Argos in Cappadocia

Rooms

The guest rooms are spread between seven different mansions (Monastery, Tunnel, Vasil, Gemil, Tiraz, White and Kavak) and caves that once sheltered holy men. They are a mix of Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites. No two are the same size and shape, but each has been decorated in muted tones that complement the exposed stone walls.

Our spacious Deluxe Room was a subtle mix of ancient and modern. An enormous bed was a delight to sink into; we also loved the antique Turkish carpets, wardrobes with intricately carved wooden doors, and the traditional fireplace (some rooms have a chimnea instead). The all-stone bathrooms have walk-in showers and soft Turkish cotton bathrobes.

Standard Rooms have access to a communal terrace or corner from which to soak up the sun and the views. The plush Junior Suites and Suites have separate living areas, and some open onto a private terrace, balcony or secluded courtyard. Jacuzzi Suites have a hot tub either beside the bed or on a balcony overlooking the valley.

The amazing Splendid Suites and Cave Splendid Suites are all different and vary in size and price; some are spread over two floors. Their private heated plunge pools weave in and out of pillars and archways like ancient Roman baths. You can wake up in the morning and jump right in.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Coffee / tea making
• Cots available
• Fan
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Iron
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Turndown service
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is served in the hotel’s light and airy restaurant, Seki, also open for lunch and dinner. The large windows meant we could watch hot-air balloons drift over the valley while we tucked into a selection of cold meats and cheeses, olives, freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, jams, and omelettes to order.

In the evening, you dine under the stars or under stone arches, on a mixture of international and local dishes with a contemporary twist. Think slowcooked crispy duck leg with mashed potato, grilled fig and sour cherry sauce. We plumped for a perfectly cooked steak washed down with Kalecik Karasi, a fruity red from the hotel’s own vineyard.

A second restaurant, Nahita, offers a dinner menu that celebrates traditional Anatolian cuisine, where all ingredients have been sourced within a 60km radius. This is rustic yet refined food, proudly rooted in local heritage.

For a change of scene, we liked sophisticated Elai, which sits in the shadow of Uchisar's fortress. We started with a glass of local wine in front of the Ottoman-style fireplace, before an assortment of meze, followed by tandir (oven-roasted lamb) and a delicious Turkish crème brulée.

Locals also recommend the unpretentious Center Café and Restaurant on the square for its straightforward, tasty Turkish fare: chicken shish, shepherd’s salad and lamb and aubergine stew.

Features include:

• Bar
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Marvel at the jaw-dropping landscape from above on a sunrise hot-air balloon flight
  
• Climb to the top of Uchisar’s natural rock citadel for spectacular panoramic views - it’s the tallest point in Cappadocia and can be seen from miles around
  
• Hike along stunning Pigeon Valley to Goreme (see below) or further afield in the Ilhara Valley. Ride a horse along canyons, go quad biking across dunes and try your hand at cross-country golf; adventure sports of all kinds make the most of the incredible landscape
  
• Don't miss Goreme Open Air Museum, a Unesco World Heritage site. Its rock-hewn monasteries and churches covered in exquisite Byzantine frescoes are quite incredible
  
• Explore the labyrinthine passageways and rooms of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, ancient subterranean cities
  
• Go shopping! Haggle for jewellery, carpets, kilims, gemstones and textiles in Uchisar’s small marketplace, and in Urgup and Goreme’s many shops. The local ladies on Uchisar’s main square sell traditional Anatolian headscarfs edged with beautiful hand-woven embroidery, which make great gifts
  
• Escape the heat in the atmospheric underground spa and pool, where you can indulge in treatments, unwind with yoga and pilates, and detox with the sauna and hammam
  
• Try the local wines at the Turasan and Kocabag wineries in Urgup - wine has been produced in Cappadocia since 3,000 BC. The hotel has an impressive cellar, too

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Hot air ballooning
• Mountain biking
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Quad biking
• Shopping / markets
• Traditional cultures
• Well being
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children of any age are welcome and under-6s stay free of charge if using existing beds in rooms. Note all rooms have shower-only bathrooms.

Family friendly accommodation:

Most rooms can fit a rollaway bed or a baby cot. The Suites can accommodate two additional beds for children.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Argos in Cappadocia is set in the small town of Uchisar, on the highest peak of Cappadocia, in central Turkey. It's 8.5 km from Nevsehir and 14 km from Urgup.

By Air
Fly into Nevsehir (37 km away, and a 40-minute drive) or Kayseri (80 km away, and a 75-minute drive). There are daily flights to both from Istanbul.

From the Airport
The hotel can book the shuttle bus from either airport for you, or arrange for a private transfer. Enquire when booking.

By Car
If you want to hire a car to explore the area then see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.