Delphin Imperial

Quick Verdict

Delphin Imperial is the best-value all-inclusive resort on Lara Beach for families who want variety over refinement. With 11 included a la carte restaurants (only Teppanyaki and Stella Steak carry a surcharge), a 3,180-square-meter main pool, a water park that became free for guests in 2025, and a kids’ program that genuinely keeps children entertained, this 798-room mega-resort packs more into its all-inclusive rate than almost any competitor in the Antalya region. It is loud, it is busy, and it is unapologetically a holiday factory — but it does holiday factory better than anyone else at this price point.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
11 a la carte restaurants included — book one every night	A la carte reservations hard to get in July/August
Aqua Serenity water park included from 2025	Teppanyaki and Stella Steak cost extra
Sandy Lara Beach with adults-only quiet zone	Sunbed wars start at 08:30 in peak season
3,180 m2 main pool — rarely feels cramped	798 rooms = chaotic at full capacity
15-20 min from Antalya Airport (AYT)	Drinks are local brands, not premium spirits
Free hamam, sauna, and steam room	WiFi slow and patchy in some areas
Striking Art Deco architecture	Spa treatments (paid section) feel lackluster

The Resort at a Glance

Detail	Info
Rooms	798
Restaurants	12 (1 buffet + 11 a la carte)
Bars	9 including lobby bar, pool bar, and nightclub
Pools	5+ (3,180 m2 main pool, activity pool with 8 slides, relax pool, indoor pool, children’s pools)
Beach	Private section on Lara Beach (sandy) with adults-only quiet zone in summer
Airport	10 km / 15-20 min from Antalya Airport (AYT)
Chain	Delphin Hotels & Resorts
Setting	54,000 m2 on Antalya’s Lara Beach strip

Delphin Imperial sits on the Kemeragzi stretch of Lara Beach, Antalya’s upscale sandy coastline. The resort’s exterior is the first thing that hits you — a ship-like Art Deco facade that looks like an ocean liner ran aground on the Turkish Riviera. It is dramatic, slightly absurd, and undeniably memorable. Inside, the scale continues: marble lobbies, sweeping staircases, and the kind of grand entrance hall that makes you forget you paid mid-range prices.

The location is Delphin Imperial’s underrated strength. At just 10 kilometers from Antalya Airport, your transfer is a 15-to-20-minute ride — a genuine luxury when you’ve been traveling with tired kids. Compare that to Belek resorts like Rixos Premium or Maxx Royal, which are 30 to 45 minutes from the runway. Antalya city center is 15 kilometers away if you want to explore the old town, though most guests never leave the resort grounds.

A full renovation is planned for the end of 2026 through March 2027. If you are booking for 2027, expect a significantly refreshed product. If you are booking for summer 2026, be aware that some areas may show their age.

Rooms and Suites

Superior Rooms: Land View and Side Sea View

The base category Superior rooms measure 35 square meters (377 sq ft) — reasonable but not generous for a five-star Turkish resort. You get a king bed or twin configuration, a balcony, air conditioning, LCD TV with satellite channels, a minibar that gets refilled daily, a safe, kettle, and walk-in shower. The difference between land view ($150/night) and side sea view ($175/night) is exactly what it sounds like: a partial glimpse of the Mediterranean versus a view of the resort grounds. The rooms are functional and clean, but the furnishings feel dated — expect the renovation to address this.

Tip: ask for an upper floor. You get better views, less pool noise, and marginally more privacy on your balcony.

Family Rooms and Deluxe Family Suites

This is where Delphin Imperial earns its family credentials. The Family Room jumps to 56 square meters (603 sq ft) with two separate bedrooms — a double for parents and a room with two single beds for the kids. Starting at around $220 per night, this is outstanding value for a family of four. Interconnecting rooms are also available if you need to accommodate up to six guests.

The Deluxe Family Suite (only 9 units) upgrades the experience with more space, premium furnishings, and a more considered layout. At around $280 per night, it is worth the premium if you can secure one — book early, because nine units across a 798-room property disappear fast.

