Sembol Hotel

Breakfast on the fifth-floor terrace was fabulous, with a nice view that looked like a fishing harbor or something. The rooms are clean, and some housekeepers come by every day. The location is great, close to the Trolley station, shopping stores, and the grand bazaar. Overall, a pleasant place to stay. People smoke everywhere, though. If you can't handle the smell, don't even think about booking. Travelers from all over also use the hotel as a hub for their goods. There's always a pile of boxes and luggage in the lobby, with people packing things to ship to their countries. Sometimes there's barely room to step.

For a couple of nights, it's an okay place for the price. It's close to Grand Bazar, Blue and Sofia Mosque, and other tourist spots. Some rooms have been renovated recently, but the work was rushed and not very good. The bedsheets weren't in the best condition, and the breakfast was poor, so I don't recommend it. We had a heating problem on the first night, but the staff agreed to move us, so that was fine. One day the cleaner forgot the towels, though reception sorted it out when we asked. They may say there's parking, but that's not true. They direct you to a private lot that costs 35 TL per day.

The location is good and the beds are okay, and the price is fair. But the hotel has too much dust, and I'd rate breakfast 3/10. The sheets and towels didn't smell freshly washed, and the room doors don't lock very well. The rooms are tiny. I recommend it only if you're there to sleep, then head out again.

It feels like my second home here. I feel safe and so welcome, and the staff are amazing. Breakfast is wonderful and prepared with so much love. When I'm in Beyazit, I can't imagine staying anywhere else.