Park Inn By Radisson Istanbul Ataturk Airport

I've travelled all over the world and spent more than 40 years in hospitality, and I've never had an experience like this. Maybe the hotel is a bit old, but it's clean. What makes it special is how much the people care. The manager is a wonderful, friendly person who looks after you and makes you feel safe, not like just another number. Receptionist Kemal has such a personality, and is supportive, caring, knows Istanbul inside out, and goes above and beyond with advice and help. I left my phone in a taxi with a dishonest driver. The manager immediately tried to help, offering tea, calming me down and reassuring me he'd do everything possible. We went into the security office to check the cameras for the taxi code, but the image was very blurry because of the weather. He then spent more than five hours going back and forth with the tourist police, but had to leave for his family after a 15 hour shift. He handed the case to Kemal, who picked it up straight away. He called every taxi driver on his list and asked them to pass the word over the radio. They were happy to help. Then we sat together and made a plan with different options and tactics. While waiting for the drivers to call back, he contacted the main police station and tourist police. Following protocol, he arranged a visit. It was very late, around 5am, and his shift was over, but he sent me to sleep and promised to wake me in a couple of hours so we could go to the police station. He did, and we went. The police took notes, Kemal gave them his number, then brought me back to the hotel. I was exhausted, so he told me to rest. He stayed downstairs even though it was his day off. Nobody has ever done that for me. I couldn't sleep, so I went downstairs with my father-in-law, who'd been waiting in the room, so we could get something to eat. Kemal arranged a very nice restaurant, and we invited him, the least we could do. We had a great time. The story goes on. He called every day to check on us until the end. When we'd run out of cash, he even lent us money until the Western Union delivery came. I offered him some cash, but he wouldn't accept it. Amazing, amazing, amazing! These people are assets to Park Inn, not employees. They care and keep trying until we're happy. Don't forget, shiny things aren't always gold. It's what's inside that gives them value.