Museum Hotel Cappadocia Turkey – A Luxury Cave Hotel

A Relais & Châteaux Hotel

The Museum Hotel Cappadocia

The Museum Hotel occupies one of the top locations to stay in Cappadocia. It is perched high up in the Uchisar hills with stunning panoramic views over Avanos, Göreme, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, Red Valley, and Mount Erciyesthe below.

Fairy Chimneys and Ancient History

Just a couple of minutes walk away from the hotel you will find the most amazing “fairy chimneys” reminding you that this area is steeped in thousands of years of history.

The Only Relais & Châteaux Hotel in Turkey

The Museum Hotel is the only Relais & Châteaux Hotel in Turkey. Not only is it luxurious and extremely well appointed but it has a wonderful restaurant serving outstanding local Turkish and international food.

A 5 Star Cave Hotel Combining History and Luxury

The hotel is a 5 star “cave hotel”, set back into the rocks. In 1998 the hotel was restored and renovated by a team led by its owner, Ömer Tosun, out of caves and ruins, to become the first luxury hotel in Cappadocia. In 2002 it was officially opened. Hittites, Persians, and early Christian Romans have previously lived in these caves – so it really is of historic significance.

Each of the 30 bedrooms and suites is uniquely and exquisitely decorated. The combination of thousands of years of history along with modern day luxuries makes it impressive in so many ways. It is set across an area of 6,000 sq metres which also encompasses a beautiful garden where there are peacocks.

Bedrooms

Each cave bedroom is unique. Each has its own individual look and feel and lay out. I was lucky enough to have one with views out towards the valley below and to be able to see the sunrise (and the hot air balloons from my bedroom). I also had an actual fish pond with live fish and a small fountain in my bedroom! I was concerned initially that the sound of the water would keep me awake. On the contrary I found it the most soothing noise ever and am missing it now! The bathroom was modern and well equipped and as well as amshower I had a jacuzzi bath. There is a well equipped mini bar, a Nespresso coffee machine and last, but not least, a very comfortable bed. Some of the suites have little gardens and others have quirky stand alone jacuzzi bath tubs – each one has something special.

Infinity Pool With Views To Die For

The terrace is beautifully illuminated at night and the views are breathtaking any time of day.

The heated infinity swimming pool makes for a beautiful centrepiece on the terrace at anytime and it allows you to swim and enjoy dreamy views of the valleys below.

If swimming is not your thing, then simply relax by the pool and chill on one of the comfy chairs or loungers and in the evenings there is often a musician playing by the water’s edge.

Gourmet Restaurant and Dining Terrace

Lil’a Restaurant serves gourmet food of the highest quality. As well as local and real dishes there are also international options and the food we had was absolutely delicious. Breakfast is served from 7am till 10am and with authentic Turkish dishes brought to your table and we enjoyed ours outside on the terrace each morning. The menu has several vegetarian options too and even serves gluten free bread on request.

In the evenings the bar is illuminated and warmed by a fire glowing brightly as a centrepiece. We went in October and found the terrace the perfect place to relax and to enjoy breakfast, an Aperitif or lunch or dinner. However, for chillier days there is also an inside restaurant too. Whilst we were there we were lucky enough to enjoy a Cookery lesson at Lil’a Restaurant where we cooked some wonderful local Turkish recipes. We picked up some great tips- which I will be sharing with you on the Recipe Section of the blog! 🙂

From breakfast to lunch to dinner the food was fresh, healthy and extremely tasty. We also enjoyed a wine tasting and the hotel produces its own grapes and has its own wine label too.

You can see the Lil’a Restaurant Menus here.

The Museum at the Museum Hotel

Throughout the hotel there are artefacts and historical items wherever you look, both outside and inside the hotel. In fact the hotel also has its own museum filled with historical memorabilia relating to the history of the local area.

An Instagramer’s Dream Hotel

The hotel is understandably popular as a honeymoon and wedding destination and has achieved cult status amongst Instagramers because of its unique location. Depending on the wind, some days the balloons fly right up to the cliffs of the hotel and it looks as if you can almost touch them.

With the infinity pool, the ancient arches and the breathtaking views you may often see “influencers” posing in a variety of outfits which can be amusing to watch!

COVID Friendly Hotel

The hotel has gone to great lengths to ensure that it is as Covid friendly as possible and they have signed up to the International Relais & Châteaux Covid-19 Prevention and Hygiene Practices, which specify high level hygiene and cleaning measures to combat the pandemic. Indeed masks are worn by all staff and by guests too, except of course when at the bar or in the restaurant.

It certainly is a magical place and occupies a perfect location in Cappadocia. One tip: it is definitely worth setting your alarm to get up early to enjoy the morning skies filled with beautiful balloons! And this is advice from a perpetually late riser! 🙂