CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY: Museum Hotel

First let me point out that the over 3,500 year old valley of Cappadocia has been named a UNESCO world heritage site.   Personally, I have a quest to seek these places out in the world.  Once you venture out to explore this natural wonder, it will become quite clear as to why this enchanting gem has been granted the protective glove.  Combine a valley full of thousands of ancient cave houses, hundreds of cave churches, around 200 hundred underground cities, over 250 year old Greek mansions, and the original Hermit caves (the name comes from the Hermite people who carved out the solitary rock formations to live alone to practice their religion for up to 35 years), and you have the magical and completely unique place called Cappadocia.  Not only will you be awed and impressed by this amazing place, but so will your little adventurers.  I mean who doesn’t enjoy climbing through once inhabited caves and underground cities?  What about taking a sunrise balloon ride over the spectacular scenery?  And when you have exhausted yourselves completely everyday, you get to rest your feet in a luxurious, boutique hotel built upon these cave houses and Greek mansions.   It is absolutely a one of a kind experience, and one that you will never forget.

I highly recommend that you carve out at least 4-5 full days in this little wonderland to truly enjoy a good taste.  Then surely after that, you will be left wanting more.  Start off with a private tour to begin your adventure, then branch out on your own and rent a car for some foot loose and fancy free exploring.  It’s exciting what you will stumble upon.  Then of course, for those with older kids, wake up early (we are talking 4:15am) and take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride…

With all of the fancy cave, boutique hotels popping up all over the region, it’s hard to pick a base camp.  Do yourself a favor and stay at the simply perfect Museum Hotel.  I can’t express my complete love and adoration.  This is definitely the BEST place to stay in the region.  This gem is perched high up on the hill of Urchilar next to the castle, with sweeping views of the valley including the far away and now dormant volcano Mt. Erciyes, and all within a quick car ride to all of the adventure and wonders.  This luxurious boutique hotel has all the delicious amenities that one could desire, built upon these ancient ruins and decked out with the riches of a sultan.  The place oozes it’s own collection of precious artifacts and antiques.  It even has a little turtle garden and  special houses for the much coveted peace pigeons.  Let’s not forget the awesome Roman style pool and oh so romantic and scrumptious restaurant that also over looks the spectacular valley.  After dreaming of ancient civilizations in your plush bed, you will wake up to an outstanding breakfast spread grown from their very own extensive, organic garden.  All included in the price…

ROOM CHECK

1. midnight munchies:

The service is so exemplary here that you can definitely fulfill your midnight munchies with their 24 hour room service and staff. We were too exhausted after our day of spelunking to even consider trying it out.

2. roomy:

Saying the rooms are roomy is an understatement, even for the standard ones.  But trust me on this, splurge for at least one of the superior suites and you will feel like royalty.

3. extra fluff:

They’ve got the fluff and plenty of it! After traveling for two weeks in Turkey at great hotels with not so great beds, we finally get a great night sleep in the giant plush king size bed.

4. plushities:

the big, beautiful fruit bowl (all from their own organic garden), free water in room, a nespresso coffee machine with coffee, Turkish coffee, and tea, fantastic lighting, plush robes and slippers, Turkish delights, an air conditioner (trust me a welcome and rarity in this town…and very welcome in the summer months), fireplace, jacuzzi bath tub

5. snaggables:

There are so many wonderful snaggables it’s hard to list.  We’re talking plenty of L’Occtaine toiletries, their own brand of toiletries, dental kits for the whole family, sewing kit, amazing loofa mitt, handmade Turkish soaps, slippers, and let’s not forget the wooden matches left for the candle. 

6. super secret sexy time:

In these magnificent rooms there simply is no need for anything super secret with so many areas and separate rooms.  And let’s not forget the enormous bathroom with a jacuzzi bath tub with giant windows overlooking the valley.  As if that’s not enough, they even included a candle and matches to set the mood.

7. dock ya’s:

They charge 30 euros for an extra bed (but not for the portable crib). Nothing extra for the kid’s breakfast and the taxes are included in the price quoted.

room with a view…

 to visit their website click: http://www.museum-hotel.com/