Side (pronounced See-day) is a small resort town located on the southern coast of Turkey next to the Mediterranean Sea. Steeped in rich Greek and Roman history with two beautiful sandy beaches, Side has become a popular tourist destination.
There is a diverse range of accommodation in Side from large hotel complexes by the sea to small quirky boutique hotels found more inland. You will find most of the hotels are by the beach and many have their own private beaches which supply water sport facilities. Side is also not too far from the main airport in Antalya, located just over 30 miles away.
Budget
There's plenty of low cost accommodation on this Turkish resort whether you want a cheap and quirky hotel or a self catering apartment.
For families there is Hanay Suit Hotel which has a children's pool, playground and activities including darts, billiards and table tennis. But if you are looking for a more central location in Side there is Tuana Pension which offers basic but authentic accommodation with balconies and an outdoor swimming pool.
Also worth considering is Sun City Apartments located 400m from the main shopping area. These small studios and apartments come with kitchen facilities and there's also a fitness centre and swimming pool on the site. Whilst near the Roman ruins and about 65km from Antalya Airport is Myra Apart Hotel which offers two outdoor swimming pools and an à la carte restaurant serving international cuisine.
If you want somewhere which has more than enough facilities the Lemas Suit Hotel has its very own shop, Turkish bath, swimming pool and hairdressers all on site. Whilst Conny's Hotel is a small picturesque boutique hotel only 400m from Side Beach with its very own Roman style outdoor pool and restaurant. This hotel also provides lots of entertainment from live music to oriental shows.
On the quieter side of town is Akasya Motel but it's still close to various water sports activities on the beach front and The Greek Amphitheatre and Temple of Apollo are only a ten minute walk away. If you are looking for somewhere a little bit more extravagant the Side Resort Hotel boasts stunning outdoor pools, evening entertainment and a bar in the shape of a Viking ship.
Self-catering
There are a few self catering options in the Side resort depending on your price range but there's also the option to rent out an apartment for the duration of your holiday.
Kentia Apartments is a modern complex which features an outdoor and indoor pool. There is also a mini-market on site or restaurant with waiter service if you get bored of catering for yourself.
Sun City Apartments provides studio or small apartments complete with kitchens and balconies. There are many activities taking place on the site from water polo to darts. Whilst the Aral Hotel is perfect for families and couples as there are two outdoor pools with slides and a children's play area and pool to keep the little ones entertained.
All inclusive
There's a large selection of cheap all inclusive hotels in Side to choose from, so you can sit back and relax knowing everything is paid for.
In between the quieter area of Colakli and Side sits the Bone Club Sunset Hotel & Spa along the southern coastline. This modern and chic hotel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool and children's playground. Whilst guests can choose from a wide variety of activities at Voyage Sorgun from mini-golf to volleyball and in the evenings you can enjoy some live entertainment.
Around ten miles from the Manavgat resort is Asteria Elita Resort which has three water slides especially for adults, a large outdoor pool and for the kids there is specially designated children's pool. If you are on a budget the Side Kervan Hotel is in a great location near Side's beaches and main shopping area. This hotel also features an outdoor pool complete with a sun terrace to help top up your tan.
On the beach
Many large hotel complexes are situated right on the beach in Side but there are also quieter hotels here with private beaches.
Located in the Titreyengol area is the five-star Nashira Resort Hotel & Spa which has its own private beach and a water park with 27 waterslides to choose from. Whilst Turquoise Resort Hotel & Spa has a beach bar and volleyball or you can take part in some aqua aerobics.
Situated in thriving pine forests and in a more secluded area is Club Voyage Sorgun. There are a wide range of facilities and activities to take part in here from a mini-cinema to waterskiing. The luxurious Crystal Sunrise Queen Luxury Resort & Spa is directly on the golden Side beach which provides plenty of sun loungers and four à la carte restaurants.
Head to the centre of Side and you will find the four-star Hotel Asteria. This hotel boasts a relaxing outdoor pool and plenty of parasols and sun beds to lounge upon on the quiet sandy beach. If you like the idea of having your own private beach the Crystal Sunset Resort & Spa will not let you down. This hotel complex offers a separate sandy beach, 12 water slides and seven fine dining restaurants.
Top end
Side has no shortage of luxury 5-star hotels; many come with their own private beach and water sports facilities.
Located just ten minutes away from the centre of Side is the five-star AliBey Resort which offers a quiet private beach, a water park and luxury spa facilities. Also situated on the seafront is the Turquoise Resort Hotel & Spa which has its own 200-metre long beach with two piers. You can choose out of a total of six outdoor swimming pools and three water slides or just relax in the sauna.
