Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most popular seaside resorts for both international tourists and Turkish holidaymakers. Located in the south of Turkey’s western seaboard, Bodrum’s idyllic natural setting has earned it the nickname of “Turkey’s Saint-Tropez”. It’s an excellent place to stay, relax in the sun and enjoy a wide range of water sports. In fact, scuba diving is very well known in the area.
Although Bodrum is most popular in summer for its special atmosphere and beaches, its cultural and historical heritage should not be overlooked either, as it is mainly to be found in the center of the town. So choosing where to stay in Bodrum is very important. The accommodation you choose will depend above all on your aspirations for your stay in this city. In this guide, we share what you need to know to choose the right accommodation in Bodrum, as well as our recommendations.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Bodrum, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Bodrum:
- $ this modern, well-equipped aparthotel, is located 200 meters from the seafront.
- $$ this 3-star hotel, is located in Bitez, 100 meters from the beach.
- $$$ this modern hotel , ideally located in Yalikavak, with a swimming pool.
Map of different areas to stay in Bodrum
On the map below, we’ve grouped together all our accommodation recommendations. You can also use it to locate the different areas of Bodrum that we’ve detailed in this guide. These hotels or rentals are color-coded by budget (green for budget, blue for mid-range and red for luxury).
Bodrum accommodation essentials
Before going into the description of the areas to target when selecting accommodation to stay in Bodrum, here are the essentials to know about the town and its surroundings.
Places to stay in and around Bodrum
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in and around Bodrum.
Stay in the heart of Bodrum
The center of Bodrum is the place to be for your first visit to the city. Bodrum's central area is bounded by the marina to the west and the beach to the east. There are several reasons why it's a good idea to stay here.
First of all, this is where you'll find the vast majority of sites of interest. At its heart is the town's landmark, Château Saint-Pierre, a well-preserved 15th-century building with 5 towers. Inside this castle, you can visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where a variety of objects from different eras are on display.
Further inland from this central area, you can visit the archaeological site including the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. This was built in the 4th century BC as the tomb of the former Persian governor Mausoleus. The beauty of this mausoleum made it one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World! The ancient theater is also worth a visit.
Complementing these cultural and historical aspects, Bodrum's city center is the liveliest place to be at night. Here you'll find a wide range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Nightlife is extremely lively along Republic Street (Cumhuriyet Caddesi), where you'll find most of the best nightclubs. Lodging here means you're right next to the action.
What's more, you can also swim in this area. Kumbahce beach is a 300-metre stretch of fine sand. Bodrum's largest stretches of sand are also to be found in the surrounding districts.
Generally speaking, it's a good idea to stay in this area. The large number of accommodations available and their fairly attractive rates only add to the appeal of this choice.
Our recommended accommodations
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Bed & Breakfast conveniently located along Cumhuriyet street. Excellent value for money. Close to the seafront, the establishment features a restaurant, bar and paid private parking. A good place to stay in Bodrum on a budget.
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Hotel located near the sea. Modern, well-equipped rooms. Outdoor pool, bar and restaurant.
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Hotel complex close to the marina. Spacious rooms with garden, city or harbor views. Facilities include outdoor pool, spa, restaurant and bar.
Accommodation in Gümbet, a quieter district by day and lively by night
Two kilometers west of the marina lies the district of Gümbet. Quieter during the day than the center of Bodrum, Gümbet is nevertheless an excellent choice for staying in Bodrum. There are many places to stay in the area.
The long sandy beach, around 2 km long, is one of the most beautiful in the area. It's also very pleasant to stroll along the various footpaths in the surrounding area and through the narrow streets of typical white houses.
You can also spot a few windmills and many olive trees. The bay of Gümbet is also renowned for its nightlife, much appreciated by tourists and Turks alike. Numerous bars and nightclubs can be found in the area. Gümbet is also nicknamed “Little England”, due to the presence of many British tourists during the summer months.
The easiest way to get around Bodrum's central area and surrounding districts is by dolmus. This is a shared cab. The journey from Gümbet takes just ten minutes.
Our recommended accommodations
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This modern, well-equipped aparthotel is located 200 meters from the seafront. Apartments for up to 6 people are available. The establishment features a bar and outdoor swimming pool.
