Duja Didim

We just came back during our family holiday stay at the Duja Didim - Izmir. We were told by our rep that Duja Didim is under new management. This is definitely not a 4-star hotel—it is a very good 3-star plus at an absolute push, and we will not be returning. Here is my honest breakdown of our stay: The Rooms & Amenities Family Village Room: The room was far too cramped. There was nowhere to put our luggage and the cupboard space was tiny. Our bed was broken, they tried to fix it, but to no avail, or our A/C hardly worked, but the maintenance guy did try. Mini Bar: You are only allowed to use/fill it once during your entire stay, which is unacceptable for a resort of this supposed rating. However, they refilled the bar with bottled water, which there are loads of around the entire resort to help yourself. Pools: On a positive note, each block has its own quiet pool if you want to avoid the crowds. However, the main pool was freezing, and the sunbeds were crammed way too close together. The DJ is on the main pool starting at 10.00am and finishes at 5.00pm Food & Drink The Buffet: Highly repetitive and boring, sometimes cold or certain food run out, however, the cakes were amazing. The juices (Orange, Apple, Pineapple, Sour Cherry) were watered down, machined coffee (different varieties) hot/cold milk, Turkish Tea. You had to get your own drinks from the bar if you wanted them with your lunch/dinner. Snack Bars: Mostly just basic burgers, chicken nuggets, pizza and chips. The kebab bar food felt pre-prepared, though they did add pizza for some variety. However, there are ice cream bars, once they are gone, they are not restocked until the next day - at lunchtime only. Waffle Bar: The waffles were amazing, but they only offered chocolate sauce—no other toppings. Starbucks: Having a Starbucks on-site was a massive bonus. However, they only ever had one person working, leading to huge queues. A massive shout-out to Bursha, she who served at the Sea Breeze bar, was absolutely amazing, cheerful, and friendly! We will miss her. Beach & Aqua Park The Beach: The "sand" is actually mostly sand/shingle. Walking into the sea is quite dangerous because of the rocks—make sure to bring aqua shoes and not suited for the elderly, plenty of sunbeds, so no sunbeds wars, however, if you walk past the water activities there are beds there, and sandier beach, which you share with the locals. Aqua Park: The waterslides themselves were great, this opens from 10.00am and shuts at 5.00pm, but the lifeguards were not very attentive at all, all very young and on phones/chatting. Service & Entertainment Language Barrier: The reception and guest experience staff did not understand English very well. While we understand it is their country and we are the foreigners, if you work in front-of-house hospitality at a major resort, you should at least be able to converse and understand basic English. Activities: The entertainment was so-so and daytime activities were terrible—unless you happen to love water polo - there were no announcements about what was on nor no board to tell you when/where/what/time. The evening entertainment was very cheesy "Miss Duja Contest" "Duja Couples" plus there weren't enough seats, however, there is a candy floss/popcorn stand which was 5euros.
Night Market & Taxis: The ladies' Night Market outside was good. The hotel will ring a taxi for you, and you pay when you return (just remember to barter at the market). Personally in my point of view, the management has a massive amount of work to do. If you book this expecting a seamless 4-star holiday, you will be disappointed.

DO NOT GO TO THIS HOTEL! My son was hospitalised for a week on return for SALMONELLA POISONING!