Escape to Paradise: Selçuk's Hidden Gem, Pasapark Collection Hotel!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the "Escape to Paradise: Selçuk's Hidden Gem, Pasapark Collection Hotel!" It’s not always paradise, folks, let’s be honest. But this review? It's going to be REAL. Think of it like that friend who tells it like it is, even when it gets… messy.
First Impressions: The Arrival and Accessibility (or, the Stairs Saga)
Landing in Selçuk is a breath of fresh, Turkish air. Immediately escaping the chaos that comes with air travel is a relief. The hotel claims (and I stress that word) to be accessible. And while they do have an elevator, my experience, (and as someone who can occasionally be a clumsy disaster,) involved a few… minor stair-related incidents. Okay, maybe one full-blown stumble. Let's just say, if you're heavily reliant on full wheelchair accessibility everywhere, triple-check specifics. I mean, the front entrance had a ramp, bless their hearts, but some internal pathways… well, let's call it "character-building." The elevator was a godsend after that, though.
Accessibility: (Let's Break It Down!)
- Accessibility: Well, the elevator is a huge plus. (Saved me from a total bellyflop.)
- Wheelchair Accessible: They absolutely TRY. But I'd recommend calling ahead and asking VERY specific questions if full wheelchair navigability is a must. Check those pathways and doorways.
The Room: Oasis or Over-Promised Paradise?
My room? It was a decent size. The real bonus was the "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Oh yes! In this modern paradise it worked like a charm! I could get work done, have family video calls, and generally stay connected to the world. The real kicker? "Free bottled water." So basic, but so appreciated!
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet (not in mine, sadly), Air conditioning (yay! Hot Turkish weather!), Alarm clock (meh, I use my phone), Bathrobes (yes!), Bathroom phone (who uses these anymore?), Bathtub (check), Blackout curtains (bliss!), Carpeting (standard), Closet (plenty of space), Coffee/tea maker (absolutely!), Complimentary tea (yes!), Daily housekeeping (THANK YOU!), Desk (great for work!), Extra long bed (YES!), Hair dryer (essential!), High floor (noted!), In-room safe box (always!), Interconnecting room(s) available (nope), Internet access – LAN (had it!), Internet access – wireless (hello!), Ironing facilities (good!), Laptop workspace (tick!), Linens (clean!), Mini bar (loaded!), Mirror (yes!), Non-smoking (check), On-demand movies (meh), Private bathroom (always!), Reading light (perfect!), Refrigerator (handy!), Safety/security feature (always welcome), Satellite/cable channels (who watches TV?), Scale (lol, no), Seating area (bonus!), Separate shower/bathtub (yes!), Shower (perfect!), Slippers (yes!), Smoke detector (thankfully!), Socket near the bed (YES!), Sofa (nice!), Soundproofing (needed!), Telephone (lol), Toiletries (yup!), Towels (fluffy), Umbrella (thank you!), Visual alarm (I didn't need it), Wake-up service (yessss!), Wi-Fi free, Window that opens (fresh air!).
- Cleanliness and safety: The room was spotless. I mean, really spotless. And that's important.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-COVID World (a Little Too Much, Maybe?)
This is where Pasapark really shines. They’re taking hygiene seriously, maybe a little over-seriously. I walked in and immediately felt like I was in a sterile lab. Which, you know, is good for safety. But did I really need the “Anti-viral cleaning products” and "professional-grade sanitizing services?" They even had "Room sanitization opt-out available," in case you felt like going rogue. But still… every surface was gleaming, my germaphobic brain loved it.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service (so easy!), Daily disinfection in common areas (a plus!), Doctor/nurse on call (reassuring!), First aid kit (always good!), Hand sanitizer (everywhere!), Hot water linen and laundry washing (necessary!), Hygiene certification (they have it!), Individually-wrapped food options (yep!), Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (they try!), Professional-grade sanitizing services (you bet!), Room sanitization opt-out available (in case you're brave!), Safe dining setup (absolutely), Sanitized kitchen and tableware items (can't fault it!), Shared stationery removed (fair enough), Staff trained in safety protocol (they are!), Sterilizing equipment (in use),
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Turkish Feast! (with a Few Quirks)
Breakfast was… a journey. "Breakfast [buffet]" is technically correct. But "Breakfast [buffet] that's sometimes a little chaotic" is probably more accurate. I mean, lots of choices! A "Western breakfast" existed alongside an "Asian breakfast." I chose the Western option. It was… fine. The coffee was passable, the pastries were a bit stale BUT I felt the lack of energy by the buffet staff was rather humorous. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" and "Coffee shop" are great additions.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement (good for dietary restrictions), Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar (yep!), Bottle of water (yes!), Breakfast buffet, Breakfast service (yep), Buffet in restaurant (yep), Coffee/tea in restaurant (yes!), Coffee shop (yes!), Desserts in restaurant (yum!), Happy hour (perfect!), International cuisine in restaurant (they try!), Poolside bar (good!), Restaurants (plural!), Room service 24-hour, Salad in restaurant (yes!), Snack bar (good!), Soup in restaurant (warm!), Vegetarian restaurant (yep!), Western breakfast (there!), Western cuisine in restaurant (yep!).
