Golden Bazaar Hotel

The suite experience was disappointing from the start. The staff were unwelcoming and unprofessional. We booked for three people, expecting a twin bed, a double bed and a sofa bed, as advertised. Instead there was only a double bed, a regular sofa, and a cheap metal rollaway with an extremely hard, uncomfortable mattress. I would never have booked for three had I known that was the setup. The manager was impolite and unhelpful, wouldn’t acknowledge the issue or offer a refund. He briefly suggested moving me to a separate twin room while my parents stayed in the suite, but then wanted another €30 per night, even though the mismatch came from the listing. After avoiding further discussion, he arranged a mattress replacement only after I’d already spent a sleepless night. The new one was a little thicker but still uncomfortable and detracted from the suite. Basic supplies were lacking too. For three guests there was only one toilet roll, and when I asked for another, staff questioned why I needed it and never provided one. Booking advertised the hotel as three-star, but the entrance displayed two stars. I also noticed the website now lists the suite for a maximum of two adults, unlike the listing when I booked. I felt misled throughout. I stayed only because I had no alternative at the time, and intend to raise this with Booking and pursue a refund. The experience was unacceptable and far from what was promised.

Mr. Avaz at reception deserves a special mention, he was exceptionally kind and ready to help, the sort of person you rarely meet. The staff were kind overall, and the bed was comfortable. The room was clean and tidy, and the hotel is excellent value for Istanbul, especially given the location. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Grand Bazaar and near the main attractions.

The breakfast was tasty and had plenty of choice, and the rooms were well equipped with excellent room service. One thing to improve: coffee and butter ran out for two days, so we bought our own at the minimarket 40 meters from the hotel. It’s right in the city center, within walking distance of 90% of the main tourist spots and the harbor, with public transport nearby. I can highly recommend it, and we’ll choose it again next time.

The shower equipment didn’t all work properly, and several things in the room were falling apart. There was also building work during our stay, with noise from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. for five days. The hotel hadn’t mentioned it on its website beforehand, never really tried to resolve the problem, and even tried to justify the work. They offered us another room only the day before we left, and still haven’t made any kind of commercial gesture. Such professionalism! If you’re looking for noise, this is the place. Skip it!