Gezi Hotel Bosphorus — Hotel in Beyoğlu

Hi fellow travelers, I hope you are enjoying your journeys!||Fist off before writing my full review, if you can can bare with me, please read to the end as there is a truely amazing story to follow. ||A few months ago I was horseback riding in Mexico. Unfortunately the horse handle had forgotten to secure the saddly and stirrups. I should have realized it, but two shots of tequila prior, i was excited and must have ignored the warning signs. ||Going up on a mountain side, the saddle slid off to the left, the same side as the slope of the mountain. || I fell off 3.5 mtrs, 6’6”.Our bodies are amazing going into pure shock mode to protect our vital organs. I was completely paralyzed for 45-50mins, neck down.. Scariest time of of my life, but just wait. Thinking you will be paralyzed the rest of your life, I can’t explain that daunting pain I felt. ||I was rushed to the hospital urgently, they did multiple tests and finally a C-Scan… Many of my organs were bruised quite badly, although it did’t appear to be significant more damage - at the time. The doctors there said they are healthy enough and if I would prefer, let them heal for a month or two and get another C-Scan to compare. ||In the meantime, I was scheduling my next C-Scan is Istanbul, AMAZING doctors in Turkey. Additionally to get my dental work there as it is far cheaper and much better than the USA. ||As I was waiting a few weeks for my flights, I booked the Gezi hotel. I’ve stayed there before and I absolutely love it, it will showcase more, I promise. I always get room R-003, but wow, I just gave away my secret. Enjoy it if you book!||While waiting for my trip, I had two very strange and scary episodes which I’ve never had in my life, clearly due to the horse fall and obviously one of my nerves was pinching. Very odd,|it shut down my B to feet completely paralyzing them for over 10 minutes, thus also impacting my entire ability to move, helpless, but luckily I was home safe in my bedroom with my dog who jumped off the bed(very rare for him to do, too lazy) and licked me like crazy to get me come around as I was helpless on the floor, both times my dog knew there was something seriously wrong. ||I arrive in Istanbul a few weeks after those episodes… the staff gave me warm welcomes as usual since they know me from last year. ||The hotel is spotless, great location, awesome cleaning services, more to follow. ||I first booked my dental appointments because the clinic was just 3 blocks away, two appointments booked… check. |Onto the the next, I was suggested by many Turkish and foreingers alike that hospital Azibajidan(spelling check once home?????????????) is one of the best. ||I then proceeded to the hospital the next day which was a Thursday via taxi in order to book my appointments, at that point assuming just two needed. ||They could not schedule me for C-Scan or the evaluation regarding the two leg episodes, until Monday, I then decided walk down the hill towards the main road, I love walking in Istanbul, awesome city… Sadly not that day, I unfortunately happended to have one of the leg episodes, this one being the strongest yet, except for the actual fall obviously, this paralyzed me for around 30 minutes. I became paralyzed almost instantly, this time for far longer, several days to begin with. I started to wonder if it was nerves being pinched or somehow my brain starting setting off seizures. ||As heartfilled and caring Turkish people are, three younger guys carried me down the hill to put me in a taxi back to the hotel, likely 3.5 blocks. ||Once arriving at the hotel, the taxi driver rushed in to the hotel to ask for help quickly. ||This is where the AMAZING staff reviews come into play, my apolgize for the long winded story, but it really had a massive impact on my life, my confidence, my livelyhood, etc., I was beyond aftraid out of my mind and I feel sharing my story really showcases the hotel, the staff and their resillience to adapt and take care of someone… my life has been flipped completely upsided down, it is devasating which is not even strong enough of a word to describe this fiaso. ||Immediately upon arriving at the hotel, the entire staff came out to assist in whatever way they could. I was almost completely paralyzed, afraid and alone, the worst feeling in my entire life.||| Serkan Demirhas was first outside to carry me in, he will be the most focused on in the story given all he did. ||He did everything for me: He went above and beyond to go and pick up an apple mouse since I forgot mine, he’d always proactively go shopping at markets for me… Most importantly he carried me all around, both the hotel and to and from my dentist appointments, keeping my spirits up that there is still life. ||Yunus Emra was aslo a huge help, carrying me around, organizing so many things for me, we out of the way to buy a cane. ||Ohan was super quick at all times, big strong guy so he could easly carry my skinny body|||All of the rest of the staff there was just amazing, making me feel well looked after at all times, mostly for help and emergencies. ||Overall rating of the hotel in general. ||Food is decent, I would love to see more options, although they will definitelitely go out and get it for you if they don’t have it. |Hotel, it woul be super nice if there was a ‘full sized’ pool|Location, spot on with pure convenience ||Staff, *100 stars, minumum|||Thank you everyone at Gezi, especially Serkan, in a challenging way, you helped give me life backin this fd challenge….||I will see you all again, THANKS,...