Junior Suites

The Junior Suite is the smart upgrade at Delphin Imperial. At 45 square meters (484 sq ft), you get a king bed, a proper sitting area, and — the genuine differentiator — two balconies. One faces the pool or garden, the other catches a partial sea view. Starting at $260 per night, the dual-balcony layout is the best value upgrade in the resort. There are 66 units, so availability is better than the suites.

Lagoon Rooms and Full Suites

The Lagoon Room (20 units) is a ground-floor option with a terrace that opens onto the pool area. Popular with couples who want to slip from bedroom to sun lounger without navigating elevators and corridors. Jewel-tone interior accents give these rooms more character than the standard categories.

At the top end, there are exactly 2 full suites in the entire resort. Separate lounge, premium furnishings, large sea-view balcony, and the kind of space that makes you feel like you booked a different hotel. Starting at $350 per night, they are absurdly good value — if you can get one. Book months in advance.

Our Pick

The Junior Suite with side sea view. At $260 per night, the two-balcony layout and extra living space make it the sweet spot between the functional-but-basic standard rooms and the near-impossible-to-book full suites. Families should go straight for the 56-square-meter Family Room — the separate bedroom for kids is genuinely life-changing on a week-long holiday.

Food and Dining

Gusto: The Main Buffet

Gusto is the resort’s international buffet restaurant, serving breakfast, late breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is the default dining option and, like most Turkish all-inclusive buffets, the volume is impressive even if the execution is uneven. Breakfast is the strongest meal — fresh orange juice, a solid egg station, pastries, and a good cheese and olive spread. The Sunday champagne brunch is a genuine highlight worth planning your week around. Gluten-free and diet options are available on request.

Dinner at Gusto is adequate rather than exciting. The variety is vast — salad bars, grills, Turkish specialties, international stations — but nothing reaches the quality you get at the a la carte restaurants. Use Gusto for breakfast and lunch, then escape to the specialty restaurants for dinner.

A La Carte Restaurants: The Real Draw

This is where Delphin Imperial punches well above its weight. Nine a la carte restaurants are included in your all-inclusive rate — you can visit each one once per stay at no extra charge. Reservations are required (book the day before) and all open from 19:00 to 21:30. Here is the lineup:

Pescador (Fish and Seafood) — Consistently the most popular and best-reviewed restaurant in the resort. The fresh Mediterranean seafood is genuinely well prepared, and this is the reservation you should secure first on check-in day.

Zuma (Far East/Asian) — The other standout. Guests frequently cite Zuma alongside Pescador as their favorites. The Asian dishes have more finesse than you expect from a mid-range Turkish all-inclusive.

Lalezar (Ottoman-Turkish) — The authentic choice. Fine-dining Turkish cuisine in a setting that does justice to Ottoman culinary traditions. This is the restaurant that makes you feel like you are actually in Turkey rather than a generic international resort.

Mia Mensa (Italian) — Reliable and solid. Not the most exciting option but consistently well reviewed.

Tequila (Mexican) — Lively atmosphere with decent Mexican-inspired food.

Helen (Greek) — Mediterranean flavors in a pleasant setting.

Le Tapas (Spanish) — Small plates and a convivial vibe.

Beirut Garden (Lebanese) — Opens from 19:30 in an outdoor garden setting. The meze spread is a highlight.

Sushi (Japanese) — Opens from 19:30. Separate from the paid Teppanyaki — this one is included.

Teppanyaki (Japanese) — SURCHARGE. The theatrical teppanyaki experience costs extra. Frustrating, because this is exactly the kind of dining experience that draws families in.

Stella Steak (Steakhouse) — SURCHARGE. Premium cuts and wines at extra cost. If you want a proper steak dinner, budget for this on top of your all-inclusive rate.

The Reservation Problem

Here is the honest truth: the a la carte reservation system is the single most frustrating element of staying at Delphin Imperial. You can only visit each restaurant once per stay. You must book the day before. There is a three-day interval between visits to the same venue. And in July and August, when the resort is at full capacity, tables are genuinely hard to secure.

