Hotel XO Alanya

Hotel XO Alanya suits the independent traveller who treats the hotel as a base rather than a destination. A stay in a town hotel like this one gives you the freedom to wander, with cafés, bakeries and restaurants close by, and to join the boat trips, safaris and day tours that make up so much of an Alanya holiday. It is a sensible choice for couples, solo travellers and friends who plan to spend most of their time out and about.

The advantages of a smaller town hotel are flexibility and value. Without the resort entertainment, rates are often lower, and you can choose where to eat each night, from a harbourfront fish restaurant to a pide oven or a seafront café. Breakfast is usually included or available, and you can fill the rest of the day with swimming, sightseeing and tours. If you like to try local food, this style of stay lets you do it every day.

Alanya is easy to explore from a central base. The castle, Cleopatra Beach, the old harbour, Damlatas Cave and the bazaar are all within reach by foot, minibus or taxi, and tours collect from hotels across town. Boat trips such as the pirate boat, the catamaran and the sunset cruise leave from the harbour, and activities like paragliding, diving and paddleboarding can be arranged in a few minutes. Check the hotel's exact location on the map when you book, so you know how far you are from the beach.

Think about the season. In July and August the town is hot and busy, and good air conditioning and a quiet room are worth requesting. In April, May, September and October the sea is warm and the streets are calmer, and in winter the weather is mild, with some beach services closed. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the street, since late-night music is a feature of many Turkish resort towns in summer.

Compare flexible and non-refundable rates before you commit, and read recent reviews for details on cleanliness, breakfast and noise. Message the hotel if you need an early check-in, luggage storage or help with a transfer from the airport, which lies roughly two hours away by road. Small hotels often respond quickly and personally, and a friendly message can turn a good stay into a memorable one.

Because this style of stay leaves meals up to you, it is worth sampling local dishes. Try pide, grilled fish, gozleme and fresh fruit from the market, and look for restaurants busy with Turkish families, which is usually a good sign. Ask the hotel for recommendations and for the safest way to book tours, and keep a card with the hotel's address in Turkish for taxi drivers. These small habits make independent travel in Alanya smooth and rewarding.