Going to Icmeler - Turkey

MoDe · 29 Apr 2014 at 11:35

Going to Icmeler on Friday.

Seen a few threads but from a few year back.

Was wondering if anyone has been? Any advice?

I've seen a few people saying people trying to pull into shops, and people being a bit grabby, don't want to loose my rag over there so whats the best way to deal with the Turks?

matt_fsr · 29 Apr 2014 at 11:50

I'll try not to put too much of a downer on things, but we've been once and hated it, never again.

Just try to stone-wall them, ignore them, be as rude as its humanly possible to be, and never, NEVER say you'll come back later, because they seem to have photographic memories that last the entire duration of your holiday.

Maybe it's improved since, but I doubt it. Just walking to the beach put me in a bad mood, despite short sleeves and an all-inclusive wristband, every single restaurant tried to get me in for food.

Oh, and ants in the ketchup was priceless

tom_e · 29 Apr 2014 at 11:59

It's the same around the Antalya region, I came close to blowing my top on more than one occasion when they started leching over my 15 year old sister when we declined their various other offers.
Then again she's been back since to a different area although the name escapes me, with a group of her friends and loved it with no problems.

MoDe · 29 Apr 2014 at 12:01

Thanks for the reply.

I am kind of expecting things like that which probably isn't good, but I guess I just need to be ready to blank there advances, the other battle will be getting the missus to do the same, she loves a bargain.

Hopefully within a few days I will look like a Turk so might not get bothered as much. Also a bit worried as the missus has blonde hair, I hear they love that so going to have to be on my best behavior.

I can see next week being a real test of my calm.

pooley · 29 Apr 2014 at 12:11

Yup this was my experience when i went to Marmaris, visited Icmeler while i was there.
Won't be going back but the country is nice though..

cheesyboy · 29 Apr 2014 at 12:25

Found all that stuff to be a bit of a laugh when I went to Olu Deniz/Fethiye with my girlfriend (now wife) a few years ago.

They're not meaning offense (quite the opposite) it's just a different way of selling than we're used to. Just be firm with a "no" and keep walking if you don't want to engage.

Quinnaay · 29 Apr 2014 at 12:29

Been to Turkey about 9 times, Marmaris, Icmeler, Calis, Fethiye, Hisaranou etc and the country is pretty great i enjoy it, weather and beaches are fab its dirt cheap however as people have mentioned the people are abit too much at times but they are just trying to get customers for money nothing else they're harmless, i find it better to just continue walking and ignore them or say you've already eaten (if its resturants that want you in). Dont use or touch anything they offer you either i.e Weighing scales as they try to charge you (usually little kids do this) Just go out and enjoy theres some great places in Turkey and great food to be eaten.

PapaLazaru · 29 Apr 2014 at 12:30

Go to Kas next time. Totally the opposite.

Spook187 · 29 Apr 2014 at 13:02

Been to Icmeler about 10 years ago, was ok i guess, not much going on, people were friendly enough, food was good, a week was enough for me, popped into marmaris which is only a couple miles away and thought wtf have we got here :eek:

Diesel · 29 Apr 2014 at 13:10

With so many nice places in the world why would you book to go somewhere that sounds so utterly horrendous?

pitchfork · 29 Apr 2014 at 13:13

despite short sleeves and an all-inclusive wristband, every single restaurant tried to get me in for food.

I rarely eat all my meals in the hotel if I go all inclusive, usually have breakfast every morning but I'll likely go out for lunch and dinner.

Mostly I get all inclusive for the alcohol, although I'll often go to a bar in the evening it still works out cheaper than buying drinks all the time combined with breakfast/ snacks and the few times I'll eat in the hotel

Never had much joy with all inclusive food, it's been OK but you'll never surpass the limitations of a large number of diners eating at once and the mass catering that comes with it. Better food and atmosphere in a restaurant.

MoDe · 29 Apr 2014 at 13:37

Diesel said:
With so many nice places in the world why would you book to go somewhere that sounds so utterly horrendous?

Arm was twisted by the missus plus we got quite a good price.

Wish I had of did a little more research before saying yes! But we shall see, going to try and make the best of it.

And hopefully not get arrested.

MoDe · 29 Apr 2014 at 13:40

pitchfork said:
I rarely eat all my meals in the hotel if I go all inclusive, usually have breakfast every morning but I'll likely go out for lunch and dinner.

Mostly I get all inclusive for the alcohol, although I'll often go to a bar in the evening it still works out cheaper than buying drinks all the time combined with breakfast/ snacks and the few times I'll eat in the hotel

Never had much joy with all inclusive food, it's been OK but you'll never surpass the limitations of a large number of diners eating at once and the mass catering that comes with it. Better food and atmosphere in a restaurant.

Aye, we have never been all inclusive together, but once went half board and barely even got our moneys worth then. So we will most likely be doing the same. Breakfast is normally a safe bet. Lunch out and about during the day unless we choose to crash by the pool the odd day. And evenings we will most likely try and find some decent restaurants.