Pamukkale owes its fame to its white travertine terraces, formed by the limestone springs that flow at the foot of ancient Hierapolis. A few kilometres away, the village of Karahayıt draws on the same hot mineral water. The thermal hotels here line up indoor pools, open-air pools and spring-water baths. I've selected 8 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Herakles Thermal Hotel (8.6/10).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
8 places shown
The pool. The hotel's own thermal spring, a Roman-style pool and a spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A smaller hotel than the big Karahayıt complexes: ask about the pool hours.
The pool. Open-air thermal pool, another thermal pool, thermal bathtub and spa pool; conventional outdoor pool and covered children's pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The only covered pool reported is the children's one: adults bathe outdoors in the thermal water.
The pool. A dozen pools fed by the nearby hot springs, open year-round according to Chasing the Donkey; indoor pool and free thermal bath.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Compare the pools on offer: some are indoors, others open-air.
The pool. Hot thermal pools and a water park.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A family hotel: the water park draws the crowds, while the thermal pools are quieter.
The pool. Indoor and outdoor thermal pools, including a mixed one and one reserved for women. The water comes out of the spring at 58 °C and is used at between 35 and 38 °C. Heated pool and children's pool as well.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Swimming caps are compulsory in all pools; the outdoor pools are open from 6 am to midnight, the indoor ones from 9 am to 10 pm.
The pool. Covered and open-air thermal pools, conventional indoor and outdoor pools, children's pool.
The ratings differ: 8.2/10 on Hoteles.com, much lower from a small number of Enuygun reviews. No one mentions the temperature.
Guide's tip. Read recent reviews before you book; feedback is mixed.
The pool. Two indoor pools and a large outdoor pool facing the mountains; the thermal water can reach 40 °C.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The hottest water isn't meant for long soaks: alternate with the pool.
The pool. Two indoor pools. Whether thermal water is used isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Very few reviews: take the rating with caution.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Herakles Thermal Hotel (Hotel), with 8.6/10 (72 reviews · Hoteles.com). Next come Pamukkale Kaya Thermal Spa Hotel (8.6/10) and Pamukkale Termal Ece Otel (8.4/10).
Yes at Pamukkale Termal Ece Otel: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. Reis Thermal Otel has an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 35-38 °C at Pam Thermal Hotel & Clinic Spa and 40 °C at Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Pamukkale Thermal | Large thermal-water pool; one writer finds the water brown and foul-smelling, and the rating remains below the threshold. | 7,6/10 | Rating too low |
| Villa Lycus Termal Otel | Thermal hotel in Karahayıt, rating below the threshold. | 7,4/10 | Rating too low |
| Siba Pamukkale Life Thermal | Thermal hotel, rating below the threshold on Hoteles.com. | 7,8/10 | Rating too low |
| Polat Thermal Hotel | Large thermal hotel, but the rating is low. | 6,0/10 | Rating too low |
Sources: Hoteles.com, Chasing the Donkey.
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