The Merlot Hotel

I don't speak any Turkish and felt a little embarrassed using a translation app, but the staff were endlessly patient and understanding. They made me feel welcome and comfortable throughout my stay. I kept going down to the lobby at least twice a day to ask for ice for my Owala bottle, since I like my water ice-cold. Every time, I got a smile and a patient response, no matter how small the request. Everyone I interacted with left a good impression, so I made a point of learning their names. The staff are fantastic, and their genuine warmth and care are rare. I loved staying here and will absolutely return.

There was a bad smell in the bathroom that needs fixing. The hotel's location isn't the best, though there's no traffic jam in the area, and parking is available. The room was good and had plenty of space for two. Service was very good too. I forgot my toothpaste and toothbrush, and got a set for 25tl.

The bed was comfortable and clean, and the towels were clean too. We appreciated the staff's efforts, but they weren't enough to make the stay enjoyable. If we'd been there two nights, we'd have been very unhappy. This was our second stay. Almost four years ago, the first one was comfortable and good, but this time we were disappointed. We had room 8008, a king suite, I guess. It looked outdated, which wasn't a big aesthetic issue, but the bathroom leaked. Its layout also means a shower will wet the toilet or floor. The jacuzzi is hard to climb in and out of, the bathroom door was broken, and the sink and faucet were worn. The toilet was in bad shape, with its black color faded pale so it looked dirty. I understand the price is good, but a suite should be a signature room, and this one was far from that.

The hotel is modern, and the rooms felt luxurious with all the amenities. But I asked for a non-smoking room and reminded the front desk at check-in. They assured me that was what I'd get, yet my room was definitely for smokers and even had an ashtray on the table. As a non-smoker, I found the smell uncomfortable, though I was too tired to do anything about it. At night, stray dogs ran in packs around the area, barking at everything. The windows weren't sealed, so I didn't get much sleep.