Top 10 Hotels in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia

The Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions of our country are not only the highest in terms of average elevation, but also attract attention with their impressive landscapes that display every shade of yellow in their steppes. These ancient lands, which have been home to many civilizations throughout history, have remained in the background in terms of tourism for many years, but in recent years, they have begun to gain more recognition thanks to the historical and cultural heritage that has been uncovered and the promotional efforts that have been made. The ruins of Ani in Kars, the ski resorts on Palandöken and Mount Ararat, the blue waters of Lake Van and the unique beauty of Akdamar Island, the fertility of the Mesopotamian plain, and the legendary cuisine of Gaziantep... Almost every city in the region offers treasures worth discovering. The food culture is an experience in itself. The cuisine of Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia offers some of the richest and most varied examples of Turkish gastronomy. In this region, tables are usually laden with hot, spicy, and filling dishes. Meat, grains, legumes, vegetables, and dairy products are among the cornerstones of this delicious cuisine, shaped by the climate and geography. If you find yourself in these regions, you should not leave without trying the local dishes. Accommodation options are as colorful and hospitable as the food. In addition to city hotels in city centers, there are many boutique and small hotel options in districts and tourist areas. These hotels not only offer accommodation but also reflect the cultural and historical fabric of the region to their guests. As soon as you step inside, their architecture, authentic decor, and warm atmosphere invite you into the heart of Anatolia.

Top 10 Hotels in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia

1. Kars-ı Şirin Hotel - Kars
2. Kars Hotel - Kars
3. Bey Konağı - Gaziantep
4. Anadolu Evleri - Gaziantep
5. Hışvahan Hotel - Gaziantep
6. Liv Suit Hotel - Diyarbakır
7. Mardius Hotel - Mardin
8. İzala Hotel - Mardin
9. Shmayaa Hotel - Midyat
10. Selçuklu Konağı

Kars-ı Şirin Otel

Kars-ı Şirin Hotel is one of the places where Kars' historical texture and modern life elegantly meet. Located in the city center, this cozy hotel offers a comfortable place to stay for business travelers and guests who want to explore Kars. It is only 2 km from Kars Train Station, 6 km from the airport, and 5 km from the city bus station. There are also many places within walking distance. For example, the Apostles Museum is 4 km away, Aslanoğlu Shopping Mall is 3 km away, Evliya Mosque is 1 km away, Kars State Hospital is 5 km away, and Mesut Yılmaz Recreation Park is only 800 meters away. The interior of the hotel is as beautiful as its exterior. Each room has a flat-screen TV, and the rooms are carefully designed for bathroom comfort. In addition, a free transportation service is provided so that you do not have any problems with city transportation. While staying in Kars, you should definitely visit unique historical sites such as the Ani Ruins, the Virgin Mary Cathedral, the Virgin Mary Monastery, Kars Castle, Ishak Pasha Palace, the Double Walls, Keçeli Church, Döner Kümbet, Seljuk Caravanserai, Kümbet Mosque, and Fethiye Cathedral. These places can be explored with a short trip from the hotel. Kars-ı Şirin Hotel, as its name suggests, offers its guests a warm and peaceful stay. The simple warmth you feel upon entering the hotel continues in the rooms and throughout the general services. If your journey takes you to Kars, this hotel will be waiting for you.

Kars Otel

As you walk through the stone streets of Kars, you will come across Kar's Hotel, which stands out with its white courtyard. This is not just a place to stay, but a place that tells you a little story. This beautiful building, which bears traces of Russian architecture, blends in with the spirit of the cobblestone streets and is adorned with elegant and delicate details. As you step inside, an old Russian stove embedded in the lobby wall greets you. It’s called a “pech.” It adds a warm, nostalgic atmosphere to the space. The hotel has a total of eight rooms, each named after a district of Kars: Kağızman, Arpaçay, Selim, Digor, Sarıkamış, Akyaka, Susuz, and Aras. The restaurant's name is also very meaningful: Ani. It seems to carry the spirit of the ancient city of Ani. On a cold Kars evening, sitting in front of the fireplace with a drink in your hand can be one of the most special moments you will experience in the city. The cuisine is also quite impressive. Beef fillet with cream and mushroom sauce, Orhan Usta's Akçaabat meatballs, Metin Usta's hot chocolate dessert... Especially the ice cream that comes with the dessert... You feel like you're at home, not in a hotel. Breakfast is a completely different experience. The simple yet satisfying breakfast, prepared with Kars-specific aged cheese, fresh cheese, Gruyère cheese, lavash bread, and honey, is the tastiest way to start the day. Kar’s Hotel is located in the city center. It is just 20 minutes from the Sarıkamış Ski Center and only 10 minutes from the airport.

