The Fantasy Cave Suite at Esbelli Evi cave inn in Ürgüp, Cappadocia, is simply perfect for honeymooners, couples, or anyone who wants lots of space and atmosphere.
The suite—actually a troglodyte apartment—is four interconnected cave rooms, plus a hallway and closet, a private garden terrace, and a front terrace with good views of the garden and the Cappadocian countryside.
Mr Süha Ersöz, owner of Esbelli Evi, explained to me that the cave rooms of the suite, like all rooms at Esbelli Evi, are as authentic as possible.
“I didn’t change anything except what had to be changed,” he told me. “In many cave hotels they standardize the rooms and add and subtract to make it look a certain way. I want the rooms to look as they looked when people were still living in them.” Thus the suite is as authentically “old Ürgüp” as possible, with beautiful colored banding in the volcanic stone walls and ceiling.
Except for the luxury! The shape of the rooms may be the same, but the appointments are extraordinary. Everyone comments on the bathroom, with its twin large showerheads and separate hand-held shower in a roomy glass enclosure, the antique clawfoot tub (big enough for two), the 30 channels of stereo satellite radio, the atmospheric lighting (even candles) —that’s all in the bathroom!
The master bedroom has the expected large, comfortable king-size bed, reading lights and writing desk and Wifi Internet.
In the salon/living room is another writing desk with laptop computer, TV, easy chairs, the Internet Wifitransmitter that covers the entire suite, and a charming Tavşan Yatağı (“Rabbit’s Bed”), a small cave-ette with a king-size bed that is children’s favorite play and sleeping area—and big and comfortable enough for adults, too.
The kitchen, for preparing drinks and snacks (not meals), has stone-carved shelves, kitchen sink, table and chairs, microwave oven, and electric kettle with plentiful supplies of coffee, hot chocolate, and black and herbal teas. The full-sized refrigerator is stocked with wine, beer, soft drinks and milk, yours to enjoy on the honor system at low prices. Bottled spring water is complimentary, and refreshed every day.
“The furnishings change sometimes,” Süha Bey says. “I like to find the perfect pieces for each room. I keep looking, and when I find the perfect piece, I buy it and move it in.”
There are three separate entrances from the outside: to the hallway and bathroom, to the bedroom, and to the kitchen from the private garden terrace.
With sun pouring through the south-facing windows, it’s difficult to think of the Esbelli suite as a troglodyte dwelling, yet you’ll appreciate the cool atmosphere and intense quiet provided by the stone walls and its secluded location.
You have all the privacy you want, and you still enjoy all the comforts of staying at Esbelli Evi, including a full Turkish breakfast each day, included in the rates.
The Esbelli Evi suites are among the most charming and satisfying places to stay in Cappadocia, but for all their luxury, the Esbelli suites are reasonably priced, especially for families and small groups that might otherwise need to reserve two rooms. (Here are other suites to consider.)
When you contact Esbelli Evi, mention TTP. Here’s why.
Esbelli Evi
Esbelli Sokak No. 8 (P.K. 2),
50400 Ürgüp, Nevsehir, Turkey
Tel: +90 (384) 341-3395
Fax: +90 (384) 341-8848
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