I can run down a list of 5 star hotels and resorts I have stayed at. But I must say this place is a show stopper with service, and the rooms are almost perfect.
Here's the thing, it does not have what I call super amenities such as touch screen room controls, jet tub and sound system however, here you don't need it. The service makes up for any part that you would think you are missing.
This hotel is nestled on the outskirts of the airport. So it's not the most convenient stay to midtown but who cares because it's worth the stay and you can take a quick Uber to the mid point of the city or hire a tour company to take you around. Both my travel agent and I had to do a little bargaining for tour pickups because this location was not on the list of pickup places. It was fine since the extra fee was 20 USD for the pickup and return.
As I pulled up you could see this beautiful grand appeal to the hotel. It shines like a diamond in it's own little spot. As soon as I stepped foot on the ground the bellman was overly helpful. I didn't even have to lift a finger. I get to the grand turning doors, and there was a metal detector. Now this is something very new for me. I was slightly taken aback, but then I thought about the incident the country had at the airport the previous month and I appreciated the extra security. As I walked in two beautiful ladies greeted me at the door and told me to follow them and hope they can meet my expectations. I check in and the woman comes from behind the counter to give me my key and asked if I needed anything. The bellman showed me to my room, and gave me a quick tour.
The rooms:
The hotel is set up a bit differently. The rooms are below the lobby. I stayed on floor 3 and was quite impressed when I walked in. All the floors were hardwood with no carpet. That was a super plus vs some hotels with carpets. I never understood how a carpeted room with high traffic could be properly taken care off.
The view from my room was absolutely gorgeous. I had two balconies. The one in the living room area had 2 chairs and a table outside. The one in the bedroom was just a standing balcony. The view was of the Marmara Sea. Above the sea you can see and hear the airplanes landing. It was amazing! I'm sure most amazing since at home I love to watch the airplanes land and I actually have to drive to a location to do so.
There is a living area with table, sofa bed, television and a mini bar with snacks. So, this room could comfortably fit 4 people. The bathroom was a bit underwhelming. However, I did not mind since it was only me. If it were a couple of people in the room it would have been cramped to maneuver the bathroom. The door when you walk in opens onto the shower door. So, in order to get in the shower, you have to walk in and then close the bathroom door. But really who cares, when on the door you have a wonderful fluffy robe and very decent towels. In addition, the cute after shower mat that has a foot design on it.
From the bedroom you can lie in the bed and enjoy the wonderful view. It's absolutely gorgeous. There is turn down service, so when you come back to bed there is a floor mat and slippers waiting for you. In the room there is a radio with hook ups android, apple and other cellular products so you can charge your electronics without using a socket. The sockets are all standard European, so be sure to take your adapter.
Across from the hotel there is a walking path you can use for fresh air and a jog. There is a nice restaurant and mall within walking distance as well.
I didn't make it to the pool or gym area, but I will say the pictures are fab! With that said I must say this hotel is the absolutely first hotel that matched the pictures without being deceiving. I received better quality than even the pictures could portray. My return to Istanbul will bring me right back here. read more