The insider move: book your a la carte restaurants immediately on check-in. Do not unpack first, do not go to the pool, do not settle in. Go straight to the concierge and book every restaurant you want for your stay. Guests who wait until day two find the best slots already gone.

Bars and Drinks

Nine bars keep you hydrated across the resort. The Tulip Lobby Bar is the natural pre-dinner gathering spot. The Pool Bar offers waiter service around the loungers — a nice touch. The Patisserie serves pastries and proper Turkish coffee. The Chocolate Bar is exactly what it sounds like: a dedicated dessert and sweet treats station that kids (and adults) gravitate toward throughout the day.

One honest note on drinks: the all-inclusive package covers local and some imported spirits, but this is not premium-brand territory. If you are used to top-shelf cocktails at places like Maxx Royal or Rixos Premium, you will notice the difference. The drinks are perfectly fine — they are just not going to impress anyone who cares about what is in their glass.

Beach and Pools

Lara Beach

Lara Beach is one of the genuine highlights of staying in this part of Antalya. Unlike many Turkish Mediterranean beaches, which are pebble or shingle, Lara Beach is properly sandy — a wide, flat stretch of golden sand with clear, calm Mediterranean water that warms up beautifully from June onward. Delphin Imperial has its own private beach section with loungers, umbrellas, and towel service included.

In summer, the resort opens an adults-only quiet beach zone — a welcome retreat for couples who want to escape the family noise. Ask at the front desk for its exact location on arrival, as it shifts slightly between seasons.

The sunbed situation needs an honest mention. In July and August, peak-season competition for beach loungers is real. Towels go down by 08:30, and by mid-morning the prime spots are taken. This is a universal problem across Lara Beach mega-resorts, not unique to Delphin Imperial, but 798 rooms worth of guests competing for beach space creates genuine friction. Get up early or accept a second-row position.

The Pool Complex

The pool setup at Delphin Imperial is one of its strongest cards. The main free-form pool measures an enormous 3,180 square meters and is surrounded by sun terraces, loungers, and umbrellas. Even at full capacity, a pool this size absorbs crowds effectively.

The Aqua Pool is the high-energy hub — 8 waterslides (5 for adults, 3 for children) built into the hotel’s own pool area, separate from the Aqua Serenity water park. Pool games and animation activities run here throughout the day. It is noisy, it is fun, and kids love it.

The Relax Pool offers a quieter alternative for adults who want to swim without being splashed by a seven-year-old doing cannonballs. The indoor heated pool is primarily useful in shoulder season (April or October) when the outdoor temperature can dip.

Multiple children’s pools of varying depths cater to toddlers through pre-teens, with dedicated splash areas and mini slides.

Delphin Aqua Serenity Water Park

Adjacent to the hotel, sitting between Delphin Imperial and its sister property Delphin Palace, the Aqua Serenity water park became included in the all-inclusive rate from 2025. Previously, this was an extra cost — the inclusion adds genuine value for families.

The park has 5 waterslides, a main outdoor pool, a 16-plus relax pool, kids’ splash pools with mini cabanas, and a toddler zone. There is also a small amusement park with a mini fair and ferris wheel that is exclusive to Delphin Imperial guests — Delphin Palace guests do not get access.

A fair warning: some guests note that the slides look bigger in promotional photos than they are in person. Temper expectations — this is a good add-on, not a standalone water park like Land of Legends. Visit on weekday mornings before it fills up.

Activities and Entertainment

Daytime Activities

Delphin Imperial runs a relentless animation program during the day. Pool games, aqua aerobics, water gymnastics, and organized activities keep the energy levels high around the main pool and aqua areas. A fitness center, tennis court, table tennis, darts, billiards, and a bowling alley (though verify at check-in whether bowling carries a surcharge — this varies by booking operator) round out the sports offering. Non-motorized water sports including windsurfing, snorkeling, and kayaking are included.

The roller-skating waiters around the pools deserve a special mention. It is a quirky, uniquely Delphin touch that guests consistently mention in reviews — equal parts impressive and absurd, and exactly the kind of thing that makes a resort memorable.

