Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa

Just arrived home from 7 nights in a Lake House and had a wonderful stay. Our sixth visit to Turkey and first time to this hotel. We’ve spent the last two years at the Barut Hemera but fancied a change and was not disappointed. We were big fans of the Hemera but this ticked a few boxes we felt it lacked. Transfer time of 20 mins was a huge bonus and also Dalaman airport is just such a more relaxed and pleasant experience than Antalya. Antalya is just too busy and demand has hugely outweighed supply. Having read a few reviews, we were greeted and taken to our rooms with no issue at all. They provided a late night snack for us. The Lake House was so much better than the swim up room we’ve stayed in the Hemera. The room so much bigger and we had a separate bedroom to the kids sleeping in the lounge. Another tick box for us. Decking area again much bigger and pool a bigger space too. We had only hot water coming out of the shower but it was fixed within 45 mins of reporting it. The pool bars at the Lake Houses are great and serve snacks food and drinks. Very convenient if you empty your mini bar before it’s replaced or want cocktails etc. The golf buggies are fab and a must from the Lake Houses in the heat. Easy to order and have shuttle services to the aqua park, beach etc. Lake Houses are out of the way a bit but so relaxed and chilled. Just want we want in the afternoon. The place itself is huge and another tick box for us. Grounds beautifully kept and wonderful location by the river into the sea. We’d grab a sun lounger at 10:30 around the adult pool whilst the boys went to youngsters club. Sun loungers available by all the pools throughout the day. Sun bed wars is a big no for me so this again was another tick box. The youngsters club is brilliant and my boys preferred to play Fortnite, air hockey, pool etc whilst we were at the adult pool. Then we’d meet for lunch and head back to our swim up for the afternoon. The aqua park is very good with some great flumes and beach looked nice for a visit with loungers on a pontoon too. We’re pool people but you could easily spend time lounging at the beach. Breeze and Vento both great for lunch. The cheesey garlic and cubed meat breads amazing. The main restaurant could be a bit chaotic with kids running about (from certain nationalities) but you could sit outside or still get away from them inside. Staff generally good with some great individuals like the lady in blue who works at the front of Breeze. Didn’t get her name but she was great and made you feel special. Topping up drinks without asking and great conversations. The buffet in the main restaurant was better than the Hemera for me personally but service overall just incredible at the Hemera. Lots of varied choices for breakfast and dinner. Can’t be helped but the smoking was worse here than I’ve experienced in Turkey. Smoking is almost a forgotten thing in the UK so frustrating when you can’t get a no smoking table or smell it around the pool. But aware the UK’s attitude to smoking differs from many other countries so it is what it is. More no smoking areas would be great as an improvement. Entertainment was very good and the amphitheatre is a great setting. The Mongolian acrobatics were our favourite. The Breeze bar has some very good musical entertainment and some great whiskey cocktails. We’d often finish the night in the piano bar as air con with drinks and uno. Some bars are adult only so check this out if you have kids. Beach bar stays open until 02:30 with a DJ for those wanting a later night. They offer shower rooms to get ready before your transfer to the airport on your return so wouldn’t book a room extension like we have at other hotels previously. Overall we had a fantastic week in the Hilton Dalaman and very likely to return next year. We loved the Hemera but this hotel gives us the things we felt Hemera lacked and travelling.