Merit Tarsus Hotel is a three-star property located on Atatürk Caddesi in the center of Tarsus, an ancient city 27 kilometres east of Mersin in Mersin province, southern Turkey. Tarsus carries extraordinary historical significance as the birthplace of Saint Paul the Apostle and as the city where Cleopatra VII is said to have arrived by barge on the Cydnus River to meet Mark Antony in 41 BC, making it one of the most storied urban sites on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The hotel occupies a practical position in the modern city center, near access points for the principal historic landmarks: Cleopatra's Gate (Kancık Kapı), the ancient Roman road, the Şelale (Waterfall) park, the well associated with Saint Paul, and the Eski Cami mosque complex. Guest rooms are available in standard, double, and suite configurations, all furnished with air conditioning and wireless internet. Breakfast is included in the room rate. An on-site restaurant serves Turkish cuisine for guests who prefer meals at the property. Parking is available, practical for guests exploring Tarsus and the wider Çukurova plain by private vehicle. The hotel is a convenient base for those combining a visit to Tarsus's ancient sites with day excursions to Mersin city (27 km west), Adana (46 km northeast), or the ancient fortress ruins of Anavarza (Anazarbus, approximately 60 km north). Modest conference facilities serve regional business travelers transiting between Mersin and Adana. The dolmuş network provides frequent connections from central Tarsus to both Mersin and Adana.
Room types
- Standard
- Double
- Suite
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
- Breakfast included
Location
Atatürk Cad. No: 110, 33400 Tarsus/Mersin, Türkiye
36.9215, 34.8924 View on map
Highlights
- Located in central Tarsus, birthplace of Saint Paul and city of Cleopatra's meeting with Mark Antony
- Walking access to Cleopatra's Gate, the Roman road, Saint Paul's Well, and Şelale park
- Breakfast included with standard, double, and suite room configurations
- Practical base for day excursions to Mersin, Adana, and the Anavarza castle ruins
- On-site restaurant and parking for guests exploring the Çukurova plain by vehicle
Tips for visiting
- Cleopatra's Gate and the Roman-era street are a short walk from the hotel in Tarsus's historic center
- The Şelale (Waterfall) park on the outskirts of Tarsus is best visited in the morning before crowds gather
- Tarsus to Mersin by dolmuş takes approximately 35–45 minutes; dolmuş stops are centrally located near the hotel
- Adana, approximately 46 kilometres northeast, is easily reached by bus or taxi for a full-day city visit
- The Saint Paul Museum and Makam Mosque (built over the site of Saint Paul's house) are key stops on the heritage walk through Tarsus
Accessibility
Merit Tarsus Hotel is a three-star city-center property; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before arrival to confirm step-free access from the street, elevator availability within the building, and accessibility of specific room configurations.
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Frequently asked questions
How close is Merit Tarsus Hotel to the main historical sites?
The hotel is on Atatürk Caddesi in central Tarsus, placing it within walking distance of Cleopatra's Gate, the ancient Roman road, and the Saint Paul well. The Şelale waterfall park is a short taxi ride from the hotel.
Is breakfast included at Merit Tarsus Hotel?
Yes, breakfast is included in the standard room rate. The hotel's restaurant also serves lunch and dinner for guests preferring meals on site.
Is Tarsus a good base for exploring both Mersin and Adana?
Tarsus is well-positioned between the two cities. Mersin is 27 kilometres west and Adana approximately 46 kilometres northeast, both reachable by dolmuş, bus, or private vehicle within about an hour.
What is the historical significance of Tarsus?
Tarsus is celebrated as the birthplace of Saint Paul the Apostle and as the city where Cleopatra VII met Mark Antony in 41 BC. It preserves Roman-era gates, a Hellenistic road system, and early Christian heritage sites visited by pilgrims and history travelers alike.