Maywood Hotel

We were four couples on a four-day trip to Istanbul, staying in regular double or twin rooms. The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Galata Bridge, tram and subway stops, restaurants, shops, banks, ATMs, and other attractions. Reception, the staff, and the manager were all good to deal with. They gave us a tourist map with information, places to see, and trip suggestions. There are plenty of cheaper or better options in Istanbul if that’s what you’re looking for. I had room 315, which was clean and large enough for two adults and our luggage, with relatively new furniture. The bed was a little small by European standards, but we slept well over three nights. A large window looked onto the courtyard behind the hotel and part of the building, and brought in plenty of natural light. The bathroom was spacious, everything worked, and there was hot and cold water at any hour. We had no noise problems. The elevators were fine too. We used the ones at the back of the hotel rather than the busy lobby lifts. The hotel was generally clean and the amenities worked well. Breakfast was a standard hotel spread with an omelette and fried egg station, and a little bit of everything. It suited us well for two or three days, though the same options might get dull on a longer stay. There are plenty of nearby restaurants for a typical Turkish breakfast. There was no minibar or water in the room, but the lobby had a vending machine and there was a shop beside the hotel. The surrounding area caters heavily to tourists, so prices are higher. Move a little outside that zone and you can find restaurants and shops at fairer prices.

We had a lovely three-night stay in a very clean hotel right in the heart of Sirkeci. The Marmaray, train, and tram stations were just a two-minute walk away, along with the ferries at Eminonu, and beautiful Gülhane was close by. Breakfast was okay, with freshly cooked omelettes available. All the staff were friendly and helpful. While we waited for our ride home, the elderly patron brought us a glass of tea and chatted with us. We’ll definitely stay here again.

The bed was a bit small for two average-height adults, and we only had one blanket to share. The hotel was sort of clean, though there was hair here and there. Breakfast was okay, but labels on the dishes with descriptions or allergen information would’ve helped. On our first evening, reception suggested a restaurant that turned out to be quite expensive, average in quality, and felt like another tourist spot. The airport transfer offered by the hotel cost about €20 more than the option on Booking.com. It was a fine enough place for our three-night stay, but it didn’t leave much of an impression, so I’d hesitate to recommend it. The central location puts Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and other main attractions within walking distance. The surrounding area is geared heavily toward tourists and full of potential tourist traps, which made it harder to enjoy the location.

The little parting gift was such a lovely touch: tea with traditional glasses and Turkish pastries. I also felt very secure there. The room was spotless and so quiet, even right in the city center, and housekeeping did a great job. The pool, spa, and well-equipped gym were all clean and impressive. Breakfast had plenty of variety and I enjoyed everything I tried. The hotel sits right among Istanbul’s best-known historic sights, and the staff made me feel welcome and looked after from the minute I arrived. Highly recommend, 5/5.