Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel

The hotel cat, Osman, and his little group of furry friends are a big hit with my kids. They look forward to seeing them every year. This is our fourth stay, and we come back annually because it feels like a home away from home. The staff always make us feel welcome and valued. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the atmosphere is lovely, and the location works perfectly for us. The quality stays consistent from one visit to the next. We love this place and will keep returning.

It’s a great hotel, but I came away unhappy about two front desk incidents and the breakfast. Check-in was late, and they weren’t especially accommodating. I travel with a debit card only, so I had to put down a €100 cash deposit. I was fine with that, and agreed to the €50 breakfast deduction at checkout. But then another 5% was taken for hotel services, even though I’d paid in full through Agoda. The remaining money came back in Turkish lira at a poor exchange rate. I was very disappointed with how the transaction was handled. Breakfast cost €25 per person, and I expected more choice for an international hotel with international visitors. Some continental or familiar Western options would be appreciated, since not everyone is used to Turkish breakfast. It would also help to have an English-speaking waiter or manager available for requests like scrambled or soft-boiled eggs.

The rooftop bar is my highlight, especially for its good sushi selection. I’ve chosen this hotel for several years because it’s close to Caddebostan and Kadıköy, where I spend most of my time, and the price feels fair for what you get. The rooms are clean and impeccably maintained, almost like new, though their style may not suit everyone. Breakfast leans mainly toward Turkish food, which I think is entirely appropriate. See you soon, Wyndham.

The shower pressure was very weak, and traffic noise from the avenue made it hard to rest, even with the windows shut. My non-smoking room also smelled strongly of cigarette smoke, apparently coming through the ventilation from nearby rooms. That’s unacceptable. Breakfast was limited for a hotel in this category. The reception experience fell short too, especially with Andian, who should let guests finish speaking and listen more actively. The team needs broad training in hospitality and guest care. This felt closer to a 4-star property than a 5-star one.