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: The Spa and Pool… and the "Pool with a View"
Okay, the pool. The marketing material said “Pool with a view.” My expectations were quite high. And… it was nice. Not "breathtaking view" nice, maybe "pleasant view" nice. But still, a good spot to relax and soak up the sun. The spa? Now that was something. I got a massage. And I'm usually a ball of knots, but the masseuse… magic hands! I spent days not quite sure if I should be impressed or ashamed. You can spend a whole day there.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view (let's say "nice"), Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna (yes!), Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Services and Conveniences: Perks and Pains
From the "Concierge" (super helpful, even if they couldn't solve my stair-related issues) to the "Daily housekeeping" (bliss!), Pasapark offers a good range of standard services. The "Currency exchange" was handy, and the "Gift/souvenir shop" had some overpriced trinkets. The "Air conditioning in public area" was a lifesaver.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities (adequate), Cash withdrawal, Concierge (yes!), Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store (didn't see it), Currency exchange (yep!), Daily housekeeping (amazing!), Doorman (always there!), Dry cleaning (essential!), Elevator (thank god!), Essential condiments (yes!), Facilities for disabled guests (see above), Food delivery (didn't order), Gift/souvenir shop (meh), Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided (yes!), Ironing service (yes!), Laundry service (yup!), Luggage storage (yes!), Meeting/banquet facilities (plenty!), Meetings (can be arranged), Meeting stationery (probably), On-site event hosting (yep!), Outdoor venue for special events (check!), Projector/LED display (likely), Safety deposit boxes (secure!), Seminars (possible), Shrine (didn't notice), Smoking area (ugh), Terrace (nice!), Wi-Fi for special events (assumed), Xerox/fax in business center (never used).
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
I traveled solo, so I didn't test out their "Babysitting service" or "Kids facilities". They certainly claim to be "Family/child friendly", but I'm no expert on tiny humans.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer and Parking
The "Airport transfer" was a huge win. After the flight from hell, I simply needed to be driven! The "Car park [free of charge]" was another bonus.
- Getting around: Airport transfer (yes!), Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge] (and on-site!), Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my glorious, chaotic attempt to conquer the Pasapark Collection Selcuklu Hotel in Turkey. And trust me, it's already shaping up to be a rollercoaster.
Pasapark Pilgrimage: A Highly Unofficial Itinerary (because let's face it, plans are just suggestions, right?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Turkish Coffee Conundrum
Time - 8:00 AM: Wake up, slightly hungover from the celebratory pre-trip espresso martinis. (Note to self: Less martinis next time.) Stumble towards the airport, muttering about lost luggage and questionable travel pillows.
Time - 2:00 PM (Local Time): Land in Kayseri. Holy moly, the airport is bigger than my hometown! Immediately hit with a wave of that glorious, humid Turkish air. Feeling ALIVE. Finally!
Time - 3:30 PM: Taxi to the Pasapark Collection Selcuklu. The ride is… eventful. Our driver, Mustafa, a fellow with a mustache that could house a small family of sparrows, insists on pointing out every single building of "historical significance." By building number three I'm starting to understand very limited Turkish.
Time - 4:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby is… well, it's opulent. Like, sultan-level opulent. Feeling slightly underdressed in my travel sweatpants and questionable “I heart coffee” t-shirt. The receptionist, a woman with eyebrows that could win a staring contest, gives me the once-over. "Welcome… Madame," she finally says. Okay, maybe I'll try to look more presentable.
Time - 5:00 PM: Room exploration! The room is amazing. So much space! A view of… well, it's something. Apparently, it's the back of the hotel with a view on some air condition units and a parking lot, not ideal. But hey, who's complaining? Me, if I'm being honest.
