Chic cave rooms, terraces with views, gourmet breakfasts
Esentepe Mah. Tahirbey sok 87 Ortahisar, Ürgüp, Nevşehir, Cappadocia, 50400 Ürgüp/Nevşehir, Türkiye Get directions
"Here, in the Cappadocian town of Ortahisar, rock houses climb hills in spectacular style, and the Hezen Cave Hotel shows what a contemporary designer can do with that traditional architecture as a canvas. Imagine a modern European-style design hotel transplanted to a cave and you’re essentially there — were it not for the sandstone (and, to be fair, the pervasive silence), you might expect to find the streets of Istanbul awaiting outside." - MICHELIN Guide
"Some Western travelers’ mental maps of Turkey look a bit like those ancient world maps with dragons at the edges: there’s Istanbul, and then there’s this great big Asian land mass with a question mark on it. Needless to say, they’re missing out. The otherworldly rock formations of central Turkey and the cave houses of Cappadocia aren’t exactly a secret, but they should, by all rights, be more famous than they are. For now, though, the region’s state of transition — between hidden gem and well-developed resource — is the best of both worlds for visitors, both accessible and yet still full of local character. A bit like the Hezen Cave Hotel." - Tablet Hotels
"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
"This charming boutique B&B has a dramatic location – overlooking the high cave-riddled rock mass that dominates Ortahisar. This hillside above the Balkan Valley is in an authentically Anatolian setting on a steep and dusty lane, among barns, poplar trees and dilapidated stone houses. The town isn’t so geared towards tourists as neighbouring Uchisar – less coach tours, more local kids flying kites – and authenticity is the reward for a pronounced lack of facilities in the immediate vicinity. An excellent choice for old Cappadocia hands and independent hikers, not least for its proximity to the Balkan Valley, with a small but engaging staff. " - Jeremy Seal
Laura T
Satish Menon
2atthebar
Dominique Chevallier
Jaslyn Lim
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Jessica M
kapil makhija
Mike S.
