu is only a 10-15 min walk away and is certainly an eye opener but there are some lovely restaurants down there (can recommed Shine Indian -set menu 19 Lira). Would also recommend Talk of the Town - Diamond Diva's drag act- as a good night out.
This is the first time I have been to Turkey but it certainly wont be the last - and I would definately stay here again.
- Good For: Beach
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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2 readers found this review helpful
Just come back from a 2 week trip to the destina.
The rooms are rather small but adequate. My main problem was that the walls are paper thin and the hotel is rather noisy so i would definately reccomend ear plugs! If you can i would recommend a top floor room in blocks 2 or 3 ( and i'd have a back facing room)
The hotel is about a 15 min walk down hill into hisaronu which is ok going but coming back is a killer and we took a taxi every night at 10 Lira to Hisaronu.
Food is very nice, quite repetative. Soup, Salads and chicken, Turkey, Fish or Veal, Pastas, Potatoes and vegetables.
The staff are very friendly. Murat the barman appears to be miserable but it's just his sense of humour, wind him up back and he'll soon be fine. Lyn and Chris the entertainment staff are great. They arrange things like aerobics, killer darts and volleyball in day and different things like Quizzes at night.
Hisaronu is very nice with plenty of bars, few clubs and shops. The quiz at Fez bar on Tue is good ( they also do break dancing shows on other nights). Barrumba is very lively and Hustlers is also a good bar. If you fancy some karaoke then Eski bar is a good place.
Would definately advise against horse riding it isn't safe and 3 ppl on our trip of 10 got thrown off the horses. The Jeep safari is a good day trip out!
Overall enjoyed the holiday. Probably wouldn't go back to the hotel as it's a tad bit out of town.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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3 readers found this review helpful
the hotel is having a make over this winter which it does need. However the hotel is brilliant the staff friendly and helpful the food of a good quality.
The views are truly stunning you have to see the sunset for yourself to understand.
You are only a few minutes away from the sea at Oludinez or the shopping at Hisaronu both have dolmus vans running back and forth regularily.
I will be going back as a lone femail traveller I felt safe and welcome!
- Advice: use the local bus service it is cheap and regular
- Good For: Beach
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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8 readers found this review helpful
I have holidayed in most european resorts and feel that when reviewing the hotel it is only fair to consider what the cost was and what the expectations were, based on the brochure or travel agents advice. Thomson described this hotel perfectly.
We arrived on a Monday afternoon in Mid May and were at the back of a small queue of newly arrived people waiting to book in. The first few were complaining right away that they had not got a ground floor. The hotel manager explained very politely that any requests for specific floors were not guaranteed and that all floors needed to be used. He added that if the opportunity arose to swap floors he would arrange it. The hotel only had three floors and all rooms were quite close to the main dining and pool areas. I think most if not all rooms would have had a pleasant view.
We were given a second floor room, it was quite small but very clean and cosy. We accept the fact that it was advertised as 3 star and felt this was a fair reflection. The hotel is set in pleasant grounds with a mountainous backdrop which makes for a lovely out of the way location. The maid cleaned our room every day except for the last full day and often left us some towel art which was a nice touch. On one occasion she left a rose in a plastic container using it as a makeshift vase, it was the thought that mattered and this typified the whole attitude of the turkish people. Our door did have a bit of a gap beneath it and any noise in the corridors could easily be heard in our room. This didnt bother us and there was certainly no drafts as the temperatures were fantastic every day.
All the staff regularly asked if we were enjoying our holiday and helped with anything we asked for. The receptionist named 'typhoon' (probably spelt this incorrectly) was very pleasant and helpful.
The meals are all self service and in my opinion are varied and well prepared. the waiters patrol the dining areas and ensure that tables are not allowed to get cluttered with used plates etc. I think it unfair to suggest they snatch your cutlery away (as one reviewer suggested). They always had a smile and a polite word as they ensured our tables were tended to.
During our week we had beef, chicken, fish and turkey cooked in various ways. Soup was always available as a starter with fresh crusty bread that you sliced yourself. There were always plenty of tasty cakes etc for dessert. Soft drinks were available all day long as per brochure. Many of the guests that i saw were piling there plates up so the food could not be that bad. i personally really enjoyed it and we only ate out a few times to make the evenings and occasional lunchtimes more interesting. It is important for parents to note that every afternoon at 3pm there was chips and either chicken or burger available as an afternoon snack. Chips were never served during lunchtime or evening meal, so we cant say we had chips with everything. I guarantee you wont go hungry.
