Marmaris, Türkiye
Updated: Aug 6
July 2026
Two Weeks of Sunshine in Marmaris: Our Stay at the Grand Ideal Premium Hotel
When we started planning our summer holiday back in January 2026, we wanted something relaxing, easy, and good value for money. We visited our local travel agency in March, Cambridgeshire, and they recommended the Grand Ideal Premium Hotel in Marmaris. They organised everything from start to finish, making the whole booking process stress-free.
We flew with Jet2 and spent two wonderful weeks enjoying an all-inclusive holiday. I'll admit, I was a little nervous before we arrived, wondering if the hotel would live up to our expectations. Thankfully, everything went exactly as planned. The flights were smooth, the transfers were well organised, and the hotel delivered a fantastic holiday experience.
Here are my top tips for Marmaris:
Book Early for the Best Deals
One of my biggest tips is to book your holiday as early as possible. Booking months in advance helped us secure a much better price than we would have if we'd waited until closer to summer.
I also highly recommend choosing an all-inclusive package. Although Türkiye is often known as an affordable destination, Marmaris is a very popular tourist resort, and restaurant prices can quickly add up. A meal for a family of three can easily cost around £70 or more, depending on where you eat and what you order.
With an all-inclusive package, your accommodation, three meals a day, snacks, unlimited soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are already included. It takes away the worry of constantly budgeting for food and drinks, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy your holiday.
Celebrating a Special Birthday
Our trip was extra special because we celebrated my husband's birthday while we were there.
To make the day special, I booked jet skiing and a fun chariot (sofa ride) water activity. If you're planning on booking excursions, don't accept the first price you're offered. There are plenty of vendors along the beachfront, and negotiating is completely normal. Shop around, compare prices, and don't be afraid to ask for a better deal; you'll often save quite a bit of money if you are ready to negotiate.
Hire a Boat
A boat trip to the beautiful islands around Marmaris is an absolute must during your stay. You can choose to join one of the larger tour boats and share the experience with other travellers, or, if you prefer something more private, hire your own boat to enjoy the day with family or friends.
Cruising through the crystal-clear waters, swimming in bays, diving into the sea, visiting the stunning Green Island, paddleboarding, and snorkelling are all unforgettable experiences. For me, the boat trip was the highlight of our holiday and without a doubt my favourite part of visiting Marmaris. However, don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices before booking any excursions. You could end up paying significantly more if you don't do a little research first. Bargaining is common in Marmaris, and some vendors may initially quote tourists much higher prices. Take your time, negotiate politely, and you'll often find the same activities at a much better price.
Treat Yourself to a Traditional Turkish Hammam
If you're someone who enjoys a bit of pampering, don't miss the chance to experience a traditional Turkish bath (hammam).
Many hotels offer spa packages, including massages and beauty treatments. It's also worth asking if they have any special offers or package deals, as there's often some flexibility in the pricing.
Daytime Relaxation and Evening Entertainment
During the day, Marmaris has a lovely holiday atmosphere. The beachfront sunbeds are convenient and generally free to use, although you'll usually be expected to buy drinks from the beach bar or café. So technically nothing is free.
When the sun goes down, Marmaris really comes alive. The nightlife is vibrant, full of music, entertainment, and lively bars. If you plan to explore the town in the evenings, it's a good idea to bring some spending money.
That said, if you're trying to keep your holiday budget under control, you don't actually need to leave the hotel. Our hotel provided nightly entertainment, delicious food, swimming pools, games, and plenty of activities throughout the day. We could easily spend an entire day relaxing by the pool, enjoying unlimited food and drinks, and watching the evening shows without spending more money.
Final Thoughts
Our two weeks in Marmaris were everything we hoped for: sunshine, relaxation, great food, and wonderful memories. Booking early, choosing an all-inclusive package, and negotiating for excursions made a huge difference to both our experience and our budget.
A great blog post! And highly recommend Marmaris. As a family we had the best time!
👍