Time - 6:00 PM: The Great Turkish Coffee Quest. This is where things get interesting. I'm determined to master Turkish coffee. It seems simple enough, right? Little copper pot, coffee grinds, sugar, water… WRONG. First attempt: bitter, gritty, and I think it singed my taste buds. Second attempt: slightly better, but still tasted like I was drinking mud. Third attempt: I gave up and ordered a latte from the hotel's cafe. Defeated. But hey, the latte was delicious!
Time - 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The spread! Oh, the spread! Mezes galore, kebabs that melt in your mouth, and baklava that's pure heaven. I eat until I can barely breathe. I'm suddenly convinced I will need to walk all of these calories, so I walk a couple of more steps.
Time - 9:00 PM: Attempting to sleep, in hope the food will process.
Day 2: Cappadocia Dreams and the Balloon-Fueled Hysteria
Time - 5:00 AM: Wake up, despite my best efforts to sleep in. The sunrise here is famous for the hot air balloons. The idea is very exciting! (I'm usually not a morning person, but for this, I will force myself.)
Time - 5:30 AM: The Hot Air Balloon Adventure! This is it. The moment I’ve been dreaming of. The bus picks us up, we travel for about an hour.
Time - 7:00 AM: Take off a balloon! You are so high! The view is incredible, but it is also frightening and amazing. My stomach is doing flips but I am also smiling.
Time - 8:00 AM: Eat breakfast and celebrating the safe land, with sparkling wine.
Time - 9:00 AM: Back to the hotel. Sleep. Need to sleep.
Time 14:00 PM: The rest of the day is spent wandering the cobblestone streets of the nearby town, getting happily lost, and accidentally buying a rug. (Don't judge me, it was on sale… and it's beautiful.)
Time - 6:00 PM: Trying to find a restaurant for a dinner. The restaurant recommendation from the guide is closed! Frustrating.
Time - 7:00 PM: Finally find a restaurant. The restaurant is good, but the service is incredibly slow. Still, the food is great, and the view is amazing. So, I accept the slow service.
Time - 9:00 PM: Sleep, or maybe watch some TV.
Day 3: Hammam Havoc and the Search for Serenity
Time - 9:00 AM: Breakfast! It is very good. I’m getting used to Turkish breakfast.
Time - 11:00 AM: Hammam Time! This is supposed to be a relaxing experience. (Famous last words, right?) The attendant, a woman who looks like she could bench-press a small car, proceeds to scrub me with the force of a sandblaster. I emerge feeling clean, but slightly… bruised. My skin definitely feels amazing, though.
Time - 1:00 PM: Lunch at hotel.
Time - 4:00 PM: Trying to buy souvenirs in the hotel, and getting tired of bargaining.
Time - 6:00 PM: Dinner!
Time - 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure and the Unfinished Business of Turkish Coffee
Time - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast. I am very sad that my trip is done. I really love Selcuklu hotel.
Time - 11:00 AM: Check out. I'm going to miss this place!
Time - 1:00 PM: Taxi to airport.
Time - Ongoing: Still pondering the secrets of Turkish coffee. Maybe next time… maybe next time I'll actually master it. Or maybe not. Either way, I'll be back!
Post-Trip Reflections:
- Food: Unbelievable. I gained five pounds. Worth it.
- People: Friendly, welcoming, and surprisingly patient with my terrible Turkish.
- Overall Vibe: A beautiful, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable experience.
- Would I go back to the Pasapark Collection Selcuklu? Absolutely. Although, next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker… and a hazmat suit for the hammam.
Pasapark Collection Hotel: Escape to Paradise (…Maybe?) - Let's Get Real, Folks
So, is Pasapark REALLY a hidden gem, or is that just, you know, marketing fluff?
Okay, honest moment here. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti. Pasapark? Well, it *could* be. It depends on what kind of gem you're after. For me? Some days, pure uncut diamond. Others... well, let's just say I've seen brighter, more well-polished rocks. The location? Absolutely top-notch. Right smack-dab in the middle of everywhere you want to be in Selçuk, which, frankly, saves you a *lot* of walking in the scorching heat (which, trust me, you’ll want to avoid). But the "hidden" aspect... mostly in that it's not some massive, glitzy resort. Which, you know, can be a *good* thing. Gives it character, I guess.
The rooms… are they instagrammable? Because let's be honest, that matters.
