Hezen Cave Hotel, Ortahisar, Cappadocia, Turkey - Explore & Book

"Built around and carved into Cappadocia’s soft rock, the Hezen Cave Hotel effortlessly blends the contemporary and traditional within its stone walls. The enormous lounge lobby sets the tone: sleek white banquettes, funky artwork and antique carpets give plenty of colour and offset the pale stone walls and wooden floors. The spacious cave rooms are equally bright - and cosy all year round thanks to underfloor heating. There’s plenty of outside space, too, for soaking up the views by day or stargazing by night. Traditional rock houses spill down the hillsides of Ortahisar in spectacular fashion and this picturesque village makes a peaceful base from which to explore the region’s many attractions, including Goreme's Open Air Museum, 3km away. Ortahisar has the second tallest citadel in the region, and the sides of the valley are filled with carved-out storage areas used for preserving local produce, as well as citrus fruit brought from the coast. While it lacks the boutiques and nightlife of Urgup and Goreme, its maze of dusty cobbled streets will give you a real taste of Anatolian life. Highs Lovely, contemporary interiors and an arty feel The friendly staff are wonderful, and will advise on what to see and do and how to get thereThe sunny terraces have stunning views over the village - we loved sitting out for delicious breakfasts and evening drinksThe 24-hour honesty bar adds to the relaxed ambianceOrtahisar feels unspoilt and off the tourist trail Lows No restaurant, and limited dining options in Ortahisar, but the larger towns of Urgup and Goreme are a short drive away. Reception can book a cheap taxiYou have to negotiate several sets of steps to reach the rooms on the lower levels Some may find the lounge over-formalLow headroom in some areas of the bedrooms" - Sarah Gilbert