Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Bodrum 2023

Commonly described as ‘The Land of the Eternal Blue’, Bodrum is a popular holiday destination on the coast of Turkey’s Muğla Province, famed for its dazzling nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and epic historical sites.

As you stroll along Bodrum’s palm-lined waterfront, a sight to behold is the elegant yachts which crowd the marina, and a subdued and relaxed atmosphere is extended to the enchanting villages that dot the peninsula’s tranquil bays. 

Bodrum’s architecture blends the Greek islands’ white-washed elegance with the Mediterranean countries’ grandeur. The graceful buildings rise from the seafront all the way up the soaring verdant hills.

Here, you will find some of Turkey’s most high-end hotels, which range from palm-fringed boutiques to opulent all-inclusive resorts. From my many trips to the area, I have handpicked my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Bodrum, Turkey (in no particular order)...

1. Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum – one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable resorts in Bodrum that offers a private beach along the Aegean Sea

Part of the Marriott International brand, Caresse sits in a quiet coastal spot a mere 10-minute drive from Bodrum’s vibrant centre.

It boasts a large infinity pool which is separated from a white crescent-shaped beach only by a smart palm-fringed teak deck, offering a serene space to kick back and relax. Each of the 75 rooms and 9 suites come with a jaw-dropping sea view from a large balcony or terrace, as well as marble-lined bathrooms and contemporary furniture.

Without a doubt my favourite spot was the poolside Glass Lounge Bar, which is the perfect place for evening cocktails.

• To book, check prices or availability for Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum

2. Arts Hotel Yalikavak Bodrum – an ultra-chic seafront hotel that provides great facilities including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, ideal for Millennials and Gen Zs

A place where luxury and comfort unite before mesmerizing sea views, Arts Hotel exceeds all expectations of elegance. Dressed in a boutique flair of dark woods, my room had a private pool and a terrace dotted with soft blue loungers, and was decorated by signature designer furniture that evoked exclusivity and opulence.

The marble-clad bathrooms add an air of funkiness, through ambient mirror lights and quirky tiled showers. The hotel offers a serene spot for sunbathing, on a peaceful grassy lawn from which you can step right into the ocean to cool off.

Additional on-site offerings include a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant which shares a nod to the culinary panache of the Mediterranean.

• To book, check prices or availability for Arts Hotel Yalikavak Bodrum

3. Palmalife Hotel – a cool, trendy and unique resort that is one of the best choices for a dreamy beach holiday

This dreamlike resort rises from the majestic shores of the Aegean, and is surrounded by a dramatic harmony of green and blue.

Offering both a pier beach and a paradisiacal infinity pool, the hotel allows you to cater your relaxation needs to your wishes, while the fitness centre allows you to reenergize in the backdrop of the Aegean Sea. A sanctuary of serenity is offered in the spa centre, where you can purify your soul in the trailblazing treatment rooms.

I thought the gastronomic concept at the Modern Ocakbaşı Restaurant was exceptional, with the food marinated in its signature sauces, and some of the freshest appetizers I have ever tasted!

• To book, check prices or availability for Palmalife Hotel

4. Casa Nonna Bodrum – Adult Only – a cool, relaxing and beachfront hotel where guests can enjoy a peaceful vacation surrounded by palm trees

Set in one of the most pristine bays in Bodrum, this graceful boutique hotel offers a private beach, and a modern design combining luxury and comfort.

I was totally impressed by the 180-degree uninterrupted sea view from my room, and the custom-made furniture and works of art were the icing on the cake. Topped with the innovative interpretations of award-winning chefs, Mediterranean dishes are served in the hotel’s restaurants, using seasonal and natural products grown on-site.

For socializing, the hotel offers a Beach Bar and a Pool Bar, both designed to enrich pleasure with refreshing, crafted beverages. You can soak up the balmy climate from the 5 private cabanas on the deck, or relish the gorgeous ocean water at the private beach.

• To book, check prices or availability for Casa Nonna Bodrum – Adult Only

5. Lujo Hotel A`la Carte All Inclusive – a unique and wow-inducing all-inclusive retreat where guests have three different choices of private beaches 

Residing at the centre of Lujo’s philosophy is a firm belief in the transforming power of nature. I was totally amazed by the amount of offerings at this colossal boutique, which included 3 private beaches and 4 different concept outdoor swimming pools.