Evening Entertainment

Evening shows run nightly and lean toward the “Vegas-style” end of the spectrum — big costumes, theatrical revues, sketch comedy, and live music. The production values are impressive in scale if not always in polish. Honest assessment: families and groups enjoy the spectacle; couples looking for sophisticated entertainment will find it a bit much.

The on-site nightclub and disco keep things going after the shows end. A cinema shows screenings throughout the day and evening — a welcome rainy-day or cool-down option.

One consistent complaint: seating at evening shows is limited. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for popular performances, or you will be standing.

Kids’ Club

The mini club (ages 4 to 12) is staffed by multilingual animators and runs a full program of activities, games, and excursions. A separate teens club keeps older children engaged. The children’s cinema offers age-appropriate screenings, and the playground provides outdoor space. Combined with the water park, waterslides, splash pools, and mini amusement park, Delphin Imperial is genuinely one of the best-equipped family resorts in the Antalya region.

Spa and Wellness

The spa at Delphin Imperial is a tale of two experiences. The free section — hamam (Turkish bath), sauna, and steam room — is a genuine perk included for all guests, open 09:00 to 20:00. Getting an authentic Turkish bath experience at no extra cost is something you would pay $50 or more for elsewhere, and it is worth carving out an afternoon to use it.

The paid spa section offers a premium Turkish bath, salt room, rain room, jacuzzi, and a treatment menu covering everything from Far East massages and Ayurveda to Cleopatra milk baths and anti-stress applications. Hairdressing and cosmetic services are also available.

Here is the honest take: independent reviews describe the paid spa as “lackluster” compared to competitors at this price level. If spa quality is a priority, Calista Luxury Resort in Belek or Maxx Royal offer a noticeably superior wellness experience. Use the free section and enjoy it, but do not plan your holiday around the Delphin Imperial spa.

What’s Included vs Extra

Included	Extra Cost
Breakfast, lunch, dinner at Gusto buffet	Teppanyaki restaurant surcharge
Sunday champagne brunch	Stella Steak restaurant surcharge
9 a la carte restaurants (one visit each)	Premium wine at Stella Steak
Local and selected imported drinks	Room service 06:00-01:00
Minibar (daily refill)	Spa treatments (paid section)
Room service 00:00-06:00	Motorized water sports and scuba diving
Aqua Serenity water park	Hairdressing and cosmetic salon
8 in-pool waterslides	Hookah/shisha
Hamam, sauna, steam room	Bowling (verify — varies by operator)
WiFi throughout	Laundry
Beach loungers, umbrellas, towels	Game room and internet cafe
Non-motorized water sports	Medical services
Kids’ mini club and teens club
Cinema, nightclub, animation program

Pricing and How to Book

Price Ranges by Season

Season	Period	Price per Night (Double)
Low / Shoulder	April, May, October	$150-220
Mid	June, September	$220-320
Peak	July-August	$320-450
Closed / Limited	November-March	Limited operation — only 2 a la carte restaurants, no water park

These prices are for a Superior double room based on two guests sharing. Family Rooms run 30 to 50 percent more. Junior Suites add roughly $80 to $110 per night above the standard rate.

Best Time to Visit

May through June or September through October hits the sweet spot. The weather is still excellent (25-32 degrees Celsius), the Mediterranean is warm enough for swimming, school holiday crowds have not arrived (or have left), and prices drop 30 to 40 percent compared to peak season. You also have a much easier time securing a la carte reservations, getting a beach lounger before noon, and actually enjoying the pool without it feeling like a public swimming facility.

Avoid November through March — the hotel operates at reduced capacity, most a la carte restaurants close, and the water park shuts down. You are paying for a fraction of the experience.

Where to Book

For UK travelers, package holidays through Jet2holidays, TUI, Thomas Cook, or easyJet holidays often deliver the best overall value including flights. For US and international guests, Booking.com offers flexible cancellation options and competitive rates. The hotel’s own website (delphinhotel.com) occasionally runs direct booking promotions. Book 4 to 6 months ahead for peak July and August travel; 2 to 3 months is sufficient for shoulder season.

