Lara Barut Collection

Absolutely Wonderful Stay – We’re Already Planning Our Next Visit! We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Lara Barut Hotel and are already eyeing up our next visit. There are so many things that make this hotel special, but the staff are without a doubt one of its greatest attributes. The staff couldn’t be more friendly, helpful or welcoming. There genuinely seemed to be nothing they wouldn’t do for you, and what stood out most was that their kindness felt completely genuine. From the housekeeping team and reception to the restaurant staff, everyone was always smiling, ready to help and made us feel so well looked after. A special thank you to Recep at reception, who went above and beyond and helped make our holiday extra amazing. We really appreciated everything he did for us. Our room was exceptionally clean and maintained to the highest standard every single day. A huge thank you to Fatma, our lovely maid, who did such an amazing job. She was almost invisible while working, yet somehow everything was always perfectly clean and tidy. Whenever we happened to see her in the corridor, she was always smiling and wishing us a cheerful “Good morning!” It was such a lovely touch. We stayed in a Deluxe Swim Up Room, and I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough. In my opinion, it is worth every extra penny. I don’t think I could book another type of room now! Having our own pool and patio right behind the door added that extra special factor to the whole holiday. Once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to imagine going back to a standard room. The hotel itself is beautiful. I particularly loved how much greenery surrounds the property — it gives the whole place such a peaceful, lush atmosphere. There are also lots of little birds and cats around the hotel, all clearly very well cared for. They are well behaved, never intrusive and actually add to the charm of the place. The food and restaurant choices are fantastic too. You could never get bored with the selection in the main restaurant, and then you have the added bonus of being able to book from the excellent à la carte restaurants. There is so much choice that it really does feel like there is something for everyone. Overall, Lara Barut Hotel exceeded our expectations. The beautiful surroundings, amazing facilities, fantastic food and — above all — the genuinely wonderful staff made our stay so memorable. We absolutely loved it and are already looking forward to coming back. We’ll definitely be booking again!

Hotel was generally satisfactory but I will say I felt a bid fobbed off as a young women as we faced some issues with our room, we complained twice about our aircon not working well it was basically just blowing air out at the same temperature as the room and most nights the room was hotter than outside. We eventually gave up because the technician couldn’t find the issue and they wanted us in the room to communicate what was wrong when reception staff didn’t even seem bothered about the complaint we were making. For the price we paid for a week I think it’s fairly reasonable to not have to leave our dinner or evening plans to try and explain to the technician what the issue with an old air con system was. We visited family in rooms on the other side of the hotel where they had updated aircon systems that they said most nights their room was freezing and the aircon worked well. We also struggled to sleep on our final night as the music in the next hotel over was extremely loud all evening and late into the night. We rang reception to which they sent a security officer up, I assume they just walked up and down the hall instead of knocking on the door as we only heard it once back in the room. Again, disappointing that they didn’t seem that bothered by the issues we mentioned to them. Overall the room was lovely we were in a deluxe double with a side sea view so would avoid booking those rooms if noise at night is annoying for you especially if you have kids, but just slightly disappointed considering how much my parents had enjoyed it. I would however say the standard of food were amazing and wait staff couldn’t have done more for us considering how understaffed the restaurants and bars were apart from the buffet. This was very obvious considering there was very limited reservations for dinners unless you booked 3 days in advance. When we did get bookings the à la carte restaurants were not busy which was beneficial as staff were then not under huge pressure to serve a full restaurant but not ideal for what was a very busy resort in September. Overall cleanliness was outstanding particularly toilets near the bean and pools.

