Kordon Hotel Cankaya

The room had cigarette burns on the sofa despite being a non-smoking room, and I couldn’t control whether the air conditioning heated or cooled. The hotel uses a central system, and I was told changing my room’s mode would change the temperature for the whole floor. Izmir’s weather varied during my stay, so this was frustrating. I’ve traveled widely in Istanbul and abroad, and even 3-star hotels in Turkey usually let you choose the AC mode. At check-in, the manager was alone at the desk, deep in a conversation with another staff member. I waited about a minute at the otherwise empty reception before anyone acknowledged me. I also wasn’t told the Wi-Fi details or breakfast hours. A bell boy volunteered that information, and the bell boys were the best part of the hotel. Breakfast on the first morning was just boiled eggs. When I asked at the desk the next day, I was told I could order other kinds of eggs, but nobody had put up a sign or told guests. I skipped breakfast for the rest of my stay. Twice I asked for coffee and mugs, and both times the elderly housekeeper brought only coffee. With the language barrier, I couldn’t explain it was an oversight by the front desk, and I felt bad sending him back for the mugs. Some reception staff were kind, and they sent a fruit tray as a gesture to make up for things. Still, there are several areas that need work before this meets a proper 4-star standard.

I only stayed one night, but the staff were very kind and friendly. The location made it easy to get around on foot, and both the metro and tram are nearby.

The people running the free breakfast buffet were great. The front desk team, though, seemed annoyed whenever I asked for the address, nearby restaurants, or convenience stores.

The location is a real plus, right in central Izmir, under three minutes from the shops, ten minutes from the souk, and ten minutes from the waterfront. The area was very clean and quiet, and breakfast had plenty of variety. We stayed three nights, and the hotel was clean. Reception staff were friendly and helpful, always looking for a solution. Maintenance were quick and attentive too. When I had a small issue with my room door, they immediately offered me a better room, and I was very pleased with how fast they dealt with it. Thanks to all the staff.