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Apartment overlooking the pool or garden and 100 meters from the sea. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and free private parking.
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4-star hotel complex close to the seafront. Rates include 3 meals and some drinks. The establishment features 3 outdoor pools, a spa, a bar, a restaurant and free private parking. A great place to stay in Bodrum.
Stay in Bitez, for a better budget
Bitez is located 5 kilometers west of the center of Bodrum. It's a popular tourist destination, with a vast expanse of beach and shallow waters. It's undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Bodrum with your family. In fact, this area is quieter, especially at night, than the central sectors of Bodrum and Gümbet.
Water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing and jet-skiing are all possible from here. You can also scuba dive from Bitez. The area also boasts a large number of restaurants, cafés and bars.
If you don't want to stay in an area that's too busy at night, but has a great beach and family atmosphere, staying in Bitez is an excellent choice. Accommodation is plentiful and very attractively priced. The accommodation on offer consists mainly of hotels and aparthotels.
Our recommended accommodations
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Low-cost establishment close to the sea. The rooms are beautifully decorated. It features a swimming pool and bar.
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Spacious, well-equipped apartment hotel close to the sea. Swimming pool, restaurant and private parking.
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Close to Bitez beach. Pleasant setting with balconies in all rooms. The establishment features a bar, restaurant, swimming pool and private parking.
Accommodation in Yalikavak, a quiet, upmarket area
Located around 15 km north-west of Bodrum, Yalikavak is a charming spot set in a bay surrounded by hills. It is an old fishing village. It's a little out of the way of Bodrum's lively districts, although there are a few cafés and restaurants. Nevertheless, it's a relaxing place to stroll, with its narrow streets, windmills and marina. You can also enjoy the area's beaches.
The choice of staying in this district is therefore a good one if you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of Bodrum. It's worth noting, however, that it's quite posh. Accommodation is therefore quite expensive. What's more, if you're looking for a lively area, accommodation in Yalikavak is not a good option.
Our recommended accommodations
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Spacious, well-equipped seafront apart'hotel with balcony. The establishment has a swimming pool and a large garden where fruit and vegetables are grown.
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High-quality establishment on the heights of Yalikavak. Superb views from every room. The complex includes 4 swimming pools, a spa, a bar and a restaurant.
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This modern, well-decorated 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool and garden. The public beach is 400 metres away.
Stay in Gündogan and Türkbükü, peaceful places on a budget
The neighboring areas of Gündogan and Türkbükü or Göltürbükü lie 20 km north of Bodrum. These two destinations are interesting mainly for their beautiful beaches and nature walks.
There's not much going on in these districts. These are places with a large number of villas andfairly luxurious accommodations.
Choosing to stay in these areas is especially relevant if you want to enjoy the beaches above all else. However, you'll have to pay more for accommodation. In fact, most of the accommodation on offer is luxury or of a fairly high standard.
Our recommended accommodations
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Luxurious establishment located in Türkbükü by the sea. Its rooms are decorated with particular attention to detail. The facility boasts a private beach, swimming pool and spa.
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Hotel structure located in Gündogan. You can choose between a well-decorated room or a charming bungalow. Two swimming pools, including one for children, and a bar are available.
Accommodation in Gümüslük, an authentic place
Located 20 kilometers west of Bodrum, Gümüslük is a small, peaceful village in the heart of a protected natural area. Gümüslük is also renowned for its fish restaurants.
Much less popular than the other towns around Bodrum, this area offers accommodation at much more attractive rates. It's worth noting, however, that the nightlife here is not very lively, although there are a few bars and discos.
So, if you want to stay in Bodrum in a quiet, authentic area, Gümüslük could be the place for you. If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy Bodrum's special atmosphere, then this is clearly not the place for you!
Our recommended accommodations
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Close to the sea. Excellent value for money. Spacious, well-decorated rooms. Spa and wellness area available.
Summary
Any stay in Bodrum requires careful preparation, as early as possible. Even though there are many places to stay in and around Bodrum, the earlier you make your reservations, the more choice you’ll have, and especially at attractive prices.
Deciding where to stay in Bodrum, or the surrounding area, will depend above all on your expectations. The area won’t be the same if you want to enjoy the beach, the best of the nightlife, the cultural and historical sites or water sports.