More about hotels in Van
Van sits on the eastern shore of Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake and the world's biggest soda lake, coloured a striking turquoise by its mineral-rich water. The city is also home to the Van cat, a white, odd-eyed breed known for something most cats avoid: swimming. Spot one paddling near the shoreline and you're looking at one of the region's genuine local celebrities.
Van takes breakfast seriously too. A local kahvaltı spread can stretch to dozens of small dishes, from honey and clotted cream to the region's own herbed otlu peynir cheese, and it's meant to be lingered over rather than rushed. A lakeside resort in Edremit and a simple room near the bazaar in Merkez are both easy to find here, so wherever you'd rather base yourself, there's a Van hotel to match.
Where to stay in Van
- Edremit: A lakeside town about 15km south of the centre, home to most of Van's resort-style hotels and the calmest water views. Best if you want to wake up looking at the lake.
- İpekyolu: Leafier and quieter than downtown, and close to the Van Museum, which holds Urartian-era artefacts uncovered around the lake. A solid pick if you want some green space without straying far from the city.
- Merkez (City Centre): Van's downtown core, centred on Cumhuriyet and Maraş streets, with most of the city's restaurants, shops and breakfast houses. Best for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
- Tuşba: The district just north of the centre, home to the ancient stone ruins of Van Castle above the lakeshore. Handy if an early walk up to the fortress is on your list.
How much is Van accommodation?
Van is one of the more affordable bases in Turkey, with rooms starting from around AU$38 a night and averaging closer to AU$80-100 across the city's hotels. Rates climb a little in July and August, when the lakeside resorts in Edremit fill up, so it's worth booking a few weeks ahead if you're travelling in peak summer.
- Budget hotels and guesthouses: From AU$38 per night. Simple private rooms, usually with breakfast included, mostly around Merkez and İpekyolu.
- Mid-range hotels: From AU$65 per night. Comfortable air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi, often a short walk from the bazaar.
- Boutique and business hotels: From AU$100 per night. Central options with a bit more polish, including rooftop restaurants, good for a short city stopover.
- Luxury and resort stays: From AU$150 per night. Lakeside resorts in Edremit with pools, spas and their own stretch of beach.
Top-rated hotels in Van
- DEDEMAN VAN RESORT & AQUA: A lakeside resort in Edremit with an aquapark-style pool setup, a waterslide and its own private beach. Good for families after a full resort day.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Van: Also in Edremit, with balconies that look straight out over the lake and a year-round indoor pool. A comfortable option if you want the water view without the full resort price.
- Elite World Van: Right in the city centre, with a rooftop restaurant and an on-site hammam. Handy if you'd rather be close to the bazaar than the lake.
- Ramada by Wyndham Van: Set on the shore of Lake Van with a garden and two restaurants. A straightforward mid-range choice for travellers who still want to be on the water.
- Van Toprak Hotel: A small, family-run budget option in the centre, known for staff who go out of their way to help with local tours and transport. Good value if you're watching costs.
Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Van
- Pick your base by what matters most: Edremit suits lake views and a slower pace, Merkez suits walking to breakfast houses and the bazaar.
- Book resort pools early in summer: Van gets hot from June to August, and the aquapark-style pools in Edremit fill up fast in that window.
- Leave real time for breakfast: A proper Van kahvaltı is a sit-down affair that can run an hour or two, so plan your morning around it rather than treating it as a quick stop.
- Check your airport transfer: Van Ferit Melen Airport sits a fair way from the centre, so confirm whether your hotel offers a transfer or you'll need a taxi.
- Ask about lake boat trips: Several hotels can point you to boat trips out to Lake Van's smaller islands, including Kuş Adası (Bird Island), a quiet spot for birdwatching away from the crowds.
Once your stay is sorted, it's worth browsing things to do in Van to round out your itinerary before you land.
