Kistar Cave Hotel

My family and I very recently enjoyed a three-night family stay at Kistar Cave Hotel, and it was a truly memorable experience. The hotel itself is built into a cave, and you descend into your room, which is a unique novelty that never wears off. We stayed in a family room, perfectly prepared for our family of five—something that is rare in many hotels. The room was spread across three levels. The entrance level featured a spacious living area with a fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities. This space overlooked the valley, offering breathtaking views where we could watch both the sunrise and sunset. At night, the illuminated caves created a magical atmosphere, and in the mornings, we could see the hot-air balloons drifting across the sky. The second level housed the master bedroom, which had a huge, comfortable bed and a spacious en-suite bathroom with a large shower. Descending to the third level, we found the children’s room, which had three beds, chairs, and its own bathroom. Despite the three beds, there was still plenty of space for the children to sit and play. The room’s décor was beautifully done, with books tucked into every corner, making it feel warm and inviting. My only regret was that we didn’t spend more time in the room itself. The hotel only offers breakfast, but it was a delightful experience. The traditional Turkish spread included a variety of fresh salads, borek, baklava, cake, jams, spreads, cold meats, and bread, all accompanied by fresh juice, filter coffee, regular coffee, or tea—both Turkish and herbal. The ladies working in the kitchen and housekeeping prepare all the cooked items themselves, and they do so with warmth and dedication. They, along with the rest of the staff, were extremely friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Breakfast can be enjoyed either indoors or on the terrace balcony, which offers stunning views to accompany your meal. The indoor dining area is cosy, with old-world charm, tasteful furnishings, and two log fires that I can imagine being wonderfully inviting in the snowy winter months. The hotel is owned by a lovely husband-and-wife duo who are always present and attentive. The husband, in particular, made a real effort to engage in conversation and even knew all three of our children’s names after just one day, which was a heartwarming touch. The location of the hotel is ideal. It is in Uçhisar, just a five-minute walk in one direction to Pigeon Valley and five minutes in the other direction to the castle. We loved that it was slightly quieter than the constant hustle and bustle of Göreme. Just a short three-minute walk up the same road, you’ll find shops, cafés, restaurants, gift shops (which are cheaper than those in Göreme), and a mosque. When it was time to leave, the husband, wife, and receptionist, Ali, walked us to our car to bid us farewell—such a thoughtful and touching gesture that truly encapsulated the warmth of our stay. Kistar Cave Hotel was a fantastic place to stay, and we look forward to staying here again in the future. I’d recommend this hotel for families, singles, and couples, you will not be disappointed!