Sapanora Hotel

Last weekend, after about an hour and a half of peaceful travel from Istanbul, I decided to stay at Sapanora Hotel for a getaway befitting the calm shores of Lake Sapanca. The first thing that greeted me was a landscape where green and blue intertwined — the hotel offers rooms with lake views. The reception was warm and welcoming, and when I left my bag and stepped onto my balcony, I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle mist hovering over the lake and the soothing tone of the morning light.

The room felt quite new: modern furniture, a pleasant balcony, and a spotless bathroom… But what I enjoyed most was sitting on the balcony, gazing at the lake, and peacefully sipping my morning coffee. The hotel operates on a “bed and breakfast” concept. At breakfast, I started my day well with local cheeses, fresh bread, and the comforting aroma of tea. During the day, relaxing in the hotel lobby and bar area, followed by an evening walk along the lakeside, created a strong sense of escape and connection with nature.

In terms of concept, I found it to lean more toward a “quiet, sincere, peace-focused” retreat rather than the formal air of large chain hotels. It’s especially suitable for couples or anyone seeking a short break from city stress — for those who value silence, simply sitting on the balcony and watching nature may be enough. As a small note, being surrounded by nature means you also experience some “immersed in nature” elements: in the evening, you can hear the birds and the gentle sounds of the surroundings. I actually saw this as a plus — part of the charm of a nature getaway.

All in all, Sapanora Hotel met my expectations quite positively, and I can easily recommend it as a peaceful destination for a short, relaxing escape.