Rooms Galata — Hotel in Beyoğlu

Well, sadly, here comes my first negative review on TripAdvisor... ||||After reading all of the positive reviews of Rooms Galata, we booked a 4-night stay here in October. We were aware from one of the last reviewers that hotel management was changing, but chose the hotel/apartment based on location and the hope that service would be as good as previous reviewers noted. We had good, responsive communication with Umut prior to our stay, although there was no offer to help us coordinate transportation from the airport (no biggie, just noting something that could be improved in the future) and the offer posted on trip advisor was not available.||We arrived at the location a bit early and we had a really positive first impression because the shared area is very nicely decorated (modern, understated yet sophisticated somehow). Umut was gracious and helped us sign three contracts (wow!) for our room and get our payment squared away. He offered us tea, which was very kind. He mentioned that he would give us many recommendations, but we left feeling like we didn't get any specifics except for 2-3 restaurant names. We asked about whirling dervishes (particularly because it was written on a chalkboard) and he mentioned that we could simply walk up the hill and find performances. This, for us, was a little more "hands off" than we expected for the rate we were paying. We don't expect someone to book our whole trip since a hotel isn't a travel agency, but some more guidance helps.||Our room was very nice and the building itself is beautiful. However, when Umut showed us our balcony, there was a random towel on it, the furniture was not cleaned recently, and there was a mess from a bird on the floor. Our room was clean overall (not spotless) and we felt the towels could have been fresher, and there was not a blanket for the bed. All of these concerns were brought to Umut the next day and he provided a blanket (a down comforter without a duvet, not entirely clean) and gave us some fresh hand towels (but took one of our bath towels without a replacement).||In any case, the overall experience is that the location still has some details to iron out if they'd like to maintain the reputation of the previous Rooms Galata. Once I communicated our frustrations, Umut was responsive. I do think that Umut did the best he could with the materials he had (or like to hope to), so I assume the apartments need to invest in getting more towels, bedding, etc. and ensure that units have their cleaning right before guests arrive. My boyfriend and I both agreed that if we had had a fresh duvet cover, a little more help with recommendations, and if there had been some type of fresh food (fruit, pretzels, etc.) or bottled water out in the kitchen each day (or these types of "little details"), it would have done a lot to detract from the other weaknesses. Or, if the price point was lower, that would have changed our expectations. But because these issues weren't addressed, it made us feel frustrated that we were paying this price for our stay when we could have found similar properties for a lower cost - and believe me, you can. Yes, the rooms are unique and the building is pretty, but when I'm in a new city, I want a clean room to come back to at night, a warm bed to sleep in, and hopefully some recommendations/attention from the staff. I simply think the business model does not match my expectations, but wanted others to be aware since they might go off of previous reviews on TripAdvisor. This is the first place I have reviewed on TripAdvisor that I would not recommend. I actually would have switched hotels midway through our stay if we hadn't paid the entire cost upfront (or if I was certain there was a way we could talk to management, but I had no idea who management was) - and I have never said that in my entire lifetime. We typically stay in boutique hotels/B&Bs, so we are not in need of typical hotel chain amenities.||||Other things (neutral) to note:||-wifi worked well||-rooms are not very quiet; we heard our neighbor's TV, the couple next door arguing, baby crying, etc., but because it was in a big city, we know this is part of the deal||-the steep hill on the way out of the apt is no joke :)||-8-10 minute walk from lots of great restaurants and bars, but not very close to public transportation. As a late 20s/early 30s couple, we were very happy with the location||-ask staff to make reservations for you and they will||-about a 15-minute walk from the Galata Tower, and 20-minute walk from Taksim||-the rooftop view really...

Rooms Galata was recommended by friend for their hospitality and location and after staying at Bankerhan Hotel (see other review) and coming back for another 2 night stay I thought I would try it out. |The location is great, it is off the main shopping street, which means access via metro and foot is great and you have options to eat out, have coffee etc (German cafe and book shop is right there which is lovely!). It is located down one of those veeeeery steep streets, so be mindful with your luggage. Good exercise!||We had communicated via email about my arrival time etc, only to find myself standing outside the entrance not being able to enter. As this used to be a regular apartment complex, it does not have a reception. So after several calls (luckily I had local calling) someone finally came to open the door and show me around. As I was out most of the days during my stay I did not encounter any of the owners / hosts, until the last day.||Besides the initial complication it was a great stay and I would definitely consider it for another stay.||+ Location (10 min from Galata Tower / 3 min from main shopping street)|+ spacious rooms, very clean - with a lounge area and a small balcony (booked basic room)|+ quiet - had a small balcony to the back of the street, absolutely no noise at all|+ additional common area and kitchen for a quick coffee of water and some reading material, and a nice (small) rooftop overlooking the Bosphorus |+ decent price point|- no amenities like toiletries, etc|- no reception / concierge - so just...

Viajé en familia con mi esposa y mis hijas de 19 y 11 años.||||Al llegar al hotel todo fue maravilloso, buena ubicación, extraordinarios cuartos y una amabilidad del responsable Bulent Gungor. Como ibamos a Capadocia nos ofreció que dejáramos las cosas en los cuartos (2 cuartos conectados por una puerta) y nos lleváramos la llave. El costo era de 200 euros por las dos habitaciones por noche. Serían 3 noches, 600 euros en total.||||La pesadilla comenzó cuando al regresar de Capadocia y llegar al hotel a las 3:30 de la mañana encontramos que el hotel estaba cerrado y existían sellos en las puertas; apanicados logramos entrar para constatar que no estaban todas nuestras pertenencias (ni los documentos que habíamos dejado en la caja de seguridad). ||||Logramos contactar al Sr. Gungor quien nos expresó que "habían tenido un problema con el gobierno y les habían clausurado el hotel, pero que tenían nuestras cosas y que nos reubicarían en otro hotel de su propiedad". Todo esto a las 4 de la mañana en una calle solitaria de Estambul.||||Llegaron a pie por nosotros y afortunadamente las cosas estaban empacadas. Al día siguiente recuperamos la caja de seguridad. ||||El nuevo hotel "Noble House" no tiene nada que ver en calidad, servicio y cuartos con Rooms Galata, por lo que solicitamos al Sr. Gungor que tomara en cuenta lo anterior para el cobro de las habitaciones. Inclusive en Booking.com este hotel se consiguen 2 habitaciones por 2 noches en 340 euros (no los 400 de Rooms Galata). ||||La respuesta del Sr. Gungor fue que no haría ninguna consideración en el precio, ni ofrecería ninguna compensación por los inconvenientes que ellos generaron y que teníamos que pagar la tarifa completa de 600 euros por las 3 noches.||||Para salir de Estambul pagamos y a través de correos estuvimos intentando que el Sr. Gungor reconsiderara su postura, sin ningún éxito. ||||Lo que mas nos duele es que aquél señor mayor y amable que al principio fuera toda cortesía, en el momento en que tenía que ser realmente un buen anfitrión y considerar el daño que había causado a sus huéspedes, desapareció, para tornarse simplemente en un negociante más.||||Por ese hecho les invito a reconsiderar quedarse tanto en Rooms Galata (que aparentemente sigue clausurado) o...