MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Ankara

Where to Stay in Ankara

Ankara Ankara, Turkey Travel Guide

Detailed Breakdown of Accommodation Options

Types of Stays

  • Hostels

    Cater to plan your spending travelers and backpackers, offering dormitories and private rooms with communal spaces. They encourage a friendly vibe and an expense-effective stay.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses

    Smaller, locally owned hotels with basic amenities at affordable prices. Spotless rooms, private bathrooms, and sometimes a simple breakfast are common.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    A range of 3-star and 4-star hotels. They showcase comfortable rooms, services like breakfast, fitness centers, and business facilities. These places balance comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels

    International chains and upscale local hotels (5-star) with high-end services and extensive facilities. Expect spas, restaurants, pools, and hotel concierge.

Specialty Lodging

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels with unique designs and personalized service. They reflect local culture or a distinct theme, offering a more intimate experience.

  • Special Local Places To stay

    Smaller, traditional b&bs (Pansiyon) in older parts of the city (Ulus or Hamamönü) offer a neighborhood vibe and charm.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Platforms like Vrbo or Using airbnb feature numerous options for entire apartments or homes, suitable for families, groups, or longer visits. They often feature kitchen facilities.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    No designated camping sites exist within Ankara's city limits. Private campsites could exist further outside, mainly for local residents.

Neighborhood Guide

Ankara's neighborhoods present different vibes and attractions.

Kızılay

Pros
  • Excellent public transport connections.
  • Abundant shopping, dining, and nightlife.
  • Close to government buildings.
  • Central for modern Ankara.
Cons
  • Can be noisy and busy.
  • Less traditional charm.
  • Typical urban precautions apply.
  • Metro or bus ride from historical Ulus.

Ulus

Pros
  • Having a rich history, authentic local experience.
  • Suitable for budget travelers.
  • Close to important historical sights.
  • Walking exploration of the past.
Cons
  • Can seem older and less polished.
  • Some sections may be less clean.
  • Be aware of surroundings in crowded market areas.
  • Varying noise levels.

Çankaya

Pros
  • Elegant, quiet, and prestigious.
  • Excellent for luxury travelers.
  • Good dining and shopping options.
  • Very safe and well-maintained.
Cons
  • Further from historical sites.
  • Public transport or taxis needed for main attractions.
  • Places to stay and restaurants prices are higher.
  • Generally quiet ambiance.

Kavaklıdere / Tunalı Hilmi

Pros:

Popular with students and young professionals. Generally safe and pleasant for walking. Features mid-range to luxury hotels. Close to modern shopping and entertainment.

Cons:

Can be noisy at night in some parts due to active nightlife. Less direct metro access, relying more on bus routes. Lively and energetic ambiance, especially in the evenings.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking leads to the best accommodation for your needs and budget.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (Summer: June-August): Reserve ONE-3 months beforehand. This secures dates and potentially better rates for popular hotels.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring/Autumn: April-May, Sept-Oct): Booking 2-4 weeks in advance works well. More flexibility might be available for last-minute changes.
  • Low Season (Winter: Nov-March): Often book a week or two in advance, or find walk-in availability. Pre-booking always holds value for specific preferences or vacation times.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are highest in the summer and during major Turkish holidays. Prices generally decrease in shoulder seasons and are lowest in winter.

Booking and Payment Tips

  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Major international platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, and Hotels.com are widely used in Turkey. Direct hotel websites sometimes offer slightly better rates.
  • Negotiation Customs for Walk-in Rates: Less common for established hotels in Ankara. Prices typically fixed, especially for chain hotels or those on major booking platforms.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Policies vary by property. Check deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your booking. Many hotels feature cancellable for free until a specific period before check-in.
  • House Sitting: Platforms like TrustedHousesitters for longer stays may be an option.

Important Notes

Affiliate Disclosure:
  • This guide contains affiliate links.
  • Clicking these links may result in a commission for us.
  • This comes at no extra cost to you.
  • It supports the creation of valuable content.
Booking Advice:
  • Always look at prices from various platforms.
  • Look at new reviews for up-to-date information.
  • Check location details for convenience.
  • Confirm all booking details directly with the property.