I booked a short stay at Gezi Hotel to try this property as part of a mattress run. Unlike the other Design Hotel in Istanbul (Bank Hotel), Gezi is known to upgrade Ambassador Elite guests to suites when available, so the fact that some Design Hotels can be stingy with upgrades is less of an issue at this hotel. I liked the room enough to say that I can recommend Gezi and I would consider returning but it would be in low season to maximize the chances of a suite upgrade.

I booked the entry level room and was upgraded two categories to a Deluxe Bosphorus View room, unfortunately not a suite but that was because the hotel was completely sold out so +2 upgrade in such circumstances was a nice gesture on their part. The hotel only has 66 rooms so not a large property, which can explain why in high season room upgrades can be more difficult.

The room itself is probably the strong point of the hotel, the hardware was quite nice with sturdy hardwood floor, bright bathroom thanks to a large window in the shower with blinds which we could draw down for privacy, and pleasant design generally speaking in the bedroom. I also liked the floor to ceiling window on the entire length of the outer wall, there was some view of the Bosphorus as per the name of the room type, but unfortunately the construction site in front was more glaring than the sea view so definitely not one of the best hotels for views. I also thought the room was lacking a chair to sit at the desk in front of the bed.

The bathroom toiletries were Aromatherapy which is appropriate for hotels belonging in the luxury segment. The other amenities were a mixed bag, they had slippers but no bathrobe, also as per the Design Hotel brand rules, they did not offer an Ambassador welcome gift unlike Bank Hotel which provided a fruit tray when I stayed there a couple of months ago.

Breakfast is not included for guests Platinum or above, also in line with the rules for the Design Hotel brand. I ordered room service once and while the food looked good, the smoked salmon was too salty.

Overall I can recommend Gezi Hotel to some extent and I will consider returning but only if occupancy is expected to be lower. I think without a suite it’s harder for Gezi to compete with other properties which upgrade generously to suites, in part because some other hotels simply have more of them available. However the room at Gezi was nice enough to be a useful option as part of Marriott’s portfolio for a change in scenery from the traditional Marriotts...

1. Check-In Experience and Staff Interaction: The check-in process at Gezi Hotel Bosphorus leaves room for improvement. Unfortunately, there is no staff waiting at the door to help guests carry their luggage up the stairs from the street. Staff's greeting lacks warmth and proper attention. No tour or explanation of the hotel was offered. Guests expect a friendly welcome, especially when arriving at a boutique luxury hotel.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Membership: Regrettably, the front desk fails to mention the Bonvoy membership during check-in. This oversight contributes to a cold and impersonal atmosphere. Acknowledging loyalty programs is essential for creating a personalized experience.

3. Payment Process: Gezi Hotel Bosphorus follows an unusual policy regarding payments. Guests cannot use the card on file unless they specifically request an online payment. The front desk staff should proactively offer payment options to enhance guest convenience.

4. Welcome Amenities: Disappointingly, there are no welcome amenities or gift offers provided upon arrival. A small gesture, such as a welcome drink or a fruit basket, can significantly elevate the guest experience.

5. Room Condition: The room itself presents a mixed bag. While the panoramic views promise a breathtaking experience, the interior feels outdated and dusty. Fingerprints on surfaces detract from the overall cleanliness.

6. In-Room Communication: The non-functional room phone and the absence of a chat function through the Bonvoy app are notable drawbacks. Wi-Fi is extremely slow. Effective communication channels are crucial for guest satisfaction.

Overall Impression: Gezi Hotel Bosphorus has a prime location near Taksim Square and Gezi Park. However, addressing the areas mentioned above would significantly enhance the guest experience. With its blend of luxury design and individualized service, Gezi Hotel Bosphorus has the potential to be exceptional.

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