We stayed 3 nights at Hotel Sogut. Having read the reviews, we arrived with some trepidation and were pleasantly surprised. The rooms were clean, some of our group of 21 were given suites, our room was very tiny, but what do people expect for a 3star hotel in Europe? The staff were helpful but speak little English (this is OUR problem as we are in their country), so communication was difficult at times, but not impossible. The 2 bar staff were overwhelmed by 21 Aussies all wanting drinks (Fawlty Towers re-visited) so we ended up behind the bar helping out some of the time. There is a beautiful outdoor area with cane chairs and lounges to relax in. When we ordered food they asked us to move indoors to the restaurant; we explained that we would rather stay outdoors and it was not a problem - food was served outside. We asked for breakfast to be served at 5.30am as we were going to Gallipoli on a day tour; it was all set up and ready. The breakfast is European-based but there were boiled eggs, bread, croissants, ham, cocoa pops, fruit, juice, coffee, tea, so it is possible to select Western-style foods. The air-con worked so I do not know why people complained re the noise of the air-conditioners outside - shut the windows! The hotel is in a side street but close to a main road and the Grand Bazaar so we were able to get taxis readily and walk to the Bazaar. Our only issue was that after one night, the staff asked some of group to move from the suites to smaller rooms. This was annoying, but their staff did all the moving and apologised.
- Sogut Hotel Istanbul
