Frequently asked questions

Air-conditioning: Available only in the Inn. Elsewhere we have ceiling fans, and they work just fine.

Airport: Reckon 50 minutes driving time to İzmir Airport. Drive down to Selçuk, turn right on the main road. The motorway (green signs) is somewhat faster, but you need a toll card (KGS) to use it.

Airport transfers: We'll do it for you. Please ask the office.

Beach: Nearest at Pamucak, 15 km. Best at the National Park - especially the fourth beach, approx. 60 km.

Breakfast: 7.30 am till whenever. Do tell us when. Ask for take-away packet if you plan to leave before 7.30. [Breakfast is served as a self-service basket in the three houses.]

Car rental: We do not rent. Ask the office for a referral.

Checkout: Please leave your room by noon. You are perfectly welcome to leave your bags or lounge about for the rest of the day.

Dinner: Served from 7 pm at the Inn. Early ordering is appreciated (the earlier the better).

Fruit: Feel free to pick what you can eat at any tree that looks promising in Ilyastepe gardens. We have about 50 varieties which ripen at different times of the year. We use no chemical stuff, so they are safe to eat as is.

Guides: Notify us early, at least 1 day in advance, for a competent English-language guide.

Hamam: Please reserve in advance for 50-minute session. No need to bring anything along.

Internet: Free wireless available practically everywhere on the premises. Desktop computers are available for free use at the Inn, Ilyastepe kitchen, the Tower House and the Info Point Café.

Laundry: Notify the office or the cleaning ladies. Don't forget to reclaim your stuff afterward.

Lunch: Light lunch served at Ilyastepe terrace (cottages area) in summer only.

Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Paypal and practically any kind of cash. There's a %5 discount for paying cash. Please settle your bill in the evening if you plan to leave before 8.30 am the next day.

Harmful bugs: Scorpions are sometimes seen around the Ilyastepe cottages. They give a terrible sting, but they don't kill. There are practically no mosquitoes (except sometimes in May) so you can sleep with open windows.

Security: Şirince is as safe as it gets. Feel free to walk anywhere at any hour. The worst danger is our kamikaze geese, who may give you a painful pinch if provoked. And the old ladies at the market who will sell you junk at exorbitant prices.

Shopping: The Main Alley of Şirince is a a wild bazaar where you can find everything from Taiwanese lace to fake wine and decent olive oil. Enjoy it. But do ask us if you intend to go carpet shopping.

Smoking: Prohibited by law in all indoor areas. We sometimes turn a blind eye in the restaurant terrace.

Swimming Pool: 1 May to 31 October. Rather chilly except in high summer. Free of charge for all guests. Towels available at the pool.

Tap water: Safely drinkable. Comes directly from mountain source.

Taxi: There is no taxi in the village. We'll call one for you from Selçuk if required. We'll give you a ride (at cost) if necessary.

Tips: Appreciated.

Tower: Free access at all times except dinner. Fabulously romantic dinner (one table only) available on top of the tower by prior reservation in warm weather.

Transport: Minibus to & from Selçuk every half hour from about 8 am to sunset.