You can let your taste buds run wild with a choice of 9 different culinary options across the hotel’s many fine dining establishments, ranging from Asian delights to Argentinian steaks.

The a la carte services operate 24/7! The hotel also features many facilities offering you a chance to engage in water sports, as well as cycling & fishing trips.

• To book, check prices or availability for Lujo Hotel A`la Carte All Inclusive

6. Mandarin Oriental – one of the most sumptuous and awesome hotels that offer breathtaking views of the blue Aegean Sea, based in Golturkbuku

Set on the glittering Aegean coastline, this luxury cocoon presents a tremendous array of hip bars and restaurants, as well as a blissful spa experience.

Set in the up-market resort of Goltürkbükü, Mandarin Oriental overlooks the sleek yachts and blue waters of Cennet Bay. Arranged in tiers down a wooded hillside are the hotel’s olive-coloured geometric blocks, which lead you to the white sandy beaches. V

ast tracts of luxury teak and muted marble intersperse with modern artwork, creating an interior which radiates elegance and boutique charm. I was amazed by the amount of facilities on-site, which included a water sports centre, a yoga studio, a handful of outdoor pools, designer shops, and private curtained beach cabanas.

• To book, check prices or availability for Mandarin Oriental

7. Cape Bodrum Luxury Hotel & Beach – a hip, sophisticated and contemporary boutique style property that offers an infinity pool and a private beach

I have paid many visits to this cool and contemporary hotel, and each time it provides an ultra-high standard of classiness and sophistication.

Set amid a coastline laced with bays and coves, Cape Bodrum harmoniously blends luxury and nature, topped with a matchless equilibrium of wellness and action.

The open buffet provides an exaltation of the senses, while the Artisan Café offers a soul-soothing space to socialize, and the three separate bars come with different signature concepts inspired by the resplendent beauty of the region. My room opened onto a glittering outdoor pool, set before pristine Aegean waters.

The hotel’s private beach is the most idyllic spot for sunbathing and relaxing, and is complemented by soft music and mouth-watering snacks on offer.

• To book, check prices or availability for Cape Bodrum Luxury Hotel & Beach

8. Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum – a pristine and upscale resort set in a peaceful location overlooking Barbaros Bay

Set on the cliffs of the pristine Barbaros Bay, Kempinski Hotel exudes the very best of European luxury, where floor-to-ceiling white drapes billow in the sea breeze over wicker lounge beds, and each space is infused with peace and tranquillity.

The guestrooms follow a minimalist style, with crisp white walls offset by dark wood furnishings, and sea-facing balconies oozing the serenity of beachfront living. A symphony of flavours is available on-site, with three restaurants offering a choice of Italian, Vietnamese, and Aegean food.

My personal favourite spot was the beach bar, which boasts a traditionally Turkish feel, and serves delicious, international lunchtime menus. 

• To book, check prices or availability for Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum

9. MGallery The Bodrum Hotel Yalikavak – a polished and stylish hotel that provides visitors with Insta-worthy panoramic views of Yalikavak Public Beach

The unique architecture and nature of Bodrum are embodied exquisitely at this beachfront retreat, which invites you to create unforgettable memories.

The true soul of this graceful boutique is expressed in its chic design, which appears almost like an expertly curated art gallery. The restaurant, opening onto an expansive deck, serves mouth-watering gastronomic delights, and showcases some of the most beautifully crafted dishes I have ever tasted in Bodrum.

I thought the guestrooms were some of the region’s most elegant, with plush seating areas adorning the soft wood-clad interiors, and sliding glass doors opening onto intimate sea-view balconies. A range of replenishing services are offered in the Mood Spa, as well as high-end facilities which include a Turkish Hammam, a sauna, and a steam room.

• To book, check prices or availability for MGallery The Bodrum Hotel Yalikavak

10. Birdcage 33 Hotel – Adult Only – a cute, intimate and trendy boutique hotel with swish modern decor located near Yalikavak Marina 

Mesmerizing, joyous, and wild at heart, this eclectic hip hotel is one of my favourite Bodrum accommodations. One of the grooviest beach retreats of the Aegean, Birdcage 33 is nestled amid hills flooded with olive and oak trees, and offers awe-inspiring views of the town and the marina.

