Taksim International Abant Palace Oteli

We had a wonderful family stay. The staff’s attentive, polite service made the experience memorable, and the hotel had taken all the feasible safety measures regarding the pandemic. Our room was spacious, with a stunning view of a Abant lake. There was a swimming pool, sauna, open-air playground for kids, and a green area with comfortable, beautiful swings. Breakfast and dinner both offered plenty of delicious choices. There’s lots to do outside the hotel too. You can rent a bike next door, find cozy restaurants by the lake, or stroll through the beautiful forest and enjoy its mysterious atmosphere. It’s definitely not a boring place, with activities in and out of the hotel. It’s not the only 5* hotel around the lake, but it was definitely the best choice for us. I’d highly recommend it to friends and anyone reading this.

The food was tasty, with lots of options, and they served Turkish tea often. Our family of four had a great time. The room was clean and cozy, and the surroundings were very child-friendly. Thank you!

The room and food both disappointed me this time. The lake-view room was cramped, and the noise from renovation work was unbearable. When I called reception to complain on 24/01 at 14.45, I explained that the room was small and noisy. The male receptionist confirmed there was renovation work, then said of course the room was small because it was a standard 18m2 room, not a suite or king suite. He said it sarcastically, and I was stunned by his rudeness, especially as I was a returning guest. I wonder if he feels free to treat guests badly because there are no consequences. The hotel used to stand out for professional, polite staff, so I hope management addresses this. I told him he was being rude, and they later showed me another standard room that was bigger, much nicer, and quiet. I’d brought guests for two nights because my previous stay at Abant Palace was so memorable, and I’d recommended it to friends and tourists. Three years ago, the dinner buffet was amazing, with shrimp and other seafood. This time the food wasn’t great, and the spread was typical Turkish food. It was clear to me they’d cut costs, though to be fair there weren’t many guests, even during winter school holidays. Without snow, there was barely anything to do. I wouldn’t return or recommend it now. Rates can go up with inflation, but the staff should be trained to be polite, especially at reception, where they represent the hotel. With limited food variety, perhaps because business was slow without snow, and few hotel-organized activities, I don’t see much to recommend here.

For what it costs, this hotel isn’t worth it. I wouldn’t call it five-star, and at best it’s a poor four-star. The bedrooms are fine, perhaps what you’d expect at a good three-star, with clean bathrooms and linen. The food tasted good and had a nice range, but most dishes were cold. The dining area was clean but didn’t feel five-star either. Furnishings throughout the hotel are very worn, and the carpets in public areas are filthy. Reception gets very busy and seems short-staffed. There’s black mold in the corners of the spa showers and steam room. A bit of bleach would take care of it.