The geological oddity that is the region of Cappadocia is nothing less than an otherworldly landscape of strange rock formations, boulder-filled hillsides, a vast cave network, and its zenith, the amazing fairy chimneys. The best hotels in Cappadocia are an extension of its charm. Rising at dawn from your cavernous suite to witness hundreds of balloons drifting across the sky is unforgettable, so why not stay in one of the Cappadocia hotels with the best view? Imagine sitting on the rooftop of your hotel or in the comfort of your suite, sipping on Turkish coffee, and watching the hot air balloons take off across the stunning landscape. That’s a sight that you shouldn’t miss. Here’s a detailed guide to stays in Cappadocia, where you can see these magical views right from your digs.
Table of contents
- Doors Of Cappadocia, Göreme
- Taru Cave Suites, Ürgüp
- Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, Göreme
- Serinn House, Ürgüp
- Kale Konak, Uçhisar
- Rox Cappadocia, Uçhisar
- Museum Hotel, Uçhisar
- Koza Cave Hotel, Göreme
- Kelebek Special Cave Hotel and Spa, Göreme
- Argos in Cappadocia, Uçhisar
- Sultan Cave Suites, Göreme
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Cappadocia?
- How Many Days Should I Spend in Cappadocia?
- Does Cappadocia have an airport?
- What makes Cappadocia special?
Doors Of Cappadocia, Göreme
11
We begin with the uber-luxurious Doors Of Cappadocia. After all, who can resist the temptation of an outdoor infinity pool with sweeping, unobstructed, and mesmerizing views of the Cappadocia landscape, complete with hot air balloons? Sitting in the heart of the town of Göreme, it’s around half km from the town bus terminal, and the property even offered free pickup services from there.
“Swimming in an infinity pool with views of the Cappadocia landscape and watching hot air balloons float across the sky was a moment we’ll never forget!”
WOW Travel
There are a lot of things we loved about this family-run, authentic cave hotel, the standout being the outdoor infinity pool. It was the perfect place to enjoy a swim and a lounge on the daybeds with wonderful views of the hot air balloons flying all over the town. Besides free Wi-Fi throughout the property, there are shared terraces everywhere offering sunrise and sunset views. Our days started with traditional Turkish breakfasts, which included local delights like menemen and Turkish pancakes. Plus, the à la carte restaurant also served traditional dishes for other meals, along with local wines. Plus, the snack bar is perfect for refreshing drinks and quick bites.
The cave digs at the hotel are unique as they’re carved into the rocks, but come with mod-cons and creature comforts. These include the likes of flat-screen TVs, minibars, heated floors, and ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs and standing showers.
Check Rates on:
Taru Cave Suites, Ürgüp
10
The family-run boutique Taru Cave Suites occupies a wonderful hillside location in Ürgüp. Boasting a five-star stay and knockout views, this hotel sits in caves dating back 2,000 years. However, the thoughtful restoration sees contemporary features and modern amenities blended beautifully into the original design, retaining their beauty. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best hotels in Urgup Cappadocia.
All seven rooms are uniquely designed and carved into the volcanic rock, ensuring a luxurious and cozy ambiance. What’s more, modern touches like expansive bathrooms with rain showers, , king-size beds, and even private terraces. Moreover, they also have traditional elements such as vaulted ceilings, alcoves, archways, and exposed stone walls, with colorful cushions and rich textiles adding warmth. Our Taru Eros Suite features a bathtub and stone fireplace, making it perfect for our romantic sojourn. Did we mention that the hotel has an elevator? That’s rare, and very helpful!
We loved the rooftop breakfast place as it had spectacular valley views, which we soaked in while tucking in regional produce, fresh fruit, local cheese, and made-to-order eggs, besides tea, coffee, etc. Additional facilities include free Wi-Fi everywhere, a bar and a restaurant, a lush garden, a sun terrace, and even a hot tub.
Check Rates on:
Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, Göreme
9
Imagine staying in a striking lodge overlooking Cappadocia’s amazing landscape. Behold the Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge, which sits in a hidden bluff and boasts sweeping views over the town of Göreme. An alfresco dining area, a vineyard, and multiple landscaped terraces make for the perfect viewing points, making it one of the best hotels in Cappadocia to see balloons. On the inside, it’s all about contemporary furnishings and lots of natural light. Choose from 11 individually designed suites, which include 5 authentic cave stays with natural stone walls. Nevertheless, all rooms boast minimal-modern finishes and fittings, vaulted ceilings, ancient mosaics, bold artwork, and swish marble bathrooms.
