Club Viva Hotel

I have just spent 10 nights at Club Viva Hotel and have never been so dissapointed in a hotel in all of my travels. I stayed at this hotel 5 years ago and feel it has really went downhill. This visit was with my girlfriend, our room for 10 nights was tiny, it lacked in so many areas. To start with the room didn't seem to be clean, there was dust on all surfaces, the lighting was shocking, one small cupboard to hang clothes up which when used the doors didn't shut because the hangers were wider than the cupboard, no full length mirror, no hand soap provide in the bathroom and the toilet lid was sticky and dirty. The food was repetitive and cold. At breakfast there was a chef cooking omelets, fried eggs or pancakes which was good. I understand when catering for many guests food is cooked in large quantities but when the trays of food fail to keep the food warm its very disappointing. Heard many people complaining about the cold chicken nuggets, hot dogs and other items and were shown to the microwave to heat up their food. Drinks are definitely watered down, sat drinking every night and never even felt tipsy, very basic drink options, usually with all inclusive you have a selection of cocktails but the only drinks included was local spirits, beer and wine (disgusting). When checking in you are only given one key card for your room, when I asked for an extra key card while my girlfriend was taking a sleep I was told that you are only given one per room so one of the cleaners would let me in, upon opening my room the cleaner proceeded to walk into the room and place her hand out for a tip while putting on all the lights. One thing I can not fault is the bar staff and the entertainer Bali, they work long hours and always have a smile on their face and are always polite. I will definitely not be back and would not reccomend.

First thought on this hotel when we checked in was, aww this is a lovely hotel. The young gentleman on reception was friendly, and approachable. However, when we gone to the room we found this to be quite grubby, shabby, and dirty. When reported to the team they didn't quite understand what we meant properly so we gave up eventually. There was also a gentleman in the bar who was quite abrupt, and made my young female friend feel very uncomfortable. He was asking her for kisses, cuddles, and even to go back to his. I have complained directly to the hotel, as I wont let this matter lie but haven't recieved a response as of yet. Moving onto the good options, this seems to be the same day after day. There isn't really much to choose from. Our friends were staying in Grand Cettia Hotel, which was 10x better than this one. Totaly reccomend Grand Cettia but not Club Viva. Thanks.

Just back from 10 days at Club Viva Hotel in Marmaris and had an amazing time. I met so many lovely, friendly people; too many to mention here. Here are the highlights, in no particular order: - Balli, who does the entertainment at the hotel. What a guy! Fully recommend getting involved in the daily water polo, bingo and "killer pool" activities, it's a great way to meet people. "Come on people, move your lazy bums you cheeky monkeys! Butterfly!" - Brad Pitt and the Magic Hands Turkish spa. You absolutely have to try out the package treatment, it is so relaxing. Sauna, Turkish bath, salt scrub, mud bath, bubble massage, facial and then a full body massage. I enjoyed it so much I went back there almost every day. Brad is a lovely guy and will give you a discount if you make multiple bookings. I recommend a massage with Sybil (Turkish) or Irena (Russian). - The local restaurants/bars. Club Viva is about 2km from the centre of Marmaris, in a neighbourhood called Armutalan (be careful: there is a Google maps error that places Club Viva in the centre of Marmaris, it is not!). Fully recommend checking out local restaurants Shadows, 7 Brothers and Jacobs - these are great for couples, families and a good way to meet people. The entertainment is insane after 9pm: acrobatics, fireworks, fire eating, Michael Jackson tribute acts, Turkish bellydancing etc. - On the main beach front you'll find lots of bars and restaurants, but the best restaurants by far are on the marina front. There must be 60+ restaurants and chilled out cafe/bars back to back, to choose from. - Bar Street: If you're looking for a crazy night, this is the place to go. It's a pedestrianised alleyway full of clubs, bars, kebab shops and shisha places. Just be careful as they do like to harass you as you walk past every venue, desperate for your custom. Don't be afraid to say no as they are VERY pushy. Also some may try to put hashish in your shisha, so be careful. Tell them you want a "normal" shisha only. Things you should be aware of: 1. Club Viva is literally right next to a mosque, so be prepared for the 5:30am call to prayer. It is LOUD! I suggest investing in some ear plugs. You soon get used to it. 2. The "all inclusive concept" is very repetitive with the food. The only draught beer they have on tap is 3.5%; it's a bit like drinking sparkling water. 3. Even if you've paid for a double room, they will not let you bring a guest up to your room. Apparently this is common policy in Turkish hotels. The night porter is like a hawk, watching you constantly, so you have to be sneaky. But it can be done if you befriend the right people. Hint: money talks ;) 4. Tip the staff directly. They are paid minimum wage, so it is really appreciated. Don't put your money in the tips box on the bar, because I am told they all go (allegedly) to the bar manager, not the staff. 5. A "standard" room is pretty small. Beware. Overall I would go back as I had such a great holiday and met so many people and have some awesome memories. The staff are great, friendly and accommodating. Turkish people are warm and welcoming. Make an effort to speak some basic Turkish phrases and see how well they respond to you: "Merhaba, nasilsin?"