Abant Palace Hotel

“Looking in before looking out”

I know I shall have to explain the title for the readers. But first let me state the reason for that trip was two fold: One, and the foremost,a trip with my family in 1963 which was rooted deeply in my chidhood memories, and two, the terrible hot and humid summer days of Istanbul that made me stay … Plus

I know I shall have to explain the title for the readers. But first let me state the reason for that trip was two fold: One, and the foremost,a trip with my family in 1963 which was rooted deeply in my chidhood memories, and two, the terrible hot and humid summer days of Istanbul that made me stay indoors in climatised rooms, day after day untill my throat soared due to air- condition allergy. So, the need to get out into the cool and fresh air was irresistable. Abant is a corner from paradise, no doubt. The soothing weather, the forest air, the lovely view of lake. I had reserved one of the larger suits on the top floor overlooking the lake. Although the hotel was situated by the lake, the overgrown trees somehow blocked most of the view, but nothing can be done about it short of trimming the big pine trees...Hotel personel were young and friendly and treated their guests by the book. If you ask for anything that was not in the text they were taught, they are capable of producing excuses for not helping you at all. But this is a common trait for all present day activities. Anything out of ordinary jams the program. I have my doubts they would be as capable in dealing with emergencies, or unexpected events such was my case of needing a medicine. You see there are no pharmacies in Abant. The nearest one is 15 miles away in a lovely village called "Mudurnu". The Hotel was clean and well organised, but we did not care much about decoration. For example, our suit was spacious but there was hardly any cabinets to place your belongings. The food was rich in sorts but poor in taste (or maybe our standarts shot so high with the passing years that it was impossible to meet them anymore). But if you consider Abant as a district of Bolu, a city traditionally breeds world class Chefs who are employed by grand hotels all around the world, I think I had a right to expect more. Well the richness in sort enabled us to stuff our faces every meal we had. The only activity, touring the lake on horse drawn carriages was O.K. I guess. I have to draw the attention of authorities to the danger of air pollution which is slowly creeping up especially in non-windy days. There are way too many cars going around the lake since it was declared a picnic park by the authorities. Now for the "looking in" part I guess: I have been suffering from high blood pressure for over 25 years I guess and using medicine regularly. As the fellow suferers would know. the summertime is a favorable season for us as the blood pressure tends to stabilise. Well, this trip taught me otherwise. From the day I arrived in Abant it shot up to 150-160. And rarely stabilised. To my big surprise high altitude was responsible. You see Abant is 1350 meters above the sea level (4000 ft. for our Anglo-saxon readers) So all in all it was a trip worth undertaking especially if you are not suffering from high blood pressure. Oh, let me remind you to cancel your plans to visit Lhasa or Lima or Quetta or any high altitude cities in the world.

Moins

“Nice location”

Location was perfect. Nice view of the abant lake.service was okay. The waiters were nice , bell boy was efficient. Wifi was okay. Points to improve : spa, reception and breakfast. You can try this hotel for a night or two but just that.