Sacred House

Sacred House in Ürgüp, Turkey, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its enchanting ambiance, unique design, and exceptional service. Housed within a beautifully restored 250-year-old Greek mansion, the hotel offers an extraordinary and memorable experience for guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Sacred House consistently receives outstanding guest ratings, with scores like 9.5 on Booking.com, 9.5 on Agoda, 9.8 on Hotels.com, and 9.5 on Kayak. The overwhelming sentiment is one of awe and enchantment, with guests describing it as "magical," "extraordinary," "unique," and feeling like stepping into another world or a "king's castle." Many consider it one of the best hotels they have ever stayed in, highlighting its "exceptional vibe" and "impeccable design elements."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Sacred House:

• Unique Design & Ambiance: The hotel's Gothic and neo-classical architecture, combined with a "vampire theme" and medieval-inspired decor, creates an otherworldly and captivating atmosphere. Every corner is filled with "mind-blowing artifacts and imaginative design elements."
• Exceptional Service: The staff's helpfulness, friendliness, and attentiveness are frequently mentioned as a major highlight.
• Amazing Breakfast: The traditional Turkish breakfast is described as outstanding, huge, delicious, and satisfying, often enjoyed on a balcony with stunning views.
• Spa & Pool Facilities: The underground "Sacred Hell" heated pool, with its unique red lighting and cave setting, along with the full-service spa, Turkish bath (hammam), and sauna, are highly appreciated for relaxation.
• Location: Its central location in Ürgüp provides convenience while offering a tranquil retreat.

3. Room Quality

Sacred House offers 23 uniquely designed rooms, each blending historical and modern features to create a distinct environment. Rooms are individually furnished and decorated, ranging from 18 to 75 square meters, with themes such as "Church," "Byzantine Treasury," "Sultan," "King's Ego," "Lilith," "Opium," or "Deep Forest." They feature antique furnishings, stone walls, and often opulent fireplaces that can be lit upon request for a cozy atmosphere. Bathrooms are state-of-the-art and include plush bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Rooms also come with minibars and espresso makers. Some guests have noted issues with window insulation in some rooms, leading to difficulty warming up.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's "Angels & the Searchers Restaurant," also known as Virtus Restaurant, provides a truly enchanting dining experience. It serves refined traditional Turkish and international cuisine in a majestic, medieval-inspired setting with antique silverware and chandeliers. The highlight for many is the "outstanding" and "huge" traditional Turkish breakfast, a vibrant assortment of fresh bread, olives, cheeses, tomatoes, cucumbers, and jams, served on a second-floor balcony with views. While breakfast receives consistent rave reviews, some guests have mentioned that the quality of food at the restaurant for other meals can be inconsistent. The indoor pool bar also offers expertly prepared drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Sacred House is repeatedly highlighted as flawless, exceptional, and five-star. Staff members are described as helpful, friendly, attentive, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Specific individuals like Gondal and Çağan are often singled out for their personalized assistance, guiding guests through the hotel as if it were a museum and providing exceptional concierge services.

6. Location & Accessibility

Sacred House is nestled in the heart of Ürgüp, a charming town in the Cappadocia region known for its fairy chimneys and historical sites. The hotel itself is a 250-year-old Greek mansion. It's conveniently located a short 5-minute stroll to Ürgüp town center, and within walking distance of attractions like Göreme National Park (1 minute) and Asmalı Konak (11 minutes). The hotel offers free valet parking, which is a great convenience. Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is approximately a 51.8 km (about 1¼-hour drive) away, and Kayseri Airport (ASR) is about 48 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

Room rates at Sacred House average between $201 and $250, but can range from $96 to $784 depending on the room type and season. While this is higher than the average cost of a hotel room in Ürgüp, which typically ranges from $101 to $150, guests generally agree that Sacred House justifies its price with its luxurious amenities, personalized services, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable experience. The hotel is considered a "standout choice for travelers seeking something extraordinary" and "well worth the extra cost."

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms or potential considerations include:

• Noise Levels: Some guests have reported issues with noise levels.
• Restaurant Food Quality (Beyond Breakfast): Although breakfast is highly praised, some reviews suggest that the quality of food from the main restaurant for other meals can be inconsistent.
• Bed Firmness: A few guests have mentioned that the beds can be hard.
• Window Insulation: One recent review noted a "serious insulation issue with the windows," causing the room to not warm up properly.
• Adults-Only Policy: The hotel does not allow children under 13 or 15 years old, which might be a concern for families traveling with younger children.
• Stairs and Accessibility: Some rooms may involve steep stairs, and the underground pool might feel claustrophobic to some.

Sources

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