Cullinan Belek
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"Totally lacking the personal touch!"
We visited this hotel in June 2025 as a family of seven, including our 6-year-old and 2-year-old, hoping to find an alternative to Ikos that offered similar levels of luxury at a more affordable price. Sadly, this wasn’t it. While the hotel has many good aspects and the potential to be truly wonderful, it falls short in key areas: poor customer service, overcrowding, untrained staff, and a complete lack of personal touch. Instead of feeling like valued guests, we often felt like just “one of the herd.” Rooms: Our family room was spacious with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and housekeeping kept it very clean. The smart system for signaling “do not disturb” or requesting room service worked well. While we technically had a sea view, the sea was so far in the distance it took me 24 hours to spot it—I initially thought we’d been given a car park view! I didn’t request to change, as rooms overlooking the Azure pool and bar were likely noisy until midnight with music, dancing, and even fireworks. A key issue for us was the lack of a bathtub, which made things tricky with our toddler. It would make sense for at least one of the bathrooms to have a tub. The minibar was well-stocked initially but not replenished daily as promised. Restaurants: The buffet looked incredible at first glance, with beautifully presented food and a huge variety of options—almost too much, as it became overwhelming. Unfortunately, the experience was ruined by how packed it was. The atmosphere felt like a chaotic cattle market, with guests pushing and shoving to get to cooking stations, no sense of queuing, and staff doing nothing to manage the crowds. Waiters were overwhelmed and visibly struggling. The à la carte restaurants had a nicer ambiance and were worth the extra charge just to escape the buffet chaos, even if the food wasn’t particularly memorable. Snack restaurants during lunch were also extremely busy. Staff seemed harassed and only gave the bare minimum, forcing us to constantly flag someone down for basics like cutlery, condiments, or another drink. The problem seemed to be a combination of understaffing and poor training. Communication was also difficult as very few staff spoke English. The 24/7 restaurant was surprisingly underused, likely because of its bland food and limited menu—not ideal when the buffet felt so stressful. Drinks: Most of the wine we were served was warm, and the house wine was poor. Premium wines were priced up to €1500 per bottle. Cocktails were disappointing, although the frozen virgin strawberry daiquiris at the Azure bar were a highlight. Pools and Sunbeds: Sunbed reserving was a huge issue. Guests began reserving spots as early as 7am (possibly even earlier), and by 10am it was nearly impossible to find one. The QR code system for poolside service worked inconsistently. We eventually paid €200 for a cabana one day, which turned out to be our most relaxing experience. The private fridge, call button for a waiter, and ability to have lunch away from the crowds made it worth it. The splash park was noisy and crowded, with older kids pushing past on slides. While my 2-year-old loved the slides (with me holding him), there were no clear height restrictions enforced. All other pools were 140cm deep, making it impossible for our little ones to stand, and there was no proper baby pool—only a sad excuse for one in the indoor area that felt more like a prison cell. Other Downsides: Photographers constantly patrolling the resort made us feel like we were in an unsolicited photo shoot. Photos were then sold for €20 each. The kids club has great facilities but questionable safety. Adults can enter freely, and the system for identifying children relies on lanyards, which worried me for my 2-year-old’s safety. The “free flow” system where kids wander around independently felt unsettling. The mini disco was underwhelming, and while the kids’ shows were high quality, they were deafeningly loud—so much so that my Apple Watch warned of potential hearing loss. We barely saw our WhatsApp concierge, and despite asking for them to confirm our airport transfer time and say goodbye, they never showed up. No one asked about our stay, leaving us feeling more like numbers than valued guests. Even getting into a lift was a constant battle. Final Thoughts: While there were some positives—the spacious rooms, well-kept grounds, and certain activities—too many negatives overshadowed them. This hotel promises luxury but delivers chaos. For the price, there are far better options in Belek that truly understand what five-star service means.
