As a regular guest at this hotel restaurant, I was surprised at the disappointing service my family and I received last week at Ocakbasi restaurant. The management, staff and service has definitely declined.
I made a reservation almost 3 weeks before arriving, to celebrate my mother's birthday at the Four Seasons with the family and rang to ask for a table with front row view of the Bosphorus.
When I arrived I was disappointed to see that the table we were given was on the third row.
When my family and I enquired with the host she told us they are fully booked on the front row. I was surprised as I booked almost 3 weeks ago and I am certain none of the guests on the front row had booked earlier than 3 weeks. I was also not told it is fully booked when I enquired upon making the reservation.
The host started to raise her voice at my elderly mother when my mother tried to explain the issue to another waiter who came to ask what the problem was. This is highly disrespectful towards an elderly lady especially when the host knew we are celebrating her birthday and we were already visibly upset.
My mother asked to speak to the manager who was, unfortunately, equally unhelpful and offered us another table which wasn't front row. It was very embarrassing for us to be stood arguing with the manager an host about the table in front of the whole restaurant and it was very disappointing to recieve such an attitude from the four seasons, which we are not used to.
The manager then explained we can't have front row as it is "VIP" and reserved for important hotel guests only. As we are staying at Cirigan Kempinski (external guests) we are only given second or third row.
This was unacceptable to hear and made us feel like "second class" guests at the restaurant. A service I have never received at any top restaurant or hotel I stayed in, worldwide.
I expressed this point to the manager and as we were talking (around 10 minutes of trying to convince him we wanted the table for 4 that was available already on front row) another family finished their meal on the front row. I had to then ask him to take that table and after some hesitation he reluctantly agreed and asked us to wait at the sofa area while he prepares this table.
By that time we were already feeling stressed, unwelcome and very embarrassed for having to literally convince the manager to give us the table we booked for my mother's birthday.
My mother felt uncomfortable to stay at the restaurant and my family decided to go back to Cirigan Kempiski and have dinner there - where we are always treated with respect and friendliness.
I am writing to express my disappointment as a long standing Four Seaons member having frequently visited the Casablanca hotel when I was living in London, regularly visiting the Istanbul branch for the brunches they used to hold and very often for dinner/coffee on the terrace and now I am a regular client of the Doha branch having moved there for work and arranged many work events at the venue.
Under no circumstances is it acceptable for a host to raise her voice at an elderly guest. Especially when my mum was not being aggressive.
I did not expect this level of disrespect for my whole family and as I said being treated as second class guests.
I wrote to bring this event to the general manager's attention, to retrain the staff and revisit the hotel policy which puts external guests who have booked in advance for special occasions as second priority. His response was dismissive and not helpful.
Seems the quality at Four Seasons Bosphorus is going down and my family and I would not return given the treatmnet we received - has nothing to do with...
Read moreNestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Besiktas, Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel offers a clean and conveniently located retreat for discerning travelers. With its commitment to cleanliness and prime location, the hotel attracts guests who seek a comfortable stay. However, while the hotel shines in terms of cleanliness and location, there are certain areas that could benefit from improvement, particularly room design and low room heights. This review aims to provide an honest assessment of both the positive and negative aspects of Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel. Impeccable Cleanliness: Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel maintains exceptional cleanliness throughout its premises. Whether exploring the public areas or settling into the guest rooms, guests can expect a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness is commendable and provides guests with peace of mind during their stay. Prime Location: Situated in the lively neighborhood of Besiktas, Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel enjoys a superb location. Close to the Bosphorus Strait, guests have easy access to many of Istanbul's major attractions and entertainment venues. Within a short distance, one can find historical sites, trendy restaurants, and vibrant street markets, allowing for a captivating exploration of the city. Disappointing Room Design: One area in which Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel falls short is the room design. While the rooms are meticulously clean and comfortable, they may come across as somewhat lacking in personality and innovation. The overall decor and furnishings could benefit from a refresh to create a more visually appealing and engaging environment for guests. Enhancements to the room design would elevate the overall guest experience. Low Room Heights: Another limitation for some guests is the relatively low room heights at Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel. Taller guests may find the ceilings somewhat restrictive, which can detract from overall comfort. Addressing this issue by providing higher room heights would greatly enhance the spaciousness and convenience for all guests. Conclusion: Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel offers a clean and well-located retreat for travelers seeking convenience and comfort. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness is highly praised, ensuring a hygienic environment for guests to enjoy. Its prime location in Besiktas provides easy access to Istanbul's attractions and cultural hotspots. However, the hotel falls short in terms of room design, lacking the vibrancy and innovation that guests may seek. Additionally, low room heights may pose an inconvenience for taller visitors. Despite these areas for improvement, Four Seasons Istanbul Besiktas Hotel remains a solid choice for those in search of a clean and well-situated accommodation option...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus during my visit to Istanbul, and I must say that I was truly impressed by every aspect of my experience. From the moment I stepped foot into the hotel, I was greeted with a level of warmth and professionalism that set the tone for my entire stay.
The hotel itself is a masterpiece of elegance and luxury. The amenities and facilities provided were nothing short of exceptional. The attention to detail in every corner of the property showcased the hotel's commitment to providing a top-notch experience for its guests. Whether it was the beautifully designed rooms, the well-maintained common areas, or the state-of-the-art fitness center, everything spoke volumes about the hotel's dedication to perfection.
One of the highlights of my stay was dining at the Aqua restaurant. The culinary experience was nothing short of extraordinary, and I must commend the brilliant chef for his culinary prowess. Each dish was a masterpiece, crafted with precision and bursting with flavors. The presentation was impeccable, and the attention to detail was evident in every bite. The combination of exquisite flavors and the stunning views of the Bosphorus made each meal a memorable experience.
Speaking of views, the breathtaking vistas from my room were simply outstanding. Waking up to the sight of the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus was a delight to the senses. The room itself was elegantly appointed, providing a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. The attention to detail in the room's decor and the luxurious amenities provided made my stay truly exceptional.
The spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus deserves a special mention. The Hamam experience was a true indulgence, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The serene ambiance, coupled with the skillful therapists, made it a rejuvenating experience for both the mind and body. The spa's facilities were top-notch, providing a wide range of treatments and services that catered to every need.
Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to the exceptional staff, particularly the Asia host at Aqua restaurant, who went above and beyond to ensure my dining experience was nothing short of perfection. Their attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine care made me feel like a valued guest throughout my stay. I would like to extend my special thanks to Meric, whose impeccable hosting skills added an extra touch of warmth and hospitality.
In conclusion, my recent stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus was a truly remarkable experience. The hotel's commitment to excellence, from its exceptional amenities and facilities to its outstanding service, surpassed all my expectations. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a luxurious and memorable stay...
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