Mardius Tarihi Konak

“Mardius magical - once-in-a-lifetime hotel”

- such character, charm, history - breakfast was incredible, staff incredibly helpful - incredible sense of magic at the hotel - Dilber was incredibly helpful around the clock! Thank you! - architecturally splendid - clean, helpful, super solid, incredible location in Mardin - highly recommend

“Mardius: A Gem”

There are certain hotels, like the Amandari in Ubud or the Riad Fes of Relais & Châteaux in Fez that embody the soul of a place so perfectly that one almost never wants to leave the hotel, regardless of how beautiful it is outside. These hotels stay with you long after you leave. Mardius Tarihi Ko… more

There are certain hotels, like the Amandari in Ubud or the Riad Fes of Relais & Châteaux in Fez that embody the soul of a place so perfectly that one almost never wants to leave the hotel, regardless of how beautiful it is outside. These hotels stay with you long after you leave. Mardius Tarihi Konak is such a hotel. What is perhaps surprising is that Mardius is not part of a luxury chain of hotels whose standards of excellence are set by carefully researched corporate guidelines, but instead the standard of excellence in Mardius is set with nothing other than the owner's genuine desire to welcome you into their childhood home, and to host you like a guest would have been hosted in their home, some many years ago by their grandparents. This genuine desire is what sets Mardius apart from every other hotel we have ever stayed in. It is apparent in every aspect of the hotel, from the beautifully designed and appointed rooms, to the impeccable service provided by the ever attentive staff. Mardius is not just a hotel, it is an experience; utterly unique and authentic. Our room at Mardius was furnished with a locally made ornate wooden armoire, a writing desk, a sofa upholstered in a lush sateen and a King size comfortable bed. All lines, sheets and towels were from the Turkish luxury brand Haremlique. Outside on the terrace, we could lie on wooden beds with soft cushions, and watch the sun setting over the wide open plains of mesopotamia while sipping freshly brewed crimson turkish tea. Staff was always there, to assist us in whatever we needed in Mardin. Breakfasts were feasts; every item purchased directly from the local producers and served with bread baked on site fresh every morning. When you are there, definitely, ask to have dinner. We had dinner at Cercis Murat Konağı our first night which was delicious and then on our last night, we asked to have dinner at Mardius. It was, without doubt, the best food we have had in the region. Each and every dish was so delicious that writing about it now, my mouth waters. You must of course go to Mardin. But you must definitely go to Mardius. You will not want to leave it, and when you leave, you will want to go back. It is in a different league compared to any other hotel in the region. It is a gem.

less

“Turkish hospitality at its best!”

Turkish hospitality at its best! We had the pleasure of staying at Mardius for a couple of days, and have to say that it was by far, notably, one of the best hotels we have stayed in. As a family owned and operated boutique hotel, great attention and care is given to every guest from the moment the… more

Turkish hospitality at its best! We had the pleasure of staying at Mardius for a couple of days, and have to say that it was by far, notably, one of the best hotels we have stayed in. As a family owned and operated boutique hotel, great attention and care is given to every guest from the moment they arrive. The hotel, once the family home, was painstakingly renovated to the smallest detail, but without sacrificing modern day conveniences. The rooms are delightfully designed, comfortable and spacious. Breakfast is included and is fit for Kings. Another must-do is to have dinner, where the delightful family recipes are recreated and a truly decadent spread is prepared especially for you. Wish we could have stayed longer, but I know I'll certainly be coming back!

less

“Lovely view, dangerous rooms”

The Mardius Hotel is in a spectacular location just below the commercial district in the old sector of Mardin, facing Syria and northern Mesopotamia. Narrow, step alleyways provide the only access. Our luggage was carried on a donkey. The hotel was a family home that was converted, and that is wher… more

The Mardius Hotel is in a spectacular location just below the commercial district in the old sector of Mardin, facing Syria and northern Mesopotamia. Narrow, step alleyways provide the only access. Our luggage was carried on a donkey. The hotel was a family home that was converted, and that is where the main problems are. Our room was entirely constructed of stone, and it was so cramped with period furniture that walking was an adventure in skinned shins. Moreover, the stone arch entrance to our bathroom was about 5'2" at its apex, but I'm 5'10" in stocking feet. Each entrance and exit was scary. To add to the fear factor, the restroom wash basin protruded out over the stairs. Finally, in this conservative Muslim community we weren't surprised to learn that no wine was served with dinner, but we were surprised to be told that we could bring our own wine into the room as long as we were discreet and no one saw us! For nearly $500/night, we were back in high school, sneaking around to have sip of the grape. There's just no excuse for such rules in five star hotel catering, presumably, to a heterogeneous clientele.

less