I arrived at Ataturk International Airport almost 1 hour late due to airport traffic in Amsterdam, I was worried that my hotel car might not be there for my pick up. The driver was there as expected, waiting for me. My trip to the hotel was by small minibus.
We turned a corner after taking a winding small road to the top of the hill, and it was like changing locations. The entrance was staffed by several plain clothes security men with radios, a bell man to carry my bags, and the driver to help me to the check in. Not only was security a pleasant surprise, but the grounds were immaculate, beautiful with flowers and a wonderful breeze to make it a picture perfect start of a vacation.
The rooms are in an old style wooden hotel, though it was all modern and perfectly maintained. The beds were absolutely nice to sleep in, though the rooms were a little small. There is a hotel safe at the front desk that is free. Once I had a complaint about the shower leaking. Within 30 minutes a maintenance man arrived and changed the entire shower with a new part, then cleaned up his work and checked the shower. Great service.
I noticed that this was not a business or international travelers hotel, but more of a locals hotel. I saw only a few international travellers at breakfast in the mornings, though there were small groups from other cities in Turkey. I have been in Turkey several times, including several other cities, so I have a feel for the "real" Turkey, and this was it.
There are several nice restaurants to eat in, with a nice buffet. Being a "Turkish" hotel the breakfast buffet caters to a Turkish clientel, though Europeans and Americans will find enough variety. Don't arrive late for breakfast (closes at 11:00 AM) , if you wish to enjoy all the items, though few are ever "out" completly. I opted for the eggs, breads, cereal and fruit most mornings. Service was very good, and pleasant.
The main restaurant in the evening had an English menu, though English was not widely spoken ordering was not too difficult. Remember this is a Turkish hotel designed for Turkish clients. The food was nice though not cheap.
The staff was helpful as to how to get around, with the front desk speaking English very well. They had great ideas on where to go. One nice service is that they wil call a taxi for you, from a taxi company that charges a fair price. Every time I took one from there, it was perfect.
The locals use the outdoor coffee shops looking over the Golden Horn. You can take the cable car back to the hotel and save the ride around to the top. Nice view.
Best way to get around in Istanbul is to take the cable car to the waterfront below, transferring to the ferry to Eninonu. From there you can transfer to the Tram up to the historical sights near the Sultanamet. Though across from the ferry, there is a delightful park near the mosque, with small cafes that are open till 11 pm (2300). Nice to walk in.
To go to Taksim Square, take the tram Eminonu to the end (though it is being lengthened) and take a taxi to the top. Dont walk.
At the ferry landings you can take a ferry ride to Iskudar or Darampasha across the water, about 30 minutes. There you can eat in a local cafe, though English menus are non-existent. Be prepared to point and order. Dont complain if it is wrong. The prices were always charged fairly, for what I received.
There is a Bosphorus ferry that costs YTL7.50 (USD 5.00) that takes you to the last town before the Black Sea, where you can climb to the old Crusader fort for a beautiful view (3 hours stop). Beware the fish shops are expensive at the ferry stop, so order a sandwach and water to go. Take your own TP for the ferry ride, as a Turkish toliet is all that available. You did ask for a complete, authentic Turkish experience.
All these were suggestions from the excellent front desk staff.
Be sure to ask for the Airport Pickup
This will be my "home" in Istanbul in the future.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