Doğan Bey Konağı

If you want to experience the spirit of the past and the comforts of today in the heart of Gaziantep, you can choose Doğan Bey Mansion. Staying in this mansion, built with the famous Antep stones in the city center, is like embarking on a journey through history. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by the elegant details of traditional architecture. Most of the rooms overlooking the mansion's courtyard are surrounded by vines, a symbol of old Antep houses. The best part of the mansion is that everything you want to visit is within easy reach. Local restaurants, the copperware market, museums, historic streets... All within walking distance. Even when you wake up in the morning and sit in the courtyard, you feel connected to the city, because this is not just a place to stay; it is a living space where you can feel the soul of Antep. When you stay in this beautiful 23-room mansion, you feel like a guest who has come home, not a customer. A warm, welcoming atmosphere. Restored while preserving its historical character, yet modern amenities haven’t been overlooked. In short, whether you’re here for business or leisure, Doğan Bey Mansion offers you a wonderful opportunity to relax and experience Gaziantep at its best. Staying in this elegant and authentic mansion could be one of the most delightful ways to get to know the city.

Anadolu Evleri

Anadolu Houses is a place in Gaziantep where you can nourish your soul, delight your palate, and let yourself be carried away by time. Anadolu Houses is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the coppersmiths' market and the castle, in a beautiful 180-year-old stone mansion. It offers a peaceful and warm atmosphere that carries the traces of the past without compromising on comfort. The first thing you notice when you step into the mansion's courtyard is the silence. The hustle and bustle of the city suddenly fades away, giving way to the tranquility echoing between the stone walls. Each room has its own unique character. Some are more nostalgic, some a bit more simple, but all are high-ceilinged, airy, and filled with natural light. Waking up in those rooms in the morning and starting the day, especially with the sound of birds chirping from the courtyard, creates a completely different mood. The hotel has a total of 15 rooms, all decorated without compromising the traditional feel. Accommodation is free for children up to 7 years old, and pets are welcome, so this is not just a hotel but a truly livable home. As for breakfast, it is a feast in itself. Eggplant and pepper fries, zahter, various cheeses, pastries... every morning when you sit down at the table, you feel happy.  If you wish, you can also taste specially produced Mardin Syriac wine. Such small but heartwarming details make this place special. Located on the historic Silk Road, Gaziantep is a city that has been home to many cultures for centuries. You can feel this as you walk through its streets. As Evliya Çelebi said, “Şehr-i Ayıntab-ı Cihan” is the apple of the world's eye. One of the best ways to experience Gaziantep's magical atmosphere is to take your time and savor it. Anadolu Evleri offers you exactly that. You can't leave here without queuing up for beyran soup in the morning, visiting the hamam, and buying a few gifts from Zincirli Bedesten. There's no need to mention the food and drink, but if you want a quick itinerary, İmam Çağdaş, Metanet, Halil Usta, and Ciğerci Mustafa are must-visit stops. For desserts, I recommend Katmerci Zekeriya Usta, Güllüoğlu, and Zeki İnal. For a coffee break, Tahmis Kahvesi is a classic but indispensable choice. Among the places to visit are the Zeugma Museum, Bakırcılar Çarşısı, Bey Mahallesi, and the Archaeology and Kitchen Museum. You can also take a day trip to Rumkale or Belkıs Antik Kenti, which are a little further away.

Hışvahan Otel

If you want to immerse yourself in history and enjoy a comfortable stay in Gaziantep, let me introduce you to Hışvahan. This is no ordinary hotel. It is actually a caravanserai built by Lala Mustafa Pasha in the 1500s, during the heyday of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it has been carefully restored to appeal to both the eye and the soul. As soon as you step into the courtyard, you feel time slow down between those stone walls. It's as if you've been transported back a few centuries. The beauty of it is that despite this historical texture, you are greeted by modern and stylish rooms inside. In other words, it allows you to experience yesterday and today together. There are three separate restaurants inside the hotel. In the stylish venue called “Develik,” you can try the exquisite dishes of Gaziantep cuisine, have a coffee in the stone courtyard, and enjoy the tranquility. In the evening, sitting in the garden is the perfect way to unwind after a day in the city. Additionally, you can sample special-production wines at the winery. Moreover, the hotel's location is very central. It is just a few minutes' walk from attractions such as Gaziantep Castle, the Copper Market, and the Kitchen Museum. The airport is approximately 15-20 minutes away.

