A Review of Carus Cappadocia: The Best Cave Hotel
Cappadocia, in central Turkey, is world famous for its ancient cliff dwellings, many of which have now been turned into hotels. Carus, in Goreme, is considered the best cave hotel in the area.
I stayed there recently, and loved the integration of world-class modern amenities (including heated floors) into the original cave interiors.
For thousands of years, people carved homes, churches, and even entire underground cities into the region’s soft volcanic and limestone rock. The concept of transforming these historical cave dwellings into unique hotels began in the late 20th century, as Cappadocia became a major tourist destination.
The hotel’s location is in the center of Goreme, which is one of three major hubs in the Cappadocia region. The town is lined with dozens of shops and restaurants, all of which cater to tourists.
Book Carus Cappadocia
➡️ Click here to check rates at Carus
You can use this interactive map, which is centered on Carus in Goreme, to plug in your dates and find rates at nearby hotels.
Cappadocia Tours from Carus Hotel
Especially during the busier tourist months (May through October) I’d suggest booking tours and hot air balloon rides in advance of your visit to Cappadocia.
Here are three options I recommend, each with excellent reviews.
➡️ Click to Book: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
➡️ Click to Book: Sunset ATV Tour
➡️ Click to Book: Private Tour & Underground City
Carus Hotel: Lobby & Public Spaces
You’ll find high-end options, including spa treatments, a beautiful pool, good wine, and gourmet dining at Carus.
Walking through the lobby, you’ll see how part of the hotel is built in a rock cave, and part of it is new stone construction on the front of the rock.
The pool, which is near the spa and massage area, is especially striking.
What You’ll Find in the Cave Rooms & Suites
At Carus Cappadocia, guests can choose between two distinct accommodation styles: Stone Rooms and Cave Rooms, each offering a unique experience that reflects the region’s rich architectural heritage.
Stone Rooms
Stone Rooms are inspired by the traditional handcrafted stone houses of Goreme. These rooms feature earth-friendly architectural details and beautiful art in a unique and calming environment.
The design emphasizes natural light, and as I mentioned earlier: the floors are heated, so your feet won’t freeze early in the morning!
I’d suggest a room with a terrace. They’re spacious and add an extra living space to your suite.
Cave Rooms
Cave Rooms offer an immersive experience into the ancient living traditions of Cappadocia. Carved directly into the region’s landscape, these rooms provide a genuine cave-dwelling ambiance with modern amenities.
The Cave Rooms are available in several configurations and suites.
Stunning Views of Goreme
I can’t say enough about the views of Goreme from Carus. From our patio, I felt like we were in another world.
The views of the valley change from sunrise through midday, and are stunning at sunset, too.
If you book a room without a patio or terrace, the restaurant has panoramic windows, and there are other rooftop patios available to all guests.
Cappadocia is famous for its sunrise hot air balloon launches, and Carus is the perfect location to watch them rise and float across the horizon.
Haruna Restaurant at Carus
The food is excellent, and the views are unmatched.
The breakfast was a highlight of our stay at Carus. It’s a huge spread with traditional Turkish dishes, plus omelets or eggs prepared to your liking.
Desserts alone took up an entire table at breakfast! It’s vacation, so cookies are fine in the morning 😀
The hotel’s Haruna Restaurant offers a blend of authentic local and international cuisines, prepared with farm-fresh seasonal ingredients.
If you like salmon, I’d recommend the Carus Bowl salad for lunch or dinner.
Cappadocia is home to vineyards and wineries (which, sadly, aren’t really open to tourists). Haruna’s staff is knowledgeable about the local wines, and eager to offer suggestions.
As I mentioned, Haruna’s rooftop terrace location allows guests to dine while taking in panoramic views of Goreme.
Cappadocia Cave Hotels
There are a wide range of cave hotels in Cappadocia, from boutique stays to five-star resorts. Here are some of the most notable:
- Carus Cappadocia (Goreme) – A blend of modern luxury and cave-style accommodations with an indoor pool and rooftop terrace.
- Museum Hotel (Uchisar) – A high-end cave hotel featuring antique-filled rooms, an infinity pool, and a strong focus on heritage preservation.
- Argos in Cappadocia (Uchisar) – A beautifully restored monastery-turned-hotel with cave rooms, underground tunnels, and vineyard views.
- Sultan Cave Suites (Goreme) – Famous for its terrace with panoramic sunrise views and Instagram-worthy balloon backdrops.
- Kayakapi Premium Caves (Urgup) – Restored historical cave homes offering a luxury stay with authentic Ottoman touches.
- Gamirasu Cave Hotel (Ayvali Village) – One of the oldest cave hotels in the region, offering a secluded and tranquil experience.
- Mithra Cave Hotel (Goreme) – Known for its traditional cave rooms and one of the best terrace views for watching hot air balloons.
What to Expect at a Cave Hotel
Each hotel is unique, and if you’re wondering if they’re safe, know these two things:
- There are no earthquakes in this region of Turkey.
- Only a handful of engineering experts are certified to design and oversee the transformation of any cave into a restaurant or hotel. Each has to get special approval to ensure the stability of the rock.
Cool Interiors
The thick volcanic rock keeps cave rooms naturally cool in summer, and (of course) they’re heated in the winter.
Unique Features
Depending on the hotel, many rooms have rock-hewn arches, antique furnishings, and even original frescoes.
Amazing Views
Most cave hotels feature rooftop terraces, which are perfect for watching hot air balloons at sunrise and the city’s twinkling lights after sunset.
