Orient Express by Orka Hotels

You’re close enough to reach the Bosphorus and most sights on foot, and there’s plenty of life in the neighborhood. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the receptionist spoke good English. Breakfast was good, though I’d have liked more choice. The rooms are small and basic. Street noise can be bothersome if you’re sensitive to it.

The rooftop restaurant has amazing views, and the spa, open until 9 pm, is well worth trying. Hamam massage costs extra. Staff were friendly, professional, and full of useful information. The hotel was clean and comfortable, and its central location felt very safe. We had a great time and would highly recommend it.

The location worked okay for me, but the stay itself was a horror. I was there for three nights, and the room wasn’t clean. The shower drain was clogged, so the water wouldn’t go down. Whenever we needed help, the staff were extremely slow to respond. I wouldn’t want to sleep there even for free.

The front desk staff were very helpful, and the location is excellent, but I expected more from the hotel. Our room was tiny and faced the main street, so we heard everything: the tram, the mosque, and people talking. It felt like the window was open. There was no bathroom ventilation, either. The elevator was so small and slow that we took the stairs a couple of times. The pool in the spa was tiny, and the Turkish Bath Room was always occupied with individual hammams, so we couldn’t use it.