Escape to Paradise: Boomerang Guest House, Selçuk, Turkey
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, sometimes baffling, world of Escape to Paradise: Boomerang Guest House in Selçuk, Turkey. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, there's a lot to unpack.
SEO-fied Title: Escape to Paradise: Boomerang Guest House Review: A Selçuk, Turkey Gem? (Accessibility, Amenities, & Honest Opinions!)
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. We're aiming for folks searching for: "Selçuk hotels," "accessible hotels Turkey," "spa hotels Selçuk," "best Selçuk guest house," "family-friendly hotels Turkey," "things to do Selçuk," and all the related keyword jazz. 🕺💃
First Impressions & The "Oh Crap, I'm Here" Moment:
So, yeah, arriving at Boomerang. The name alone is… well, it's a name. Did I expect a boomerang to greet me at the door? Thankfully, no. The entrance wasn't the postcard-perfect aesthetic I'd imagined. It needed a fresh lick of paint, but hey, this is what sets it apart from a faceless chain, It's got a soul. And right from the start, this place hits you with a classic ‘Turkey hug’. You know the one – a warmth you might find hard to come by at a fancy hotel.
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Huh?"
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Alright, here's where things got slightly messy. While they advertise it, it's not perfect. There is a ramp, which is great! But navigating some common areas felt a little… tricky. I'm not hugely mobility-impaired, but I could see it being a harder haul for some folks.
- Elevator: YES! Huge win.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This sounds promising, but remember, it's Turkey. It's not the US or Europe for accessibility standards. It might not be as 'fully accessible' as you might expect. Call ahead for specific needs!
Rooms: Sanctuary or Snug?
Let's talk rooms. The layout, the details… It was clean, it was airy… But I couldn't quite place the decor. Not bad, just… let's call it "eclectic elegance." I had a room on a high floor, and the view was good, and I had air conditioning that worked! Big win in Turkey. But here's my one thing: where’s the plug by the bed? I hate the struggle! Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. YESSSSS to nearly everything! The high-speed Wi-Fi in your room is free! That's right, I'm talking fast, reliable, and I could post Insta stories while I was lounging.
Cleanliness & Safety: The "Is This Safe?" Anxiety (Hopefully Dispelled)
My anxiety is a REAL thing, and I had some serious concerns before I entered. I mean it's covid times. I was constantly looking for the hand sanitizers. And I'm happy to report, lots of them! They say they're using: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I saw and appreciated a lot of these items being used.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Turkish Delights & the Occasional "Huh?"
- Restaurants: Several restaurants. This is a goldmine for me to keep my food costs down.
- Breakfast is an ABSOLUTE MUST! I'm talking massive buffet (Western and Asian!). Fresh fruit, the works. Seriously, the breakfast alone almost justifies the stay. The coffee was surprisingly decent.
- Poolside bar: I spent way too much time at this bar. I blame the cheap, STRONG cocktails (Happy Hour!). They had delicious food.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Relaxation, Turkish Style
- Pool with a view: YES!
- Spa/sauna: I didn't fully explore (not a huge spa person), but it looked inviting.
- Gym/fitness: There's a fitness center, but I skipped it.
- Body scrub/Body wrap/Massage: All available!
- Things to do: Selçuk is a treasure trove. Ephesus is right there (a must-see!), and other historical sites. The front desk staff can help arrange tours or give you tips.
Anecdote Time: My Epic Pool Bar Adventure
Okay, picture this: I'm lounging by the pool. Sun, Turkish breeze, and an icy drink in hand. I'm chatting with the bar's staff, trying my absolute worst Turkish. The cocktails were so cheap that I was practically giving my money to the bartender. I spent almost all day at the pool bar, and it was the BEST day!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: They were super helpful with everything.
- Currency Exchange: Handy!
- Laundry Service/Dry Cleaning: Always appreciated.
- Luggage Storage: Stress-free departures are the best.
The Family Factor:
- Family/child-friendly: They had kids facilities, but I can't really advise on this.
- Babysitting service: If you need it.
The Quirky Stuff (The Real Story):
- Couple's Room?: Yup. Honeymooners, take note!
- Proposal spot?: Maybe? Ask the staff!
- Shrine: There's a shrine nearby, which I think is amazing.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Yes!
- Car park [free of charge]: Sweet deal!
- Taxi service: Easy to get.
The Verdict: Is Escape to Paradise REALLY Paradise?
