Cappadocia is one of the coolest, and most fascinating, travel destinations in Turkey. Up until two million years ago the region was literally a sea of lava over 150 meters (500 feet) deep. After the volcanoes that surround Cappadocia stopped erupting that sea of lava turned to rock, relatively soft rock that’s easily eroded and dug into. As a result the region is today rife with otherworldly rock formations, underground cities . . . and cave hotels.

There are maybe two dozen cave hotels in the great Cappadocia region. A look at some of our favorites:

Budget Cave Hotels

Güven Cave Hostel. Only three rooms in the Güven are actually in a cave (#105, 106 or 107) but all of the rooms have their charm. There’s a wonderful terrace looking out over the Uzundere Valley and a cave-esque disco. It is also a superb value, with prices starting from around €10.

Güven Cave Hostel

Backpackers Cave. The cheapest cave hotel we know of, with rates as low as €7 (when you book through Spot Cool Stuff and our HostelBooking partner). The rooms themselves don’t have much of a cave-like vibe, but we love the Backpackers Cave location, right in the middle of the old section of Göreme.

Nomad Cave Hostel. Another fantastic value when booking through SCS—your own private cave room will only set you back €15. The rate includes a great breakfast in a lovely restaurant and hanging-out area.

Nomad Cave Hostel

Mid-Range & Luxury Cave Hotels

Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa. This 5-star resort hosts Cappadocia’s most luxurious cave accommodations. Their Presidential and Royal suites are off-the-charts plush, but you’ll be happy enough in one of their senior suites (pictured below) or in any of their rooms, really, all of which feature a flatscreen TV, digital jukebox, high speed Internet and luxurious bath amenities. There’s also an indoor pool, outdoor pool and a spa with two Turkish baths, a snow & ice room, a steam room and an “adventure shower.”

Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa

Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa: Senior Suite

Aydinli Cave House. This 6-room family-run cave-lodge in the heart of old Göreme is the perfect middle path between the budget Güven Cave Hostel and the super-luxurious Cappadocia Cave Resort (both reviewed above). Their cheapest room is €70 but we’d recommend their room #2 (pictured below).

Aydinli Cave House

Serinn House. The Serinn’s rooms have a wonderful cave feel but we aren’t big fan’s of their decore that’s an odd mix of chic-modern meets a 1970’s-Austin-Powers-shag-pad. The hotel staff is very adept at arranging area activites, from hot air baloon flights and horseback riding tours.

Serinn House

Elkep Evi Cave Hotel. One of the coolest looking cave hotels (it is the one in the photo at the top of this post) and also one of our favorite. The entire hotel is built into the side of a cliff, which means that not only are all the rooms in caves but so are the hallways, the dinning areas and the lobby. When the weather is nice the outdoor areas are lovely for sitting by a fire, smoking a hookah and taking in the ambiance. All this comes at a surprisingly affordable price—single cave rooms are only €50, double cave rooms with a private jacuzzi are €100. Highly suggested!

Elkep Evi Cave Hotel

Elkep Evi Cave Hotel

Elkep Evi Cave Hotel

Gamirasu Cave Hotel. The Gamirasu has been hotel since 1999. But in 999 it was a Byzantine monastic retreat. That 1,000 year history seems to resonate throughout the Gamirasu’s 25 rooms and its cozy outdoor spaces. The restaurant’s 6-course Turkish dinner is wonderful. The €350 Eagle’s Nest Suite isn’t too shabby either.

Gamirasu Cave Hotel

Gamirasu Cave Hotel

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