The Haze Istanbul

I’ve stayed here three times, and the service has been excellent each visit. The rooms are small to medium-sized, but clean and comfortable. I especially appreciate that you need a room key card to reach the guest floors, which made me feel very secure. The staff are professional and so kind, especially Rafi, Fatih, and Diaa. It’s a very suitable hotel for women and families, and I’d definitely stay again. Best wishes, Taghreed

Getting around was easy from here. Galata saray is a five-minute walk, the umbrella street is right across from the hotel, Galata port takes around eight minutes on foot, and Karakoy pier is less than five minutes away. Taxis are available outside at all times. For a short Istanbul visit, we found this one of the best locations for moving around, right in the middle of everything. The location earns four stars from me. The rooms felt a little small and rather dated, and could use some updates. If your room faces the main street, expect some of the traffic noise.

Our booking issue turned into a stressful arrival. We had reserved three nights through agoda, got confirmation, and the nonrefundable payment had already been taken from my account a month before the trip. But when we reached the hotel, the receptionist said they were full and couldn’t find our reservation in the system. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that it was an honest mistake or a lapse on their side, because the booking itself wasn’t a scam. They sorted it out by moving us to Hotel Morione, right beside Haze Karakoy, and the staff there welcomed us. They handled the problem well, though we had been looking forward to staying at Haze. In the end it all worked out, but what a strange experience. Maybe next time, or maybe not? 😉

I had a really good time here. The room was small but clean and practical, with a lovely view. Staff weren’t especially fluent in English, but they were always willing to help. Try for a balcony room if you can. The hotel is close to all the nice shopping in Istanbul.