Ankara's Hidden Gem: Hotel Mithat Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Let's talk about Hotel Mithat, that supposed "Hidden Gem" they're all raving about in Ankara. I've got the inside scoop, the messy truth, the good, the bad, and the definitely questionable. Let’s dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & the Frustratingly Good Stuff (Accessibility – Whee!)
Alright, so first things first: Accessibility. Listen, I travel with someone who uses a wheelchair, and sometimes, it's a complete nightmare. But Hotel Mithat? Surprisingly good. There's an elevator, obviously, which you'd expect, but it's actually big enough (a rare treat!). Ramps are plentiful, and the hallways are wide. They even had accessible rooms, which, from what I saw, were genuinely designed with accessibility in mind, not just a "tacked-on" afterthought. Score one for Mithat!
They list things like "Facilities for disabled guests" which, frankly, should be a given but often isn't. This place actually felt like they cared. So yeah, a huge plus.
The Internet Saga: Wi-Fi Woes and Bliss
Okay, let's get to the internet because this is crucial, right? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes! (Praise be!) And not just “free,” but actually usable. I was able to stream movies, work remotely, and, you know, actually communicate with the outside world. They also boast Internet [LAN] and Internet services. Didn't delve into the LAN, but hey, options! Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes! Again, useful and actually works. However… (There's always a "however," isn't there?) There were some glitches at peak hours, especially in the lobby. Minor, perhaps, but noticeable. Overall? Pretty darn good internet, especially considering where this hotel is… in Ankara.
Cleanliness & Safety (Breathing Easier)
Right, the pandemic. We all have PTSD from that, let’s be real. Mithat takes it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Rooms sanitized between stays? Looks like it. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Everywhere. They even have all sorts of hygiene certifications. I saw staff wearing masks diligently. They list Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – which felt mostly respected. Now, let’s be honest. I wasn't exactly measuring every centimeter, but it felt safe. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Rooms Sanitization Opt-Out Available? Didn't need it. But the option is always good, right?
The Food Frenzy: From Buffet Bliss to Buffet…Okay
Okay, the food. This is where things get…interesting. Restaurants? Plural! A la carte in restaurant? Yes! Buffet in restaurant? Also yes! Breakfast service? Absolutely! Now, the Western breakfast was pretty standard, your eggs, your bacon, your…yawn. The Asian breakfast, though? Intriguing. There were some, let's say, unique options that I, personally, wasn't brave enough to try. The Buffet, overall, was quite vast, which is good, but it did get a little… repetitive after a day or two. Lots of options for Alternative meal arrangement, which is a plus. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee Shop, which is a lifesaver in the mornings. Even Desserts in restaurant. The Poolside bar was a nice touch, though a bit pricey.
My Random Rants on Dining: I once tried a soup that was… let’s just say, an adventure. I think it was Soup in restaurant. I think I had one of those Salad in restaurant but i cannot be sure. I’m not sure what it was supposed to be. So, mixed bag. The Bottle of Water was a godsend, especially after a long day of… everything. They even have a Vegetarian restaurant, though I didn't check it out directly. They do claim international cuisine which, from what I saw, it's pretty close to the truth.
Spa… or Not So Spa?
Okay, the spa. I'm a sucker for a spa, so I was thrilled! They have a Sauna, a Steamroom and a Spa/sauna. They also list Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, and Massage. Now, I didn't get to try everything, and the details were a little fuzzy. But the sauna was very nice. Clean, relaxing. The massage… well, let's just say it was… interesting. Let's leave it at that. This might also have been the time I got lost in the Pool with view. The Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting.
Relaxation Station: Things to Do (or Not to Do)
Honestly? I just wanted to relax. They have a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness, whatever you call it. Didn't touch it. I was on vacation, after all! The Terrace was nice for a coffee and some fresh air. There's a surprising amount of Ways to relax. I found a cozy corner for a bit of reading, which was bliss.
Rooms: Air Conditioning, and all the Other Necessary Stuff
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.
The rooms themselves were…fine. Clean, comfortable, most of the basic stuff. Air conditioning worked well, which is essential in Ankara summers. Loved the Blackout curtains! Free bottled water? Yes, please! I was on a high floor, the High floor, which was nice.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
Air conditioning in public area? Yes. Audio-visual equipment for special events? Probably. Business facilities? Check. Cash withdrawal? Yes. Concierge? They were helpful. Contactless check-in/out? They had it, which was great! Convenience store? Yep. Currency exchange? Also, yes. Daily housekeeping? Spotless. Doorman? Yes. Dry cleaning? You bet. Elevator? Yup. Essential condiments? Hmmm. Facilities for disabled guests? We already covered this. Food delivery? Probably, although I didn't need it. Gift/souvenir shop? Sure. Indoor venue for special events? Yep. Invoice provided? Yes. Ironing service? Available. Laundry service? Yes. Luggage storage? Yes. Meeting/banquet facilities? Lots of them. Meetings? Seems tailored. Meeting stationery? Got it. On-site event hosting? Yup. Outdoor venue for special events? Seems to be catered. Projector/LED display? Yes. Safety deposit boxes? Yes. Seminars? Probably. Shrine? I didn't see one. Smoking area? Yes. Terrace? Yes. Wi-Fi for special events? Yes. Xerox/fax in business center? Yes.
Getting Around: The Smooth and the Bumpy
Airport transfer? Yes. Bicycle parking? Probably. Car park [free of charge]? Yes! HUGE bonus! Car park [on-site]? Yes. Car power charging station? I didn't see one. Taxi service? Available. Valet parking? Yes.
The Kids: Babysitting Service, Family-Friendly…Meh.
Babysitting service? Check. Family/child friendly? Kind of. Kids facilities? I didn't notice much. Kids meal? Probably.
The Details (and Some Quirks)
Front desk [24-hour]? Yes. Hotel chain? Not that I know. Non-smoking rooms? Yes. Pets allowed? (Unavailable).
Safety/security feature? Yes. Security [24-hour]? Yep. Smoke alarms? I assume so. Soundproof rooms? Yes.
Room Decorations? The decorations
Unbelievable Branson Cabins: Grand Mountain's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-curated travel blog. This is… well, this is me, wrestling with a trip to Ankara and, more specifically, Hotel Mithat. Let's dive in, shall we?
Ankara, Turkey: Hotel Mithat or Bust (and Maybe a Panic Attack or Two)
Day 1: Arrival, Ankara's "Charm," and the Eternal Question of the Mini-Bar
1:00 PM (ish) - Landing in Ankara (Finally!): Ugh, those Turkish Airlines seats are the worst. I swear, I’m three inches shorter after that flight. And the airport? Let's be honest, it felt like a waiting room for the afterlife. But hey, we made it! Baggage claim was a glorious free-for-all. I swear, people were practically fighting over suitcases. Found mine (miraculously still intact) and the adventure begins.
2:30 PM - Taxi Terror: The ride to Hotel Mithat. Now, I thought I'd prepared. Checked Google Maps. Saw the estimated price. But the taxi driver? My friend, he clearly saw a soft target. We haggled. I think I won? Maybe? Honestly, I was too jet-lagged to care at some point. Ankara's roads are… an experience. Let’s just say I'm pretty sure I saw a donkey cart overtake us at one point.
3:30 PM - Hotel Mithat: Welcome to Beige: Okay, Hotel Mithat. It’s… beige. Like, REALLY beige. The lobby is beige. The elevator is beige. The curtains are beige. I'm starting to think I'm allergic to the color. Check-in was slow. The receptionist looked vaguely bored. Which, honestly, I get. Probably seen a lot crazier than me. I’m betting on it.
4:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Mini-Bar Mayhem: Okay, the room. Decently clean, I suppose. But the view? Straight into another building. At least no one's watching me eat chocolate in my pajamas? The mini-bar, though… the eternal question. Do I partake? It's overpriced robbery, I know it. But the allure of a tiny bottle of something cold after a long day… a siren song, it is. I'm fighting the urge. Currently winning. (Probably)
6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster Attempt: I tried to find a good restaurant recommended by a friend but got lost within 5 minutes of leaving the hotel. The streets were a maze! The signs were in Turkish, and I was hungry. I ended up in one of those kebab places that look a little dodgy. The meat was… well, it was meat. Let's leave it at that. Found a nice Turkish coffee, though. Saved the night.
8:00 PM - Journaling and Self-Doubt: Back in the beige fortress. Journaling. "Did I make the right decision?" (About everything). Trying to remember why I thought this trip was a good idea. Maybe I should have stayed home? The pressure of experiencing "authentic culture" is crushing me.
10:00 PM - Lights Out (Probably): Praying for a full night's sleep. Praying I don't have nightmares about beige. Praying my stomach doesn't rumble too loudly.
Day 2: Anıtkabir, History, and a Deep Dive into Turkish Delight (Maybe Too Deep)
9:00 AM - Breakfast Brawl: The hotel breakfast. Another beige buffet. The coffee was like battery acid. The bread was stale-ish. The cheese selection? Limited. I did find a rogue croissant, though! Victory!
10:00 AM - To Anıtkabir! Okay, Anıtkabir. The Mausoleum of Atatürk. This is what I came here for. A little bit of history for the soul. It was much more profound than I could have ever imagined. The scale, the solemnity, the sheer power of the place… it hit me hard. Lost for words. I'll just say it: go.
12:30 PM - Lunch and a Near-Meltdown: After seeing Anıtkabir, I needed food. This time, I found a charming little restaurant with delicious food. The waiter's English was… limited. I thought I ordered a simple chicken dish. It turned out to be something… entirely unrecognizable. I think it involved eggplant and a sauce that tasted suspiciously of anchovies. I stared at my plate, almost lost it, but persevered. I have to show some sort of respect for the food.
1:30 PM - Bazaar Browsing and Turkish Delight Trance: Okay, Bazaar time! Beautiful colors. Smells of spices everywhere, I bought some Turkish Delight. The first bite was a revelation. Rose-flavored, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I bought more. And more. And then, the sugar rush kicked in.
2:00 PM - The Turkish Delight Debacle: I was in a sugar-induced haze. I remember buying a scarf I don't need, haggling over a ceramic plate (that I'll probably break), and then… well, I don't remember much else. I think I might have been slightly lost in a sea of spices and sugared treats. Someone help me.
4:00 PM - Regrouping and Regret: Back in the hotel. Feeling the sugar crash. An entire bag of Turkish Delight is staring at me. My stomach is churning. I've probably purchased things I'll never use. What have I done?
6:00 PM - Dinner – Chicken, This Time (Please): I asked the hotel concierge for his dinner recommendations. Thankfully, this time I was successful.
8:00 PM - Room Service and Netflix: Safe and sound in my beige room. Ordering room service. A pizza, I think. Definitely a pizza. And Netflix. "Bridgerton," perhaps? Comfort food and mindless TV. It's the only way to survive this travel madness.
10:00 PM - Early Night: Praying for sleep. Will I dream of beige walls or Turkish Delight? Only time will tell.
Day 3: Museum, Departure and the Lingering Smell of Adventure
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast… again… It's beige, and I'm getting used to it.
- 10:00 AM - Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A fantastic experience. The history of this place is insane.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Pizza!
- 1:00 PM - Farewell to Ankara and Hotel Mithat: The taxi ride to the airport was less terrifying than the one on the way in.
- 3:00 PM - Departure: On The Plane.
Final Thoughts:
Ankara was… an experience. Hotel Mithat was… beige. I learned a lot. And I’m exhausted. Would I go back? Hmm… maybe. With a smaller suitcase, better language skills, and a strict "one piece of Turkish Delight per day" rule. Until then, I'll be counting down the days until I can sleep in my own bed. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll start liking the color beige. Eventually. Maybe.
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Hotel Mithat: The Real Deal (Or, You Know, *My* Deal) - FAQs
Okay, so *what* is this Hotel Mithat everyone's suddenly obsessed with? And is it REALLY a hidden gem?
Alright, fine, I'll spill the tea. Hotel Mithat (spelled as it is, no fancy variations) is this little boutique hotel tucked away in Ankara. Think less "flashy resort" and more "charming, slightly-worn-around-the-edges family home that's been converted into a hotel." And a hidden gem? Yeah, probably. Until I blabbed on about it, I guarantee you it was! It's THAT good at feeling like a secret you're in on. Although, everyone *else* is in on it now, thanks to yours truly.
The pictures look… charming. Is it actually clean? Because let's be honest, some "charming" places are just… dusty.
Okay, this is important. I am a *clean* person. I like things reasonably sparkly. And YES, it's clean! Not sterile, mind you. You'll see a bit of character, maybe a tiny smudge here and there (you know, life happens), but the sheets were crisp, the bathroom was sparkling, and the overall vibe was "loved and cared for" more than "scrubbed to within an inch of its life." Trust me, I'm picky. And I survived, even thrived! Phew!
What's the *vibe* like? Loud? Party central? Romantic getaway?
Oh, the vibe. This is where Hotel Mithat *truly* shines. It's… well, it’s like stepping back in time, but in a good way. It’s quiet. Peaceful. Cozy. There's a small courtyard with tables and chairs where you can sip tea (which they always have available - score!) in the mornings. It's perfect for couples looking for a getaway, but I also saw families and solo travelers who just seemed chill and happy to be there. I'd say romantic, relaxing, and friendly are the best way to describe it. Note: I did accidentally spill coffee on myself during a super-intimate moment. Take your time, be careful, and you'll be fine.
The breakfast… TELL ME ABOUT THE BREAKFAST! Is it just sad pastries and instant coffee?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! The breakfast! Okay, deep breaths. Here's the deal: it's a *feast*. Seriously. Omelets made to order, fresh bread, local cheeses, olives, jams, honey, fruits… I swear, I gained five pounds in one morning. The coffee? Not instant, thank God! Proper, delicious Turkish coffee. And the staff… they’re like your extended family. Especially the older woman who keeps everything running. She remembers what you like, which is amazing (and a little scary). I was a wreck after a late night, and she brought me a huge plate of fruit. Pure bliss. It's worth the trip just for the breakfast alone. Seriously. Go now. Book it. Breakfast. Enough said.
Okay, so let's talk about the room itself. What's the deal with the rooms? Standard? Deluxe? What can I expect?
The rooms are charmingly… *unique*. This isn't a cookie-cutter hotel, so each room has its own personality. Some have balconies. Some have views. Size? Depends. I'd say call and ask for something specific. I stayed in a room that was perfectly cozy, with a ridiculously comfortable bed. I mean, I slept like a baby. And the shower? GREAT water pressure, which is a huge win in my book. Not much more to say honestly, they're just really comfortable, homey rooms. Maybe ask for a quiet room if you're a light sleeper; the walls COULD be thinner -- or maybe it was just my loud neighbor. I have no idea.
What about the location? Is it easy to get around?
The location is *fantastic*. Right in the heart of Ankara, but tucked away on a quiet street. Easy access to the city center, some great restaurants (the staff can help you. ASK THEM!), and historical sites. I walked everywhere, which is always my preferred method of getting around. I do recommend using a taxi or Uber for the longer trips -- Ankara is a big city! It's walkable, but comfortable walking shoes are a must. And get ready to wander! You'll trip over the best hidden gems you never planned to find.
Is there anything… *bad* about Hotel Mithat? Be honest!
Okay, okay, here's the honest truth (because, honestly, perfect places don't exist). The elevator is tiny. And slow. Like, *really* slow. But honestly, it’s kinda part of the charm. Also, the lack of air conditioning in the summer months might be an issue for some. I was there in the spring, and it was perfect, but do your research! And the reception desk might not be staffed 24/7. But honestly, that's it. Minor things. But hey, I'm not paid to sugarcoat anything.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they speak English?
The staff? Oh, my god, they were the absolute BEST. genuinely friendly, helpful, and SO kind. Yes, they speak English! It wasn't always perfect English, but they tried their best! They go above and beyond. I once desperately needed a phone charger because I left mine at home (major travel fail!), and they actually *borrowed* one from their own house for me. Seriously, how amazing is that?! They also gave me great recommendations for restaurants and things to do. I can't say enough good things about them. They made the whole experience even better.
I'm sold! How to book, and do they take credit cards?
Book it! Seriously! Best to call ahead. Find their number online. They definitely take credit cards, but I'd confirm that when booking. And seriously, go. You won't regret it. Tell them I sent you… although, I'm pretty sure they won't remember. But the experience is so wonderful you won't care!
Okay, one more thing… that *breakfast*. Can you tell me even more about the breakfast? Let's get REALLY specific.
Alright, alright, you want MORE breakfast details? Here we go. Picture this:Cozy Stay Spot
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