The hotel itself is an expression of art, reflected in its chic design elements which exude a sense of understated luxury.

A bohemian vibe is combined with the essence of coastal living to curate a truly exceptional hospitality experience, especially in the guestrooms, where a laid-back ambiance and quirky décor cradle the hotel’s unique spirit.

• To book, check prices or availability for Birdcage 33 Hotel – Adult Only

11. The Elysium Yalıkavak Villas – a tropical boutique beach hotel that is within walking distance from the lovely Fenty Beach

To stay here is to step into a luxury way of living, conveniently located in one of the hottest spots of Bodrum, Yalıkavak. The beauty and bounty of the surrounding nature sets the tone for a holiday of dreams, set right on the shore at the tip of the peninsula.

The seafront villas pioneer a tremendous innovation concept, with exquisite hip décor set against a neutral canvas, and expressive artwork complemented by potted plants and plush seating areas.

I booked a room in the 2+1 villa, a 2-floor gem which came with a private pool, an open kitchen, and a large garden where I enjoyed a majestic sunset each night.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Elysium Yalıkavak Villas

12. METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum – an exclusive and romantic boutique beach resort that offers one of the most stunning views of Bardakçi Bay

 Perfectly catered to the modern traveller looking to unwind and have fun, METT Hotel & Beach Resort overlooks the Aegean Sea, and offers peaceful cabanas with private pools.

The hotel is rooted in a holistic approach to wellness. The on-site MOI Spa, spread across 850 square metres of intimate bliss, is the perfect spot to pamper the senses.

Meanwhile the RAISE Fitness & Wellness centre offers a chance to harmonise your relaxing getaway with a re-energizing vigour. For a more action-packed alternative, you can enjoy water sports and activities directly on the beach, or head to the Teens Room to for some friendly air-hockey, foosball, and PS5 competitions.

• To book, check prices or availability for METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum

13. Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach – a hip, trendy and contemporary beach resort located in Turgutreis and embraced by beautiful gardens

Swissôtel lies directly on the waterfront in Turgutreis, inviting you to wake up to the sound of the waves crashing into shore. This stunning Bodrum Beach resort oozes splendour in every nook and cranny, where luxury materials and floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light to nourish the interiors.

Alpine-inspired furniture and trendsetting technologies feature in the guestrooms, which come with marble-clad bathrooms and comfort-engineered beds.

The hotel plays host to four eclectic restaurants, as well as two vibrant bars, bringing you unforgettable evenings in an open-air setting. The on-site spa is set in an elegant and modern space, offering wellness rituals utilizing essential oils taken from plants grown in Alpine meadows.

• To book, check prices or availability for Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach

14. Spektr Boutique Hotel & Spa – a lavish and relaxing boutique hotel that provides an onsite restaurant, based in the hills of Yalikavak

Backdropped by Yalikavak bay, Spektr Boutique Hotel & Spa is one of my favourite Bodrum hotels. Its 30 guestrooms are spread across four separate villas, with each block flaunting a shimmering pool, lush gardens, and multiple sun terraces.

For moments of blissful relaxation, you can head to the spa or yoga terrace, or simply meander through the plant-lined grounds and soak up the majestic coastal charm.

Infused with Turkish flavours, the casual-chic restaurant La Lara is an innovative gastronomic concept, where you can embrace an intimate indoor atmosphere and an outdoor terrace in one place. Another option, and my personal favourite, is the seafront restaurant Mynos, where authentic Aegean cuisine is served before scintillating sunsets.

• To book, check prices or availability for Spektr Boutique Hotel & Spa

15. Allium Bodrum Resort & Spa – a laid-back, serene and charming resort spa set in a top location of Bodrum Bay, perfect to witness a majestic sunset

Grandiose and elaborate, Allium Resort combines the essence of fine dining, pampered luxury, and spacious intimacy into one opulent estate of villas.

Graced by the alluring colours of an Aegean sunset, this breathtaking Bodrum bolthole boasts one of Turkey’s most gorgeous outdoor infinity pools. Here, I spent many hours gazing across the Greek Archipelago. Meanwhile, the greenery that fills a luxuriant slope of 13 acres sets an effervescent backdrop in other angles of the property.