Alright, here's the lowdown on the rooms. Instagrammable? Ehhh… it depends on your filter game. I mean, they're clean, which is a HUGE plus. The beds are comfortable enough that I actually managed several glorious, uninterrupted sleeps (a rare feat, thanks to my toddler). But don’t expect anything *too* fancy. My room faced the courtyard, which was charming, until the *very* excitable rooster decided dawn was opera hour. Seriously, that bird had lungs like Pavarotti. Take earplugs. Seriously. Take them.
What about the breakfast? Is it that epic Turkish breakfast I've been dreaming of?
The breakfast… that's where Pasapark *truly* shines, in all honesty. Forget the picture-perfect Instagram shots, it's more about the *experience*. The spread is genuinely impressive: fresh bread that's still warm, piles of olives, different cheeses, local honey that’s practically liquid gold, and, yes, the requisite Turkish coffee. Okay, I'm not a coffee snob, but this coffee was *strong*. Strong enough to wake the rooster (which, ironically, it *didn't*). The staff are lovely. And because I was travelling with a young baby, they were brilliant, making sure I always had access to the high chair, and generally indulging all my requests, which was a lifesaver. This is where the "hidden gem" feeling *really* started to take root, as you feel cared for. The whole breakfast experience is just… bliss. Just try to get there early before the bread gets raided. Trust me.
Is the pool… actually swim-able? Or is it just a decoration?
The pool. Ah, the pool. It's small. Let's get that out of the way. Don't expect Olympic-sized laps. It's manageable, clean as seems to be possible in that kind of heat, and a *lifesaver* in the Selçuk sun. It's perfect for a quick dip to cool off after a day of Ephesus-ing (more on that epic adventure later). However... I saw one too many kids having the time of their lives, splashing and dunking each other, and suddenly I was craving a quiet moment to enjoy the pool. It wasn't the pool's fault, but maybe more of a reflection of the "family-friendly" nature, that I didn't entirely enjoy. But hey, it's a *pool*, which is more than some places offer. It also has enough sunbeds, even for midday, and enough shade, so absolutely no complaints!
How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected to the world... and Netflix.
The Wi-Fi? Well... okay, here's the truth. It *works*, but it has moments. Think of it as a moody teenager: sometimes super-fast, sometimes vanishing into the ether. I managed to stream a few episodes of *Something* while breastfeeding (priorities, people!), but don't bank on it for important work calls. (Pro-tip: I'm not ashamed to admit I hotspot-ed from my phone for actual work needing doing, which was reliable!)
Location, location, location – is Pasapark convenient for exploring Ephesus?
The location is *brilliant* for Ephesus. Seriously. You can basically roll out of bed, grab breakfast, and be on the Ephesus shuttle (or a taxi) in minutes. That reduces time. The hotel staff were really helpful, and even booked a private tour for myself and my partner. We got to completely customize the experience - the pace, the historical facts, and the all-important lunch stop. The sheer power of visiting such a historical site is amazing and well worth the location advantage alone. But wait! More! The hotel is also super close to the Isa Bey Mosque, the Temple of Artemis (or what's left of it), and the Selçuk Museum, which is worth a visit. Very convenient, and you can pop back to the hotel for a quick midday nap if you need it (which, trust me, you *will* if you're braving Ephesus in the summer!).
Were there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, look. Nobody's perfect, and neither is Pasapark. Besides the rooster (which, again, I can't emphasize enough, BRING EARPLUGS), I experienced some minor letdowns. The walls were a little thin. I could sometimes hear the conversations next door (thankfully, mostly in Turkish, which I don't understand, so it didn't bother me *too* much). Also, the air conditioning in my room was a little... temperamental. It worked, but sometimes it sounded like a jet engine. And, there was this *tiny* incident with a rogue olive at breakfast. (Don't ask.) Overall, it's a positive experience and I'd recommend it, but perfection is a long shot.
Would you go back? Spill the tea!
Definitely. Despite any imperfections, and considering the price compared to other Selçuk experiences, I would go back in a heartbeat. The location, the breakfast, that overall welcoming atmosphere... it's a winner. The staff were genuinely helpful, and the atmosphere made up for the quirks. It's not a luxury resort, but it's got charm, character, and a certain… *je ne sais quoi*. Plus, the fact that I *still* think about that amazing breakfast means it made a lasting impression. So, yes. I'd go back. And I'd pack earplugs.
