Fragments Hotel

The room was comfortable and clean, and we had a great view. The staff were very friendly too. We had a lovely stay and would definitely return.

The view from the rooftop Arwin restaurant was amazing, with Galata Tower, Hagia and Blue Mosque in sight. Breakfast turned out to be delicious, though I was initially unsure about the options because I expected the usual continental spread. They serve Turkish dishes like hummus, pide, and baked leek or zucchini. It may not appeal to everyone at first, but I really enjoyed it. You can also ask for an omelet, fried egg or Turkish scrambled eggs, which I'd recommend. The staff were extremely nice and helpful. We were taken to our room quickly on arrival, and they offered guided Istanbul tours. The large French window let us get fresh air, even if fresh air in Istanbul is an oxymoron. There were some real downsides: sound carried between the rooms, outside and the lobby, so falling asleep could take a while. The shower leaked, the AC didn't work, and the Wi-Fi was awful and unusable. Those problems spoiled what was otherwise a great experience.

Getting to the hotel meant tackling a steep hill, which was a bit more effort, especially with luggage or if arriving late at night. The height did give us lovely views and a sense of seclusion, though. Inside, my room was impressive and spotless in every corner, and the housekeeping team clearly took pride in their work. The staff were friendly, attentive and ready to help with requests, making the stay comfortable. The good points outweighed that one inconvenience.

The staff were welcoming and helpful, and made the hotel feel like home. We loved starting the day with the wonderful view and breakfast, so much that we were almost sorry to leave for the city. We'd definitely come back.