In this “City of Whirling Dervishes,” home base of the Anatolian Tiger economy, Konya spins at a speed that rivals the dancers who have made this place world famous. One moment, you’re gazing at Seljuk architecture, centuries old. The next set of sleek glass towers signals a city marching confidently toward the future.
If you blink, you might miss something.
But rest easy. When it’s time to hit your snooze button, the ZZZZs settle in beautifully at the Novotel Konya.
On a recent trip to Türkiye that wrapped up in this historic city, travelers from every stripe (think corporate travel, family travel, leisure, and group travel) could be seen gliding through the lobby doors of this sleek glass high-rise.
Some were checking in, others checking out, but all seemed to share a similar sentiment: comfort counts.
For me, the hotel served as a fitting bookend after witnessing a spellbinding performance of whirling dervishes during the annual Şeb-i Arus Festival, a ten-day celebration marking the death anniversary of the great Sufi poet Rumi, also known here as Mevlana.
The hypnotic spins of the ceremony lingered in my mind long after the music faded.
Returning to my room at the Novotel felt like stepping from a centuries-old spiritual ritual into the calm embrace of contemporary comfort. And that, perhaps, is Konya in a nutshell. Tradition and transformation dance together.
It helps that this midscale hotel brand, owned by Accor, is located in a highly desirable area. Now, what’s the big deal about this Novotel property? Read on.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Positioned along Çevre Yolu Caddesi—a major ring road encircling the city—the hotel sits in the bustling modern Selçuklu district, a newer commercial and residential quarter west of Konya’s historic core.
This strategic perch places Novotel Konya within easy reach of the city’s most cherished cultural landmarks. Chief among them is the Mevlana Museum, the turquoise-domed complex housing the tomb of Rumi and one of Türkiye’s most visited spiritual sites.
From the hotel, it’s only a short ride to the old city center, where minarets pierce the sky, and bazaars hum with the rhythm of daily life. Meanwhile, Konya’s railway station lies roughly three kilometres away, connecting travelers to other parts of Türkiye via the country’s expanding high-speed rail network.
There’s another reason international hotel brands like Novotel have gravitated to this district: accessibility. Being located along the ring road allows seamless arrivals for guests traveling by highway, airport transfer, or tour bus—an advantage particularly appreciated by conference delegates and tour operators.
Opened in 2015, the 16-storey property forms part of the global portfolio of Accor, the French hospitality giant behind the Novotel brand. The building’s clean lines and glass façade lend it a contemporary feel that contrasts sharply with the centuries-old architecture found downtown.
Yet somehow, it works. Konya is evolving—and this hotel reflects that momentum.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast in Türkiye is rarely a modest affair. At Novotel Konya, it’s a full-fledged culinary chorus.
Arrive hungry.
The morning ritual might begin with a strong cup of Turkish coffee—inky, intense, and invigorating. But don’t be surprised if you soon slide into the locals’ preferred tulip-shaped glasses of steaming tea.
The buffet unfolds. Hot and cold stations brim with dishes that encourage sampling. Bowls overflow with olives—black, green, brined, and buttery. Platters of tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs bring freshness to the table, while breads arrive warm from the oven.
Then there’s the cheese station.
Among the familiar varieties, you’ll find regional specialties such as küflü peynir, a pungent blue-veined cheese beloved in parts of Anatolia. Nearby sits a tray of golden pişi—pillowy pieces of fried dough that practically demand to be dipped into honey or paired with a slice of cheese.
Speaking of honey, one standout feature is the honeycomb display. Amber liquid drips slowly from the frame, a rustic yet luxurious nod to Türkiye’s long beekeeping tradition.
Egg dishes, pastries, and sweet treats round out the spread. It’s the kind of breakfast that nudges you to linger just a little longer.
When the table looks this inviting, who’s rushing?
Author Ilona Kauremszky enjoys panoramic views in Room 702
ROOM LIFE
Guest rooms here are spacious, bright, and thoughtfully designed.
Large windows frame views either toward the busy thoroughfare below or the softly undulating landscape stretching toward the Taurus Mountains in the distance.
The décor follows the familiar Novotel formula. Enjoy contemporary furnishings, comfortable bedding, and practical workspaces. Business travelers will appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi and desk area, while families enjoy the roomy layouts.
One constant across Türkiye is the melodic call to prayer, echoing from nearby mosques throughout the day. In Konya—a city known for its deeply rooted Islamic traditions—you’ll hear the adhan clearly from your room.
Rather than a disturbance, it feels like a familiar sound.
In winter months, when Anatolia’s continental climate brings crisp temperatures, the room thermostat becomes your best friend. Turn it up, wrap yourself in the duvet, and watch the moving shadows beyond the window.
HOTEL SURPRISES
Travel always brings the unexpected, and this hotel has a few pleasant surprises.
During the annual 10-day Şeb-i Arus ceremonies held in December, the property offers guests traditional treats in the evenings before they depart for the spiritual events. In the lobby, warm semolina halva and steaming cups of salep—a creamy orchid-root beverage popular in winter—are served as a sweet send-off.
It’s a thoughtful gesture linking the hotel experience with Konya’s cultural heartbeat.
Another curiosity lies behind the reception desk: a small wall of fame dedicated to boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Framed photographs and memorabilia celebrate “The Greatest,” reportedly reflecting the admiration of the hotel’s investors for the iconic athlete.
Elsewhere on the property, guests can unwind in the fitness centre, which includes a dry sauna—a soothing nod to Turkish wellness traditions.
While it’s not a full marble-clad hammam, the warm heat offers a welcome chance to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
In warmer months, the outdoor pool becomes a sunny oasis for guests seeking a refreshing dip.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Konya is a city of contrasts—spiritual yet industrious, ancient yet ambitious.
Staying at Novotel Konya highlights that dual personality. On one hand, you’re only minutes away from sacred spaces tied to Rumi and the mystical traditions of Sufism. On the other hand, you’re surrounded by a city surging forward as one of Türkiye’s most dynamic manufacturing hubs.
The hotel itself reflects this balance.
It’s not overly flashy, nor does it attempt to mimic historic Ottoman architecture. Instead, it delivers what modern travelers often want most: reliability, comfort, and a convenient base for exploration.
After an evening spent watching the mesmerizing whirl of dervishes, returning to a quiet, comfortable room felt like the perfect pause between past and present.
Konya may spin with centuries of history, but at Novotel Konya, the landing is soft.
BOOKING INFO
Check rates for Novotel Konya online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
PHOTOS: Ilona Kauremszky
Hotel-Scoop Columnist Ilona Kauremszky stayed at Novotel Konya as a media guest of the Tourism Office of Türkiye and Turkish Airlines.