My husband and I have just enjoyed five wonderful nights at Lara Barut Collection, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better stay. It was our first time visiting Turkey, and we will certainly be returning! The resort, staff and food were 5-star without a shadow of a doubt. The buffet in particular is unlike any other buffet I’ve experienced. The choice is incredible — there is genuinely something for everyone, and everything is of an exceptionally high quality. It was absolutely phenomenal, if I’m honest! We were initially a little concerned about the system for booking the à la carte restaurants, but we needn’t have worried. During our five-night stay, we managed to reserve three à la carte restaurants without any problems. For the other two evenings, we actually chose to eat at the buffet because there was simply so much choice. We tried Kuya (my absolute favourite!), the fine dining restaurant, the Italian and Turunc for dinner, and we also had lunch at various locations, including Sandals. Every meal was 10/10. There were also plenty of vegetarian options, which was fantastic. The spa area is beautiful. Although we didn’t have any treatments, we really enjoyed using the sauna, steam room and Turkish bath. The only negative experience for me was when we first arrived at the spa. We were immediately asked if we wanted to book a treatment and, when we politely declined, we were rather abruptly pointed towards the complimentary area. Nobody showed us where to leave our belongings or explained how to use the Turkish bath, which would have been helpful, especially as first-time visitors. The indoor pool was also wonderful. If I had to mention one thing that could perhaps be improved, it would be the entertainment schedule. The daytime activities are largely the same each day, followed by an evening show. This actually worked perfectly for us because we were looking for a relaxing break, but personally, I think I might start to feel a little bored if I stayed for seven nights or more. That said, we made the most of the activities available and tried Pilates, yoga, fly yoga, the gym, mini golf, sea gym and more, and everything was fantastic. The yoga/Pilates instructor was absolutely amazing, and we particularly loved the sea gym — again, the instructor was fabulous. We also visited the water park, which was fantastic and great fun. The evening entertainment was a little more hit and miss. We absolutely loved the Ethos show — it was spectacular! There was also a fun fair, which looked brilliant for younger children. However, the entertainment aimed at adults, including The Drifters, was mediocre at best for us, so we ended up leaving and heading back to our room. The beach bar is a lovely place to relax and enjoy a drink. On one evening, the loud music from the neighbouring hotel did unfortunately disturb the relaxed atmosphere we had experienced previously, although of course this was absolutely no fault of Lara Barut. Speaking of drinks, they were certainly flowing! We never had to wait for a drink, and the service throughout the resort was fantastic. Despite the resort being at full capacity during our stay, you would honestly never have known. There is such a huge choice of seating areas and pool loungers, and we never struggled to find a space by the pool or on the beach. It never felt overcrowded. Overall, we absolutely loved Lara Barut Collection. The food, facilities, activities, service and beautiful surroundings made for a fantastic holiday, and we genuinely didn’t want to leave. Thank you to everyone at Lara Barut for an amazing five nights. We had a wonderful time and hope to return one day! ❤️

