Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Travel and Accommodation => Accommodation and Hotels => Topic started by: Lauren on October 05, 2009, 12:32:35 PM
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Returned Friday from another lovely week in Kalkan. I travelled alone (for the 1st time!) and although I had a few problems, im already planning my return trip for next year.
I stayed at The Pirat and was at first given a very warm welcome by the staff, however after my first 2 nights I learnt that this welcome was not without an agenda. I wont go into too much detail but it seems that a girl, my age, travelling alone was like game for the staff and I was hassled a lot. When the hassling didnt get them anywhere, i was made to feel very unwelcome - slamming drinks on the table, nasty looks, etc. Most of the trouble was from Yunus, the guest relations manager there. I met another girl my age staying at The Pirat with her Mum who had twice the hassle that I did, especially from Yunus, he hassled her in all manner of ways from calling her room in the early hours, to deliberatly cutting a call from her step-dad as he was a man.
After my first 2 nights and hearing about the hassle the other girl had recieved, I decided to spend as little time in the hotel as possible which I believe made my holiday so lovely as I was out exploring everyday! I spent most of my evenings at Kaya Restaurant as I was made to feel so welcome, especially after hearing about the trouble I was having at Pirat. Erol, Kadir, Alper and all the regulars really looked after me and really made my holiday.
It was the hospitality of Kalkan that made me feel safe enough to return there alone and thank goodness, outside of The Pirat, this was still the case. I was amazed at how many people remembered me from my first visit, especially as I was part of a family of 8 before!
I cant wait to return to Kalkan, but definately will not be staying at The Pirat and would advise anyone else travelling alone not to stay there. It was a real shame as the other guests seemed to really enjoy it.
Has anyone else stayed in a hotel alone? Any recommendations for my next trip?
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Hi Lauren...so glad you didn't let it get you down,I do hope that next time you are treated better..what about the Samira?close to town and fun,the bar manager is a fruitcake but is very nice as well .We use the Kaya a lot when we are in Kalkan and find it comfy with good company so we probably have mutual friends by now!! ;)
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I few people suggested the Samira while I was out there actually so I will look into that, Thanx!
I love Kaya! Miss them all so much! I noticed its a popular haunt for all the British residents and returners. Everyone is so friendly, it was really nice to feel I had somewhere to go if I ever ran into any trouble. Food's gorgeous too! :)
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Why is it that many countires see a single British female traveling alone as fair game to come on to....??
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The Samira is definitely ok for single ladies. The Nur too - we know several who have stayed there and returned several times, so it must be ok!
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I would also recommend the Nur Hotel as a good place for the single traveller to stay.
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I've stayed at the Samira Garden as a single traveller and can recommend that. Have stayed in a privately-owned apartment behind the Nur and would have no worries staying at the hotel.
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Hi Reygirl
As a matter of iinterest, which apartment did you stay in behind the Nur?
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Martyn - I stayed at 'Kalkan's Best'.
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We were in the hotel mentioned at the top of this thread up to 2 weeks ago and we had a couple of instances which after reading this topic concern us even more
Firstly when in our room someone (who we saw) and possibly the gentlemen mentioned tried to burst into our room. Fortunately it was on the chain. It was explained away as a mistake. Fair enough we thought.
Secondly and now more worrying my wife left some of her underwear hanging in the bathroom having been washed. When we returned later that day they were still wet and she was absolutely adamant they smelt of…….. a “golden†liquid. I chose not to investigate closely myself and thought she was going mad.
I am now concerned they were tampered with.
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Martyn - I stayed at 'Kalkan's Best'.
Yeah, I thought you must have stayed in Les's one because I didn't recognise you (we own the two on the first floor). She has got that place looking really lovely, hasn't she - such a nice lady as well!
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A way out of town,but beautiful and wonderfully safe for the single Female is the Kulube in Kalamar Bay.I speak from experience,and would always return to the Kulube. :-*
Cmae home yesterday ,and missing it soooo much. :'(
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As nice as Kulube is i'm sure Lauren would be happier nearer to the center of Kalkan..This gets rid of the need for taxis after a night out saves on expenses and removes a possible risk
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Probably you are right.
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Major yuck to some of the stories about the Pirat - I sincerely hope that in the case of the harassment a formal complaint was made to the owners. It simply isn't acceptable to have a 'guest relations manager' who thinks that this equates to 'carnal relations manager'. As someone who has holidayed solo in the past and would do so again I despair at the attitude of some men - but thankfully have my faith restored in spades by the attitudes of the others who mercifully form the majority.
I may well have a solo week in May next year and am on the lookout for accommodation recommendations. The Pirat is more assuredly NOT on my list!
