Diamond Elite Hotel & Spa in Side (Türkiye)

I stayed at the Diamond Elite Hotel in Side last autumn and here's a little tour of the lobby, dining area, and pool. I'll also cover the most important facts you'll want to know before booking: location, amenities, availability, target audience, and a realistic sense of pricing.

Atmosphere and first impression

The lobby feels modern and open, with several seating areas. During my stay, there was a snack table and drinks available at the bar around the clock – incredibly convenient for all-inclusive guests, especially if you arrive late or just want to sit down for a bit.

Our hotel room

The rooms are modern and practically furnished, offering plenty of space to feel completely comfortable even after a long day at the beach. Standard rooms are usually around 28 m², while family rooms are approximately 40 m², ideal if you need a little more room. Almost all rooms include a balcony for relaxing, air conditioning for hot days, a safe, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. A kettle is also provided, perfect for an evening cup of tea. A particularly nice touch: the minibar is typically stocked with water and soft drinks and is replenished regularly, sometimes even daily, depending on the hotel.

Location and surroundings

The hotel is located in Side Colakli, a typical holiday area with shops and small paths leading to the beach. The old town of Side is about 10 km away, ideal for an evening excursion or a day of cultural exploration.

Beach, shuttle and beach bar

The beach is a sandy beach with a shallow entry, good for swimming. Depending on the source , it's about 350 to 550 meters away; you can walk or take the shuttle. Some guests report that a shuttle runs regularly, sometimes even every 30 minutes. There is a beach bar or beach restaurant for snacks on the beach, which is a real plus because you don't necessarily have to go back to the hotel at lunchtime.

Food and drink

The selection was typical all-inclusive fare, with plenty of hot dishes, salads, fruit, and desserts. Unfortunately, I'd gotten food poisoning from the airport on the way there, so I had to be a bit more careful with my choices. I would have loved to have sampled the diverse buffet, but for me, it was bread and fruit for the entire stay.

The all-inclusive package includes breakfast and late breakfast until 11:00 AM, as well as lunch and dinner buffets. Snacks, pastries, and ice cream are available throughout the day, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included all day. You can also dine once a day at the à la carte restaurant, which is also included in the price.

Pool area as a highlight

My personal highlight was definitely the pool area: large enough for relaxed swimming, framed by palm trees and sun loungers. In autumn, this was invaluable because there was always space, it didn't feel crowded, and the water temperature was still pleasant.

Wellness, sports and evening program

If you want to unwind on your holiday, the hotel offers a spa area with a hammam and sauna, and usually other treatments as well. Massages can generally be booked for an extra charge, and there's also an indoor pool for relaxing laps. Those who want to exercise can use the fitness room or participate in simple activities like beach volleyball or table tennis, depending on the season. Evenings often offer more entertainment, as guest reviews indicate there's regularly a small program with shows, bingo, or live acts.

Prices and best time to travel

Prices vary depending on the season, departure airport, and package booked. It's often quieter in the off-season than during peak season, which can also affect the availability of sun loungers and pool areas. We were there in autumn and were lucky enough to book a relatively inexpensive room. The hotel wasn't crowded either, so we had plenty of space, peace and quiet, and therefore a great deal of privacy by the pool.

Important for planning: Depending on the time of year, some outdoor areas or services may be restricted seasonally, especially during the winter months.

The most important information at a glance

• Category: 5 stars, 177 rooms

• Location: Side, Colakli (Turkey)

• Beach: 550 m to the sandy beach, approx. 7 minutes on foot

• Arrival: Antalya Airport is approximately 55 km away.

• Side Old Town: approx. 10 km away, easily accessible by minibus

• Check-in, check-out: usually from 2 pm to 12 pm

• Target audience: Many tour operators list the hotel as adults only (16 years and older).