I had never, ever been to Turkey before and I was not sure if Gumbet/Bodrum would be the place to really find out if I liked it or not. However, it was great. OK our hotel wasn't amazing, but on the budget we were on we could not have any complaints. The local people were really friendly and always looked to help. We arranged trips for days away, but were always happy to come back to Gumbet. If you love the disorganised chaos of markets you will do well to beat Bodrum's every Tuesday. Bargains galore. It is not just sun, sea and sand, although that is the obvious and main attraction. There is history here too, Bodrum is the ancient city Halicarnassus and it sports a decent sized castle built by The Crusaders in the 16th Century. Also try taking a boat trip they are excellent and it is a good base to go see Dalyan's Tombs and Mud Baths and the ancient ruins at Ephesus.

Having been to Marmaris twice previously I thought a change would do nicely ... I was wrong. I stayed in Gumbet for 2 of the longest weeks of my life. There is very little to do except drink and watch drunken English girls throw themselves at the barmen and waiters. Imagine 2 weeks in Blackpool without the option of driving home!! This is not a place for couples, day or night. we spent every day in Bitez, a much more pleasant resort 15 minutes in a cab away. However the guys in the Dolphin Bar kept me sane as did a group of Dutch and English holiday makers who were happy to stay in the hotel.