The amenities at this luxury lodge blew our minds. Firstly, there’s a seasonal Mediterranean restaurant that serves modern Turkish fare, complete with vineyard views. It’s also where they served delicious breakfasts in the mornings. Besides a 24-hour fitness center, there’s a spa and a heavenly outdoor pool that’s perfect for unwinding. If that wasn’t enough, a deluxe concierge can also help you with private guided tours.
Check Rates on:
Serinn House, Ürgüp
8
If a casual, laidback guesthouse experience in Cappadocia is what you want, then Serinn House in Ürgüp is perfect. What makes it so great is that it also has spectacular views of Cappadocia’s landscape to boot. Helmed and run by the multilingual and extremely friendly Eren Serpen, this guesthouse has its own unique feel, instead of the usual Cappadocian decor of artefacts and kilims. Think bright pastel hues and tons of natural light, complemented by a vast terrace with picturesque views over Ürgüp.
We had the choice of just five rooms, all individually designed by renowned Turkish architect Rifat Ergor. Not only did it make our stay intimate, but the rooms also had sleek mod-cons while also retaining the natural beauty of the caves. Our Stone Room with a view had huge windows with mesmerizing views of the landscape, high ceilings, a four-poster bed, and a luxe bathroom.
The rest of the guesthouse was no less impressive, especially since it had not only a large living room for lounging, but also a music/DVD library and a TV. What’s more, there are tons of outdoor seating areas to enjoy the views, a bar, a terrace, and even a garden. An indoor play area, a coffee shop, and a lounge complete the place.
Check Rates on:
Kale Konak, Uçhisar
7
Best value for money. Whoever said that you had to drop serious money to experience Cappadocia’s wonderful views? Kale Konak is the perfect, affordable Cappadocian base, sitting right next to Uçhisar Castle and combining the region’s wonderful labyrinthine cave interiors with magnificent views.
The hotel’s name literally translates to “Castle Mansion,” and it couldn’t have been more apt. Besides the 17 rooms, the place not only had a restaurant, but also a garden area, a Turkish bath, and quite a few terraces. Everywhere we went, we could see Turkish antiques and historical artefacts. Think traditional pots, logs stacked next to fireplaces, beautiful lamps, wagons, and kilim-strewn snugs with open hearths for colder evenings. Moreover, there were many communal areas with cushy sofas, wooden dining tables, and fireplaces to mingle with fellow travelers or enjoy some solitude with a glass of Turkish wine or coffee. The weather was sunny when we visited, so we could enjoy Turkish breakfasts on the terrace in the mornings. Think mixed fruit, pastries, cheeses, and meze-style spreads with delicious breads, honey, fried eggs, salads, black and green olives, and three types of dips. Yum!
We had the choice of many rooms, all of which were beautifully traditional with treasure chests, small fires, antique telephones, iron coat stands, and curved stone ceilings. Modern additions included plush beds, luxe bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and kettles. What more could we ask for?
Check Rates on:
Rox Cappadocia, Uçhisar
6
What could be better than staying right next to the jaw-dropping Uçhisar Castle? Nothing! Welcome to the small but luxurious Rox Cappadocia, which is a former Greek home converted to a boutique luxury cave hotel. A rustic-chic vibe permeated throughout, with the distinctive stone architecture ensuring a cozy, cave-like ambiance. Moreover, the custom-designed furnishings brought an air of comfort and modernity.
What we loved was that this place had just eight caves and stone rooms and suites, making staying here as exclusive and intimate as it got. Moreover, they’ve all been recently refurbished and feature a ton of creature comforts. Besides custom-designed furnishings, the rooms also feature Nespresso machines, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, pillowtop beds, and ensuite bathrooms with bespoke bath products.
The highlight at this hotel is the rooftop terrace from where we could feast our eyes on the gorgeous castle, mountains, and Pigeon Valley. What’s more, the hotel also provides a tour desk, ticket services, and an airport shuttle. Besides the on-site restaurant, we loved the comfortable lounge bar on the rooftop, which was the perfect place to enjoy a drink. That being said, our days began on the perfect note with traditional Turkish breakfasts with a variety of specially prepared hot and cold items.
