Some hotels merely serve as a place to lay your head while traveling — fading from memory by the time you start the journey home. Others are so special and sublime that they make you consider canceling all your other plans so you can soak up every decadent moment there, and become one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
Argos in Cappadocia falls into the latter category.
If you’re visiting Türkiye’s famed Cappadocia region, you’ve come to experience the otherworldly landscape of whimsical fairy chimneys and volcanic dovecotes of Pigeon Valley, contrasted by the vibrant color of hot air balloons floating up from the valley floor at dawn. And there’s no better place to take in the spectacular panoramas than Argos.
Carved and built into the cliffs of charming Uçhisar, the stylish luxury hotel is made up of 71 singular rooms and suites. You’ve heard the “each room is unique” line at hotels before…but it’s never truer than here. Some are sprawling cave suites cut into the soft stone, others are airy duplexes where your bed overlooks your private pool. All boast luxe features like private jacuzzis, terraces or gardens, cozy living rooms, and intricately carved stone fireplaces.
And the views are just as sublime outside the rooms and suites. With a stunning pool and countless tiered terraces, there are countless perches for taking in Cappadocia’s beguiling, otherworldly beauty.
History
This singular property has an origin story to match. In 1996, the land was purchased with the intention of creating a home. But early construction revealed a network of tunnels that were part of an ancient monastery complex.
Over the next 18 years, the historic property was painstakingly renovated with the help of architects, historians and preservationists.
Location
Argos is carved into the cliffs of Uçhisar, in the heart of Türkiye’s Cappadocia region. The ancient, fairytale-like village sits at the perimeter of Göreme National Park, which is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- 71 rooms and suites that are totally unique
- Jaw-dropping views of Pigeon Valley and Mount Erciyes from dozens of tiered terraces
- Top-notch service
- Heated infinity pool with panoramic views
- Serene spa with a terrace to take your tea pre- or post-treatment
- Excellent dining options with — you guessed it — more terraces offering show-stopping views of the natural landscape
- Streamlined concierge service for excursions including hot air balloon, historical, vineyard, horseback riding and vineyard tours
The Vibe
Layered, luxe dreamscape
Architecture and Decór
Argos calls itself a “hotel of fine details.” The architecture is a blend of ancient bones, traditional motifs, and contemporary renovations.
Likewise, the decór is layered — a sophisticated mix of clean, modern furnishings, vibrant local rugs, tufted poufs and other traditional textiles, and chic Turkish handicrafts like baskets and ceramics.
Rooms & Suites
Argos has 71 rooms (including 39 suites), and the resort says “it’s safe to say that there are “71 different categories” too. They’re not exaggerating. Ranging bright and airy contemporary rooms with private terraces to sprawling and romantic cave suites with living rooms and fireplaces, and arched, bi-level options with beds overlooking private pools, each is totally unique.
Be sure to check out Argos’ helpful collection of 360-degree photos to preview the rooms and suites in more detail. The hardest part of your stay will be deciding which of the one-of-a kind rooms you want to call home during your stay.
Dining
Nahita restaurant and lounge keeps things local, with produce from Argos’ own garden, or farms within a 30-some mile radius. The vibrant Anatolian menu features gorgeous mezze platters and starters like Stuffed Vine Leaves with Sour Cherry and Purslane Salad with ‘Çömlek’ Cheese. Don’t miss the Mantı, which are homemade Turkish dumplings.
The lauded Seki restaurant and lounge (seki means “terraces on the slopes”) serves up stunning views of Mount Erciyes and Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys from one of the oldest and largest monastery settlements in the world. The menu is comprised of cold starters, salads and pastas, and there are lots of vegetarian and vegan options. But if you’re a carnivore, don’t miss slow-cooked meat dishes like 26-Hour Cooked Lamb Shoulder and Lamb Chops Marinated with Wild Thyme.
Also of note is Argo’s cellar: housing more than 70,000 bottles (including some from its own vineyard), it’s received an Excellence Award from Wine Spectator.
Who It’s Best For
- Couples, including honeymooners and babymooners
- Solo travelers
- Those traveling with pets
What’s Nearby
For more information or to book a stay, visit Argos in Cappadocia. And for help planning your trip to Cappadocia, visit GoTürkiye.