The location is perfect and so are the clear views of the city. Izmir is a lovely city, and this hotel is just as nice.

The rooms are big, well appointed, elegant, and with floor to ceiling windows and a very good bathroom.

The facilities are 1st class. Three poos, one thermal pool, large baths, and all the spoils you can think of.

Valet parking was complimentary. Internet Wi-fi was not. It was a bit dear.

Outside the hotel within 50 meters there are dozens of restaurants. Behind the hotel there is a large shopping mall. I would recommend hiring a car in Izmir. Without it, you will be stuck. It is best to get to Efes in your own car too.

When you are ready to begin your return to the West after an immersion in old Turkey, Izmir and the Crowne Plaza are an excellent choice. The tallest building on the waterfront, the hotel offers all the trappings available at a modern US or European hotel. If that is what you are seeking, this is a great choice. And pay up if you can for the sea view.

One extra well worth mentioning - the hotel has an excellent gym, its own hot water mineral pool and full Turkish Spa facilities - hammam, steam room, sauna and more - all free to hotel guests.

In my experience, you can't really go wrong with recently built Crowne Plazas, and this place is no exception. Be sure to book a room facing the sea, as it's right there! The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, so the view is really stuninng in the morning when you open the curtains.

This hotel is located nowhere near the center of the city and the airport (be sure to have enough cab fare if you're flying in!), located in what seems to be an unpopulated peripheral area. It's fine to walk out the front door and walk along the sea, but the downside is that there isn't much around this place... feels pretty isolated (which can be a good thing, of course!).

The hotel has a pretty extensive buffet in the restaurant, so guests can choose between western and Turkish foods at will. The staff were a bit inexperienced, I found, but very sincere and helpful.

You really can't go wrong with this place, I higly recommend it and will gladly stay here again.

Fine one night stay on points, hotel was much nicer than expected and we were given an upgrade to a waterview room. Hubby has status at Holiday Inns and there was a terrific fruit platter, chocolates, nuts and wine in the room on arrival and a fresh rose in the bathroom. Lovely, and unexpected touches. Bed was so comfortable.

I found one item in the room very funny - can you guess from the pictures?