Liv Suit Hotel

Liv Suit Diyarbakır is a great alternative for those looking for modern and comfortable accommodation. Its convenient location near the city center makes it ideal for both business trips and tourist visits. The rooms are spacious, stylish, and equipped with everything you need. Especially for those staying long-term, it offers a home-like comfort. With its quiet, clean, and well-organized environment, it is also an ideal place to relax. In short, if you're looking for a peaceful and comfortable stay in Diyarbakır, this might be the perfect choice for you.

Maridin Hotel

I can say that I was enchanted during the few days I spent in Mardin. It's as if you touch a thousand-year-old story on every street. Standing in the middle of this historical fabric, I paused for a moment when I stepped into the Maridin Hotel and looked around: Who lived in these stone houses, what stories passed through these walls? When I entered the hotel, I was greeted by smiling faces and pleasant conversations, as if I had known these people for years. Every detail of the hotel carries the spirit of Mardin. The stone architecture, the terraces facing the south, the rooms with views all are equally impressive. The view was also beautiful, with the Mesopotamian plain seeming to merge with the sky. If you want to relax a bit, the hotel also offers amenities like a hamam and sauna. Additionally, if you're planning to celebrate a special occasion or host a small gathering, this place is perfect for that as well. The kitchen also has an amazing team. They offer many delicious dishes from both Turkish and international cuisines. If you happen to be there during the traditional Turkish nights, don't miss out on them.

İzala Hotel

When you step into the mystical atmosphere of Mardin, Izala Hotel offers you a warm and welcoming accommodation experience... Visitors enjoy a peaceful stay in rooms that blend modern touches with the hotel's traditional stone structure. It is located in a convenient spot near the city's historical sites. If you're looking to relax in a peaceful environment and explore the region's unique culture, we highly recommend it. A place where you can watch the Mesopotamian plain and Mardin Castle against the backdrop of those unforgettable sunsets. You can experience a unique stay that reflects Mardin's culture, with traditional hand-painted wooden ceiling details that will leave you in awe, rooted in the past and cherishing its guests.

Shmayaa Hotel

How does staying in a 1,600-year-old Syriac mansion sound? For those who want to experience something this special, Shmayaa Hotel awaits you in Midyat. As you leave Mardin and travel along historic roads through vineyards, the arched windows of Midyat's houses and narrow streets immediately captivate you. In this city, where every stone holds a different story, Shmayaa Hotel is also a mansion from the past. Restored and brought to the present day, it still welcomes its guests with that old spirit. Staying in this hotel, adorned with the intricacies of stonework, is like being transported to another time. Spending a night in one of Midyat's famous “throne” rooms with cibinlik (canopies) makes you feel like a prince or princess. Sitting on the terrace in the summer evenings with the breeze of Mesopotamia blowing is a completely different pleasure. The hotel offers room-only or half-board options. You won't miss out on entertainment either, with live music at the Mardin sıra nights held on weekends. At the hotel's restaurant, you can find the best of local flavors. Be sure to try the Mardin kaburga dolması. Good news for wine lovers: the hotel has its own wine cellar, where you can find the finest examples of Syriac wines. These wines, made from grapes grown in the fertile lands of the Southeast, are one of the flavors that must be tasted in Midyat. You can't leave Midyat without visiting the guest house where the famous TV series “Sıla” was filmed, taking a peek at the lives behind the stone courtyards, picking up a small souvenir from the shops selling filigree jewelry, or purchasing a few bottles from the Syriac winemakers. Midyat is a place that draws you in with every corner, filled with lived experiences. Shmayaa Hotel is a heartfelt part of this journey.

Selçuklu Konağı

This magnificent mansion, which bears all the important features of Mardin residential architecture, incorporates all the characteristics of its period. Due to its topography, it is one of the rare mansions with three different doors facing three different streets, planned with a 3.5-story layout. With its spacious courtyards, iwans, and Mardin stone carvings, this structure also served as a courthouse in the 19th century. At the Selçuklu Mansion, you can experience the historical fabric of Mardin while staying there. In the mornings, a rich breakfast overlooking the Mesopotamian Plain ensures an energetic start to your day. The hotel's central location allows easy access to Mardin's historical and cultural riches.