The El Vino hotel is a delightful hotel close to downtown Bodrum, but away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Deniz and his helpful staff are always around to ensure everything is fine. The rooms are very clean and the views of the harbour are lovely.
The pool has to be seen to be believed!
A terrific hotel!!!!

El vino was a quite a surprise. On arrival at the security gates we were greeted by hte manager who could not have been friendlier. He arranged for our luggage to be taken to our rooms then and there and guided us through the oasis.After the heat outside we were suddenly in paradise. Exotic palms, pool, spa, day beds it was a beautiful site.
Our room was spacious with great views but the best was yet to come. On the rooftop that night we had a very romantic dinner overlooking the whole of Bodrum with spectacular sea views. gentle music and great food completed the scenario making it a night to remember.
Elvino was in close proximity to all the major venues and was a short taxi ride from the ferry terminal.
Murat suggested this venue and completed all our bookings through Turkey without any problems along the way. Fore that we give him our thanks

The hotel lived up to my expectations. A friendly and courteous staff led by Deniz and Ahmet ensured an enjoyable stay. The rooms are well appointed with good airconditioning - everything works! Of an evening, the view from the roof terrace dining area is quite spectacular and forms a romantic backdrop to the whole dining experience. The oasis-like pool area, with adequate shade from the sometimes searing heat at this time of year, is a pleasant and tranquil bolt-hole from where to while away the hot afternoon hours.

The dining menu provides a reasonable selection of dishes - though I think it would benefit from one or two mainstream Turkish dishes (kebabs I guess) and from some mezze - Yaprak Dolma, Biber Dolma, and Borek would have been nice additions.

The 20 minute walk into town is initailly a little barren as one meanders through an area where locals live and where retail outlets are 'functional'. This pretty soon livens up as you hit the main tourist drag replete with souveneir shops, kebab restaurants, street vendors and the like. The taxi fare back to the hotel is apparently YTL 10 - though I managed to walk back with minimal effort - at the right time of day.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the hotel to others.

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!