Aug 6

Aug 6 Bodrum EDITION and Summer Trip Update - Quick Review

“The Point - The Bodrum Edition is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at”

— Distant Points

I was super excited to write several blog posts on my trip home but unfortunately it wasn’t a smooth trip. My original flight, KBP to VIE to YYZ on Austrian Airlines and Air Canada was overbooked and they decided to put us on standby. We didn’t make the flight and after receiving our 300 euro compensation (thanks EU261) we were re-routed to Milan (MXP) on Ukrainian International and then onwards to YYZ on AC. This was really the only option that would get us home for work but it also only had an hour connection in MXP. We tried to carry on our bags but UIA was having non of it and we had to check them. Of course they lost our luggage in the process so a quick one stop journey home became an exhausting journey home, but at least it’s a unique post!

Needless to say, I didn’t have a chance to complete many blog posts. What I did want to do is give a quick review of the Bodrum EDITION because this hotel is STUNNING. A more in depth review will follow.

Booking

Like I mentioned before, this EDITION was a sweet spot in the Bonvoy award chart (Even Ben from OMAAT recognized this!) The hotel was a Category 5 when I booked it which means it was only 210,000 points for 7 nights. Even better, I used my 7 night certificate from the old travel packages which means I got an even better deal on this hotel that runs $1000 per night.

Although the hotel is now a category 6 hotel, it’s still well worth a booking in my opinion, I think the cost will be raised in the future. (Note: As of March 2020, this hotel will move to Category 7, costing on average 60K Bonvoy points a night)

The Hotel

This hotel lived up to it’s “5-star resort living” claim. Right from the entrance, we could tell we were going to have an outstanding stay. From the entrance to the beach the facilities were outstanding.

The view from every place on the property was outstanding.

One of many crown jewels, the beach with imported sand that didn’t get hot in the sun.

The Spa is outstanding and although this wasn’t advertised the facilities are included with the cost of your stay.

The Spa facilities was tranquil and well equipped. They included a Turkish Hammam, Outdoor hot and cold pool, steam room, sauna, and a salt room. To be honest, I’m still not even sure what the salt room does. The prices weren’t cheap but they weren’t as expensive as I expected.

The Room

I originally thought we were upgraded but I believe they gave away our room as we checked in later in the day. That being said, they offered to upgrade us to a room with a view later on our stay but we said that wasn’t necessary. Our room was well appointed with a large two-sink bathroom and a shower and separate bathtub.

The room featured one of the comfiest beds I have ever slept on along with a cute off-white recliner and blanket.

The Food

I can confirm that breakfast is included for all guests, including those on award stays. That is a huge perk because the Turkish breakfast is INCREDIBLE. With the a-la-carte all you can eat experience that is served from 7am until 4pm, it’s truly a magnificent experience.

Overall Experience

My overall experience at this hotel gives the staff top marks, they went out of their way to help us. For example, one of the breakfast staff, Matt (I can’t spell his Turkish name), constantly went out of his way to help us, even giving us Turkish lessons each morning with a book that he gave us. Whenever we went down to the beach the staff would set up the chairs for us with two towels and help us get anything we needed, it was truly fantastic. There were only a few negatives. There was a feeling that we were “poor” at the hotel and the senior staff didn’t really bother with us. The beach manager introduced herself on the first day, but after realising we weren’t going to be spending $100s each day - she didn’t continue to check in with us.

That being said, I highly recommend this hotel, it’s the best one that I’ve ever stayed in. I can’t wait to complete the full review of the hotel!