Consider your needs

Accessibility:

Check for wheelchair accessibility or specific room features if needed.

Pet-Friendly:

Confirm pet policies if traveling with animals.

Family Amenities:

Look for hotels when traveling when traveling with kids' clubs, pools, or family rooms.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here is a reservation offering examples of highly-rated accommodations in Ankara across different budget categories. These are broad suggestions.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Deeps Hostel

Avg. Price: 200-400 TRY/night

  • Centrally located in Kızılay.
  • Dorms and private rooms.
  • Social atmosphere.
  • Close to metro.
Latifoglu Hotel

Avg. Price: 800-1500 TRY/night

  • Comfortable 3-star hotel in Kızılay.
  • Good value.
  • Morning meal included.
  • Convenient for public transport.

Luxury & Family-Friendly

JW Marriott Hotel Ankara

Avg. Price: 2500-4000+ TRY/night

  • Upscale 5-star in Çankaya.
  • Extensive facilities: spa, indoor pool, multiple dining.
  • Known for luxury and service.
  • Elegant.
Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center

Avg. Price: 2000-3500+ TRY/night

  • Spacious 5-star hotel in Kavaklıdere.
  • Larger rooms, swimming pool, various dining.
  • Suitable for families.
  • Modern.

Other Top Picks

  • Anemon Hotel Ankara

    Avg. Price: 500-900 TRY/night. A well-regarded budget option near Kızılay. It has clean rooms and works well for short stays.

  • Park Inn by Radisson Ankara Çankaya

    Avg. Price: 1200-2000 TRY/night. A modern 4-star accommodation in Çankaya. It features good amenities and right next to shopping and dining in a pleasant neighborhood.

  • Divan Ankara

    Avg. Price: 2000-3500+ TRY/night. An elegant 5-star hotel in Çankaya/Kavaklıdere. It displays sophisticated design, fine dining, and superb service. Close to upscale boutiques.

  • Some boutique guesthouses in Hamamönü

    Avg. Price: 500-1000 TRY/night. Renovated Ottoman houses in Hamamönü feature charming, historically-infused stays. These portray a more authentic local experience.

Long-Stay Options

  • Apartment Rentals

    Consider apartment rentals on platforms like Airbnb or local agencies for serviced apartments. For extended stays, an apartment with kitchen facilities and more living space works well.

  • Cost-Effectiveness

    Apartment rentals are usually more cost-effective more so than hotels for weeks or months.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Formal booking for homestays is less common in Ankara. Cultural exchange programs or informal networks might present such experiences for those seeking local immersion.

  • Global Coverage:

    Find numerous accommodation options globally on Booking.com.

Important Considerations for Accommodation

Location Strategy

Your selection of neighborhood should align with your travel interests. Kızılay central for modern amenities, Ulus for history, and Çankaya for luxury and quiet.

  • Kızılay: Best for transport, shopping, nightlife.
  • Ulus: Best for historical sights, local markets.
  • Çankaya: Best for upscale dining, quiet stays.
  • Kavaklıdere/Tunalı Hilmi: Trendy, lively nightlife.
Budgeting Tips

Accommodation typically takes a large portion of a travel budget. Balance cost with desired comfort and location.

  • An option is hostels or guesthouses for low-cost stays.
  • Mid-range hotels offer a balance of price and comfort.
  • Luxury accommodations are for luxury experiences.
  • Apartment rentals often cut expenses for longer visits.

Local Insights for a Pleasant Stay

Check Guest Reviews

Look at new reviews on booking platforms. These offer insights into actual guest experiences regarding cleanliness, service, and amenities.

Confirm Amenities

Verify specific amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and breakfast. Some places list these, but confirmation prevents surprises.

Transportation Links

Review proximity to public transport (metro, bus stops). This is quicker and money on travel within the city.