"Fantastic hotel"
We visited as a family of seven adults, ranging from 18 to our youthful 50s, and this hotel exceeded every expectation. The level of luxury is exceptional—from the food and drinks to the impeccable service across all areas. The concierge service was outstanding and made booking restaurants effortless. A highlight of our stay was a fantastic boat trip organized by the hotel on their private speedboat, which felt like such a special experience. We also took part in several complimentary activities, including functional training, aqua spin, and trampolining, and thoroughly enjoyed them all. Well done to this incredible hotel for creating such memorable moments. We can’t wait to return!
"Wonderful Service and a Lovely Stay"
We had a really lovely time here! Special thanks to Kemran for the great service—so attentive and kind throughout our stay. We truly enjoyed our time and are gratefu
"Disappointing Stay – Luxury Ends at the Marketing"
My experience at Cullinan Belek this year was, unfortunately, a letdown. For a property that markets itself as a top-tier luxury resort with a hefty price tag, the reality fell far short of expectations. Service standards didn’t come close to those of other luxury hotels in the area, like Maxx Royal, Calista, or Carya. Staff often felt inattentive, auxiliary services appeared understaffed, and many personnel seemed untrained for the level of hospitality this resort claims to offer. Several aspects felt like traps rather than perks. For instance, the advertised airport lounge access turned out to be complimentary only for certain booking tiers or stays of a specific length—something poorly communicated and hidden behind fine print. Even basic services like in-house luggage wrapping required cash payments. It’s baffling that a so-called 5-star+ resort in 2025 hasn’t aligned with modern guest expectations. Many amenities that competitors include as part of their packages—premium beverages, beachside cabanas, and summer sports—were all priced separately here, turning what should have been an indulgent, seamless stay into a nickel-and-diming experience. Even the à la carte restaurants, which are typically part of the all-inclusive offerings at rival resorts, came at an extra cost. Overall, Cullinan Belek offers more style than substance. If you’re seeking a truly premium experience, there are far better options in Belek that deliver superior service and inclusivity for the same or even a lower budget.
"Cullinan Belek is paradise territory, delicious dishes, magic desserts and the best waiters!"
Having spent a memorable week at Cullinan Belek, I’m ready to share my impressions as someone who’s hugged his fair share of pillows in five-star hotels on both sides of the Bosphorus. The Pros You’ll Instantly Fall for: The grounds are an absolute symphony. Wide, elegant pathways, perfectly manicured gardens, and stunning views make every stroll feel like a soothing escape into Turkish paradise. The main restaurant is a true gastronomic oasis. From authentic Turkish specialties to salmon in raspberry marinade and gourmet gazpacho, the food is so good it defies the usual “all-inclusive” stereotypes. The chocolate bar and desserts? A sweet crime against your waistline, but one worth committing. That almond tart alone is unforgettable (though I have some thoughts on the chocolate bar staff later). The entertainment program caters to all tastes and ages, with live concerts and evening shows that are atmospheric and high quality. And the waitstaff—exceptional! Always smiling, attentive, and armed with a sense of humor. A special shout-out to Kemran from the Turkish restaurant for his impeccable, Istanbul-level service. VIP service deserves its own applause. Aijan and Malika, who assisted us via daily chats, worked magic with every request—from ants on the sofa to recovering a forgotten bracelet. Real fairies of luxury tourism! The Cons That Don’t Ruin It, But Might Sting a Little: Finding ants on the sofa near our room was unsettling, though the staff resolved it swiftly. Still, the memory lingered. Some beach towels looked like survivors from the Titanic—frayed and exhausted. At this level, such details shouldn’t be overlooked. A swimsuit-dyed pillowcase was creatively “fixed” by flipping the pillow rather than replacing it. Clever, but hardly five-star. Dirty room service dishes often overstayed their welcome, requiring concierge intervention to be cleared. Pay-as-you-go à la carte restaurants feel like a downgrade. Previously, one visit was included in the package; now it’s an extra cost. For a hotel of this price point, this isn’t ideal. Lastly, the chocolate bar staff seemed to guard their cocoa as if from personal reserves, with an air of “eat, but don’t linger.” A strange contrast to the warm hospitality elsewhere. Final Verdict: Cullinan Belek dazzles with its breathtaking grounds, exquisite cuisine, heavenly desserts, and some of the best staff I’ve encountered—especially Kemran, Aijan, and Malika. Yet small flaws like torn towels, occasional pests, and nickel-and-diming on restaurants keep it from reaching perfection. This is a hotel you’ll want to return to. With a few tweaks, Cullinan Belek could easily claim its place among the world’s elite resorts. For now, it’s a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.
