Waxwing Hotel Antakya is a boutique property in the centre of Antakya, within 1 kilometre of the Uzun Çarşı covered bazaar and 1.5 kilometres from the Hatay Archaeology Museum. The hotel is named after the waxwing bird — a passerine known for appearing in unexpected places — which serves as a fitting emblem for a boutique hotel operating in a city still navigating the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake, when much of Antakya's established accommodation stock was lost. The property represents part of the new-generation hotel infrastructure that has appeared in the city since 2023.
The interior is contemporary in design with a calm, pared-back aesthetic and locally sourced decorative elements — woven textiles, ceramics, and prints referencing Hatay's multicultural heritage. The building is modern and meets current Turkish construction standards. The overall character is that of a considered lifestyle boutique rather than a luxury showcase: professionally staffed, attentive to comfort, and suited to independent travellers, journalists, researchers, and NGO workers who need reliable accommodation with character in an active reconstruction context.
Room categories include Standard Doubles, Deluxe rooms with additional floor area and enhanced furnishings, and a Suite with a separate living area and private terrace access. All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms, strong WiFi, and high-quality linen. Breakfast is included in all rates and is prepared in the hotel kitchen — the menu features Hatay regional specialties including local white cheeses, cig köfte (spiced bulgur), tahini-based spreads, fresh herbs, and flatbread, reflecting the Arab-influenced culinary identity of the province.
The on-site restaurant serves Hatay cuisine for dinner; no bar. A shared terrace on the upper floors provides seating and views over Antakya's emerging post-earthquake streetscape. The hotel is positioned in the mid-range to upper-mid price point — categorised as luxury by the regional standard given its service quality and finish, though priced below Antakya's highest-tier properties. The Waxwing is particularly suited to guests who want boutique character and regional culinary authenticity without the full-service price point of the Museum Hotel.
Room types
- Standard double
- Deluxe room
- Suite
Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- Breakfast included
Location
Antakya, Hatay 31002
36.2028, 36.1600 View on map
Highlights
- Contemporary boutique design with locally sourced Hatay textile and ceramic accents, one of the newer quality properties in post-2023 Antakya
- Included breakfast featuring Hatay regional specialties — local cheeses, tahini spreads, and Arab-influenced flatbreads prepared fresh each morning
- Rooftop terrace with views over Antakya's rebuilding cityscape, a quiet perch in a city undergoing visible transformation
Tips for visiting
- The Suite's private terrace access makes it worth the premium for visitors staying two nights or more — outdoor space is scarce in central Antakya's hotel stock.
- The hotel is well-positioned as a base for walking the old quarter at early morning, when the bazaar lanes are quietest and the stone architecture most photogenic.
- Ask reception to recommend a guide for Antakya's Arab Christian communities and their churches — the hotel staff have connections to local cultural guides that operate outside standard tour channels.