10 Reasons You Should Make the Swissotel Your Home Base in Izmir

In the “Pearl of the Aegean” is a hotel full of treasures, history, and extravagance. Easy to spot thanks to the Man on Horse sculpture of Fernando Botero, Izmir’s Swissotel Grand Efes is in the heart of the culture and commercial center of one of Turkey’s most famous cities. From underwater dining to traditional Turkish hammans, you need to make a reservation this year. 

Amazing views? Check. 

When you’re not checking out the amazing artwork, your eyes will be hooked on the palm trees and sweet ocean views. Thanks to its bayside location, virtually every room and suite has a view of the Aegean Sea and the Izmir Bay. Even better, the Kordon — one of the most popular walking paths in Izmir — passes in front of the hotel, so you can mingle with the locals, watch the fishermen, and get even closer seaside views while dining at one of the many cafes.

From underwater dining…

Make believe your under the sea when you enjoy dinner at the unique Aquarium Restaurant, where the  porthole-shaped windows look into the Swissotel’s outdoor pool. Serving up authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes to guests, don’t overlook the the Aquarium Restaurant’s outdoor seating options, where a sunset and live music create the perfect atmosphere for a date night. 

…to skyhigh dining

Whereas the rest of the hotel displays works of art, the Sky Bar creates them. Specializing  in exotic cocktails and beverages, the Flames to Fig (literally a flaming drink!) is one of the best drinks you’ll have throughout your entire stay in Izmir. The cherry on top? No matter the time of day or night you visit the Sky Bar, you can be promised incredible bay and city views. 

Exploring made easy

With over 5,000 years of history, traveling back in time and exploring the many wonders of the ancient world is an easy task in Izmir. Take advantage of the Swissotel’s central location in the heart of Izmir and easy access to the Kordon by visiting the Old Bazaar for authentic souvenirs and enjoying the quaint Arkas Museum for an insider’s look at the local art scene. For more of an adventure, ask the hotel staff to help you schedule a day trip to Ephesus to see the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Be treated like royalty at the Purovel Spa

If you need to relax, the Purovel Spa is the place to do it. Elegantly lit and decorated, the traditional hammans, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and relaxation lounges feel like an oasis. While we’re fans of the Classic Hamman and Regenerating Turkish Hamman spa treatments, the Chocolate Ritual and Cosmetic Cocktail Ritual are sensory experiences worth a try as well. 

Swissotel Grand Efes: Making fitness fun again

There are two kinds of people in this world: The kind that enjoy relaxing poolside and the the kind that consider an hour in the gym just as relaxing. From the poolside spin classes and outdoor running tracks to the live DJ performances on Monday morning, the amazing activities at the Grand Efes in Izmir will actually make you want to sweat a little on vacation. 

Ready to go?

Romantic spa retreats, amazing cocktails, and incredible art exhibits? It’s official. Every day is Valentine’s Day at Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir. Go ahead and book a room and start planning your getaway to Izmir with our 48-Hour Guide by world adventurer Lee Abbamonte now! 

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Did we mention the rooms?

Modern conveniences and decor might seem odd in a city so full of history, but in the Swissotel Izmir the two seamlessly blend together for a stay unlike any other. To top it off, each room and suite incorporates unique pieces of art and includes private balanconies for either seaside or garden views.