BARUT LARA LOST A STAR Before I start I would like to point out that this review is based on my own experience of the resort and comparing this with my previous experiences at the same resort and the facts as I saw them. In no way is it meant to be a slur or negative review of the Lara Barut Collection nor it's employees, whom I think do a great job, especially when faced with a changing client base. This was our 9th visit and collectively our 8th group holiday here with 6 or 8 guests. We had all booked a " deluxe lagoon room" yet upon check in our friends were given room 2351 overlooking the villas. This room contained a cot for a child so was obviously not prepared for their arrival. They had previously stopped in the lagoon rooms and expected the same. Upon questioning reception they were told that all rooms in that block were the same and it was just random. They were offered a move after day 2 ,they declined the room change as they didn't want to waste valuable time unpacking then repacking etc. I think they made a mistake and the hotel was fully booked ,DETAIL =5⭐. We had a usual great room 2107. Usual extremely high standard of accomodation, grounds etc but I did notice a large missing panel on the lagoon bar which looked quite sharp (PHOTO ATTACHED) but took a day to fix it, and some rusted screwheads fallen out of the lagoon pool decking ( DETAILS =5⭐). One other thing I noticed was the number of very young children in the lagoon pool congregating with parents, and sometimes without ,around the swim up bar, and to my amazement this bar still serving GLASS BOTTLES 🤯. On one occasion I witnessed an infant stood on the bar in armbands , and no one within 5 metres . This really needs to change. Rooms were spotless but I didn't like the idea that the maid had to approach us to tell us it was her day off tomorrow, this has happened to us elsewhere and us a common practice in less luxurious hotels in order to illicit tips from guests. It was funny that we only got towel art after a tip ?? and when we didn't leave a tip the dried fruit and chocolate plate disappeared, not something worth complaining about but ( DETAIL=5⭐). I know it's Turkey and I expect TV in Turkish but if other hotels can provide lots of other channels in all languages (IPTV) then this should also be available. (DETAIL =5⭐). A LA CARTES Personally we did not have any issues booking A 'la' cartes' and we communicated well with guest services on what's app, with MELIKE ,YADIGAR and ALPER all of whom helped our party of 6 with 5 reservations in 7 nights. I personally think that the A la cartes' are not open long enough to satisfy a fully booked hotel , especially when staffing levels were very low. The food was its usual excellent standard but unfortunately the service levels were lower than usual and the Akdeniz and especially Kuyu were definitely understaffed on our visits. The Laura Italian couldn't wait for us to finish at 9:15;pm as everyone had left and we felt hurried. In past visits we hadn't needed to ask for more drinks or wine etc but this year it wasn't the case. The exception to this was the sandals at lunch where we went most days and thanks to the Excellent service and attention from SADIKA and colleagues, made our visits memorable and enjoyable with above and beyond service (DETAILS =5⭐) Again none of this was a reflection on the quality of the excellent gastronomic experiences. I felt that staff shortages for a fully booked hotel were more to blame. ENTERTAINMENT This has definitely suffered and although there are still some big amphitheatre productions these are finished at 9-930 then it's either the same DJ boom boom repetitive music or average cabaret acts at Melthem bar, then down to the beach for the same kind of music and maybe a sing along singer. In the past I have witnessed maybe 4 activities a week on the lawn area with some big stage setups , masquerade party etc and then a foam party at the beach. Last week it was a scaled down funfair and an ethno party with some costumes and a few lasers with the same kind of soundtrack. Where has the ⭐ quality gone from this hotel. There were 3 acts at Meltem bar , Drifters , Red Velvet and Latte. Compared to other hotels nearby these artistes, although professional and commited simply were not on a par with neighbours and not as good as previous years. We were back in the room most nights by 11, but maybe this is also a method of reducing costs because if there's nothing going on people will go back to their rooms earlier and possibly not drink as much and not need the staff to serve them, this theory was definitely a topic of conversation between repeat guest around the pool during the day. Drink quality at the bars was the same usual very high quality and I personally didn't struggle with service at the bars but others did, (we are regular tippers) and I feel this contributed to the fact that we didn't have to wait or queue at the bar for drinks. Meltem bar staff were excellent with us, especially BUSE on her skates and MEHMET and team behind the bar. KIDS AMUSEMENTS Unfortunately this eyesore as you cross the well manicured lawns when the sun goes down will become parents nightmare, IE parents take their 7 and 10 year old on all Inc luxury holiday paying I guess £6000 then realise to their horror they have to dig deep for the attractions every night paying tens of Euros for tokens to operate the arcade games. With strategically placed neon cars and signs on exit from the amphitheatre directing children's attention to the paid attractions. After chatting with many repeat guests poolside over the week our group of 6 have decided that sadly we will not return as the business model and client target base has changed from more luxurious exclusivity and quality to mainstream family or small children. We have never seen so many small children , pushchairs at poolside , and heard so much noise everywhere at this hotel so for us it has lost its charm. However I'm quite sure it will be successful in it's new guise and we wish it well , we all have children and grandchildren and understand why families may visit this hotel however I'm sure it will be at the expense of previously loyal customers to the brand. I sent this review to Barut Lara as I always do as a matter of courtesy to as for a response before posting on trip advisor. The response was "grateful for feedback and relevant departments will be informed" If any people reading this think it's just a moan then you may be right , but I feel it's one we are entitled to having spent as a group over £150k on visits here. THE 5⭐ DETAIL HAS GONE but it will remain an excellent 4⭐ plus hotel for families.

On our way home after our 7th stay in this beautiful hotel, however it will probably be our last, we have seen changes over the past few visits that have changed our opinion. The hotel remains one of the best we have ever stayed in, the food, grounds and staff are excellent, service, especially after tipping is exceptional. It remains difficult to book into the a la carte restaurants unless, like us you bring "bribes" for guest relations- Terry's chocolate orange and Green Pringles- we managed a restaurant for all 6 of us every evening but other guests struggled to get even 1. We have noticed a huge increase in the amount of children, under the age of 10 over the past 3yrs, there is nowhere without screaming kids, there are kids areas, kids pools but no adults only section, one reason we loved this place was its offer of peace, quiet and relaxation - not the case anymore. We always book a deluxe lagoon but get given a deluxe room with a view of the owners villa- if the rooms are all the same then dont give them different names. The entertainment used to be amazing with huge shows on the green almost every night, not anymore a few lazers and rave music or blow up fairground not really for us, even the beach bar is mainly rave music which isn't really the vibe for this hotels clientele. This hotel is beautiful and we have enjoyed coming here but time to find a new location.