Lina Hotel Taksim Pera

This lovely old building has loads of character, and the rooms combine that historic feel with modern comforts. Ours was clean, comfortable, and well looked after. We found the atmosphere cozy, and the staff were welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. The Taksim location is convenient for restaurants, shops, and public transport, yet it was still quiet and comfortable at night. We had a wonderful time and would happily stay here again when we’re in Istanbul.

The hotel has a lovely garden and looks nice, and at first the atmosphere seemed welcoming. We saw Sevgi at reception chatting with other tourists and suggesting tours, restaurants, a Turkish bath, and places to see in Istanbul. She came across as genuinely helpful, so we trusted her recommendations. That trust didn’t last. The next day, after taking one of the tours she suggested, we found out from other people that we’d paid almost three times what they had. We wondered if it was a different package or a misunderstanding, but then we ate at another place she recommended and were charged well above the menu prices. It left us feeling that tourists are being directed to overpriced places for commission. The worst part was the friendly act, because it felt like our trust was being used to make money. When we raised it with Sevgi, she denied it at first and said those were normal agency prices. Later, she told us to come back the next morning for part of the money. We waited until 9:30, but she never showed up. The male employee said he knew nothing and couldn’t help. They also keep asking guests for positive reviews, which makes a lot more sense to me now. Check prices for yourself before accepting recommendations from this hotel. It looks nice, but the experience left a really bad taste in

The rooms have a cute, artsy feel, and the paintings make them feel personal. The receptionist was genuinely helpful and quick to respond whenever I had a problem. My 3rd-floor room didn’t have proper internet, so she promptly moved me to the 1st floor. She even offered to carry my luggage, which I appreciated, though I didn’t feel comfortable letting her do it and helped out myself. It’s a very central location, but getting there with bags can be awkward since cars can’t stop right at the entrance and you have to walk along a pedestrian street. The building is old, there’s no air conditioning, and breakfast isn’t included, so I wouldn’t choose it for a longer visit. I had a decent stay for a short time and would recommend it for perhaps one night, but probably no longer.

Sevgi was kind and really helpful when I arrived. She showed me to my room and made sure I was settled in. The hotel feels welcoming, and the room has a sweet design. If I’m lucky enough to return to Istanbul, I’d stay here again without hesitation.