How to Get to Carus & Cappadocia
Cappadocia has its own airport, but it’s a distance from Goreme. Just keep that in mind if you’re trying to land early and arrive at a certain time for a tour.
- The flight is about one hour from Istanbul.
- Turkish Airlines flies back and forth several times a day.
- The airport is about a 45-minute drive from Goreme,
- You can find taxis at the airport, arrange a private transfer through your hotel, or use Uber to catch a ride.
Travel Costs
The flight was about $250 round trip from Istanbul, but of course airfares range.
As for car transportation:
- Taxi from the airport: 1,000 – 1,200 TRY (about $30)
- Taxi from Goreme to the airport: 2,000 TRY (about $55)
- Group van pickup: 15 Euros each (from the airport to Goreme)
5 Things to Do Nearby in Cappadocia
The small city of Goreme is the heart of Cappadocia. Here are the top five things to do when visiting the area:
1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Cappadocia is famous for its breathtaking hot air balloon flights, which offer panoramic views of the fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations. Flights usually take place at sunrise, creating an unforgettable experience. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. The flights usually last 2 hours, and can be quite cold in the winter months!
2. Explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the best-preserved rock-cut churches and monasteries, dating back to the 10th–12th centuries. The frescoes inside these cave churches depict biblical scenes and provide insight into Cappadocia’s early Christian history.
You’ll need to take a taxi or tour to get there. It’s not far … but it’s too far to walk from town.
3. Hike Through Love Valley, Rose Valley, or Red Valley
Cappadocia is a hiker’s paradise with scenic trails winding through surreal landscapes. Love Valley is known for its towering rock formations, Rose Valley offers pink-hued cliffs, and Red Valley is famous for its vibrant sunset views. Many trails connect, allowing for longer or shorter hikes based on preference.
4. Visit the Underground Cities (Derinkuyu or Kaymakli)
Just a short drive from Goreme, Cappadocia’s underground cities were used as hiding places by early Christians.
Derinkuyu, the deepest underground city, extends 85 meters below the surface and could house thousands of people.
Kaymakli is more compact but offers an intricate maze of tunnels, storage rooms, and living spaces.
5. Take an ATV or Horse Ride
From town, you can easily find a tour company (there are many) to bring you on a sunset ride.
Goreme & the Caves
The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with its history dating back to around 2000 BC. During the Byzantine period (roughly 4th to 12th century AD) Goreme began to take its current form.
During the early Christian era, Christians seeking refuge from Roman persecution found safety in Cappadocia’s natural rock formations. They carved elaborate cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries into the soft volcanic tuff, which allowed them to live and worship in secrecy.
The region’s unique landscape, created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, is a mix of formations known as fairy chimneys and other cone-shaped rock formations.
Goreme Today
The town is small, with a population of about 2,000 residents, but it hosts a large number of visitors each year who come to experience the natural beauty and historical depth of the region.
Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Göreme has managed to retain much of its charm, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and warm hospitality.
People still live in some of the caves and rock dwellings! One of our taxi drivers (a young guy in his 30s) jokingly referred to himself as a “caveman,” saying his home had been in the family for generations.
The town stands as a living museum, preserving the essence of ancient cultures while catering to the needs of contemporary travelers.
FAQs About Cappadocia’s Best Cave Hotel
Let’s go over a few frequently asked questions about the Carus:
When did the Carus Hotel open?
The Carus Hotel opened in 2020 and quickly became one of the most sought-after luxury accommodations in the region.
How far is the Carus Hotel from Goreme’s center?
The Carus Hotel is conveniently located in the town center, making it easy for guests to access local shops, restaurants, and attractions. The whole town is very walkable and easy to get around.
Are taxis and Ubers easy to find?
Yes, there’s a taxi stand just down the street, which usually has a few cars and drivers waiting.
Does Carus Hotel have a hot air balloon service?
While the Carus Hotel itself does not offer hot air balloon rides, the concierge can help book one.
Does the Carus Hotel offer spa services?
Yes, Carus Hotel has a spa center where guests can relax and unwind with various treatments, including massages, facials, and wellness packages. The hotel also features a wellness area with an indoor pool and sauna.
Is breakfast included in the room rate at Carus Hotel?
Yes, Carus Hotel typically includes a buffet breakfast in the room rate. The breakfast features a variety of local and international options, with fresh fruits, pastries, cheeses, and hot dishes.
Does the Carus Hotel offer airport transfers?
Yes, Carus Hotel offers airport transfer services for an additional fee. The hotel can arrange transportation from Nevşehir or Kayseri airports to the hotel.
Is the Carus Hotel suitable for families with children?
Yes, Carus Hotel is family-friendly and offers spacious rooms that can accommodate families.
My Review: What Makes Carus Cappadocia the Best Cave Hotel
It was such a pleasure to be in Cappadocia to explore the history and culture, and our stay at the Carus certainly added to the experience.
The location is perfect, in terms of:
- The hotel’s proximity to the town…
- The surrounding rock formations…
- And getting the best views from the patios and rooftop.
I love a good hotel breakfast, and the Carus delivers. The dessert table alone was beyond impressive! Plus the staff was both kind and knowledgeable, helping to pick out local wines (since I’d never even had Turkish wine before!).
Above all, the rooms at the Carus are the main reason to stay here. Not many hotels around the world offer the unique opportunity to stay in an ancient cave, which has been upgraded with luxurious modern amenities!
