Gulhanepark Hotel & Spa

For the price, it’s worth it, and I had a good stay. The family room was a little small and could use some updating, but it was manageable. The area itself is quiet, so there isn’t much noise. Staff member zeki was friendly and very helpful, and breakfast was okay. The main sights are within walking distance, and you can cut through gulhane park if you want to avoid the busy streets.

I felt safe and secure here, and that’s something I’ll always appreciate about this hotel. I’ve already recommended that others visit Gulhane Park Hotel, and I’m sure they won’t regret it. The facilities and room service were exceptional, and the staff were friendly and accommodating.

The rooms are spacious enough and well equipped, and breakfast had an okay range of choices. Some of the breakfast staff were quite surly, and the older, balding man at reception came across as arrogant. The other receptionist was friendly and helpful. The hotel sits on a traffic-restricted street between two busy roads, so it’s quieter than a main road or the tram area, though taxis can get through the bollards to drop you off. It faces a building site that doesn’t look like it’s been active for a while. Shops, restaurants, and markets are all close by. There’s a particularly well-stocked market to the left as you leave the hotel, across the street near the bollards. The older gentleman there is very nice, and sells fruit, fresh dairy, and the usual snacks. The location is fabulous, with the main European-side attractions within easy walking distance, and a pleasant walk over Galata Bridge to the Asian side. The tram stop is close too.

This was my third visit to Istanbul, and this hotel was the worst. A friend had said it used to be good and that the staff were friendly, but after it went from three stars to four and got a “new” manager or owner, the service got worse. The manager or owner said children aged five and up count as adults, so he charged me extra for my kids. I won’t forgive it if he was manipulating me as a tourist. The room’s AC or ventilation wasn’t working properly.