We stayed in the Kelebek Pension (271 25 31) . It’s about a 10 minute walk uphill from the otogar. For US$15, we stayed in a “fairy chimney room”. Our room was literally a cave inside one of these rocks – complete with a private shower! It was simply one of the most unforgettable hotels we’ve ever been to. It was clean, the staff were extremely kind and honest. Backpackers had overrun the place. We ate dinner at the hotel, with a magnificent view over the valley. This hotel is not alone in offering these sorts of amenities at this price point, so don’t worry if it’s full. There is an accomodations office right beside the bus station, and the man there will set you up if you arrive without a reservation.

Walking up to the hotel, you will be sure that you are lost, as it’s tucked pretty far out of the way. Keep on following the signs for the Pension, though, and you *will* get there!

They sell drinks at the reception, but they are rather overpriced – you’ll do better in town. When we arrived, a lady sat down with us and spent 20 minutes talking about everything they offered – what tours they have, etc. They sell hiking tours of the area (see Rose Valley hike), Whirling Dervish concerts, balloon rides, underground city tours, balloon rides (too expensive for us) etc. The woman was not too pushy selling things, and as soon as we said we weren’t interested she moved on. She also provided us with advice on how to do the tours ourselves – i.e. what public buses to get, etc.

We stayed in the pension for two nights. We noticed our room hadn’t been clean/made on the second day – I’m not sure if this was just a mistake or standard, but it certainly didn’t matter to us.

Although the room was not air conditioned, because it’s in a cave, it’s a fairly constant (low) temperature and we were both very comfortable. If your’re claustrophobic, this sort of room might not be for you, as the “window” is really just a tiny hole outside. The room is decorated with Turkish rugs and other country-themed furniture. Many people had brought candles in, as evidenced by the buildup of wax on the shelf (actually just a dug out ledge in the cave.)

There are cheaper rooms available (without shower and non-fairy chimney). There is even a “crash-out” room for people who arrive at odd times of the night, or in the morning, where you can leave your pack and take a shower. Could this place have possibly been any better set up for backpackers?

And no, there’s no TV. 🙂

More pictures and videos from Capadoccia, including a video of the hotel room