Where to Stay in Side
Where to Stay in Side
Side is one of Turkey’s most visited resort towns, and finding the right place to stay makes a significant difference between a relaxing holiday and a noisy, overpriced disappointment. The town splits naturally into two distinct zones, and understanding that divide saves a lot of frustration.
The old town peninsula is where most mid-range travelers want to base themselves. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the Roman ruins, the beach, and the evening restaurant strip without paying the inflated prices of the beachfront hotels that line the outskirts. Boutique hotels and family-run pensions in this area typically offer solid value, genuine character, and staff who actually know the town. Expect to pay between 800 and 1,500 Turkish lira per night for a clean, comfortable double with breakfast included, which at current exchange rates remains genuinely affordable for European visitors.
The main hotel strip running along Sorgun and the beach road toward Manavgat is where the large all-inclusive resorts dominate. These work well for families who want everything contained, but they pull you away from the authentic side of the town and the beaches immediately surrounding them get extremely crowded from June through August. If you choose all-inclusive, go slightly further toward Kumköy where the crowds thin out without a major price jump.
Avoid the cheapest guesthouses tucked behind the main bazaar street. The noise from nightclubs and market activity runs genuinely late, and the value rarely justifies the disruption. A few extra euros spent on the old town side makes a real difference.
The single booking mistake people consistently make in Side is reserving too close to the seafront without checking what faces their room window. A sea view listing can mean staring at a busy promenade with amplified music until two in the morning. Always check guest reviews specifically mentioning noise before confirming.
Book direct with smaller old town properties when possible. Many will match or beat online platform prices and throw in airport transfers or late checkout, both of which carry real practical value during peak summer travel.
Plan Your Trip
- Hotels: Search accommodation in Side on Booking.com
- Tours & Activities: Browse Side experiences on GetYourGuide
- Day Trips: Find Side tours on Viator
