Grand Star Hotel Bosphorus & Spa

While we were out, someone searched through our belongings and stole money from our room. We felt violated and unsafe, and our holiday was ruined. When we reported it, staff were dismissive and unapologetic. They said it “used to happen before but not anymore,” though it clearly still happens, and other reviews describe similar incidents. We booked through a third-party site, and even its customer service had to chase the hotel for answers. The receptionist gave false, misleading information to avoid responsibility. Staff were rude, walked away while we were speaking, and showed no interest in helping or answering questions. The safe, phone, and bathroom lights didn’t work. Breakfast was poor and far below a reasonable standard. There was no professionalism or accountability. This hotel is negligent and unreliable. If you value your safety, belongings, and peace of mind, book somewhere else.

There was constant noise, and the rooms had a very heavy, unpleasant smell. The elevator was often late or not working at all, and the room cards regularly failed to open the door, leaving us waiting for help. Food was inadequate and very poor quality, while the service was poor and staff acted arrogantly toward guests. I wouldn’t recommend it. 3 out of 10.

I only stayed one night because I had a late-night MRI at Taksim Hospital. Everyone was very kind to me, and I appreciated that. Breakfast on Monday morning was nice, with a few Turkish cheeses and breads, fruit juices, tomatoes, and greens. The restaurant view was marvellous too. Thank you, everyone.

The good location and the Bosphorus view from the restaurant were the only real advantages. The view is lovely, but that wasn’t enough to make up for the rest. It seems this was once a beautiful hotel; now it’s in disrepair and badly needs maintenance, renovation, and proper management. With the right attention, it could be a chic place, but it isn’t today. Our room was down a set of stairs, almost like a basement, along a corridor that constantly smelled of cigarette smoke. The website photos bore little resemblance to reality: old stained furniture, lots of dust, and a tiny shower. The first room’s bedding was awful. It was at least clean after we moved a second time, but we also saw cockroaches in the shower. On the first night, loud music from a restaurant directly above the room went on until 1 a.m. It felt like being at a disco, not like quiet music somewhere. We asked reception to move us and got no response, only being told to wait until 00:30. The music actually stopped at 01:00, so sleep was a problem. Don’t expect friendly, professional service. The restaurant staff didn’t greet us, communicate, or answer questions properly. On Sunday morning at 9, with breakfast scheduled until 10, there was almost nothing to eat, especially cheese or meat, just some leftovers. Breakfast was better on the following days. The restaurant itself looked neglected, with dirty furniture and glass.