Kalyon Hotel Istanbul

Breakfast right beside the Bosphorus was a highlight. The spread was delicious, varied and generous each morning, and having it practically at the water’s edge with that view is unusual in Istanbul. The hotel’s location is beautiful, along the Bosphorus and a short walk from Sultanahmet Square. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and Mısır Çarşısı are nearby, making it an easy base for the Old City. Public transport is excellent, and there’s plenty of parking if you come by car. Our room was very large, clean, comfortable and well equipped, with everything we needed. The beds were a little narrow for my taste, though, and could have been wider. The staff were friendly, attentive and always willing to help. For the price, I thought the value was excellent. Kalyon Hotel gave us comfort, warm service and unforgettable views, and I’d definitely recommend it for a stay in Istanbul’s historic heart.

We had a five-course lunch that was decent, though it cost extra. The breakfast choices were limited and not very good. Our panoramic sea view room was cozy and medium-sized, but it didn’t have a dentist kit, and the window curtain needs replacing because it’s too short. The one real plus is the location, very close to the iconic Hagia Sophia and Sultanmehet.

The sea-front location makes it convenient for getting around Sultanahmet, and the staff were polite and friendly. Still, we left disappointed and wouldn’t stay again. The property feels very old and needs renovation. Our room was dated, the AC didn’t work properly, and basic upkeep was lacking, including a broken hook on the bathroom door. The towels were worn out and fraying, which made the hotel seem long overdue for an update. Breakfast was very basic, and having to pay extra for scrambled eggs or an omelette felt unreasonable for a hotel in this category.

The sea view was lovely, the facilities were very good, and the price felt reasonable for what we got. What stood out most was how thoughtful the service was. My boyfriend and I ate oysters yesterday and unfortunately got sick, with bad stomach aches this morning. We asked whether breakfast could be brought to our room. The staff talked it over, agreed, and kindly delivered it to us. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The service felt truly warm and considerate. Highly recommended.