Movenpick is the hotel to stay in Izmir

If you plan to visit Izmir, I definitely recommend Movenpick Hotel. It has the best location so far, right in the middle of the city, popular business and leisure districts such as Alsancak, Konak and Kordon are accessible by walk. There are lots of shops, restaurants, bars and coffees within the walking distance. Popular Kordon (city's famous seaside) is only few minutes away. If you are around you should definitely have a drink in Kordon. It is always busy, you can see the locals hanging around. There is also a big green area where locals have picnic or eat their snacks, kids run around, in the afternoon till midnight.

Hotel offers spacious rooms easily accommodates family of four like us. Our room rate included breakfast, the only complain I have is dining area is kinda too small for a hotel this size. Saturday morning we had a hard time to find a table, we had to wait a little.  Since I booked an executive room, we were able access executive level, accessible with a card, it offered snack type of foods, cold and hot drinks, free wifi throughout the day and alcohol after 6pm. It located on top floor, so had great view. Hotel rate also included usage of gym, steam room, sauna and indoor pool. Pool looked quite big, but I did not have time to use it.

By the way this city has a special meaning for me, have I mentioned I studied my Bachelor degree in Izmir:) My older sister still lives there, actually she is a phsiciatrist and academician (I mean she is a Professor!) in one of the university hospitals in town. So, Izmir has always in my list to visit whenever I go back home. This summer was no exception. Actually if you plan to visit Izmir, summer may be the best time of the year because city is almost empty, literally, because majority of Izmir locale's have summer homes in surrounding areas they all come back right before schools are open. The only problem with visiting city during summer season is sweltering heat!

One of the greatest thing about Izmir, it is close to all major holiday towns, such as Cesme, Foca, Kusadasi and Marmaris. They are only an hour drive away! When I was in school, whenever we found time, we would go to Cesme with my friends. Now it has become one of the top holiday destination in Turkey.

If you want to visit local shops, restaurants, or coffees Alsancak is where you need to go. Than you can talk a nice walk from Alsancak to Kordon to have a drink. If you want to have a dessert or speciality Turkish cakes and dessert Sevinc Pastanesi (Patisserie) is the place to go, this is where you see all Izmir localies. If you want to have a fresh fish Kordon is place to go, restaurants display fresh fish right in front of their doors, but make sure to ask for the price! Ferry ride from Alsancak to Karsiyaka is a must do, you will love it! For a nominal fee you can enjoy the breeze and view of the whole city.

Clock Tower in Konak is a popular destination to take memorable pictures and feed the friendly pigeons. There is also Konak Pier opposite direction right busy road. When we were there pier was going through major restoration and construction. There are many chic bars, restaurants and shops. If you like good deals when you shop Basmane is place to go, once you arrive Konak you can ask around, it is few kms away from Clock Tower. Be prepared Basmane is always very crowded and busy, but I have no doubt if you are one of those crazy shoppers you will find greatest deals for goods, souvenirs and etc.