Yunak Cave Hotel in Cappadocia: Hotel Review

Today I want to share some thoughts on the Yunak Evleri Cappadocia, a unique cave hotel carved into a mountain cliff, the Yunak Evleri. It looks other-worldly, and when you arrive in the night time to see the miasma of dotted blinking lights that adorn the fairy chimneys, you think you've arrived on Mars. 

This hotel includes 7 cave houses, 40 rooms dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries and a 19th century Greek Mansion. All rooms have private patios overlooking the Turkish Mesa. We were visiting in the cooler months, but it was still warm enough to enjoy drinks on the patio, overlooking a mini courtyard and watch the sun go down. Tuula and I sat in the courtyard many nights and hung over the fences getting to know our neighbours. The Yunak Evleri is an inspiring hotel - an ideal base for exploring Cappadocia's elaborate underground cities, hidden cavernous churches and enchanting rock terrain.

It certainly has that Star Wars Tatooine vibe.  There is an immeasurable feeling of romance here and you can't help but think this unique place is Turkey's answer to the Maldives. 

The decor is elegant and personalised with beautiful hand-crafted furnishings and antiques. The elegant decor is prominent wherever you lay your eyes on. Emperador marble floors, handcrafted lace curtains, antique chests and bedside tables, traditional bed covers, old brass bedsteads, old handcrafted writing desks , old kilim carpets and antique lighting have been chosen with care and with simplicity in mind.

But what I loved more was the warmness given to us by the staff. Lead by the general manager Abdullah who was always doing the rounds ensuring everyone was comfortable, talking not only to the guests but the staff also.

The breakfast was buffet style. We had salmon on the first day although I didn't see it again for days 2 and 3 so I must have eaten it all. There could have been a little more choice but you can always book excursions. They serve local homemade foods for dinner and an open-buffet breakfast. With its convenient location in the centre of Urgup, Yunak Evleri is a perfect base for daily excursions within Cappadocia. As you can tell from the photos the views are unbeatable. Although the true scope of the landscape can only be appreciated from the air. Sadly the poor weather meant we couldn't go up in the balloons, which is the #1 attraction for the hotel. 

Within the stone building, cosy meeting rooms provide a soothing atmosphere for lounging in the evening. Alongside a room with computer and wireless Internet connection, the music room has a wide variety of CDs you can borrow and the TV room is decked out in plush Turkish cushions with a view of the surrounding cliffs. There is a DVD room on the second floor decorated with local handmade pottery accessories, candles, and a lovely furnace. Evenings are characterised by sunset gatherings on soft upholstered Turkish pillows warmed by an outdoor fireplace. Candlelight dining is offered on the adjacent rooftop terrace.

TIP - You have to try the Hammam spa. It's pampering to another level and now I'll be looking to get something similar now I'm back in London.