"Mare restaurant is amazing!"
I absolutely love this place! The food is always fresh, with an abundance of fruits and an incredible variety of desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth. Each day brings a new cuisine to explore, but the Asian and Turkish dishes are definitely my favorites. The kids’ section is fantastic, offering a huge selection tailored for little ones. The wine is delicious too! Overall, it’s an excellent restaurant and hotel for unwinding with friends and family—perfect for a relaxing getaway.
"Inclusive Summer and Golf resort"
The resort is absolutely massive, with long corridors and a wide range of restaurants and cafés—it felt almost like being on a stationary cruise ship! From coffee to desserts, everything is included, making dining a real pleasure. The main buffet is impressive, offering an incredible variety of dishes from different cuisines. We enjoyed both breakfast and dinner there and loved every meal. We stayed in Room 1467, which had a spacious balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the golf course. While the view was stunning, the room itself felt a bit dated and smaller than expected, especially compared to the oversized balcony—I wished the interior space was larger. The hotel offers several pools, including one with a water park, but I personally preferred the beach. Swimming there was refreshing, and our server, Ferhat, made the experience even better with his outstanding service—bringing cold towels and fresh watermelon to keep us cool. His attentiveness truly stood out and added a special touch to our stay.
"GOLF HOTEL"
Having visited several 5-star hotels in Turkey, my first impression of Cullinan was positive, but I wouldn’t call it exceptional. While the hotel is spotless thanks to the hardworking cleaning staff, some areas need attention. The plants in Reception looked well past their prime, and the main restaurant feels more like a canteen than a luxury space—it’s due for a major overhaul, not just a coat of paint. The food was decent but often not hot enough, a problem we also encountered in the Bistro. On one early morning in the Bistro, there weren’t enough staff to manage the full tables, which was frustrating for golfers trying to grab a quick meal before heading out. Our room felt very small, though we were told this was due to Jet2’s allocation and not the hotel itself. The hotel staff were generally attentive and friendly, with the exception of the receptionist at checkout, who didn’t even ask if we enjoyed our stay and seemed disinterested. The golf facilities are good, and the staff in the shop were excellent, though prices felt steep compared to better deals in other countries for on-site guests. I loved seeing women gardeners on the course—they, along with the ground staff, always greeted us with a smile and deserve credit for their great work. One missed opportunity was the pianist near the Games Center. Her music was beautiful, but sadly often drowned out by noise from the gaming room—such talent deserved a better setting. Having previously stayed at Gloria Serenity, I’d say Cullinan is definitely 5-star for the hotel experience, but the golf side doesn’t quite measure up. We’ve already booked another stay for October and hope to see some of these areas improved by then.
"Good"
Everything about our stay was beautiful—the hotel, the atmosphere, and the overall experience. The evening animations were a bit on the lighter side and could have been more engaging, but they were still enjoyable. Overall, I would rate the hotel’s performance just slightly below perfect.
"We’re going to be back again, thanks for the wonderful rest!"
This was our second trip to Hotel Cullinan, vacationing as a family of five—two adults and three children (though with one being 18, it’s really like traveling with three adults and two kids aged 8 and 10). We thoroughly enjoyed our 10-day stay filled with relaxation and pleasure. We highly recommend visiting the à la carte restaurants—Beef Grill, Nori Teppanyaki, and Yamas—each offering an excellent dining experience. Don’t miss indulging in the incredible desserts at Caprice Patisserie and taking a serene sunset walk through the golf courses—it’s magical. Naturally, even in such a great stay, there are areas for suggestions: For the second year now, we’re hoping the hotel could offer hookah service by the 18+ pool. Currently, it’s only available at the Galapagos bar by the family pool where kids are splashing around. Some of the cabanas on the pier need attention as they are looking quite worn and overdue for refurbishment. Drinks at the 18+ pool should ideally be served in proper glasses instead of thin plastic ones. (Although, to their credit, the staff immediately swapped them when we asked.) Overall, the staff are friendly and hardworking, but there’s room to refine service—for example, ensuring waiters at the paid à la carte restaurants maintain a calm, attentive presence without calling out across the floor to colleagues or getting distracted while serving guests. We’ll definitely be coming back again—thank you for another wonderful and memorable stay!
