Victory Hotel & Spa Istanbul

Rima was so kind and attentive throughout the treatment, which made it even more relaxing. I tried a Turkish bath with exfoliation and a bubble massage, something completely new for me, and loved the whole experience. It began with about 15 minutes in the sauna, then after the massage I could unwind by the pool in a lovely relaxation area and use the facilities for as long as I wanted.

The spa and pool were a welcome treat after long walks around Istanbul, and the rooms were clean and looked after. Getting around was easy because the hotel is close to the Grand Bazaar and most of the old city’s main sights. The staff were polite and helpful. Mr. Güven Çakmakci was especially professional and friendly, always ready to help with a smile. Olga & Magdalini Mitsaina

The spa was the best part of my stay, and the spa staff, especially the Nepalese staff, were kind, professional, and gave excellent service. The gym, though, does not open until 10:00 AM, which was inconveniently late. Elsewhere, communication was difficult because most staff did not speak good English. I was shocked to see a waiter put food left on guests’ tables back into the breakfast buffet. Breakfast was awful. Housekeeping came only twice during my 6-night stay; they replaced towels but left the sheets unchanged, and the bathroom was not cleaned properly. The room they called standard was extremely cramped, more like a student hostel than a 4-star hotel, and even basic things were missing. They used paper cups for tea, coffee, and drinking water. Service overall was poor. The hotel does not meet 4-star standards, and I would only recommend the spa, not the stay.

The hamam left me feeling really relaxed, and the price was very good compared with other hamams. We had the traditional Turkish treatment at this Hotel. Everyone was kind, and Rima in particular made me feel comfortable.