Cihangir Palace

The room was small, the furniture old and broken, and the flooring needed attention. Towels were worn and had holes, and the quilt didn't fit the bed. The photos didn't show the real state of this run-down hotel, which felt depressing. Cihangir Palace is described as an elegant 4-star boutique hotel, but it didn't feel like either of those things. The rooms weren't elegant or modern, and there were no tea or coffee facilities, minibar, or safety box, despite the description. There was a breakfast room, not a restaurant, and it was only open for two hours in the morning. The lobby was just a dark space with a sofa and two chairs, and there was no room service.

We walked in and immediately saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen. There was no water supply in the room, no kettle, and no hot water. Breakfast on the sixth floor was very limited, with just one cereal and no choices, and the watermelon was spoiled. The lift was tiny and could only take two people and a bag at once. The toilet was cramped, and the shower tiles were slippery enough to risk a fall. The lobby had three dirty chairs and was very small. There was just one receptionist, who went out to smoke all day and couldn't speak English. This is a one-star hotel, if that. If you want comfort, don't book it. They don't deserve any stars!

It was an affordable option, and the room was clean with a great shower. Breakfast on the seventh-floor terrace was very nice, and you get some good views, though most of what you see is nearby buildings. The lift worked fine during our stay and wasn't slow, despite some earlier reviews saying it was dodgy. The hotel photos gave me a different impression, though: it's not on the coast, and the hill from the tram stop is fairly steep. Our room looked onto the street opposite. The price was great, and the location is convenient, close to a tram stop with easy links to most attractions. We stayed a few days for a short break with friends, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for an affordable place in Turkey.

The location was good and the staff were nice, so it works for a short stay, though I wouldn't choose it for many days. The room looked fine in the pictures but was small in person, and the faucet only had cold water. Cleaning staff knocked every morning and even opened the door after we'd asked them not to. There wasn't a 'do not disturb' sign to put on the door.