*This is not sponsored content and all views are my own.
Whether or not you eventually end up staying, one thing’s for sure when you find yourself in Cappadocia: Sultan Cave Suites will be on your radar.
Maybe you heard about the dramatic sunrise scene, or maybe it’s just that it consistently appears on every list of recommended hotels in Cappadocia; thanks to its cult-like status on the internet, this is one pocket in the village of Göreme that will beam too bright to ignore – especially when the Sun goes up and casts the entire town in an ethereal glow.
HOW DO YOU GET HERE?
Interestingly, Cappadocia is neither a city nor a town (it’s a region) and so you won’t have any luck if you’ve been searching for flights that go to ‘Cappadocia Airport’, or buses that pass ‘Cappadocia’.
For most part, if you’re flying in, it’s Nevşehir Airport that you will be landing in – and if you prefer to go about things the harder way (like me), then you’ll be taking a bus to Nevşehir Bus Terminal, and then following that up with a 20-30min ride to Göreme. If you get here in the early morn, this just might be the best introduction to the region nature can present unto you.
Sometimes you might luck out and the bus you’re taking actually ends at Göreme* – if so, then request to get off at Goreme instead; from here, it’s just a 10min walk to Sultan Cave Suites and you’ll get to save a good penny on cabbing. Google Maps is extremely accurate in this lil dusty town so you won’t have any problem locating the hotel once you’re there.
*If you’re starting to get confused, just remember this: Göreme is a town in Nevşehir; and Nevşehir is a city in Cappadocia, and Cappadocia is a region in Turkey.
WHAT ARE THE AMENITIES?
If you’re coming in fresh from Istanbul, probably one of the things that will be felt with starkest contrast is that public transport is almost non-existent here. That is not to say it’s a bad thing (and you will understand why when you’re there) – but, it also means you will be cabbing around. Alot. Also, cabbing is significantly more expensive here compared to Istanbul, so don’t expect to get anywhere with USD10-20 cab fares.
If you don’t mind group travelling, then consider signing up for tours when you’re in Göreme to save on hefty transport costs. Or if you can, pay a little more for a real experience upgrade: Rent an ATV. Drive an old vintage car. Ride a horse. They might cost just a tad above a cab, but the difference between the experiences will be priceless.
WHERE’S THE CROWD?
In Cappadocia, most people either hole up at Goreme (where you’ll be) – or Uchisar, an equally striking village just 10 minutes away. Both towns exude a similar ambience so there’s no need to have to base yourself off both places just to have a good feel of Cappadocia.
WITHIN A SHORT WALK, I CAN FIND….
Plenty of everything! Convenience shops, mini-marts, restaurants, bars, rug shops (including the famed Gallerie Ikman), as well as an endless string of curio shops hawking all kinds of Turkish souvenirs and then some. Everything is sprinkled along the main thoroughfare and you’ll be able to find just what you need without having to venture too far off.
If you’re game, you can even attempt a walk to the Goreme Open Air Museum with the aid of Google Maps. It’s about a 30-min walk away – and I highly recommend* it because you’ll pass some really scenic places (and horse farms!) along the way.
*Don’t do this if it’s right smack in the middle of summer though; the Cappadocian Summer Sun is BRUTAL.
I SHOULD PROBABLY MENTION THIS…
Were you planning to stay somewhere else and then visiting in the morning for that legendary Sultan Cave Suites sunrise? If so, you should probably know that the rooftop access here is exclusively for room guests only in the morning; so you’ll have to stay if you want the experience.
Also, the food plate that you see on Instagram? It’s for props only. There is breakfast in the morning, but it’s offered only after sunrise and at the hotel restaurant (which is annexed to this rooftop); you won’t actually get to have breakfast at the rooftop during sunrise – just in case the photos on Instagram mislead you to think otherwise.
SHOULD YOU STAY AT SULTAN CAVE SUITES?
It’s a hard yes from me.
Sultan Cave Suites is one of those places you get misty-eyed just thinking about. Apart from those knockout sunrise views, the blend of warm hues and rustic brickwork – together with a smattering collection of deco accents- makes this accomodation such a paragon of Cappadocian chic. Almost every room has a private setting outside to ensure moments of solitude, and these terraces/balconies/patios double up as your very own personal box seat every morning to watch the landscape unfurl before you – a delightful alternative for when the bustling rooftop scene proves too boisterous for your liking.