You will be spoilt for choice at Blue Waters Club which offers a wide range of sports activities from basketball to tennis. Whilst the Royal Dragon Hotel features an onsite water park and fairground for endless family fun, but if you would rather sit back and relax there are a variety of beauty treatments to choose from.
Between Kumköy village and Side is the Barut Hemera Resort & Spa set in beautiful gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Choose from three outdoor swimming pools and an indoor pool or you could head out onto the beach to have a go at windsurfing. The Paloma Oceana Resort also offers a range of water sports but if you would rather stay on land you can choose from floodlit tennis courts, volleyball or even archery.
With a spa
Side has a tempting selection of luxurious spa hotels but most of these are found on large five-star resorts.
The recently renovated Nashira Resort Hotel & Spa offers a private golden beach and a wide range of spa treatments to pick from. Whilst the Turquoise Resort Hotel & Spa includes a relaxing sauna and Turkish bath. You can also choose from six outdoor pools or take to the tennis courts.
The Crystal Sunset Resort & Spa boasts visually stunning architecture with 12 water slides and a spa centre which offers an extensive range of health and beauty treatments. Whilst the Golden Coast Resort Hotel & Spa has a well-equipped gym and indoor pool or you can relax in a traditional Turkish bath and sauna.
Family friendly
There are plenty of family friendly hotels in Side equipped with many sports facilities and kids clubs.
Turquoise Resort Hotel & Spa is located right on the seafront and has its very own 200-metre-long private beach. There are in total six outdoor pools with three water slides and a children's playground to keep the kids entertained. There is also the five-star Barut Hemera Resort & Spa set in beautiful gardens just a stone's throw away from Side Beach.
The Side Resort Hotel is specifically designed for families with young children. There is a different animation show every night for the kids and also a disco, but for the parents there is a gym and karaoke bar. Whilst if you are looking for a place with a private beach Paloma Oceana Resort Hotel has it covered. There is also a children's pool and garden for the kids whilst the adults can relax at the poolside bar.
Blue Waters Club regards itself as "heaven on earth". This large hotel complex offers an extensive range of activities and evening entertainment for children from animation presentations to beach volleyball. The five-star AliBey Resort also offers lots of activities tailored for children. You can choose from three restaurants which serve up seafood and Turkish specialities. Tennis lessons and water sports are also available at this hotel.
The Club Voyage Sorgun offers a relaxing experience which is located in a secluded area surrounded by pine trees. This beautiful complex has its own private shingle beach and pier with sun loungers. But if you want somewhere which is a little bit more lively the Royal Dragon Hotel has six adventure pools, three children's slides and a funfair site and not forgetting its very own bowling alley.
Romantic retreats
There are lots of hotels in Side suitable for couples at both ends of the price range. The nearby Roman ruins and Temple of Apollo, which was the meeting place for Cleopatra and her lover makes Side a perfect romantic location.
If you are on a budget but still want a relaxing romantic holiday Conny's Hotel has cosy and authentic rooms with an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by Roman pillars and a bar. Whilst if you want to get a bit more active there's Crystal Sunrise Queen Luxury Resort & Spa which offers tennis courts, windsurfing, a fitness centre and to finish the day off you can relax in a Turkish bath or hot tub.
You may choose to head to Side Resort Hotel for a romantic getaway which offers two stunning outdoor pools and a delicious restaurant. The staff are even kind enough to decorate your room with roses and towels crafted to look like swans.
If you are planning a honeymoon the Yali Hotel has beautiful views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is close to the old temple ruins. But for those who want something more on the luxurious end, the Chinese themed Royal Dragon Hotel has its own bowling alley, tennis courts and spa centre. There is also the five-star SENTIDO Perissia which offers a Turkish bath, wellness spa and sauna for those looking for a more relaxing holiday.
B&Bs
There's a good choice of B&Bs in Side from cheap quaint hotels to more expensive motels located on the seafront.
The Begonville Hotel is a charming little hotel just a minutes' walk away from Side Beach and in the heart of the old town. Or you could try the cosy Kamer Motel situated right on the seafront overlooking the Mediterranean coast. If you are into history the Temple of Apollo is only 80 metres away.
If you are more on a budget the Selge Hotel offers an outdoor pool with a restaurant and bar. Or there's the Yukser Pansiyon which serves up an open air breakfast buffet on a romantic garden terrace. But if you are travelling as a family Side Elis provides a playground for the children and for the parents there is the option to relax in a Turkish spa.