The Place
Elkep Evi is built on and into a rocky hill, overlooking the small town of Urgup in the Goreme National Park. Artfully integrated into the rock face, and covered with creepers, it looks rough and ready at first glance. However, up the stone stairs and through the arched entrance, it quickly becomes apparent that things aren’t as prehistoric as they first appeared.
Rooms are rather plush, for a start: gleaming, polished wooden floors, Turkish baths, Jacuzzis and CD players are all standard. A large honeymoon suite has a dramatic, wrought-iron bedstead depicting the rising sun.
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s hilltop garden (strewn with huge, upended urns) which has some gobsmacking views of the surrounding countryside.