Erkal Pension

Erkal Pension Overview

You know what surprised me most about Erkal Pension? I walked right past it twice before realizing this narrow Ottoman-era building tucked into Kandiller Gecidi was actually my hotel. It’s one of those places that feels more like staying at your cultured uncle’s restored townhouse than a typical Antalya accommodation – which, honestly, is exactly what makes it special.

The location is pretty incredible if you’re into the old city vibe. You’re literally in the heart of Kaleici, where those ancient stone streets wind around in ways that’ll have you lost within five minutes (in the best possible way). I mean, you can walk to Hadrian’s Gate in maybe three minutes, and the old harbor is just down the hill – though fair warning, those cobblestones can be brutal on your ankles after a long day of exploring. The pension sits right in this maze of historic buildings, so you get all that atmospheric charm, but it also means you’ll hear other tourists wandering around at all hours. Not terrible, just something to know if you’re a super light sleeper.

What really got me was how the owners have preserved the building’s character without making it feel like a museum. The rooms have this authentic Ottoman feel – thick stone walls that actually keep things cool, traditional Turkish textiles, and these gorgeous wooden details that you can tell are original. It’s not fancy in a five-star way, but there’s something deeply satisfying about staying somewhere with genuine history instead of some cookie-cutter resort. The breakfast area overlooks the neighborhood’s terracotta rooftops, and honestly, sitting there with Turkish coffee while watching the city wake up is worth the stay alone. They serve a proper Turkish breakfast too – none of that continental stuff with sad croissants.

Parking is… well, forget about it. You’ll need to leave your car outside the old city walls and walk in with your luggage, which is standard for Kaleici but still a bit of a hassle. The staff are incredibly helpful though – they actually walked me to my car when I couldn’t remember where I’d parked (those winding streets all look the same after dark). Check-in was refreshingly personal; the owner spent twenty minutes just chatting about the building’s history and marking up a map with his favorite local spots that weren’t in my guidebook.

I’d say this place works best if you’re someone who values atmosphere over amenities. You’re not getting a pool or room service, but you are getting an authentic slice of old Antalya that most visitors completely miss. The 7.9 rating feels about right – it’s not perfect, and the rooms are definitely on the smaller side, but there’s something genuinely special about falling asleep in a 300-year-old building where you can hear the Mediterranean lapping against the harbor walls just a few blocks away.

Erkal Pension Accommodations

Reviews of Erkal Pension

• Daniel from Australia – 25 May 2025 (7/10)

  Perfect central location. Everything within walking distance. Helpful and friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: The bedding in my room on the first night (203) was synthetic and not very breathable, had me sweating even with the aircon on. Luckily when I switched rooms the next day (303) everything was much better. There is hot water but it takes a long time to heat up and the pressure is very low.

• Gudmundur from Iceland – 13 May 2025 (9/10)

  Location perfect and staff very nice. Good price and I enjoy my stay there
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine 😊

• Arun from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location to visit old town and beach

• Darya from United Kingdom – 21 March 2025 (9/10)

  – Great location in the pedestrian part of the old town on a tiny side street, so quiet and close to all attractions
  – Good facilities, well equipped kitchen
  – Reasonable size studio with a separate kitchen and a nice room with windows on three sides, mine was on the top floor and had tremendous views over the mountains and the old town + a huge terrace, great for dinners and enjoying the sunset.
  – good internet
  – friendly and helpful staff
  
  What could be improved: – water pressure in the shower was at times a bit low
  
  – there often was a smell of smoke in the lobby and hallway, one could feel it even from the top floor. Fortunately, it didn't get into the room but would make sense if the staff who smoke did it in a separate room or outside the building as this smell is very obvious and unpleasant for non-smokers.

• Sergei from Germany – 5 October 2024 (9/10)

  In the middle of the Antalya tourist zone. Nice friendly personal.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Andrey from Russia – 22 August 2024 (9/10)

  Cosy place in the middle of the down town. 400 meters from marina beach. The rest is just nearby. We really enjoyed the place despite of the building was a bit old. We arrived in the midnight and it took us few minutes to check in to the room. The furniture was new and comfy.
  
  What could be improved: There was no hot water in the shower but since it was hot outside we did not pay much attention to that. The room needs to be renovated, beds and sofas do not belong to their places, need to swap up.If the owner needs a professional advice I’d love to improve some features. ))

• Thomas from United Kingdom – 19 May 2024 (8/10)

  calm place, spacious rooms, staff friendly, very good value, clean
  
  What could be improved: location in old city which is full of bars and drunk people in the evening. the hotel locks the door at night so when you come you have to wake the man up to enter. He is kind but it’s a bit awkward

• Paul from United Kingdom – 13 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great location just around the back of Luna Garden. Slept very well.

• Veronika from Russia – 7 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great location! In the city center, quiet nice picturesque district. Very helpfull staff, upgraded my room level and allowed to check out a little bit later.
  Great view from the terrase. Good quality of internet.
  Liked the apartment, will stay here again

• Marnix from Netherlands – 28 April 2024 (8/10)

  Location is amazing, in a side street off one of the main walking streets that leads to the sea in 8 minutes. Quiet at night and during the day. spacious room with a fridge included. Staff was friendly, helpful and spoke good English. Amazing value for money!
  
  What could be improved: There were some imperfections in the room such as a loose plank in the floor but it didn’t bother us. For this price we didn’t expect any luxery.
  The water pressure in the shower wasn’t amazing but sufficient. Hot water worked well.

Surroundings

Facilities