Holiday Inn Istanbul - Old City by IHG — Hotel in Fatih

Final update. ||||Kemal decided to confront me in the lobby where I was sitting in a chair relaxing. He said he saw my review, but I just replied “Ok?”, and he kept repeating it trying to instigate something. ||||He continued that he wasn’t happy about it. Then he said “where is your friend?” With a smirk on his face. I told him he went home since we walked all day. ||||But then I realized he was just rubbing it in my face implying I didn’t really know him. So I tried to ignore him. ||||He continued ranting about the 1 star, and I told him I actually changed it to a 3 star, since I wasn’t gonna judged the hotel based off on bad person. |||| He goes on the computer to check and says “It’s still one star”. Now saying im a liar.. again. But I ignore him. I guess he refreshes it and see’s that it was changed. Then he’s says “when did you change it?” I didn’t answer. I just sat there on my phone, seeing how far he would take this. So I guess that was enough to appease him. ||||Wow. Like what the heck? If this doesn’t scare you I don’t know what will. Who even does this to a guest?? ||||I was trying to be a better person and leave a non biased review, but this person has gone too far. He’s lucky I don’t complain to corporate, but I just might when I get back home. Cause Im not wasting anymore time on him on my vacation. I’m also not going to intimated by him and change my review. So it’s BACK TO ONE STAR. Congratulations. ||||Then you can see his response. Saying he’s trying to “protect the guest” implying again that I didn’t know my guest and that he was a danger to others. Then he literally says guest needs to be registered. BUT HE WOULDN’T LET ME!! LOL. He just had some issue for some reason. ||||I would have paid a fee if that is what he wanted. Even tho I registered for 2 people. Any 5 star hotel lets you sign a guest in at the desk, or call you in your room and send them up. Oops, this is a 4 star hotel, but I thought Holiday Inn was a considered a top hotel. I never had issues like this before. ||||Below starts the original review.||||Kemal who works the counter wouldn’t let my guest in.||||I booked my room for about 7 nights. I have friends that live in the city, so I registered 2 personnel staying in the room in anticipation of friends stopping by.||||After eating out one friend decided to catch up in my room, so I could get some cold medicine for him. but to my surprise I was interrogated walking in. Then denied entry with my guest.||||I asked him if there is an issue that we could rester him now, but he refused. If you have family or friends that live in the city. DO NOT BOOK HERE.||||Kemal will go out of his way to make your stay embarrassing and unpleasant. He claimed it was “for my safely” insinuating i just met him off the street. How rude and unprofessional. If it was for my safety, wouldn’t register him alleviate the issue? Exactly, it wasn’t really for my safety.||||I will NOT be coming back here the next time im in Turkey. I will stick with Air BNB. Other than Kemal. The rest of the staff was very kind and accommodating.||||I booked trips, eating out almost every night in the hotel just to be made to look like a criminal. The rest of my time here. I will be eating out, and not spending another dime.||||Edit. I updated my revive. I added a few more starts. It’s not the management fault that an employee is incompetent. Every other staff was very professional and nice. So you can’t judge the whole place for one person.||||As for the room. The window is very thin, so you can hear almost everything outside. I had earplugs so it wasn’t too bad. The window was broken, and you can smell smoke from the streets. But I called and they sent someone to fix the window, so I could close it.||||The food is ok. Convenient if you don’t feel like going out, or it’s getting late.||||The floor feels like it had water damage. Very uneven. But it’s not a big issue.||||The room was clean, so that’s all I care about. If you have high standards or picky you might have an issue. ||||But again. Kemal ruined an...

I have stayed at this hotel three times, usually I love every visit to a Holiday Inn and this was no exception, the team are warm and welcoming its friendly and the foyer has been completely remodeled to the Holiday Inn IKEA open concept look. When you stay at this Hotel you get a real sense that all the staff are happy to be there, well because of Covid-19 I only saw two staff the whole time, so I’m sure they were happy.

The rooms are good and functional, Possibly not every room is marvelous but if you really dont like a room go down and discuss it it with one of the front desk and ask to change. The rooms have block out curtains so a good nights sleep is almost gauranteed, though my first night wasn’t as they had switched off the airconditioning I was in a top floor suite facing the sun and it was 35 degrees in the shade. if you are sensitive to mild noise and vibration then ensure you ask for a room at the rear of the hotel, best you join IHG rewards program for free, to book the cheapest rate and put your room preference in your profile. The airco once switched on, after the second day, is great and keeps the room an ambient temp. The complimentary Covid-19 special pre packaged Breakfast is served in the restaurant downstairs. It’s not good and they could have done better. Certainly other Holiday Inns I’ve stayed at have been and still do it corona virus safe. They need to change this at least.

Within easy walking distance to the hotel are shops with a convenience store directly across the road, great place to get some yogurts and drinks. There’s a taxi stand near by and easy walk to the main central parts of Istanbul. The guy at the desk can help and assist with all your tour bookings, though limited currently, maps and advice on things to do. They do have free parking but neglect to tell you that you may not enter the street of the hotel between 10am and 5pm so if like me you arrive then you’ll have to pay for a nearby parking station.

All in All I love the staff here and there infectious behaviour makes me enjoy this Hotel. I recommend this hotel if you need central Istanbul reasonably priced...

Visiting Istanbul in late May was an absolute dream! The weather was perfect, and the city’s blend of history and modern charm created a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Our stay at the Holiday Inn Istanbul Old City was ideal, with key sights like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar just a short walk away.||We spent our days wandering through the colourful streets of Sultanahmet, enjoying delicious meals at places like Meze by Lemon Tree and Çiya Sofrası. A visit to the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque was a highlight, followed by a meal at the hidden gem, Ararat Terrace Restaurant, where we enjoyed breathtaking rooftop views of the city.||The Grand Bazaar was an unforgettable experience, with its maze of stalls offering everything from intricate ceramics to beautiful jewellery. We had fun haggling with the friendly shopkeepers and picking up unique souvenirs.||One of the most peaceful escapes was a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. The car-free streets and charming mansions gave the islands a lovely, old-world charm. We enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch at Milto Restaurant, overlooking the sea, before soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.||Another memorable experience was a visit to Yalova, where we relaxed in the soothing thermal waters and then enjoyed a hearty Turkish köfte meal in the city centre.||We also spent a wonderful day at Aqua Florya Mall, shopping by the sea, and enjoyed a guided half-day bus tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, offering a perfect overview of the city’s rich history.||A day trip to Bozcaada was the cherry on top of our trip. This peaceful island, with its cobblestone streets, picturesque houses, and stunning beaches, provided the perfect escape. We enjoyed fresh seafood at Sahil Restaurant, visited Bozcaada Castle for panoramic views, and strolled through quaint shops.||Istanbul truly stole our hearts, with its fascinating history, culture, and warm hospitality. It’s a city that offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and romance. We can’t wait to return! Highly recommended for anyone seeking an...