Marina Fener Boutique Hotel

Jenk and the restaurant staff gave us excellent service, always smiling and ready to help. The hotel doesn’t serve alcohol, but Jenk offered to have someone buy a bottle of wine for us and return in 15 minutes. The included breakfast was spectacular. We loved the hotel despite one unpleasant incident, and would like to stay again, though next time we’ll buy our own wine from the liquor store nearby. The bottle cost $60 when we left, even though a shop two blocks away sold it for $11. I asked Jenk to call the owner about the price, but the owner wouldn’t change it or speak to me. Charging double or triple might have seemed reasonable, but this felt extreme when dinners there cost around $10 to $15. Jenk seemed embarrassed, and we made sure he and the restaurant staff were well compensated for their outstanding service. It’s about 20 minutes from Istanbul Airport, in a quiet spot overlooking the Black Sea, so it suited us very well for a one or two-night connection. We were greeted with big smiles and help with our bags. Our Panorama Studio was all about that fabulous sea view. Jenk manages the property along with its small cafe-style restaurant and kitchen.

We left immediately, called a taxi and found another hotel. It was extremely stressful, especially while traveling for over two weeks with three heavy suitcases. This was the worst hotel experience of my life. I had already paid, yet felt completely disrespected and unsafe. I absolutely wouldn’t recommend Marina Fener Hotel. My wife and I arrived at 4:10 PM, well after the 2 PM check-in time, and asked about a late checkout. The receptionist first offered 3 PM for €25, which I accepted. A few minutes later, he said the room wasn’t ready and we’d have to wait another 15 to 25 minutes. Since it was already two hours past the stated check-in time, I suggested waiving the late-checkout fee. His attitude suddenly changed. He said late checkout was no longer possible, even for €25, because the hotel was “full.” The information had completely changed within minutes. When I tried to clarify, the bearded receptionist, who wouldn’t give his name, raised his voice and was disrespectful to both of us. He then told us we couldn’t stay and cancelled my reservation on the spot. Three men were arguing in Turkish right in front of us at one point. We couldn’t understand what was going on, and the situation felt intimidating and unsafe.

Baris was friendly and really helpful. The hotel was so much better than the pictures made it look, and the lamb chops were delicious.

So peaceful, with a divine view and excellent service. It’s a beautiful spot for a long layover or a short visit, just a 15 to 20 minute drive from the airport. You can walk down to the beach in about five minutes, though it’s a little steep, or go about 15 minutes to a bigger beach with a nice playground. The glass-floor viewpoint is open from 10am to 10pm and has a breathtaking view. Breakfast is healthy and delicious, and the restaurant serves excellent fresh fish. A perfect place to watch the sunset. It felt like a vacation in one day 😊