Goknar Knidos Hotel in Datca

The hotel is simple but the location is outstanding, just a few minutes from Knidos. Don’t miss the sunset from their terrace – it’s wonderful. Getting there, though, is not easy: the road is unpaved, with loose stones, so a small city car might struggle. From the hotel you can hike down a steep path (about 10 minutes) to a small private beach with sunbeds. It’s a tough walk and definitely not for sandals, but the owner kindly offers to pick guests up with his van if needed. Since the nearest town is about 20 minutes away, most people stay at the hotel for dinner. We did, and unfortunately the food was a letdown: the “handmade potatoes with yogurt & tomato sauce” turned out to be frozen fries with two sauces, the salad wasn’t fresh, and overall the dishes didn’t feel homemade. No bread or extra small complimentary items like cucumber, as is typical in Turkey. Prices are high (400–450 TL per plate), so the lack of quality is disappointing. On the other hand, the breakfast was fresh and quite rich. The rooms are very basic and outdated. Only a fan is provided, with no fridge, which could be useful if you plan to stay more than one day, at least to avoid being completely dependent on the bar/restaurant. Around the rooms, the garden, pool, and bar area look a bit neglected and not very clean. On the positive side, the staff is kind and helpful, and the manager speaks excellent English. With some adjustments to the menu and to the overall care of the facilities, this place could be a real treasure.

Spent 3 nights with my girlfriend. The hotel is in a very nice location and has an amazing beach. Rooms are clean but very basic (clearly not a boutique hotel) and expensive for rooms with no AC (which we knew about). The hotel only gets three stars because of the breakfast. This was so disappointing for a Turkish breakfast in an expensive hotel. Hard boiled eggs every morning, no fruits, no Sucuk, no kaymak, no börek, nothing that makes Turkish breakfast good. Only a bit of butter and jam (and tomatoes and olives). One evening we ordered the set menu (700 TL/pax), main dish was good but the set menu didn't include a desert, not even fruits or tea. Staff is friendly and accommodating. I find it weird they close the beach to non customers. Not sure whether this is legal or not.

Goknar knifos is an amazing untouched place with breath taking views and bays, with gorgeous compound and yard full of little corners to sit and watch the stars or the sea and with rarely amazing true and kind people. We will comeback.