Republika Ortakoy Aparts

After 8 months living here, I've run into a lot of problems. The heater is broken, so downstairs can be cold while the bedrooms get burning hot. The cleaners barely do a proper job. The shower has broken multiple times, and my safe was already broken when I moved in and still hasn't been fixed. There are loads of rules, and guests aren't allowed in unless they pay to stay overnight in a separate room.

The service was horrifying and sometimes rude. I paid for a spacious room with a kitchentte, but when I arrived they gave me a tiny cubical and said no rooms were available. After a Turkish friend contacted them, they moved me straight into the room I'd originally paid for. The internet was very slow, barely worked, and kept disconnecting. I've also been trying to get my refund for the past 2 months without success. Highly recommend staying away!

The new chef is courteous, kind, speaks English, and cooks well. Sevgi abla is really the heart of the kitchen. They still have the former male chef, who I found racist, though. The rooms are tiny and housekeeping is below par. The reception itself isn't much of an issue, but management is a piece of work. This place is going downhill fast, and I'm glad to be leaving this overpriced shanty.

I really enjoyed my stay. The hotel is in a quiet part of Istanbul near the Bosporus and is easy to get around from. The rooms are beautiful, the food is outstanding, and the facilities include a gym, a rooftop pool, and more. Absolutely recommended.