Look, Boomerang Guest House isn't perfect. It's not the Ritz. But it's got a charm, an authenticity, that's hard to find. The staff are genuinely friendly, the food is amazing (especially that breakfast!), and the location can't be beat.
It's not perfect, but it is an honest, good place. It's got all the basic and extra amenities you need. If you're looking for a cookie-cutter chain hotel, go somewhere else. But if you want a taste of real Turkey, a base to explore Ephesus, and a place to relax, it's totally worth it.
My Final Score: 8/10 (with a generous +1 for the pool bar!)
BOOK IT! (But read the fine print!)
A Compelling Offer for Boomerang Guest House:
Escape the Ordinary: Discover the Charm of Selçuk & Stay at Boomerang Guest House!
Tired of generic hotels? Craving an authentic Turkish experience? Then pack your bags and jet off to Selçuk, the gateway to Ephesus, and make Boomerang Guest House your home away from home!
Here's why you should book NOW:
- Unbeatable Value: Enjoy comfortable rooms, a massive breakfast buffet, and a truly unforgettable experience.
- Perfect Location: Step outside and explore the wonders of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the charming streets of Selçuk.
- Relax & Rejuvenate: Take a dip in the pool, unwind at the spa, or simply soak up the sun with a cocktail from our lively poolside bar.
- Safety & Comfort: Rest assured knowing that we prioritize your well-being with thorough cleaning protocols, safe dining setups, and a dedicated team.
- Authentic Turkish Hospitality: Experience the warmth and friendliness that Turkey is known for. Our staff is ready to make your stay unforgettable.
Special Offer:
- Book direct and receive a complimentary welcome drink and a discount on spa treatments!
- Limited-time offer: Free airport transfer for stays longer than 3 nights!
Don't miss out! Book your escape to paradise today! Visit our website or call us now to reserve your dates!
Tokyo's Hidden Gem: APA Hotel Ningyocho - Your Perfect Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's boring, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is my attempt to survive and (hopefully) thrive in Boomerang Guest House, Selcuk, Turkey. God, I hope they have Wi-Fi. I'm practically addicted.
Day 1: Arrival & Accidental Bazaaring (or, How I Realized I Don't Speak Turkish)
14:00 (Give or Take an Hour, Jet Lag is a Beast): Landed in Izmir. Airport felt suspiciously like a giant, brightly lit vending machine for humans. Pre-booked taxi to Selcuk. Driver seemed nice enough, kept pointing at stuff and saying things that vaguely resembled "pamuk" (cotton?) and "beautiful mountains!" Pretty sure I was nodding enthusiastically at everything.
16:00 (ish): Arrived at Boomerang. The guesthouse is… charming. In the way that a slightly wonky, lovingly-built treehouse is charming. The owner, a guy named Mehmet with eyes that crinkled when he smiled, greeted me with a hug. Immediately felt better. He speaks excellent English, THANK GOD. My Turkish consists of "Merhaba" (hello) and "teşekkürler" (thank you). I'm going to need a crash course.
17:00: Settled in. Room is small, but clean. Love the balcony. Trying to figure out the air conditioning. Spoiler alert: I'm failing.
18:00: Wandered out, seeking food. Found myself in the Selcuk Bazaar. Oh. My. God. Sensory overload. Spices piled high, carpets the color of a thousand sunsets, men yelling things that sound suspiciously like "Hey lady! Come see my rug!" I got completely, utterly, lost. And then, disaster! I tried to buy something. Specifically, a scarf that glittered like a dying star. Somehow, I ended up haggling, completely out of my depth. Ended up with three scarves, a belly full of Turkish delight, and a vague feeling that I’d been thoroughly scammed. But hey, the scarves are pretty.
19:30: Ate dinner at a tiny, bustling restaurant, recommended by Mehmet. Best Adana kebab I've ever had. Seriously. The spices were divine. Almost cried from happiness.
21:00: Back at Boomerang, nursing a glass of local wine and mapping out tomorrow's adventures. Also, practicing my haggling skills… on my pillow.
Day 2: Ephesus, Ancient Ruins and Existential Dread (Maybe a Little Dramatic)
9:00 (After a Painfully Slow Start): Breakfast at Boomerang. Mehment's homemade bread is a revelation. Also, strong coffee. Needed it. Battling a slight hangover from last night's wine.
10:00: Ephesus. Oh. My. God. This place is incredible. Truly. Walking through these ancient ruins is like stepping back in time. The Library of Celsus? Jaw-dropping. The Grand Theater? Imagining gladiators fighting there gave me goosebumps.