The pool area is kept clean and tidy, the two British staff that arrange fun activities etc are attentive and make every effort to offer games etc during the day and evening.
The on site shop is handy and the lads that run it are polite.
The bar staff of an evening do their best to encourage a fun atmosphere.
The hotel is located in a small town called Ovacik, it is a pleasant stroll down a gradual hill to the main area of Hisonarou. I would strongly recommend that lazy people such as me always use a taxi back to the hotel as it was only 10 Lira (£4). The restaurants are all very reasonable and the owners try and encourage you to have a meal at their establishment. I can honestly say that a huge percentage of these staff would wish us an enjoyable holiday even if we declined their offer to have a meal. We particularly enjoyed eating at the Lemon Tree restaurant, a very reasonably priced three course meal, beautifully cooked and deliciously enjoyable (peppered steak, great) and also Alex's Bar and Restaurant for a typical pub meal with chunky home made chips.
There is a fun show known as The Talk of the Town, three drag queens that are extremely funny. Just to the left of the talk of the town is a great little shop that sells a fantastic selection of Turkish Delight, the shop is called Sweet Paradise, the name sums it up perfectly and the two main staff will be most welcoming. On our return home we sampled our items bought from the Sweet Paradise shop, coffee was delicious as was the Turkish Delight and the shop enabled us to buy all the gifts we wanted for family etc. In truth no-one gave us a hard sell throughout this holiday, we cannot wait to go back and would not hesitate to use the Destina again.
We visited the beach at Olu Deniz, it is very clean and there are plenty of shops and eateries to ensure you can stay all day. We went by the bus which was laid on by the hotel each day.
Incidentally, the hotel manager was around as we were due to get on the coach back to the hotel, he helped with my cases and after gently kissing my wife he shook my hand and wished us 'safe journey'. Absolutely charming.
My only real gripe is that the Thomson rep could have and should have sold the local area much better, the choice of shops and restaurants is vast and guarantees a nice evening or day out.
PS make sure you visit the Ghost Town. It is a short bus ride and there are plenty of places to have a drink etc once you are there.
- Advice: It is a pleasant walk down into Hisonarou where there are lots of lovely restaurants and shops
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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1 reader found this review helpful
the rooms are small and stuffy. arrived at night and hoped it would look better in the morning......it didnt.
all inclusive was a good idea with the kids but if you put your knife or fork down for a second, the waiters took the plate, nice to be clean but being able to finish your meal without keeping one hand holding it down would be nice. pudding looked nice but the flies got to it first... bit off putting. a few net covers wouldnt go a miss....set times are a good idea but when you start to cut a slice of bread and get told "no, stop, still 3 minutes" i think thats taking "set times" too far. if you sleep in and miss breakfast ending at 10am, there is no way whatsoever of getting a tea, coffee or juice untill the bar opens by the pool at 11am. most of the staff were ok but a handfull were very rude. swearing at the kids and flirting with the teens. bar shuts at 11pm, on the dot, but you can have all the cocktails and booze you want if you have got the money!!! snacks like crisps and nuts were available "from the shop" not cheap. big shortage of sun loungers at the pool. kids loved the pool but us grown ups were left feeling a bit let down.....
- Advice: dont expect too much
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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3 readers found this review helpful
The hotel was more than we first expected it to be, value for money wise as well as appearence, state and matter. The cleanliness of the holiday was more than a standard service meaning tidied and also made the bed with a special pattern made with the top bed sheet for presentation. Any body going to this hotel will be very happy as been very clean, tidy and welcoming. The cleaning staff always left every part of your room clean such as beds, bathroom, balcony and the general room you were/are staying in. At the end of the day this is a great hotel to finish and partly make the holiday come together. Its not a five star hotel but its the value for money and worth a try just to see some of the hidden away hotels in Ovacik.
- Advice: Great hotel for value
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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8 readers found this review helpful
we had a last minuite deal the flights were crap but all late deal flights are the same
as we walked into the destena we were plesently suprised we arived in the early hours of the morning. we got to our room wich was very clean the shower was one of the best we have ever had.We went for a look round the hotel it was very clean when we had our meal they were a bit repetative but for the price you couldnt complane but you get those who cant help it they want to pay skeggy prices and get the world infact it was cheeper than going skeggy over all it was great for the price we would defanitly go back for a cheep holliday for a week any one thinking of going just go its great for the price dont listen to all the moaners
- Advice: small but nice
- Activities: baech and the mountains
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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2 readers found this review helpful
Where do I start ?
We had been looking forward to our holiday all year. Spotted good reviews on the Green Anatolia, in Ovacik, and booked on a half-board basis.
