The hype
Guests are blown away by the views and the helpful staff, but many are surprised by how small and dark the entry-level cave rooms are.
Sultan Cave Suites
$180-350/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential Cappadocia experience with the famous rooftop balloon view, and you don't mind sharing the sunrise with aspiring influencers.
Why People Love It
- The legendary rooftop terrace with direct views of hot air balloons at sunrise
- On-site Seten Anatolian Cuisine is arguably the best restaurant in Göreme
- Authentic cave rooms that feel historic yet luxurious
Quick Take: It is the Instagram headquarters of Cappadocia, so expect the rooftop to be a staged photo shoot at 6 AM, but the rest of the day is genuinely peaceful.
Reviewed by @jeanpunz: I was blown away by how cozy a cave can actually be. The stone walls kept my room perfectly cool, and unboxing that welcome gift on the bed was the sweetest start to my trip. It felt like a private hideaway from the world.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooftop terrace is guests-only in the morning, but it still gets packed with people queuing for the perfect shot, killing the serenity.
- You are doing it for the 'gram and want that specific balloon backdrop
- You love history and want to sleep in a literal cave
- You appreciate fine dining just steps from your room
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough, but fighting a losing battle against natural rock dust.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though grout in cave rooms can discolor due to humidity.
- Maintenance: Good, though some guests report loose door handles or finicky locks in the older cave rooms.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, replaced daily. No complaints here.
- Odors & scents: Earthy. Cave rooms smell like... caves. Not dirty, just mineral-heavy and slightly damp.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Foot traffic on walkways outside ground-floor rooms
- Early morning excitement (5 AM) from guests heading to the terrace
- Call to prayer echoing through the valley
Before you book
Good to know
- The rooftop terrace is strictly for guests only during sunrise hours (security checks room keys).
- Balloons fly only when weather permits; book at least 3 nights to maximize your chances of seeing them.
- The hotel offers a free shuttle to the city center, but the walk down is easy (it's the walk up that hurts).
What to pack
- Grippy shoes for the steep, cobblestoned hill and dusty hiking trails
- Layers—caves stay cool (around 65°F/18°C) even in summer, and mornings are freezing
- Wide-angle lens for the balloon shots (balloons can be huge and close)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sultan Suite or King Suite (upper levels) for private terraces and better light
- Room #326 (Stone Room) for a fireplace and actual windows with a view
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Cave Rooms on the ground floor (often dark, damp, and right on the walkway)
- Rooms near the reception area (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking forward to my stay. If possible, please assign a room on an upper level with a private terrace or window. I am prone to claustrophobia and would like to avoid ground-floor cave rooms with limited natural light or heavy walkway traffic.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the famous dog still there?
Izmir, the golden retriever who made the hotel famous, has passed the torch. You will likely meet Izzy or other resident dogs who now patrol the terrace for cuddles.
Is there a pool?
Technically no, but you have free access to the outdoor pool and Turkish Bath at the sister hotel, Kelebek, which is connected by a short path.
Do all rooms have views?
No. Most standard cave rooms have no view and limited windows. You must book a Suite or King Suite for a view from your room.
Is breakfast served on the rooftop?
No. A 'staged' breakfast spread is set up on the rooftop for photos, but the actual buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant below.
Is there AC in the rooms?
Most rooms do not need AC as caves are naturally cool, but stone rooms and suites usually have it. Ask specifically if you are visiting in August.
How far is the city center?
It is a 5-minute walk down the hill to the center of Göreme, but a steep 10-15 minute hike back up.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel's balloon tour markup; book directly with 'Butterfly Balloons' or 'Royal Balloons' for the same quality.
- ✨
Visit the wine cellar in Seten Restaurant; they make their own wine using traditional methods.
- ✨
For a private sunset without the crowds, hike 15 minutes up the ridge behind the hotel towards the 'Sunset Point' flag.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'cave dust' is real—everything you own will get a fine layer of grit if you leave windows open.
💡The rooftop 'breakfast' table is a prop. You cannot eat it. It is for photos only.
💡Wi-Fi signals struggle to penetrate thick rock walls; expect spotty connection inside cave rooms.
💡The shower pressure can be weak in upper-level rooms due to the altitude and plumbing challenges.
💡You will hear your neighbors walking above you if you are in a lower-level cave room.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sultan Cave Suites is located and what's nearby.