11:30: Got slightly overwhelmed by the sheer size of it all. Also, it was HOT. Like, desert-in-a-microwave hot. Started to wonder if maybe I should have brought a hat. Or two. Or a personal air conditioner.
12:30 (Roughly): Found a shady spot, drank a ridiculous amount of water, and contemplated the meaning of life while staring at some crumbling stones. Philosophy class flashbacks. Seriously, what was life like back then? Did they worry about bad Wi-Fi signal? Were there Instagram filters for ruins? Probably not.
14:00: Lunch at a tiny café just outside Ephesus. Stuffed grape leaves. Phenomenal. Definitely recommend. The owner's cat kept trying to steal my olives. Cute little furry thief.
16:00: Back at Boomerang. Flopped onto my bed. Sweaty. Exhausted. But also, exhilarated. This place is magic.
18:00: Attempted to use the (still elusive) air conditioner. Failed. Decided to have a beer and talk to Mehmet. He's a great listener. Apparently, I keep forgetting to turn off the aircon.
20:00: Dinner at a restaurant Mehmet recommended, with actual AC. Bless. More kebabs. More wine. Another excellent evening.
Day 3: The Basilica of St. John & Chicken for Days
09:00: Up early, again! The excitement of travelling has me up and at it. Breakfast at Boomerang, Mehmet's legendary bread again. This time I'm going to ask for the recipe.
10:00: Exploring the Basilica of St. John. Wow, this place is huge and amazing. It will be a great place to take pictures, especially as the sun shines through the basilica.
12:00: Lunch at a cafe close to the Basilica of St. John. I had a chicken kebab, it was nice (again!).
13:00: Back at the Boomerang. So tired, had a nap.
15:00: Went out to buy some new clothes but ended up getting more scarves! It was the glittering star scarf I had initially haggled over and now it's back in my clutch.
16:00: Came back, had a refreshing shower, and relaxed on the balcony.
18:30: Dinner at Mehmet's favorite restaurant, another amazing chicken kebab. So full.
20:00: Back at the Boomerang, doing some planning and chilling.
Day 4: The Turkish Bath & Goodbye Selcuk (Cue the Tears?)
09:00: Last breakfast at Boomerang. A wave of sadness washed over me, I'm going to miss this place. Mehmet gave me a crash course in "basic Turkish," which consisted mostly of him laughing at my pronunciation.
10:00: Hamam time! The Turkish bath was an experience. Mostly, because I was totally unprepared for being scrubbed so vigorously. Felt like I'd been exfoliated down to my bones. Amazing though. I'm told I've got baby smooth skin now.
12:00: Final wander through the Bazaar, buying souvenirs. Did far better this time. Mostly.
13:00: Lunch at a small cafe, I had Adana kebab. It was delicious.
14:00: Taxi to Izmir. Goodbye Boomerang. Goodbye Selcuk.
16:00: Flight home from Izmir. (The airport is still a giant vending machine.)
Thoughts: This trip was a rollercoaster. Exhausting, exhilarating, confusing, delicious. I laughed, I sweated, I haggled (badly), I saw amazing things. I learned some Turkish words. I fell in love with a culture. And I'll never forget the feeling of walking through Ephesus, or the taste of that first Adana kebab. I am already planning my return. Selcuk, you were perfect. (Even with the lack of aircon.)
Okay, that's it. I'm done. Time to go look at more photos and weep. And maybe start planning my next adventure. Wish me luck.
Courtyard Fort Meade: Your Jessup (MD) Business District Oasis
Escape to Paradise: Boomerang Guest House – Let's Get Real, Shall We? (FAQs)
Okay, so... "Escape to Paradise"? Is that a REAL thing at Boomerang Guest House or just marketing fluff? Because I'm tired of Instagram lies.
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to tell you the TRUTH. The "Escape to Paradise" bit? It's… well, it's *close*. Look, it’s not like you’re gonna walk into a Disney World. Think more… cozy, crumbling-charm, authentic-Turkish-cat-napping-on-the-balcony kind of paradise. Depends on what your definition is, honestly. My first impression? A bit… dusty. Like, 'Grandma's attic' dusty. But then, the *vibe* hits you. The courtyard with the bougainvillea? Spectacular. That tiny, wonky pool? Perfectly refreshing after a day wandering Ephesus (more on that later – seriously, you HAVE to go).
There *are* actual cats. Lots of them. They may or may not try to steal your breakfast croissant. Just saying.
The location's a big deal. How far from Ephesus are we talking? Because I'm not trying to schlep for hours in 100-degree heat.