All's well so far.
But as we arrived at Dalaman airport we were greeted with a sealed envelope. On reading the letter we were informed that we were not going to be staying at the Green Anatolia because it was full ! We were been sent to another hotel called the Destina, which was 70 yards or so away from our original destination.
So we arrived at the hotel, after tyravelling most of the night, at 6.30am. Firstly, they weren't expecting us but on production of the letter, we were given a room. I thought it wasn't too much to ask for a nice cup of tea or coffee as I was 'gagging' for a drink, but I was told that there wasn't any hot water, cold drinks, bottled water available until breakfast at 8am. A great start.
So a quick hours sleep, no shower because there wasn't any hot water in the system either, and down for breakfast. The food selection was poor and although it improved slightly towards the end of the week, the standard was down for (depending where you looked) this 3 or 4-star hotel.
If you're a chicken lover, you'll be in heaven. there wasn't a lot more. Jams were nicely spread out to make it look like there was a better selection, but on closer inspection, it was the same every day.
As for the beauty parlour, massage section, shop, entertainment and internet, there weren't any!
Local spirits in this all-inclusive hotel, were limited to just vodka and gin. The beer wasn't that good either. Snacks were available for an hour a day and you were restricted to one choice: Cheese slice and chips one day, pancakes another, and pizza another. No free ice creams or similar things.
The rooms were very basic but clean and the view, ours was a bush that separated our room from the next hotel's swimming pool , was nothing to write home about. There was no point going to bed before 11.30pm as there was no way you would get to sleep.
The pool area was adequate but few used it. Saying that, the hotel was rather empty and was an obvious spill-over venue where holiday-makers were sent. Not only Brits as, later in our stay, four Poles arrived after being told that the very nice Olu Deniz Beach Club was full. they weren't impressed either.
Having arived early on Sunday morning, the final straw was on our final day, the Saturday. We were informed that if we stayed for lunch, we would be charged 15 Lira each (approx) £7. It really wasn't worth it and was just another penny-pinching plot.
In fact, Brits there, who had been booked with XL, the company who went bust while they were there, were forced to pay £25 a day each, for the duration of their stay, to the hotel before they were allowed to leave, even though they had paid their holiday in full before departure. Not only that, but they also had to find £40 to £50 for transfers back to Dalaman airport, something they had also paid for in advance.
Imagine having paid £800'ish for a week's holiday, only having to stump up another £400 or so to get out !!!
In all fairness, our 'reallocation' wasn't down to the tour operator as they explained that overbooking happened all the time. This is maybe something that the Turks ought to sort out once and for all if they are to expect people like us to return.
The hotel manager explained that it was the first year that his hotel had been open to tourists other than Turks. He has a lot to learn but had obviously not learned anything during the summer. Other reviews of the Destina back me up on what I am saying.
The plusses
Billy's Bar at Olu Deniz was out of this world and well worth a visit. Boat trips are good if the sea is calm but don't, as I did, book with the first person you see over there. Our two trips averaged £12 each.....some on board had paid just £4 !
The people are very friendly and the selling is not in your face as it was the last time we visited Turkey (four years ago) in the Altinkum area.
The minuses
There was nothing to do at all at the hotel, something they have to work on for next season.
The food was poor and very basic. We never saw lamb once in the week we were there, a meat I thought was going to be as common as chicken. How wrong I was.
There was no assistance available at the hotel, and the hotel mini bus remained static for the whole week, whereas other hotel seemed to have a bus down the very steep hills to Ovacik itself.
Everything seemed to be done on a very low budget and my wife regularly commented on being watched by the orange juice police ! The toaster was smaller than the one in most people's kitchens and most breakfasts we just didn't bother queueing.
Conclusion
We might return to Turkey but certainly not to the destina, although it wasn't our choice in the first place.
And if my wife cooks chicken for the Sunday roast tomorrow, a divorce WILL be on the cards !
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Right Travel
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i LOVED staying at Destina!! first girls holiday and loved every part of it!! Staff were all friendly especially Anil ,Saigin (manager, cant spell his name0 Yusuf and Tyfun. Made very good firends with all the staff and went out with them quite alot of the two weeks we was there. rooms were abit small but we wasnt in them that much so couldnt complain. Food was repetative but cooked very well and was very nice. All in all i loved my holiday at Destina and all the other reviews are rubish because the staff were lovely and we got on with them Saigin was not at all arrigant or rude and Anil is lovley!!!! we all loved it and go on with everyone that much we are going back in september!!(: