Barut Lara
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"Standards have fallen badly"
I stayed at this hotel in 2018 and 2019 and had such great experiences that I was excited to return, this time with my husband, for 11 nights in a Garden Suite. Sadly, the overall stay didn’t live up to my previous visits. The journey with Jet2 was already a bad start – the crew were distracted, comparing nail colours, and didn’t even greet us when we boarded. On arrival at the hotel, check-in was smooth, but the room was a little underwhelming. While the Garden Suite has been renovated, it lacked the spacious walk-in wardrobe I had before, leaving us to store suitcases awkwardly behind furniture. The bathroom was lovely, and while there were hair straighteners provided, they weren’t very effective. The beds were large and comfortable, but the pillows were too soft for me, so I had to request firmer ones at reception. Breakfast was much the same as previous visits – I’ve never been keen on it, with chips and leftovers from the day before on offer. The buffets felt repetitive despite themed nights like Turkish and International, which were a nice touch. In the past, we mostly ate à la carte, but this time they were hit-and-miss. The BBQ was probably the best experience, while Sandal’s steak was good but the prawns were so overcooked they were like rubber. At Sandal for lunch, the food was nice, but the staff kept mixing up our orders. Akdeniz offered the worst service overall, and many younger staff seemed inexperienced and overwhelmed. The pools were cold initially but improved after a few sunny days. However, I was shocked to see so many missing tiles in the main pool – something guests said had been like that since May last year. When I raised this issue on Facebook, the hotel didn’t appreciate the feedback. Around the pool, glass bottles were left out for over 90 minutes despite staff walking past multiple times. Eventually, another guest moved them. Staff in general were less friendly, with some even appearing rude, like a girl in the patisserie who sighed when my husband asked for ice cream and then macaroons. Sunbed hogging is a massive issue here. I’d be at the pool around 6 AM and already see most beds covered in towels. Later in the day, guests struggled to find spots while unattended beds sat empty for hours. Although the hotel claimed they were removing unattended towels, it wasn’t consistent. We splurged on a pavilion for my husband’s birthday. The service there was excellent, but the price is steep – maybe they’d fill more pavilions if the cost was more reasonable. Overall, the hotel no longer feels like the 5-star experience it once was. Many areas need attention, like more toilets around the pools and better cleaning. For what we paid, I’ve stayed at far better true 5-star resorts elsewhere, including Jamaica last year, which cost about the same. If prices continue rising without improving standards, this hotel risks losing loyal guests like us.
"Not recommended"
For 25 years, I have exclusively stayed at top-tier resorts, but this is the first time I feel compelled to leave a negative review. Unfortunately, our experience here fell far below expectations, and the hotel was even made aware of our booking in advance. Booking an à la carte restaurant was impossible – we were repeatedly put off and told there was a waiting list of 50 people. The buffet was overcrowded, noisy, and on one evening 90% of the offerings were lamb. No chicken or veal was available, aside from a basic beef Bolognese. When I asked to speak to the restaurant manager, he laughed dismissively and told me to queue 15 meters away at the grill for beef. Breakfast service was equally poor – no greeting at the entrance, and the kitchen staff were unfriendly, serving eggs with the attitude of a military canteen. The “Ultra All-Inclusive” package was misleading. There was no wine selection as advertised – only a single cheap white wine was included, with any other options like Chardonnay incurring extra charges. Only three lifts served the main building, leading to frustratingly long waits. Securing a sunbed at the pool required arriving no later than 7:00 am. After that, there were no available spots. The lifeguards seemed uninterested, glued to their phones all day. It felt unsafe letting my children out of sight, as I doubt they would have reacted if anything happened. In our Grand Suite (over €1200 per night), we were provided with just two bottles of shampoo and conditioner. There were no luxury amenities like cosmetic creams – just an expired body lotion in a dispenser, which is unacceptable for a hotel claiming 5-star status. Conclusion: This property deserves a maximum of 3 stars, not 5. It is nowhere near worth the price. For this cost, there are plenty of premium hotels that truly deliver a luxury experience at the highest level.
"Lara Barut – you will not be disappointed"
This was our first visit to Turkey and the Lara Barut Collection, and we had an absolutely fantastic time – we truly didn’t want to leave! From the moment we arrived until the minute we departed, every moment felt so special and memorable. The hotel far exceeded our expectations in every way. The service is outstanding throughout the resort. A special mention to Guest Services – Tuğba, Melike, and Yaadigar – who were always available via the WhatsApp group to answer any questions and assist with any requests promptly and warmly. The hotel itself is stunning and impeccably maintained, with endless facilities to enjoy. The food was exceptional; we dined both at the buffet and several à la carte restaurants, and every meal was fantastic. Our room was spotless and very comfortable, making it the perfect retreat after a day of activities. The pool area is huge, and the aqua park kept the children entertained with its fun slides. Evening entertainment was of a very high standard, offering something for everyone to enjoy. We honestly couldn’t fault anything. This was the best family holiday we’ve ever had, and we are already looking forward to visiting again. Thank you, Team Lara Barut, for creating such special memories for us!
"Okay, but not wow"
The resort itself is intrinsically beautiful – well maintained, with nice rooms and plenty of activities to enjoy. However, the overall service leaves much to be desired. Staff were often inattentive, with only moderate friendliness. Towels and garbage were sometimes left lying around for too long, and tables in the restaurant weren’t cleared promptly. While the restaurant food was decent and the buffet and all-day dining options were pleasant, there was little flexibility when it came to accommodating dishes for children. Overall, it’s an okay experience but doesn’t justify the high price tag. If you’re seeking a true luxury resort with impeccable service, this may not be the right choice.
"Perfect, if…."
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this hotel. Everything was wonderful — the staff were welcoming and helpful, the facilities were spotless and well maintained, and the location was excellent. However, we were quite disappointed with the size of our room. While the hotel advertises this room type as suitable for a family of four, it felt far too small for us to be comfortable. There wasn’t enough space for our luggage or for us to move around without feeling cramped. I would highly recommend this hotel for couples or smaller groups, but they really shouldn’t promote this particular room as accommodating a family of four. Aside from that, it’s a lovely place and we had a pleasant stay.
"Very underwhelming"
Barut hotels have always been our favourite. We’ve stayed in Anda, Arum, Hemera, and Kemer, so we’re very familiar with the high 5-star standards Barut usually delivers. We were excited to try Lara Barut after reading so many great reviews, but sadly, we were so disappointed that we actually transferred to another hotel within 48 hours — something we’ve never done before. While some parts of the hotel, like the modernised areas, are beautiful, other parts of the building, grounds, and rooms felt tired and in need of refurbishment. Staff generally appeared disengaged and unwelcoming, and there were frequent queues at the bar with only one or two staff serving. In the evenings, there wasn’t much for adults to do until 11pm when the beach bar disco opened. The entertainment seemed geared more toward families and children, with dance shows every night, but nothing like live music to enjoy with a drink beforehand. On a positive note, the patisserie was a highlight with its delicious cakes and excellent coffee. The shower in the room was also fantastic. Unfortunately, that’s about where the positives end for us.
"Successful, cheap, clean, tidy"
We had a wonderful time at the hotel and would like to give a special thank you to the Foreigner and Ece for their excellent service and warm hospitality. One suggestion for improvement would be to inform guests upon arrival that the special à la carte restaurants on-site fill up quickly. Unfortunately, we missed out on booking them for the first three days of our stay. Also, it would be nice if linen and sheet changes could be done more frequently during room service to enhance comfort. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and appreciate the efforts of the team in making our experience memorable.
"The best Turkish hospitality"
Our stay at Lara Barut Collection was absolutely fantastic! We booked a room in the Lagoon section, and it was worth every penny – peaceful, private, and the direct swim-up pool access made our mornings feel magical. The food was exceptional, especially the à la carte restaurants, offering a wonderful variety and top-notch quality. The gym was another highlight – modern, spotless, and fully equipped, with excellent daily classes like yoga and functional training. What truly set this resort apart was the staff. They were warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely cared for throughout our stay. This has easily been one of the best resort experiences I’ve ever had. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway!
"Lovely lovely hotel, just a few things"
As frequent visitors to Barut Hotels (5th time overall, 4th at Lara Barut), this place still holds a special place for us – but we did notice a few changes this time around. PROS: • Check-in was fantastic! We were upgraded to the Penthouse Jacuzzi Suite, and it was absolutely fabulous. Couldn’t fault the welcome. • Drinks in the Çay Room are as delicious as ever. • Food remains stunning – plenty of variety and beautifully prepared. CONS: • The entertainment felt lacking this time. Afternoon activities like the pool games have disappeared, which we really missed. • You now have to ask for sugar with drinks, and sometimes the waiters are so busy they dash off before you get a chance to request it. • Breakfast at Sandals? Sadly gone. We used to love starting a beach day there, and now there’s only one à la carte breakfast option. • The hotel seems to have leaned heavily into a “healthy eating” focus. While great for some, the lack of salt and seasoning made some dishes feel a little flat. I prefer to diet before the holiday, not during! That said, Lara Barut Collection remains a stunning resort. The staff are incredible, warm, and even remembered us from past visits. We were also kindly given access to the Bayou Villa Restaurant since Secret Grill was closed – a lovely gesture that didn’t go unnoticed. We will absolutely return. Just be aware as returning guests, you might notice subtle shifts in how things are run. Still, it’s a beautiful place that’s well worth your time, and the friendliness of the team makes every visit special.
"Very good hotel- a few modifications would make exceptional"
After much deliberation between a 3- and 4-star rating, I’ve settled on 3 stars, primarily due to the high cost of Lara Barut Collection compared to our previous stay at the exceptional Hilton Dalaman. While we genuinely enjoyed many aspects of our stay, several areas didn’t quite meet the standard we expected for the price. There’s no denying the strengths of this resort. Despite being busy, it never felt overcrowded — we always found free loungers and seating. One of the standout features was the variety of à la carte dining options, all included in the all-inclusive package, which was a major plus. The beach is beautiful with minimal pebbles, and the sea aquafit sessions added a fun touch to our days. The kids club team were truly outstanding — enthusiastic, warm, and engaging. We also appreciated the thoughtful touches like the funfair-themed evening and the large, open event spaces. The waterslides were great for both thrill seekers and the more cautious, and live music performances on the beach, including saxophonists and violinists, added a magical atmosphere. The resort app was handy for quick requests like extra water, and everything from rooms to common areas was impressively clean and well-maintained. However, there were disappointments that stood out — especially considering the hotel’s premium pricing. One major letdown was the lack of bathtubs in the rooms. Even after requesting one, I was told we’d need to upgrade to a penthouse suite at an additional €600 per night — which felt unreasonable. The lobby felt underwhelming, and there was no welcome drink or introductory service — no orientation, no guest relations greeting, or any opportunity to provide feedback during the stay. We also noticed hotel advertisements on TV and around the resort promoting activities that didn’t exist — my mum, for instance, was excited to join a painting class only to be offered face painting instead. Entertainment programming felt inconsistent and sometimes inappropriate. The amphitheatre’s JLo-inspired show was overly sexualized, which didn’t suit the resort’s high-end family vibe. More sophisticated offerings like classical or cultural performances (which we’ve enjoyed at other resorts) would have been more fitting. The beachside live music at 4 p.m. was lovely but felt too early for pre-dinner drinks, while the Ethno Party, which started strong, took an odd turn when the DJ abruptly cranked the volume, sending most guests away — live music would have been a better choice. More concerning was an incident on our first night involving a loud domestic altercation between guests in the garden — shouting, threats, and distressing scenes in front of children. No staff intervened, and despite raising the issue with concierge the next day, we never heard back from hotel management, which was disappointing and concerning from a safeguarding perspective. Other minor drawbacks included noise pollution from nearby resorts (which disrupted what should have been a quiet dinner at Sandal), understaffed bars, and oddly small bath towels in the rooms. In summary, we did enjoy our time at Lara Barut — the facilities and beach are beautiful, and the staff in certain areas were excellent. However, with a few thoughtful improvements, particularly in guest communication, entertainment, and staffing, the hotel could easily elevate itself to the 4- or 5-star standard its price point suggests. A solid stay, but with room for refinement.
"Beware of scams"
Barut Lara is a stunning hotel with excellent facilities, but I feel compelled to warn future guests about a serious issue operated from their reception. During our stay, we were invited by a “Holiday Assistant” for what sounded like a helpful orientation. Instead, we were subjected to a hard sell for excursions and eventually booked a quad bike and buggy trip for my family of four (my wife, two kids, and me). From the moment we arrived at the garage for the excursion, I was alarmed. There was no safety briefing, no mention of insurance, and only a quick “this is stop, this is go” instruction. Instead of proper crash helmets, we were handed flimsy rafting helmets, which would offer little to no protection in an accident. My wife and son took the quad bike, and immediately after starting, hot oil splashed up their legs due to an apparent mechanical fault. The staff quickly refilled the oil and insisted they continue. Just 1km into the ride, the buggy my daughter and I were in suddenly caught fire. We had to jump out and run for safety. The fire came dangerously close to my daughter’s hair. The guides didn’t even notice we had fallen behind. My wife turned back to find us, only to report that her quad bike’s brakes were also faulty. At this point, we felt it was far too dangerous to continue. We walked back to the nearest road and managed to get a bus back to the hotel, grateful that none of us were seriously injured. I complained immediately to the “Holiday Assistant” at the hotel. She apologized and promised a full refund, asking me to complete a lengthy form and sign it. I pointed out that the form falsely stated I had received the refund already. She assured me the refund would be processed later. She also claimed the excursion company was “new,” but their branding and operation suggested otherwise. As an additional apology, we were offered a spa day “just 10 minutes away.” Since we had young children, only my wife went. To her shock, the spa was actually 40 minutes away in a dilapidated building. During her massage, the female therapist abruptly left the room, and an aggressive man came in to hard-sell additional treatments while she lay in only a towel. The experience was so distressing my wife ended up in tears and left early. It’s now been over a month, and despite numerous messages, we have received no refund. The whole operation feels like a scam. Barut Lara is a lovely resort, but it’s deeply concerning that they allow this kind of activity to operate from within their hotel. Guests should be extremely cautious when booking excursions or services through reception.
Barut Lara
High-end 5★ resort on Lara Beach with a private beach, spa, wellness, and cultural events
Address
Güzeloba Mah Yaşar Sobutay Bulvarı No:30, VV44+J6, 07235 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Website
https://www.barutlara.com/en
Email
N/A
Telephone
+904449600