Kensington Laden Palace Buyukada

It costs a bit, but it’s worth the money. We’d return in a heartbeat and highly recommend it. The elegant historic mansion has spacious, high ceilinged rooms. Our bed was comfortable, the aircon worked well, the bathroom was clean, and we had a fridge and a balcony overlooking the street. Staff were very friendly and formal. They serve a typical Turkish breakfast in the morning. The location is great too, just a few minutes on foot from the town centre and ferry terminal.

The staff were amazing from the very first minute. Breakfast was the best I had during my 20 day trip around Turkey, and the palace is only a maximum of 7 minutes’ walk from the doc. This is maybe one of the best looking hotels on the whole island, and the inside is just as pretty as the outside. I stayed in room 202, one of the biggest rooms I’ve ever had.

The balcony railing felt loose and unstable on the third floor, which would have made me really nervous with small children. Apart from that, it was a pleasant stay. The hotel has an authentic local feel, and breakfast was different from what you usually get but still tasty. Its location is great too, near the island center but far enough from the crowds and noise.

We chose this place for a quick break from Istanbul, and I had a lovely time here with my mom. The building has a lot of character, with high ceilings and attractive historic rooms. Our standard room on the second floor actually seemed to have a better view than the deluxe rooms on the first floor. Breakfast was fine, if not amazing, and the staff were kind and helpful. The only real drawback was hearing people walk heavily overhead, which I guess comes with an old building. I’d happily return with my husband and try the third-floor sea-view room.