During my week-long getaway, I woke up each morning in a whitewashed, neutral-hued guestroom to glistening sea views, and drew the day to a close with a mouth-watering Turkish dinner and a crafted beverage.

• To book, check prices or availability for Allium Bodrum Resort & Spa

16. Boho Hotel-Adults Only – a chic and gorgeous beach hotel that provides free delicious breakfast

Befitting its name, this arty hotel radiates a truly bohemian atmosphere. The building is inspired by 70s architecture, and is dotted with stunning balconies, open-air terraces, and a private pier which affords breathtaking azure ocean views.

I loved that surrounding the hotel there are a handful of beautiful walking trails, which allowed me to absorb the beauty of nature while exercising.

A standout feature of the property is its restaurant, which combines European delicacies with local influences in a tapas-style dining experience. The five hip trendy rooms all emanate a radiant glow of ocean-meets-luxury living, topped with idiosyncratic artwork.

• To book, check prices or availability for Boho Hotel-Adults Only

17. YAZ Beach Hotel – a trendy and stand-out beach hotel with a slight boho vibe located in an attractive cove in Yalikavak seafront 

Combining a graceful atmosphere with a Mediterranean design in the backdrop of the crystal-clear sea, YAZ Beach Hotel sits elegantly on a beachfront location in Yalıkavak.

The unparalleled scenery of whitewashed houses and lush greenery exudes serenity on the private terraces, which offer the most amazing, heart-stirring sunsets. An awe-inspiring feature is the hotel’s private beach, where you can indulge in crafted cocktails from the snack bar. Afterwards, you can jump right into the azure sea from the pier, before reclining on a cosy sun lounger.

You can also gaze across the horizon from the shimmering pool, as well as through the sea-facing windows in the elegant guestrooms.

• To book, check prices or availability for YAZ Beach Hotel

18. The Bodrum EDITION – an oasis peace of heaven that features uniquely decorated rooms set on the Turkish Riviera

Tumbling down a steep hillside with cobbled bougainvillea-fringed pathways leading to the sea, the dazzling turquoise coastline sets an effervescent backdrop to this eclectic hotel.

As I walked into the gleaming white, sun-dappled lobby, I was greeted by a gorgeous combination of nature and luxury, with oversized planters and plush sofas oozing opulence.

The hotel’s swish infinity pool, chilled beach club, and three exquisite restaurants offer a delicate balance of vibrancy and relaxation.

The spa is a sea of white hues which glow in the warm light of hurricane lanterns, and offers secluded outdoor treatment spaces, greenery-girdled plunge pools, and many more high-end amenities. The aesthetic in the rooms radiates an atmosphere of chic minimalism, and a calming feel is exuded by the muted hues of beige, brown, and white.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Bodrum EDITION

19. Titanic Deluxe Bodrum – a high-end and intimate resort, ideal for special occasions such as honeymoons

Situated in one of the most beautiful bays of Bodrum, this 5-star retreat presents a pioneering accommodation concept designed for ultimate comfort. Covering an 80 thousand square metres of soul-soothing landscape in Güvercinlik, this is the perfect choice for travellers who want to be surrounded by every colour of nature.

One of the features I truly loved about Titanic Deluxe was the diversity in swimming options. You can refresh in an outdoor or indoor pool, or in the 350 metres of private coast which comes with exclusive sunbathing ports.

There is also an aqua park which comes with water slides, as well as private heated villa pools where you can kick back in total seclusion. The hotel is an energetic hub, where live DJ performances, concerts, beach parties, dance shows, and many more events are offered.

• To book, check prices or availability for Titanic Deluxe Bodrum

10. Ha La Bodrum – a historic and cute B&B housed in an Ottoman stone building embraced by lush lemon trees, perfect for a more authentic Turkish experience

Encircled with stone walls in the centre of Bodrum, this ancient oasis invites you to step away from the chaos and embrace the tranquillity of history and nature combined.

I stayed in the cedar wood scented Portakal Suite, amid the charm of handmade décor. This was the slice of quiet intimacy I craved after an action-packed week travelling up and down the Turquoise Coast.

I certainly felt more like a guest than a customer, owing to the charming staff presence. Days at Ha La can be spent sat under lemon trees, savouring fresh dishes, and enjoying peaceful strolls to the nearby Marina and beach.

• To book, check prices or availability for Ha La Bodrum

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