Benesta Residence by NewInn

My family arrived around 23:00, including my 91-year-old grandma, and no one could get into the apartment because they hadn’t sent the check-in code. Thankfully, the reception staff were kind and sorted it out, but the property didn’t. I booked a self-catering place because my grandma has allergies and can’t eat just anywhere, but the kitchen was almost useless: no cutlery, hardly any plates, one pot, a broken microwave, and a broken toaster. The hairdryer was hanging by a thread and nearly electrocuted my mum. There was one shower room for six people, though we were only five. A lot of things were wrong with the apartment, and when I complained, they didn’t respond at all. The service was awful. I also complained through booking.com and attached photos, but was ignored. The day before checkout, all I got was an automated email with checkout instructions. The location was listed as Taksim square, but it’s nowhere near there. It takes a 15-20 minute walk up a long hill, and it didn’t feel safe to walk. I’d give zero stars if I could. Avoid at all costs.

The location is handy, very close to Taksim Street, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The pool and gym area were also pleasant and convenient. Unfortunately, that’s where the good points end. We’d tried to confirm the booking and got no answer for two days. They finally replied on the day of our flight, and we checked in online. When we arrived, the apartment hadn’t been cleaned after the previous guest, and we got in several hours later than agreed. We asked for cleaning and went out, since these things happen and the hotel apologized, promising it would be perfect when we returned. It had been cleaned by late evening, but only half-heartedly. Dust and hair were still in the floor corners, the dishes had fingerprints, the mirrors were streaked, and the bathroom smelled bad. The balcony was dusty, and its chairs weren’t even usable. We booked for three, but got only two sets of towels, though there was bedding for three. The next day we politely asked for another cleaning and a towel set, and were told they don’t clean rooms daily. We even offered to pay, but management ignored our many messages asking them just to bring the apartment up to a proper standard. We’d already paid in full, so couldn’t cancel and move. We ended up in a place with worn-out renovation and appliances that were half broken. Messages went unanswered for hours, and management made no effort to understand or help. We hadn’t known what sort of attitude to expect, or we’d never have picked this place. There are far more worthy options for the same price. It’s a shame they spoiled our Istanbul holiday during Eid al-Adha / Kurban Bayramı. I rarely leave reviews, but strongly advise people not to stay at the New Inn.

We booked a Superior apartment room with a living, dining, and kitchen area, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and laundry space, as well as a standard room for seven adults and two babies. Both were spacious and clean, and worked perfectly for our four-night stay. Check-in was easy, and the staff and security team were welcoming and friendly. The locks were accessible only to us, which made the building feel very safe. It’s a bit away from the main city and tourist areas, which may suit you, and the bus stops took about 10 minutes to reach. The Superior apartment could use more mirrors, since there was only one in the bathroom. Aside from that, everything was superb. Highly recommend.

The apartment was extremely dirty, with mold in the shower, cockroaches, damaged furniture, and broken appliances. The photos and videos in the listing show it just after renovation, but the current state is completely different and terrible. They’re refusing to refund us, so we’re forced to live like this with a child. Shame.