Emre Hotel

Mrs B and I have just returned from our annual pilgrimage to see Lindsay and the Emre, and it’s been one of our best yet. Thunderstorms just before we got there had thankfully cleared the skies and we enjoyed the customary unbroken sunshine and relaxation. It’s never clear whether we’ll end up in the main hotel, or the Emre Beach Hotel over on the seafront, but this year we were installed without fuss into the main hotel overlooking the main street, and sadly Marmaris Council seem to have “improved” the central reservation, meaning a little walk past the endless army of “yes please, I give you good price” unless you fancy a little jump over the three foot high traffic island that runs the length of the hotel now. Presumably this is to stop hotel guests running straight over the road for meals and seafront sunbathing, which I see the need for, but if you’re naturally careful anyway which we are, it’s just a bit unnecessary. Hey ho. On to the facilities. In the past we’ve paid to be upgraded twice to the bridal suite, one of which is seafront on the Emre Beach Hotel second floor, with beautiful sea views and jacuzzi bath, but this time we were perfectly happy with our second floor main street overlooking Hotel Emre room- apparently refurbished in 2013, but it could have been freshly done last week- beautiful decor and bigger than the standard Emre Beach Hotel rooms. No bath, but a lovely walk-in shower big enough for two, and a lovely basin area with separate wc-ideal for a 💩 if someone’s already in the shower and one can’t wait lol 😳Presumably the room upstairs is the same layout, as twice we had a minor flood from upstairs which I would say with 99% certainty was the Russian woman upstairs not using much common sense when showering herself, and probably leaving the shower screen slid open as opposed to doing the sensible thing and sliding it closed to contain the large overhead waterfall shower head’s output. Hopefully the poor dear suffered no nasty accidents as a result of her selfish carelessness........ The room might prove a little noisy from traffic if you’re a light sleeper; thankfully Mrs B and I are snorers so never go anywhere without earplugs. The aircon is quieter than in the Emre Beach and beautifully efficient, so could be left on at low level overnight to keep us cool, thankfully. Carpets in the corridors could maybe do with renewing, but are definitely clean and comfy to walk on, and no doubt this is on the list. The hotel and maid service is as clean and efficient as we always experience at either the Emre or Emre Beach-spotless. Pools are always clean with ample sunbeds, but the trend currently seems to be towards beach or jetty sunbathing- the parasols on the jetty have been jettisoned (sorry 😳) which results in more space and probably comfort than previous, although this was a pleasure we left for my colleague Willy and his friends and family to enjoy. On a sad note, one of his party, Alan, encountered health problems while at the Emre-totally unrelated to any problem with the hotel or facilities- and we wish him a speedy recovery and hope it didn’t spoil his stay too much poor lad. One of the improvements I mentioned earlier was that the Emre’s owners have apparently acquired the self contained and self catering apartments next to the Emre Beach, together with the previous downstairs beachfront bar and restaurant facilities, with the consequence that their previously private beach in front is now also available to the hotel users, which was a welcome addition given that new confidence in Turkey and an excellent exchange rate currently gives excellent value for us Brits. The season has been longer and busier this year as a result, which has both its ups and downs, but no doubt the local economy are happy. The bar now functions to provide handy daytime drinks and ice creams (yum) closer to the beach than previously, with handy looks too, and day-long snacks in the shape of foot-long hotdogs, nice burgers, onions and spaghetti, handy for a lighter nibble, or snack beachside on the nice dining area where the sun still reaches well and a beer slides down well. Sadly still not Efes despite what the pumps, glasses and beach-friendly beakers would suggest, but a beer apparently called Marmar 34 which has taken over from what I thought was previously very good, Troy. Proper Efes would be heaven, but Marmar 34 is still drinkable, cooling and has a good head to it. Food had the usual grumblers, but not us. There is endless healthy fresh veg beautifully prepared and presented, with spinach and Ochre (ladies’ fingers?) my favourites. Moussaka and lasagne were very good, together with vegetarian versions, plentiful chicken, lamb and beef dishes on rotation, and a new lunchtime grill outside offering fish, chicken, meatballs and beautiful roasted vegetables daily as well as at nighttime. Service is the same as previously; efficient without being over-friendly, but as I’ve stated previously, I couldn’t work as hard as the Emre staff in the heat they endure for their long and probably not-that-well-paid hours and keep a constant cheery demeanour. They deserve a medal and probably a pay rise. But if we guests make the effort to be pleasant, this is usually returned. Entertainment was good as ever, with the sad omission of Ricoh, who allegedly married a Finnish girl since our last visit. Quite a bit quieter as a result, but still enthusiastic and organised. So to Finnish, (sorry again 🙄), another top stay, with thanks to the staff who went out of their way as usual, and the new faces we encountered that contributed to our enjoyment. Lindsay coped with flair as usual with the extra workload the extended and busier season she has had to deal with, but she’s done this with her usual diligence and professionalism, and she is as ever the Emre and Emre Beach’s top asset, worth her wait in gold. Next year’s trip is already in it’s planning stages 👏🏻👌🏻