Six years ago my Turkish wife and I, a less refined American, discovered El Vino and have been raving about it ever since. I suppose it's not for everyone but I'm damned sure that it's the best of its type.
El Vino is a boutique hotel, the creation of two architects who obviously cared less about making "a statement" than conforming to the natural beauty of the place. Its 30 white-washed rooms are tastefully decorated and built into the hillside overlooking a stone-inlaid pool and covered breakfast area. Its rooftop restaurant boasts one of the best panoramic views of Bodrum and food that is every bit as excellent.
There are, to be sure, more extravagant hotels in the area that are better geared to attract celebrities. We visited one of them. But while El Vino was fully booked, the Marmara Hotel in all its splendor proved almost empty. Maybe the latest increase in fuel prices have given the jet set some difficulty getting off the ground. One thing is certain, however. You will never find a more personable and attentive staff than at El Vino. They apparently love the place because year after year, Deniz manages the place, Ahmet the meal service, and Ismail the kitchen--all to perfection. One of the owners and aforementioned architects, Mrs. Perren (Perran Hanim), can often be found staying at the hotel, happily mingling with her guests.
When the internet and www.tripadvisor.com first came on the scene, I predicted that El Vino would be rated number one. However, it was only this year, for the first time, that it achieved such status. Why did it take so long? Only because people like myself have been reluctant to reveal a secret that would make getting a reservation even more difficult than it already is!
