If the answer is yes, you might wanna reconsider, as Konak, the business district of Izmir, Turkey, closes down early in the evening… Should you still wanna be based here, and are looking for a budget option, Hotel Marina could be it. I’d say the only downside is the room size. In my single room, there was barely space to open a big suitcase. I stayed for three nights only, so I made it work. For longer stays, it would have become a nuisance. If you’re a light packer, it won’t be a problem 🙂 However small the room was, it had a balcony, which made it a little less cramped. The best about this place is the location. Within walking distance is the waterfront, bazaar, train station, Culture Park, Konak Square, and city pick-up point for Pamukkale bus company, if you’re travelling onwards on one of their buses. The streets surrounding the hotel are a pedestrian side streets filled with small shops, restaurants, and cafes, not of the touristy kind, creating a local vibe. Also, the hotel staff is very helpful, from arranging airport pick-up, to making me detailed travel directions for out of town travel, and reminding me to bring a jacket, so I would be cold while strolling the streets of Izmir 🙂 I’ve learned the easiest way of getting hold businesses in Turkey, is via WhatsApp.
Hotel Marina is located on a pedestrian side street off one of the main thoroughfares, Fevzi Pasa Boulevard. A taxi might not be able to drop you off in front of the hotel, leaving you at the boulevard curb. Arriving late at night, the side street was dark, but my driver waited to make sure I made it to the hotel without any problems.
A thing worth noting, for airport pick-up: If you’re flying in from abroad via Istanbul, you will have to exit through the international terminal, not the domestic terminal, due to customs.
Website: hotelmarinaizmir.com
