Rose Mansion by Otantik Suites

The room had plenty of space and a fridge, and we really liked the tasty breakfast and friendly service during our five nights. The hotel was very clean, though it felt quite dated. The man at reception was one of the most unprofessional and unfriendly we’ve come across. First impressions count. I’d put it at a solid three stars.

The location worked perfectly for us, close to local shops and good restaurants, with the main attractions about a 15 minute walk away. We also found routes that avoided the steep hills. Staff were helpful, and I’d definitely stay again. The apartment was warm during the freak snow storm in March, thanks to central heating, with AC available if needed. Our main sleeping and living room was spacious, the beds were a good size, and it suited a family with young kids. There was a lovely view over the rooftops and down the street. The kitchen was usable and suitably equipped, though a bit worn. As a Brit, I had to buy full-size mugs for tea. The laminate floors got dusty quickly, and a dustpan and broom would have helped. Some bedding was damaged and should be replaced; the towels were clean but old.

The place was a fantastic deal at about £90 a night, especially compared with nearby apartments charging £200 or £400. The staff were lovely and friendly, and Sultan Ahmet Square was a 10 minite walk away. The room was great, with working air conditioning, though you had to pass through the room to reach the bathroom. The mattress sheet kept coming off, so I had to keep adjusting it, which was annoying. Begonville Cafe nearby is a nice restaurant with good prices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

My sister kept complaining about the basement mansion I booked for her family. The lounge, kitchen, and two single beds were okay, but the inner bedroom was rough and poorly maintained compared with the photos. The toilet also looked fine in the pictures but was actually rough and very small. What we got was completely different from what the booking.com listing showed.