Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Pera

We got a good deal by booking directly with Radisson, including a better room for the same price. The location was convenient: a bus stop is two minutes away, the metro takes 5-7 minutes to reach on foot, and Karakoy ferries are about a 15 minute walk. There are lots of good places for food and drinks nearby. The hotel is showing its age but still works well. The pool and spa are small, and you'll need a swimming cap. Staff were generally helpful, though housekeeping sometimes missed towels, bathrobes or coffee capsules, so we had to ask reception. On our last night, the AC went off throughout the hotel for what we were told was planned maintenance, but we hadn't been notified. The terrace bar was quiet before 5pm. We didn't care for the drinks and thought they were overpriced.

The breakfast terrace has a lovely view across the city, and the fresh omelettes and pancakes were nice. Other food was okay, with a reasonable selection, though the salad, sliced meats and cheese felt pretty average. The syrniki were inedible, far too much flour. It's a handy spot for transport and nearby restaurants, and the staff were welcoming, as I usually find at Radisson hotels. The hotel and room were nice, with comfortable beds. But the bathroom was awful: outdated, mould around the shower and dirty shower heads. Staff were accommodating when we asked to move rooms, but the other room had the same issue. They said it was due to the chemicals they use. The photos can speak for themselves. It wasn't a bad short stay, but the bathrooms and food need work.

Tolgahan at reception made a real difference to our stay. He helped with our early arrival, explained things clearly, and made sure all the details went smoothly. Whenever we had a question or request, he responded patiently and with a smile. He was professional, welcoming and genuinely caring, and went out of his way to make us feel valued. My thanks to him and the whole team for a comfortable, stress-free visit.

The rooftop restaurant has a breathtaking view and good food. My room was nice and the staff were nice too, but the standard room view was horrible. I knew I wasn't booking a room with a great view since it was the cheapest, but this was a monstrosity. There was a machine outside my window, and with the hotel full they couldn't move me or the machine. I was stuck looking at it for three nights, and nobody offered a discount or anything to make up for it. I'm not short on money, but it didn't feel like much of an apology. The hot tub was cold and the pool freezing. The cold plunge was cool, but those three options made for a pretty ridiculous water experience. I got there at 2:30pm after my flight and waited in the lobby for 30 minutes because check-in wasn't until 3. Not a huge complaint, but frustrating after a long trip. The minibar was empty, so anything besides water or tea had to be ordered through room service. I was coming from a week at a resort in Antalya. I didn't expect an all-inclusive place, but this was a letdown after that experience.