Aydinli Cave House Hotel Goreme

I was booked into an untidy backpackers hotel by a misleading travel agent with ties to Cappadocia, and went out into the noonday sun to find another place to stay. Through a series of recommendations stemming from the poshest place in town, I found the Aydinli, opened two months ago. It is the perfect Cappadocia stay, a true cave house restored by the owner, who was born and raised there, worked in hotel management for many years, and has now created a business for his children to run. The rooms are meticulously restored and tastefully furnished, with beautiful bathrooms, cool on a hot day, and even have free and reliable wi-fi! Breakfast and, throughout the day, free coffee/tea/water are offered on a roof terrace with lovely, lovely views. The family could not be more kind. I was clearly exhausted from the trip at that point (see above re. travel agent), and they offered to whip up an omelet for me and my son for dinner, but instead we followed their recommendation and went to the lovely restaurant run by their cousins, Dibek. Clearly this family has a gift for presenting local culture with elegance, profound hospitality, and a sense of what travelers need. They arranged a great all-day tour for us and took care of all their guests with great generosity, professionalism, and kindness.