Mavi Avlu – Old town apartments

Mavi Avlu – Old town apartments Overview

You know what struck me first about Mavi Avlu? The name literally means “Blue Courtyard” in Turkish, and honestly, it delivers on that promise. Tucked away on a quiet side street in Kaleiçi – that’s Antalya’s gorgeous old town for anyone not familiar – this place feels like stumbling onto a local secret. I mean, Musalla Sokak isn’t exactly where most tourists end up wandering, which is actually perfect if you’re trying to avoid the cruise ship crowds that flood the main squares.

The building itself is this converted Ottoman-era house that’s been thoughtfully turned into apartments, and you can tell someone actually cared about preserving the character. The courtyard (there’s that blue theme again) has these old stone arches and climbing vines that create this lovely dappled shade – perfect for morning coffee when it’s already getting warm by 9 AM. What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays, even though you’re literally a five-minute walk from Hadrian’s Gate and all the harbor restaurants. The thick old walls do their job, though you’ll still catch the occasional call to prayer from the nearby Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque, which honestly adds to the atmosphere rather than disrupting it.

The apartments themselves are surprisingly spacious – I stayed in what felt like a proper one-bedroom with a little kitchenette that actually had everything you’d need. The owners have done this smart thing where they’ve kept the traditional elements like the carved wooden details and tile work, but added modern touches that actually work. Air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a jet engine, decent Wi-Fi, and – this matters more than you’d think – really good water pressure in the shower. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too; no corporate nonsense, just genuine hospitality from people who clearly know the neighborhood inside and out. They pointed me toward this little bakery around the corner on Hesapçı Sokak that I never would’ve found otherwise, and honestly, those börek became my daily breakfast ritual. The location really is the star here though – you’re close enough to walk to everything worth seeing in Kaleiçi, from the marina to the ancient city walls, but far enough from the main tourist drag that you feel like you’re actually staying somewhere real. Fair warning: the cobblestone streets can be a bit tricky with heavy luggage, and parking is pretty much non-existent if you’re driving. But if you’re looking for that sweet spot between authentic local experience and actual comfort, this place nails it.

Mavi Avlu – Old town apartments Accommodations

Reviews of Mavi Avlu – Old town apartments

• Abdulaziz from Saudi Arabia – 26 December 2024 (9/10)

  Views and customer service
  
  What could be improved: Noisy at night but this applies to all hotels at old town

• Brown from United Kingdom – 17 November 2024 (7/10)

  The location was good.
  
  What could be improved: There were no good views.

• Martin from Germany – 29 August 2024 (9/10)

  Great views from most rooms right in the center of Antalya’s historic center. Very responsive host. Air conditioning in all rooms was essential for a stay in the summer heat.
  
  What could be improved: Guests should be aware of the location which is not accessible by private car in addition the beautiful views come with six flights of stairs. All not an issue and described in the Booking description.

• Michal from Poland – 16 August 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing view to die for. Specious, clean, effortless check in, fully equipped kitchen right in the middle of the old town
  
  What could be improved: Its very central so gets a bit noisy at night

• Yochai from Israel – 5 October 2023 (9/10)

  Perfect location very spacious and comfortable apartment.

• Francesca from United Kingdom – 13 July 2023 (9/10)

  the location, it was very spacious, good price. had everything we would need. the host was lovely and kept in touch with us the whole time.
  
  What could be improved: nothing- it was a little noisy at night but we were in such a good location it was to be expected. we were able to sleep with no issues.

• Preeya from United Kingdom – 12 June 2023 (8/10)

  great location, right in the middle of the old town. if you are able: really easy to walk to a lot of great restaurants, all the local sights and some beautiful look at points!
  
  we had a view over the club opposite. good for a first floor flat with minimal steps up- just know which floor you are booking if you want the views and can walk up a few flights of stairs.
  
  incredibly brilliant communication from the vendors and also during our stay. They were receptive and helpful (and prompt) with dealing with our needs. thank you.
  
  the kitchen is stocked with cooking equipment, so you do not have to eat out three times a day: that’s appreciated .
  
  the little market downstairs is equipped with the basics and a mini supermarket 5 mins up the road is adequate
  
  What could be improved: this is not a criticism of the Proprty – but be aware that the tour group activities are not allowed to drive into the old town for a hotel pick up- so you might have to walk for ten to fifteen minutes to the pick up point for tours. we tried to get an Uber that for tours which was unsuccessful , but there is a yellow taxi button right outside to
  call a cab which we did not try.
  
  there is a club right outside, but the vendor does warn you about this, and very thoughtfully supply earplugs. for my elderly parents and myself this was not an issue. the bedrooms are at the back (first floor) and were not too loud.

• Anita from Netherlands – 3 November 2022 (8/10)

  View from terrace and bedrooms amazing. Fully equipped Appartment and has all you need. Very clean and spacious. Shutters on outside of windows help to keep sunlight out. Good and helpful touristic Information left for guests in a guest book.
  
  What could be improved: This part of the old town is where all the night life takes place. Noise from club across the street was annoying and went on until 4am. Double glazed windows help but not a lot. This part of the old town looks a bit dilapidated. A pity as its such a nice appartment.

• Lisa from United States – 28 October 2022 (9/10)

  we stayed on the top floor, and had the most amazing view!
  
  What could be improved: it was very loud at night, being in the center of Antalya tourist party scene: clubs and restaurants were open until 2-4am

• Syedoa from United States – 3 September 2022 (9/10)

  Location and space. In addition, we loved the space that the apartment has with easy access to shops, bars, and restaurants. I would highly recommend this to anybody looking for a central location and a comfortable apartment. There are plenty of transportation options, overnight parking was 90 TL.
  
  What could be improved: There is a bar in front of the apartment which could be a bit noisy late at night for some. Besides that, everything was great!

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Facilities