Troya Hotel Balat - Special Class

We loved the main floor restaurant, with its stunning view of the Golden Horn. The traditional Turkish breakfast, served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., was delicious, and the supper menu was great too. Troya is an absolute gem. Our room was on the small side, but very clean and quiet, and the hospitality and warm welcome were delightful. We highly recommend this lovely little hotel.

The hotel is right across the road from the tram and ferry, so exploring the city is easy. It's on the main road by the water, which can be noisy, but with the windows shut it was very quiet, and there's AC. The building is beautiful and well maintained, with original tile and construction alongside updated amenities. Best of all, the staff were incredibly kind and helpful. Breakfast was divine, and the attached restaurant was very good, especially the cabbage rolls and crispy zucchini.

We came back for the breakfast, a superb Turkish spread of cold dishes, and the location is great too, just minutes from lots of restaurants and coffee shops. We stayed twice last week, both visits for one night. The rooms are nicely decorated, and the retro style is fun. The bathrooms are small and not the greatest, but okay for a 3-star hotel. On the first night we had a sea-view room; on the second, when they were more full, we got one without a sea view. That room wasn't as nice, and its bathroom drain smelled.

The neighbourhood is packed with good shops and places to eat, and this is still my first choice whenever I’m in Istanbul. Troya Hotel Balat has an old-world feel and a lovely setting, with modern service and excellent food. Great value, too.