It’s a stunning interplay of warmth, grandeur, and Turkish hospitality; and I truly appreciated the ‘lived-in’ atmosphere that added to the soul of the property. Price-wise, it’s not exactly painless on the pocket; but as far as hotels in Cappadocia go, it’s actually a relatively affordable piece of luxury, so book if the chance presents itself. Instagram has made this space pretty sought-after, and dates usually get snapped up months in advance.
Enjoy Sultan Cave Suites. I know I did.
Comments
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shafinah.j
Thanks Daniela – and yes, Sultan Cave Suites was super experiential, I higly recommend it!
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Kelly Francois
The Sultan Caves Suites look and sound amazing. I also love that it’s with walking distance to shops, restaurants, etc.
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shafinah.j
That’s usually such a good plus – isn’t it; especially at night when the munchies set in 😅
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Lasma
First of all, fantastic photos, they tell a wonderful story of Cappadocia. This place has been on my bucket list forever! Second, the Sultan suites look absolutely remarkable in every little detail, I definitely would stay here and enjoy the terrace at sunrise to take some epic photos! I think it’s fair the terrace is for guests only in the morning!
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shafinah.j
Same here! I can’t even describe the warm fluffy feels I got from learning that the terrace was reserved for hotel guests only during sunrise; it really does lock in the conviction that you made the right decision to stay with them!
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Jennifer
The views from the Sultan Suites rooftop were gorgeous and something I would look to partake in when visiting this destination. Lovely post discussing the area that made me look into traveling to this destination. It sounds somewhat off the beaten path (in a good way) and quite lovely.
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shafinah.j
Thanks Jennifer! Yeah it was really quite a surreal experience and I hope you find yourself there soon! ❤️
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Lisa Manderino
Those air balloons. I would love to stay in this Instagram worthy location!
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shafinah.j
Indeed! Those hot air balloons easily makes up for like 50% of the entire hotel experience 😂
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Jessy Hamel
Loved this guide! I’m going to Istanbul in November and I was curious about Cappadocia. Gorgeous pics too! Thanks!
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shafinah.j
Oh you should totally consider popping by Cappadocia – I always thought there’d be nothing else to do besides the hot air balloons, but I was proven thoroughly wrong when I was there!
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shafinah.j
😅 😅 😅
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Caitlin
First, your photos are gorgeous! Second, amazing post! I found the information on how to get there to be extremely helpful. The information you provided about Sultan Cave Suites was also super helpful. It looks like a magical stay and it’s definitely getting added to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
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shafinah.j
Aww thank you so much Caitlin, your review means the world to me! ❤️❤️
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Marga
This guide is so helpful! I can’t wait to visit one day. It’s high on my wishlist! Thanks for sharing and the stunning images.
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shafinah.j
You’re very welcome Marga, hope you have a magical time there!
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Deirdre Jenkins
Your pictures are stunning. And the hotel looks lovely as well. Thank you for the review
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shafinah.j
You’re welcome sweets! 🥰
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simplyjolayne
Thanks for so many great tips. I see these awesome shots on Instagram and want to visit, but knowing that you actually have to stay at the Sultan Cave Suites to have sunrise access is important to know.
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shafinah.j
There are a handful of other hotels that have this too – but Sultan Caves is on a higher elevation so it kinda feels great! Some also go to valley points, you get super awesome sunrise views there too 🥰🥰)
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Travelling Tam
Such an iconic hotel! You’ve captured the feel of the place so well and nice to know it’s a relatively affordable bit of luxury!
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shafinah.j
Indeed! Always a thrill to steal a bit of luxe on an affordable budget!
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Travel A-Broads
I’ve wanted to visit Cappadocia for a while now, and your photos seem to truly do it justice – so beautiful! It’s interesting to hear that the breakfast photos are only for props. Instagram certainly can be deceiving, can’t it? Thanks for sharing! Xx Sara
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shafinah.j
Aw, thank you so much for your kindness Sara!🥰
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Jenn
Wow! This is an amazing place place, and I appreciate you adjusting expectations for the “Instagram vs. reality ” crowd. I hope I get to see this beautiful sunrise one day from the Sultan Cave Suites.
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shafinah.j
It really was one of the most beautiful experiences I ever had 😍
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Daniela
Well, this hotel looks absolutely stunning! And the location couldn’t be more perfect, I think! Thank you so much for sharing this review, I’m really tempted to try it one day 🙂