Hotel Bella Selçuk

Hotel Bella is a small budget hotel on St John Street in Selçuk's historical district, a favourite of independent travellers. Expedia lists five room types, from economy doubles and twins to comfort triples, a family room and a comfort double with balcony, and amenities including included breakfast with local cuisine, free self-parking, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The location is the draw. The Basilica of St John is about two minutes on foot, Ayasuluk Castle and the Ephesus Museum about three, the Isa Bey Mosque about three and the train station about six. The ruins of Ephesus are about two kilometres away. Expedia also lists an airport shuttle for a surcharge.

Location and getting around: Hotel Bella is a good example of why Selçuk works as a base. You can walk to the basilica, the museum and the mosque, find restaurants on the nearby streets, and take a short taxi ride to Ephesus. The train station, about six minutes on foot, links to Izmir, and minibuses go to Kuşadası and Şirince. If you arrive by air, Adnan Menderes Airport is about forty-five minutes away.

Rooms and extras: the rooms are simple, with several configurations for couples, families and small groups. The breakfast included in the rate features local dishes, and the terrace is a pleasant place to sit in the evening. Free parking makes it workable for a rental car, and the on-site restaurant and bar mean you can have dinner without searching. Expedia shows lead-in prices around the budget level, though these vary by season.

Good to know: it is a modest hotel, so expect basic facilities and not a pool or spa. It suits budget travellers, backpackers, families and anyone who wants a central, convenient place and good value, and it is especially useful for an early start at Ephesus. Request a quiet room if you are sensitive to street noise, and confirm the room category before you book, because they differ in size and view.