Budo Hotel

The staff were polite, and the location was okay. We stayed for five nights, though the room itself had a strong cigarette smell. The elevator and lobby did too, you get the point. The walls were so thin that someone sneezing next door could wake you up, and breakfast was very limited. The AC was acting strangely as well. Some wall sockets had exposed parts, which could be dangerous for guests with kids.

The entrance had tables and chairs where you could wait, which I liked. I stayed seven nights, and the room was very clean with daily cleaning. Breakfast had plenty of variety and tasted good. The staff were helpful and polite.

The location is good and the corner suite is roomy, but everything else was very poor. The free breakfast is pathetic, and I wouldn't stay here again even if they paid me. The bed was made from two single bases pushed together under one double mattress, not what I'd expect from a place claiming to be four star. Outside noises also came into the room while we were trying to rest. It was hot and humid in Istanbul in June. After a ten-hour flight, we were exhausted and wanted a cool room, but the AC didn't cool at all. Reception first said someone would fix it within ten minutes, then after another fifteen-minute wait told me they weren't turning it on because the rain had made the weather cooler, from 30 degrees to 27. They suggested opening the balcony door for air. I said we had a three-year-old and the balcony railing wasn't baby-proof, so I couldn't risk leaving it open. The receptionist didn't seem to care. After I complained, someone was sent to the roof and I was told the AC was on, but it never started. We eventually moved to another hotel even though we'd already paid for our stay here. The service was horrible. I can't explain how uncomfortable it was to lie in bed sweating, especially with a three-year-old there. I know this sounds like excessive bashing, but it really happened. Beware.

I stayed here with my wife in 2015, 2017, and 2018, and we were completely satisfied each time. The rooms were clean and the beds comfortable. We also liked the staff, location, and food. Many thanks to everyone, especially Mr Mohammed Ali. We'll come back in the near future.