Check-In Process The day before my arrival, I reached out via their website form to inquire about an early check-in. Mustafa promptly replied, letting me know they’d do their best to accommodate and appreciated the acknowledgement, as it sets the tone for the stay.
I arrived around 12:30 PM, fully prepared for the possibility my room wouldn’t be ready. After a brief 10-minute wait to complete payment, I was told at 12:40 PM that my room was available. Knowing how tight turnaround times can be, I was genuinely impressed by their efficiency. I was welcomed with a pack of cookies, a fresh fruit plate, and a handwritten note which elevated my arrival. I appreciated their ability to accommodate my request so smoothly.
Checkout Process Checkout was seamless. My airport transfer arrived earlier than expected, but by the time I got to the lobby, Emrecan had already finalized my account. I simply collected my things and walked out effortlessly.
A few weeks later, I requested an electronic invoice to ensure credit for my Bonvoy nights. Mustafa responded promptly and handled it proactively. Their follow-through after my stay was just as impressive as during it.
Hotel Room The room struck a perfect balance of aesthetic and function, reminiscent of Copenhagen. With full kitchen amenities like a refrigerator, microwave, stove, plates, and cutlery, felt like I was back at home. They also offer a comprehensive set of toiletries.
A detail I always evaluate is the hair dryer. This one met expectations, featuring a cool option I consider a baseline standard and makes a big difference at least for me. The intuitive lighting and comfortable seating area reflected thoughtful design.
Housekeeping / Room Service Service efficiency stood out from breakfast deliveries, dining pickups, and luggage assistance. I especially appreciated the automatic bottled water replenishment, delivered to my door like clockwork. That kind of proactive service is the hallmark of a well-run property.
I can’t speak directly to housekeeping, as I had my DND sign up most of the time. That said, they were respectful, leaving a courteous note and following up with a polite call to check if I needed service. A considerate balance of privacy and attentiveness.
Breakfast On my first morning, the breakfast spread was well-curated w/ pastries, fruits, nuts, and cereals, alongside an à la carte menu. I ordered a croissant with beef ham, eggs, and avocado, which was excellent.
On another morning, I found the spread wasn’t yet set up at 8:45 AM. I ordered room service instead, and they quickly rectified the situation. The Casa Foscolo French toast was served with an additional selection of pastries, nuts, and spreads. Throughout, Şimal’s warm and positive service elevated the experience. On my last morning, I ordered an omelet, and the same level of care was evident.
Don’t skip breakfast because everything was delicious! :-)
Overall One minor area to note: there was a noticeable odor from the sink and shower drains, likely due to lack of use while I was away. Understandable for a new property, but something worth addressing as they continue to fine-tune operations.
That said, the hotel is off to an excellent start, especially as it’s only been a few months since their remodel and reopening. I genuinely had a pleasant stay and look forward to returning.
Highly recommended for those seeking quick access to Istiklal Street, Galata, and the metro, with the comfort of home-like amenities blended with boutique hotel standards.
Side note: I really enjoyed the cookies - any chance you can share the recipe or make them available...
Read moreElegant boutique hotel hosted in a well restored neoclassical building of late 19th century (1890-1900) with art deco (1920-30’s) warm tone interior design.||Pros :||Located very close to Sishane metro station and Tünel funicular station which leads down to Karaköy. Also nearby Istiklal Street and Galata area, being located at the south end of Pera.||The interior of the hotel was very quiet during my 4 nights stay (almost silent) despite being fully booked. This gave a feeling of an apartment building rather than a hotel, which I highly appreciated.||The staff is made of a small team of friendly individuals that are very attentive to guest confort and satisfaction. I hereby thank Bilal, Emir and Furkan for their great hospitality.||The beautiful little suite with french balcony that I booked came with a kitchenette that contained all necessary amenities, including a Nespresso machine (the professional line which is of higher quality coffee than the basic lines).||The lobby has a little library with some interesting books, mostly art and design related being part of an art gallery.||Cons:||Despite being in a rather smaller street (not a main road), it can still be a little bit noisy due to garbage collection trucks and deposit of glass bottle regularly from nearby bars at some hours (mostly evening/night time).||Areas of improvement to reach excellence:||The little suite with french balcony came with a nice yet small living area that does not require a sofa bed in my humble opinion (eats too much space) as this room is rather suitable for one person or a couple. It would be much better with a normal sofa, similar to the corner suite, as it would allow more space in the living area.||The hotel currently has only synthetic filling pillows, which can be uncomfortable for people who prefer feather pillows like me.||Finally, the hotel currently offers a small à la carte breakfast, which can be enhanced with more options (natural cereals, french bakeries, turkish simit, etc).||The last two points were discussed with the staff and they professionally took note of it, which is a very good sign of quality enhancement.||Overall, my stay at Casa Foscolo Istanbul was enjoyable. It is a refined property that is rooted in Istanbul’s history. It makes a great addition to the Design...
Read moreLate last year, my dad and I were strolling through Istanbul’s Beyoğlu neighborhood in the evening when we passed a glowing European style building tucked down a quiet side street. It looked almost residential, reserved and subtle, but stood out so elegantly that we stopped to snap a photo.
Fast forward to our most recent trip. A booking mishap at our original hotel led me to reserve a nearby stay last minute. We arrived in Istanbul and, to our surprise, found ourselves checking into that very building we had admired. Casa Fiscolo!
The hotel had only been open a few months. There was some construction at the entrance, but staff were right outside, ready to help with our luggage. Inside, we were offered tea and welcomed into a beautifully decorated space with no rush to check in.
We were upgraded to the deluxe suite after being told the double room was small. The suite had a full bed, a sofa bed, blackout curtains, vanity, wardrobe, a smart TV, a kitchenette, and an espresso machine with pods. A fruit plate and waters were waiting for us, and everything felt thoughtfully arranged except outlets were minimal and not convenient. We also had a lovely street view with Galata tower at the end.
It felt like we might have been the only guests, but service never faltered. Every time we left or returned, someone was there to greet us. Even small touches like lemon water were appreciated.
When I wandered into the library, a staff member followed and explained the design. The space also serves as a bar with coffee and cocktails. It was quiet, elegant, and the perfect place to relax after dinner.
The breakfast room carried the same understated elegance, with a communal table set beside bookshelves, like a living room, while the other room felt more formal like fine dining. Breakfast itself was minimalist, more European/Western than Turkish. Coffee was from a machine and not great, and the à la carte eggs were pretty bland but the chia pudding was lovely.
We loved how discreet the hotel felt. Right in the heart of Pera, yet somehow hidden in plain sight.
Casa Fiscolo is exactly what I look for in a boutique stay when I want a quiet retreat. My dad’s already decided this is the only place we’ll stay next time. It’d also be perfect for a solo traveler. And yes, it’s a...
Read more