Check Rates on:
Museum Hotel, Uçhisar
5
Most authentic Cappadocian hotel. What can be more special than being the only Relais & Châteaux property in Cappadocia? The fact that it’s also part museum, part boutique hotel, and part architectural masterpiece! Behold Museum Hotel in Uçhisar, one of the most extraordinary hotels in all of Cappadocia.
Remarkable furnishings from proprietor and antique dealer Omer Tosun justify this luxury hotel’s “living museum” tag. Think tapestries, period carpets, fabrics, ceramics, and tons of objets d’art and artefacts. What bowled us over is that none of the 34 rooms are alike, complete with original features like secret tunnels, stone columns, and dovecotes. Plus, the impressive display of collectables and antiques extends to the rooms too, with many of them being registered with the Museum of Nevşehir! Our splurge, the gorgeous Eftelya Cave Suite, even had wine taps that poured Cappadocian white and red wines! For something truly spectacular, the two-storied Konak Pool Suite even has a private garden, a jacuzzi, and an in-room marble pool.
We loved the public areas of the luxury hotel, which have lots of interesting pieces from Cappadocia’s Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman, and Hittite periods. When the hunger pangs came calling, the rooftop farm-to-table restaurant served delicious local fare with mind-blowing views of the landscape. Moreover, they even have ‘Private Sunset Cocktail & Dinner’ experiences, complete with a violinist accompanying you as you dine in a secluded valley location!
Check Rates on:
Koza Cave Hotel, Göreme
4
The highest hotel rooftop. If vantage points and stunning pictures of the Cappadocia landscape are what you’re after, then Koza Cave Hotel in Göreme is where you should be. It’s home to Cappadocia’s highest hotel rooftop, with the space being open only to its guests in the morning. So, we had the space all to ourselves in the mornings, making it an unusually private and serene space in what is an otherwise bustling town. What’s more, the rooftop is set up with beautiful rugs, cushions, and stools for wine and Turkish tea. Choose from just 10 rooms and suites, each of which is unique. However, they all feature traditional Turkish rugs and furnishings and sleek ensuite bathrooms. Our room not only had a fireplace, but also a spa bath and a private terrace from where we could spy sweeping views of the city.
Nobody takes local sustainability as seriously as Koza Cave Hotel. Not only is it a family-run business with great intricate details, but also 90% of all of the iron and wood has been repurposed from recycled materials. Even the water from baths and showers is upcycled, stored, and reused in the toilets. Besides offering shuttle services and a tour desk, this cave hotel also has a restaurant serving delicious local fare. That’s why this is one of the best hotels in Goreme Cappadocia.
Check Rates on:
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel and Spa, Göreme
3
Built in the year 1933, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel and Spa in Göreme was magical to the T. Translating to “butterfly” in Turkish, the hotel is shaped in the form of a butterfly perched on a flower with magnificent views of Göreme. It might take a lot more time to get here from the town, but it’s worth it, especially given the incredible views of the valleys around, especially with hot air balloons taking off in the morning.
Choose from 35 uniquely designed rooms and suites across 3 categories: Arch, Stone, and Cave. Not only are no two rooms the same, but also the rooms range from simple to luxurious, thus catering to all kinds of travelers. Nevertheless, they are all air-conditioned and yet have fireplaces, as well as other sleek amenities. These include mod-cons such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and fluffed-up pillows on plush French beds. Moreover, they were beautifully complemented by old-world touches like carpets, warm rugs, and ancient-looking trinkets.
The hotel had a long list of amenities and touches we absolutely loved. First was the breakfast spread, which was a feast fit for kings. Think unlimited tea and coffee, juices, fresh fruit, breads and buns, apricots, jams, cheese, and more. Don’t miss the Turkish spa downstairs, which offers a wide range of pampering treatments. Our favorite spot, though, was the huge seasonal pool overlooking the valleys, complete with unlimited tea/coffee while we soaked in the views.
Check Rates on:
Argos in Cappadocia, Uçhisar
2
Argos in Cappadocia sits in the heart of the village of Uçhisar, less than a five-minute walk from Uçhisar Castle. This ancient monastery-turned-71-room stylish hotel boasted incredible views over the Pigeon Valley. On the inside, its interiors were exceptional, with tons of contemporary glass and wood complementing the bare stone.
