Royal Dragon Hotel
On-site aquapark with big slides and splash fun Private stretch of Side’s sandy beachfront Range of buffet and à la carte restaurants plus bars Great daytime and evening entertainment programme Certified Sustainable Hotel (GSTC-recognised standard) Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Perched right on Side’s golden coastline, Royal Dragon Hotel is a big, bold beachfront resort designed for full-throttle Turkish Riviera holidays. Think Far East-inspired architecture, an on-site aquapark, a private strip of sand, and a seriously generous All Inclusive set-up. With a Certified Sustainable Hotel label and 567 rooms spread across six blocks, it’s a lively choice for families and couples who want facilities on tap – from a spa and gym to a great line-up of restaurants, bars and day-to-night entertainment.
Gallery
26 photos
Map & location
Side, Antalya Area, Turkey
Royal Dragon Hotel enjoys a prime beachfront location in Side, on Turkey’s sun-drenched Antalya coast. Step straight from the pool terrace onto a long ribbon of sand, or wander 150m to nearby shops, bars and restaurants for a change of scene.
Side itself blends ancient ruins – including the Temple of Apollo and a Roman amphitheatre – with a lively marina, casual beach clubs and family-friendly activities. You’re well placed for day trips along the coast or into the Taurus Mountains, then back in time for dinner and the evening show.
- Beach beachfront with private section
- shops, bars & restaurants 150m
- Side resort centre 6.2km
- Approx. transfer time from airport 1 hour 30 minutes (from Antalya AYT)
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
The heart of the action is the expansive outdoor freshwater pool with a children’s section and plenty of sunbeds and parasols. Next door, the aquapark ramps things up with slides, including kamikaze and multi-lane racer chutes – a huge hit with older kids, teens and fun-loving adults (age/height/weight limits can apply).
Little ones also have an indoor heated children’s pool at the spa centre during the cooler months, making this a year-round splash-friendly hotel. Fresh pool towels are provided free of charge.
Step beyond the pool terrace and you’re right on Side’s sandy beach, where a private hotel section is set up with loungers and umbrellas. Watersports such as pedalos, windsurfing and motorised options are usually available via an external provider for an extra charge (typically 18+).
Spa, sports & wellness
When you’re ready to slow the pace, head to the spa for a traditional Turkish bath, steam room, sauna or a choice of massage and beauty treatments (charges apply; usually 16+).
The air-conditioned gym features a stretching zone and is generally open during the main season for guests aged 18+, while the hotel’s entertainment team keeps the schedule busy with activities and games throughout the year – more frequent from April to October, and a lighter programme in winter.
Kids are well catered for with children’s pools, a playground and aquapark facilities, plus child-friendly dining options across many of the restaurants.
Practical touches include a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, concierge-style assistance and currency exchange services.
Activities
? On-site aquapark with slides, kamikaze and multi-lane racer (seasonal; restrictions may apply)
? Outdoor freshwater pool with children’s section
?♀️ Indoor heated kids’ pool (seasonal)
? Air-conditioned gym with stretching zone (18+, seasonal hours)
? Frequent daytime activities in summer (games, competitions, poolside fun)
? Frequent evening entertainment in high season with live DJ sets, live music, mini-disco and professional shows
? Winter programme with regular quizzes, bingo, karaoke and live music
? Beachside watersports via external provider (extra charge; age limits usually apply)
? Children’s playground with swings and slides (age/height limits may apply)
Guest services
? 24-hour reception and concierge-style assistance
? Luggage storage
? Currency exchange services (local charge may apply)
? Spa with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and massage/beauty treatments (16+, extra charge)
? On-site hairdresser (extra charge)
??? Family-friendly facilities including children’s pools, aquapark access and highchairs in many restaurants
? Certified Sustainable Hotel – operating to a GSTC-recognised standard at the time of review
? Free Wi‑Fi in reception and lounge areas
? Pool towels included
*Some services and facilities are seasonal or weather-dependent and may change without notice.
Food & drink
You’re spoilt for choice at Royal Dragon Hotel, with 9 restaurants and a collection of lively bars.
The main Dragon Buffet Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with international favourites, Turkish specialities, show cooking and a dedicated kids’ buffet. For a change of scene, book into one of the à la carte venues:
– Dorado – international flavours at dinner
– Dulciano – classic Italian dishes
– Firuze – authentic Turkish cuisine
– Zen – Chinese-inspired plates
Snacks and light bites are never far away thanks to Monet Patisserie, Notte Bistro (also offering late-night snacks between midnight and 7am), the Turkish Tent, and Vento Snack by the beach (seasonal).
Drinks flow from a choice of bars, including pool and beach bars, sports-style Bowling Bar, lobby bars, an amphitheatre bar, and the late-night Mezanotte Disco Bar for adults. Smart-casual dress codes, reservations and small supplements may apply in some venues, and seasonal opening hours can vary.
All Inclusive here is generous – see our guide to what All Inclusive typically includes.
Rooms
Duplex Family Room with Land View
Same generous duplex layout for 2–4 guests, with land-facing views from the balcony. Amenities mirror the sea-view duplex, with two bathrooms and family-friendly sleeping arrangements.
Family Room with Sea View
One-level family room sleeping 2–4, with sea views and a practical layout for parents and children sharing. You’ll have a bathroom with shower, TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee and tea facilities, kettle, minibar*, air conditioning (seasonal), and linen/towel changes on request.
Family Room with Land View
Similar to the sea-view family room but facing inland, these rooms suit families seeking value without losing comfort. Includes balcony, shower room, TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee and tea facilities, kettle, minibar*, and air conditioning.
Superior Rooms (Land, Side Sea or Sea View)
Contemporary doubles/twins for 2–4 guests, available with land, side sea or full sea views – plus sole-use versions for solo travellers. Each offers a balcony, shower bathroom, flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, hairdryer, coffee and tea-making facilities, kettle, minibar*, air conditioning and daily cleaning with towels changed on request.
Standard Junior Suite Sleeps 2–3
A great choice if you want more space and a lounge-style feel. Junior suites sleep 2–3 and come with a balcony, sitting area, shower bathroom, TV, Wi‑Fi, coffee and tea facilities, kettle, minibar*, air conditioning and housekeeping with linen/towel changes on request.
*Mini bar and some in-room amenities may incur a local charge. Air conditioning is typically available between May and October/November, subject to hotel management and weather.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Resort insight – Side & Antalya Area
Side combines long sandy beaches with one of Turkey’s most impressive collections of ancient ruins, from the seafront Temple of Apollo to a Roman amphitheatre that’s still used for performances. The resort town offers relaxed bars, traditional lokantas and modern restaurants, plus a marina that comes alive in the evenings.
Good to know
– Destination: Side, Antalya Area, Turkey
– Local language: Turkish (English widely understood in hotels and tourist areas)
– Currency: Turkish Lira (₺)
– Time difference: +2 hours in summer / +3 hours in winter from the UK
– Typical UK–Antalya flight time: around 4.5–5 hours
– Approximate transfer time to Royal Dragon Hotel: 1 hour 30 minutes by road
Royal Dragon Hotel is labelled as a Certified Sustainable Hotel, which means that at the time of our last review it met a standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Hotel facilities, entertainment schedules and All Inclusive inclusions can change seasonally or with occupancy, so use this as a helpful guide rather than a fixed promise.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Turkey advice.
Prices & book
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