Compared to Nearby Resorts

vs Barut Lara (Lara Beach)

Barut Lara is Delphin Imperial’s most direct competitor — same beach, same neighborhood. Barut is the quieter, more refined option with fewer rooms and slightly better food quality across fewer restaurants. Delphin Imperial wins on variety (11 a la carte restaurants versus Barut’s smaller lineup) and the water park. Choose Barut if you are a couple wanting tranquility. Choose Delphin if you are a family wanting options.

vs Rixos Premium Belek

Rixos Premium Belek operates in a different league — 405,000 square meters of pine forest estate (versus Delphin’s 54,000 m2), premium imported spirits, Land of Legends theme park access, and a more spacious, luxurious feel. It also costs 40 to 60 percent more. For families, Delphin offers comparable entertainment at a meaningfully lower price. If your budget stretches to Rixos, it is the better resort. If it does not, Delphin delivers 80 percent of the experience at 60 percent of the cost.

vs Calista Luxury Resort (Belek)

Calista Luxury Resort in Belek has superior spa facilities, TripAdvisor Hall of Fame status, stronger dining quality, and a beautiful pine forest setting. Delphin Imperial is 10 to 30 percent cheaper and has better entertainment infrastructure and water park facilities. Calista suits sophisticated couples and upscale families. Delphin suits entertainment-focused families who prioritize variety and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many restaurants are included at Delphin Imperial?

Nine a la carte restaurants are included at no extra charge — you can visit each one once per stay. Two additional restaurants (Teppanyaki and Stella Steak) carry a surcharge payable locally. Add the Gusto buffet and you have 12 dining options total. Book the day before and secure your favorites immediately on check-in.

Is the water park included in the all-inclusive rate?

Yes, from 2025 onward. Delphin Aqua Serenity water park access is now included for all Delphin Imperial guests. The park sits between Delphin Imperial and Delphin Palace. The small amusement park section within Aqua Serenity is exclusive to Delphin Imperial guests.

Is Delphin Imperial adults-only or family-friendly?

It is firmly family-friendly — this is not an adults-only resort. However, there is an adults-only quiet beach zone during summer and a Relax Pool that provides a calmer atmosphere. Couples will find pockets of peace, but the overall vibe is family-oriented, especially in July and August.

How far is Delphin Imperial from Antalya Airport?

Just 10 kilometers, making it a 15-to-20-minute transfer — one of the shortest airport transfers of any major resort in the Antalya region. Compare that to 30-to-45-minute transfers for Belek resorts.

Are drinks premium quality at Delphin Imperial?

The all-inclusive package covers local and some imported spirits, but these are standard Turkish all-inclusive brands rather than premium labels. If top-shelf cocktails matter to you, Maxx Royal Belek and Rixos Premium Belek offer noticeably better drinks quality — at a higher nightly rate. The drinks at Delphin are adequate, just not exceptional.

Is the planned renovation going to affect my stay?

A full renovation is announced for the end of 2026 through March 2027. Summer 2026 guests should not be affected by construction — the work begins after the main season ends. Guests booking for the 2027 season will benefit from the refresh.

Final Verdict: 7.8 out of 10

Delphin Imperial is the best-value mega-resort on Lara Beach, period. No other hotel in this price range gives you 11 included a la carte restaurants, a water park, a 3,180-square-meter pool, and a comprehensive kids’ program. It is not subtle, it is not intimate, and the drinks will not impress a cocktail snob — but it delivers an enormous amount of holiday for your money.

Book it if: you are a family of four looking for maximum entertainment and dining variety at $150 to $350 per night, you want a sandy Mediterranean beach with a short airport transfer, or you want the resort-as-theme-park experience done well.

Skip it if: you are a couple wanting a peaceful, refined escape (look at Barut Lara or Calista instead), you care about premium spirits and top-tier spa facilities (head to Maxx Royal Belek), or you cannot handle the chaos of 798 rooms at full capacity in August.

For families who want value, variety, and a resort that never lets the kids get bored, Delphin Imperial is one of the smartest bookings on the Turkish Riviera.