Okay, important question. Ephesus? A MUST-SEE. And the location of Boomerang? Pretty darn good. It's NOT literally right next door, like you could roll out of bed and trip over ancient ruins (tempting, though!). It's a short dolmus (local bus) ride or a bit of a taxi jaunt. Maybe 10-15 minutes, tops, depending on traffic and the driver (some are better at navigating the Selçuk chaos than others). The plus side? You're IN Selçuk, which is way cooler and MUCH cheaper than staying *right by* Ephesus. Plus, the dolmus experience? Instant immersion into the local culture. You'll be squeezed in next to a grandma with a shopping bag overflowing with pomegranates before you know it. Fantastic.
Beware of the heat, though. Pack water. Lots of water. And consider a hat. I learned this lesson the hard way... after resembling a lobster. Not my best look.
What are the rooms like, REALLY? Don't sugarcoat it. I'm a sensitive sleeper.
Okay, the rooms… are… well, they're not the Ritz. Let's just be honest. Expect character. Expect a bit of… let's call it "rustic charm." Think "vintage" rather than "brand new luxury hotel." My room, in particular… hmm. It had this *amazing* balcony overlooking the courtyard. Totally Instagrammable, when the light was right. BUT… the air conditioning? A bit… temperamental. More like a "gentle breeze generator" than a full-blown AC unit. So if you're used to absolute silence and freezing temperatures, maybe pack earplugs and an extra blanket. Actually, pack earplugs anyway. The cats can get *loud* at 3 AM.
But look, I *loved* my room. There’s something about how it felt a little bit worn around the edges. It felt like a proper guesthouse. More like staying at a friend’s house. A friend whose house has slightly threadbare carpets and a killer view.
Breakfast, specifically. Is it worth waking up for? I'm a breakfast snob.
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. Okay, this is where Boomerang seriously shines. It's NOT a generic continental breakfast. It's a proper Turkish spread. Think fresh bread (like, still warm from the oven), olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheeses, honey, jams, and… the best eggs I've ever tasted. Seriously. I have no idea how they did it. Maybe magic?
There's usually fruit. And Turkish coffee. Which is VERY strong. Don't drink too much, unless you want to be jittery all day exploring Ephesus! Oh, and the staff… they're so friendly and genuinely want you to have the best breakfast imaginable. Don't be shy about asking for more. You're on vacation. Indulge!
The pool situation? It looks tiny in the photos. Is it even worth bothering?
Okay, let's talk about the pool. Yes, it's small. VERY small. It’s more of a “plunge pool” than a “swim laps” pool. Don't expect to do any serious training here. But... after a day of exploring the ruins in the blazing sun? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. You'll be *so* grateful for that little dip. It's the perfect place to cool off, sip a drink (definitely get a Turkish Efes beer), and just CHILL. Forget about your worries. It's small, but mighty in its ability to soothe a weary traveler’s soul. Plus, the bougainvillea hanging overhead? Gorgeous. Just... gorgeous.
And hey… the pool is part of the charm. Don’t expect a mega-resort experience at Boomerang. Embrace the quirks!
What about the staff? Are they friendly or just going through the motions?
The staff... OMG. Seriously, this is where Boomerang truly shines. The family who runs it? They are the BEST. I felt like part of the family within a few days. They are genuinely warm, welcoming, and helpful. They'll bend over backwards to help you with anything, from arranging tours to recommending restaurants. They make you feel like you’re a valued guest, not just another number scrolling through to-do lists as you walk in. I'm NOT exaggerating when I say their warmth made the trip. They made me feel like I was back at my favorite older relatives' place.
I vividly remember one of the staff members, a sweet woman named Ayşe, helping me with my terrible Turkish. I was trying to order a "köfte" (meatball) at a restaurant, and I failed miserably. She laughed and helped me out and wrote down a few key phrases I’d need to know to get by. That kind of genuine kindness? You can't fake it.
Anything I should REALLY know before booking? Hit me with the hard truths!
Okay, *hard truths.* Here we go. Boomerang is NOT for the faint of heart. If you need five-star luxury and absolute perfection, this ain't your place. If you are terrified of cats (or cat hair), maybe reconsider. The Wi-Fi can be spotty sometimes. The shower pressure might not be… amazing. And, depending on the wind, you *might* hear the call to prayer – which is beautiful but can be a bit jarring if you're not used to it.
Also, and this is important: You're in Turkey. Embrace the culture! DonWhere To Stay Now
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Boomerang Guest House, Selçuk, Turkey"