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Totally unacceptable. I hope that as well as complaining to the hotel owner the OP also posts on TA.(Trip Advisor).
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Why not try the Dionysia just up from the lounge bar. Very close to town, apartments, rooms and villa. Very well run with no sleazy staff. It is managed by Ahmet but his girlfriend Kate runs a travel company specialising in singles holidays.
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I did make a complaint to the receptionist and was told the manager was out of town during my stay, so unfortunately it probably didnt go any furthur. I will definately be posting on Trip Advisor, good idea - I didnt think of that!
And yes, i would prefer to be closer to town (and Kaya!) so I think it'll be between The Nur and Samira. Thanx for all the advice :)
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Hi Lauren
Sorry to hear of your experience at The Pirat. Not acceptable. Hope you make your feelings known on Trip Advisor.
As a single traveller for last four years to The Samira (twice a year), can unreservedly recommend. The staff are so friendly and warm - no hassle and make you feel part of the family. I guarantee you a good time!
Enjoy it!
Lizzie
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Really sorry to hear about the experience at the PIRAT. Can't say I'm that surprised as our (a as couple) one and only stay many years ago left us deciding never to go again!
My favourite hotel is definately the DIONYSIA as already mentioned, it is in a quiet street, very close to town (minutes away from the KAYA), scrupiously clean and very safe! I have spent 2 holidays there, on my own, and will most likely do so next year - a definate winner!
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Staying in Kalkan alone (as a female)
Both my colleague and myself have had holidays in Kalkan together and also as single female travellers. I am so sorry about reading the comments on this thread. However, a few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to stay in a villa for our annual holiday. We were UNLUCKY enough to come across two English women whose sole purpose for visiting Kalkan was to have sex with as many Turkish men (and boys) as they could! I have never been known as a prude (Far from it!), however, their overall behaviour with the locals leaves nothing to the imagination, and can ruin it for any single female visiting Turkey (or any other country)
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Very well said Maryjane!!
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The ex-pat community is made up of married couples, very few{almost countable on one hand) single men and the vast majority single females, mostly post 50, don't get confused, but this place is a kind of Thailand for women. The seeds of disrespect for British women were sown long ago. Unfortunately there are very few secrets here and men will brag
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Sorry,but I dont understand what all this twoddle has got to do with
"Staying at the pirat alone" ???
Kim21,I am sorry if I appear a numbty, but what are you Pirating on about,
men will brag ? Thailand for women ? sorry I just dont get it ? :-\
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Sorry,but I dont understand what all this twoddle has got to do with
"Staying at the pirat alone" ???
Kim21,I am sorry if I appear a numbty, but what are you Pirating on about,
men will brag ? Thailand for women ? sorry I just dont get it ? :-\
>:D quite an insult I would say,,,so you class all people the same , :o
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Can you clarify Federer,was your reply aimed at me or the original poster,
as in "men will brag " and "Thailand for women".
As my post stated I dont understand the connection of these posts with the
original post of "STAYING AT THE PIRAT ALONE",can someone please enlighten me ? ???
(Refering to the Kim21 post )
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lets keep this thread on topic please - if you wish to discuss the matters Kim21 has mentioned please create a new thread in "everything else" area or "politics and debate"
thanks
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yes ..sorry I was referring to original post ;D
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I know people who have stayed at the Sevgi as single travellers - again a very warm and friendly place by all accounts - up the hill behind Moonlight, so very close to town :)
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Perhaps Lauren it would be a good idea to email the manager at the Pirat to make sure he knows of your experience as the receptionist may not have passed the message on to him.
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Hi Lauren,
I PM'd u before u left for Kalkan, unfortunately, after numerous attempts i cannot PM u again. Im sorry about ur stay in the Pirat, i myself, was thinking of staying there next year, cos im fed up of staying in empty hotels lol, the Sevgi's pool was out of use this October and the pool and pool area hadnt been cleaned for a while (they did have a wedding on that weekend as well so maybe that ws it), but summer time it should be ok, even tho not many people stay there. Ive known the family for years but i need to find another cheap hotel. Its swings and roundabouts tho, nice pool but cool showers, nice rooms but noisy hotel etc. lol... With regard to your other point, unfortunately, a lot of Turkey u can get hassle as a single woman, also in other countries as well. Im pretty well left on my own, that may be cos of my age, or the fact im quite quiet and keep myself to myself out on a night time. But it looks like it hasnt put u off travelling to Kalkan again, and im glad u enjoyed the rest of ur time there. :)
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Definately the Dionysia. They do singles holidays and it's in a great location close to town and quiet