Honestly, having never been to Istanbul before, I’m so pleased I decided on this hotel. Firstly the staff are so nice and welcoming. The hotel itself is modern (is newer than a lot of hotels in Istanbul) and facilities were great||Rooms |Very clean. They are small 25m2 but had everything we needed. Modern looking, comfortable ||Facilities |Heated swimming pool was fantastic. They had a gym, Turkish bath and spa which I didn’t use as was too busy enjoying the pool. Complimentary access| to these facilities was a huge plus||Breakfast|Limited options but the chef will make to order omelettes and other dishes so this was good. I say limited options but this meant we didn’t over-eat like we always did in other hotels. The options appear to cater to a European clientele (so no Turkish options). The staff here were super friendly and so warm to our children and baby||Value for money|This hotel was a little more expensive than other hotels I had seen in karakoy and sultanehmet but I have zero regrets. I will 100% stay here again||Location|This is 10/10. A few mins walk to metro and tram stops and promenade/ ferry station. In fact you could easily walk to spice bazaar to sultanehmet (in fact we did on last day when road and trams were shut due to a marathon) such an easy and pleasant walk.||The area around the hotel is flat and accessible for a stroller. Galata tower is not too far but this is where the steep roads begin and not accessible to strollers etc. ||The immediate area outside hotel is flat, nice roads, pavements- there are endless eating options, mid range restaurants, vendors, lots of cafes, dessert parlours. I deliberately didn’t want to stay in busy Sultanehmet and I’m glad if my decision. Karakoy has a very cool, arty, colourful vibe to it||Transport |Trams and Metro is super easy to use even for me who was v concerned having not used this kind of transport even back home. Just get istanbulcart. No need to catch taxis at all (except to airport and back). Like everything, you just need to use metro/tram a few times to get used to it ||Downsides|No downsides to hotel except mediocre aircon. Some outside music/noise too late but windows shut this out.||Istanbul It is certainly not cheap. This was a 6 day stopover and I think we spent more here than in Doha. Ice cream vendors can be a con. Ask for small ice cream or prices first before ordering. Restaurants are UK prices but expensive is a relative term. Try and pay by cash lira rather than card because they don’t offer you to pay via local currency. Also expect to pay a service charge...
Read moreI stayed a few nights at the Galata Hotel during my last trip to Istanbul, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The hotel's location is truly fantastic, nestled on a charming street filled with cozy cafes and delightful restaurants. It was a perfect spot to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
The Galata Hotel itself is a well-maintained establishment with modern amenities that cater to the needs of its guests. The staff members were friendly and welcoming, always ready to assist and provide recommendations. Their warm hospitality added an extra touch of comfort to my stay.
The room I stayed in was cozy and impeccably clean. It provided a comfortable retreat after a long day of exploring the city. One of the highlights was the breathtaking view from the terrace. It offered a stunning panoramic vista of Istanbul, creating a memorable backdrop for enjoying breakfast or simply relaxing.
Speaking of breakfast, the Galata Hotel's morning spread was exceptional. It offered a wide variety of delicious options to start the day on a satisfying note. From fresh fruits and pastries to hearty dishes, there was something for every taste.
Overall, my stay at the Galata Hotel was nothing short of delightful. The prime location, friendly staff, comfortable room, and stunning terrace view made it a memorable experience. Also, I profited from the gym and swimming pool on the...
Read moreIt’s a really good location, just note that taxis do not come into this area, so if you’ve baggage expect to walk through the neighbourhood to get to the hotel.
STAFF - they’re nice depending on whom you interact with. There are two reception gentlemen’s that are really nice and sweet (Emre & Kadir). Nonetheless, they’re very accommodating and will do whatever to make your stay feel better. If you have a situation with rooms, staff, amenities etc., the management team will address for you.
Additionally, the hotel has a strict policy that does not allow guests to have visitors in their rooms. Visitors are only permitted in the lobby or on the terrace. This restriction can be quite inconvenient, especially for those who wish to spend private time with family or friends in the comfort of their room - if you have the space.
Unfortunately, the noise disruption makes it difficult for guests to relax and get a good night's sleep. Karakoy has become the hotspot for a lot of tourist, so one should expect noise from the streets. You’re in the heart of the beating heart and all the restaurant are busy and loud. Luckily our family sleeps with white noise and it cancels out the street noise + hotel.
ROOM SERVICE - clean, modern and comfortable. There’s no cleaning services after 4pm. Nonetheless, they...
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