"Great stay!"
We had a fantastic stay at Cullinan Belek! Our guest assistant team, Şevval and Fatma, truly went above and beyond to make our week completely stress-free. They handled all our requests within the hour and even took the initiative to organize a beautiful celebration for our 7th anniversary—without us even asking. Their attention to detail and thoughtfulness made our experience unforgettable. We cannot wait to return!
"A hotel you’re not welcome in"
We chose this hotel for our New Year’s holiday, expecting a premium experience that would surpass Lara Barut (our usual choice). Sadly, it turned out to be a huge disappointment from the moment we arrived, and we left with no desire to return in the summer as we had originally planned. Arrival and Room: The reception was unwelcoming, with staff greeting us with unhappy faces and showing no effort to make us feel welcome—no champagne or refreshments were offered. After waiting for half an hour, we were finally escorted to our room. The room itself was in terrible condition: poor cleaning standards, a leaking toilet, and dangerously unstable balcony rails that wobbled alarmingly. My son even cut his hand on the sharp door joints. The room was overly hot (+28°C in winter), yet the heating couldn’t be adjusted. The bathroom ventilation was loud, and corridor lights kept switching on at night, making it impossible to sleep. When we reported these issues to our assigned assistant Xenia, her response was shocking: “Yes, these things don’t work, and we can’t fix them.” She even told us we couldn’t move rooms for four days! For a hotel charging 600,000 rubles for a week, this was unacceptable. No apology, no compensation—just complete indifference. Service and Staff: This lack of care extended to the bars and restaurants. Waiters moved around with sour faces, took orders reluctantly, and drinks took 30–40 minutes to arrive—if they arrived at all. Bartenders ignored guests while chatting among themselves, and champagne was consistently served warm. Dining: While the buffet offered variety, the food was repetitive, barely warm, and lacked the freshness you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. The 24/7 à la carte restaurant was even worse, serving reheated food straight from a microwave! New Year’s Eve: We were forced to pay extra for a “mandatory” Gala Dinner, which was later cancelled without explanation. Instead of a grand celebration, we got an uninspiring buffet and a mediocre band performance. Guests wandered around aimlessly in evening wear, and we all ended up standing outside in the cold waiting for fireworks. Entertainment and Safety: Animators were invisible and unapproachable. Unlike Lara Barut, where they greet and engage guests warmly, here they looked miserable and avoided interaction. The worst incident happened on the penultimate day: my son was attacked by five teenagers near the pool in broad daylight. Shockingly, there were no lifeguards present. When I confronted management, their response was appallingly indifferent: “The lifeguards watch several pools at once.” I tested this by standing near the pool for 20 minutes and didn’t see a single lifeguard. Not a word of apology from the manager, not even a token gesture like checking on my son or sending something to our room. Final Verdict: This hotel claims to be premium, but it’s all style and no substance. The staff’s indifference, poor safety standards, and lack of basic hospitality were unacceptable. Compared to Lara Barut—with its warm welcomes, cold champagne, fresh food, and attentive service—this hotel doesn’t even come close. I would not recommend this place to anyone expecting true 5-star service. Save your money and go somewhere you’ll actually be appreciated.
Cullinan Belek
A luxury, all-inclusive resort featuring private beach, water park, golf links, pools, and multiple dining venues—designed for those who prefer not to leave the property
Address
Kadriye, Üçkum Tepesi Cad 4/A, 07525 Serik/Antalya, Türkiye
Website
https://www.cullinanhotels.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=mybusiness
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+902425050500