It’s worth staying at this hotel for just the outstanding food and wine. For one, the hotel has two restaurants, Nahita and Seki, which serve international and local fare with stunning views of the landscape. Don’t miss enjoying the wide selection of wines here, which are produced from the property’s very own vineyards and stored in their underground cellars, which can hold a whopping 70,000 bottles! Plus, they grow nuts, fruit, and herbs in their own gardens, too. The property offers airport shuttle services at an extra fee to and from the nearest airports. When it comes to hospitality, the hotel not only offers sightseeing tours, but also horse riding tours, ATV tours, and hot air balloon rides. Did we mention the stunning outdoor pool, which offers sweeping views of the Cappadocian landscape? Yep.
That being said, the views offered from the terraces of the romantic and luxurious rooms are also outstanding. That, combined with whirlpools, sumptuous furnishings, and mod-cons, makes staying here a cinch for couples.
Check Rates on:
Sultan Cave Suites, Göreme
1
Best overall. Sitting right atop Göreme’s storied caves sits the refined, all-suite, five-star Sultan Cave Suites, which was once a massive cave mansion and someone’s home. That’s what made staying here so cozy, intimate, and exclusive, with surreal views of Cappadocia’s landscape to boot, as you can see below!
We were welcomed into the large living room-turned-hotel reception, complete with bookshelves, soft, sunken sofas, and a huge fireplace. After a quick check-in process, we explored the amenities, which included a gallery and even a museum. Did you know that they even have a wine cellar on the property? After all, this is no typical hotel. Not only was parking free, but they also served delicious breakfasts in their cozy, regional restaurant/bar, which also had a gorgeous terrace. Additionally, they can also help in booking balloon flights and guided tours.
We loved the 30 cave rooms and suites here, all of which featured original touches such as stone walls and arched ceilings. While they all differ in shape and size, they all have coffeemakers, minibars, flat-screen TVs, plush beds, sitting areas, and sleek ensuite bathrooms. Our upgraded one-bedroom suite even had a fireplace and patio, which offered the most incredible views over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia! That’s why this is one of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia Turkey!
Check Rates on:
Our Verdict!
While we loved all of Cappadocia’s stays on this list, here’s a specialized list to help you zero in on one place to stay.
- Best overall: Sultan Cave Suites, Göreme
- The highest hotel rooftop: Koza Cave Hotel, Göreme
- Most authentic Cappadocian hotel: Museum Hotel, Uçhisar
- Best value for money: Kale Konak, Uçhisar
Where to Stay in Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is as huge as it feels small. First timers to the region will enjoy staying in Göreme as it sits right in the middle of all the action. Not only does it have the largest bunch of amazing cave hotels, but it also allows easy access to the fairy chimneys, the valleys, and the Göreme Open-Air Museum, besides serving up those amazing hot air balloon views.
A 10-minute drive southwest of Göreme brings you to Uçhisar, which feels like a whole other world and is one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey worth visiting. The highest point in all of Cappadocia, Uçhisar Castle, is the mainstay of this town, with many hotels perched on the hillsides. The emphasis is on relaxation and unwinding, the nightlife is muted, there are fewer crowds, and the vibe is more serene. In fact, many cave hotels here are luxury and boutique ones offering terraces, spas, and infinity pools.
Ürgüp, which sits 15 minutes east of Göreme, is Cappadocia’s largest town and has a slightly different vibe. It’s a heady blend of local life and stylish hospitality and is less touristy than Göreme. It has an excellent dining scene with cozy wine bars, thanks to the local wineries, and tons of boutique hotels and cave suites. A 10-minute drive straight south from Göreme brings you to Avanos, a charming town on the banks of the Red River. It’s also great for exploring the entire region and oozes a charming riverside vibe. Finally, there’s Ortahisar, which is 10 minutes from Avanos. It’s a smaller, more traditional Turkish town that offers a more authentic Cappadocian experience.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Cappadocia?
Usually, 4-5 days is a good amount of time to visit all the regions in Cappadocia in detail.
Does Cappadocia have an airport?
Yes, Cappadocia has not one but two airports: Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport. While Kayseri is a larger airport with more competitive fares and frequent flights, Nevşehir is closer to the main tourist areas like Göreme.
What makes Cappadocia special?
Cappadocia’s landscape is surreal, peppered by fairy chimneys, underground cave systems, and unique rock formations. That’s why hot air balloon rides at sunrise and sunset are extremely popular. Besides that, there’s also the charm of cave hotels in this region for a unique staying experience.
