Balcova Thermal Hotel

Positive: Location is relatively convenient by car to airport, Izmir city center, and Cesme / Ephesus, while avoiding most narrow streets and traffic snarls. Negative: 1. Small rooms despite suburban location and ample open space on the grounds. 2. Staff didn't provide a map, and there were no signs to the thermal baths. Never even saw them the entire stay. 3. Room floor was not clean. Dead insect in our room upon arrival, and feet immediately got dusty upon taking off shoes. 4. While many "old" hot spring hotels in the Far East have a kind of antiquated charm, Balcova Termal Otel feels "old" like an old folks' home, complete with ancient towels and linens, and panic buttons in both bedroom and bathroom (really). The place is just depressing. Rather than feeling relaxed while on vacation, staying at Balcova Termal Otel gave me the steely determination to work harder so that I can afford to stay someplace better than this when I eventually need assisted living.