Zeyn Otel Istanbul — Hotel in Fatih

GOOD POINTS - ZEYN HOTEL||• Friendly hotel manager (Selçuk) who always gave my child gifts, sweets and snacks when we left/returned to the hotel everyday - very kind gesture|• Hotel manager had begun implementing some of our feedback but time will tell whether the hotel adapts and improves; the cleaning regime definitely needs addressing for me to rate it any higher in the future|• Free taxi from SAW airport to hotel was good; it lightened the burden of sourcing a taxi in the airport of a new country (that being said, free taxi was booked with booking.com via Turmes Travel, and was not associated with hotel, as confirmed by front desk staff Ramazan)|• AC worked well|• Shower hose had good pressure (not the fixed mounted head, but the hose)|• Good location to landmarks but beware because older people and those with disabilities will struggle with the steep inclines and steep stairs to climb. Otherwise if you're young and fit, it'll just be part of your daily workout|• Local grocery stores (A101, etc) and local takeaways nearby are reasonably priced (250L for a tavuk durum and 270L for a tavuk pizza) - however, be careful because the takeaway staff will try to pull a fast one and overcharge you - I caught them overcharging me for the tavuk durum at 280L when it was actually 250L on their menu and on the poster situated on the front door - he knew what he did and apologised - however, this negative experience had nothing to do with Zeyn Hotel||BAD POINTS - ZEYN OTEL||• No toaster|• No ironing board|• Limited hangars especially for a triple room (almost like you're being told that each person can only ever have one change of clothes each, for the duration of your stay)|• The photos on booking.com of the 'budget double room' was not really reflective nor accurate of the room - it may have been an area of 96ft² but the photos online showcased that particular 'budget double room' as being much bigger and more spacious. I'm 6ft and if I spread my arms straight out to my sides when laying on the bed the room is only slightly wider and you barely get any room to walk at the foot of the bed|• Cleaning is non-existent; there isn't even superficial level of cleaning because the light fixtures had not been dusted for ages - this is basic stuff that needs to be addressed|• On the topic of lack of cleaning, the floor does not get hoovered even on days known to be a 'complete design' (which is designated by the hotel every 2d)|• Fridge electrics are so warm it heats the clothes wardrobe above it|• Limited breakfast and little/no variety - there are almost six of everything (six types of olives, six types of jam, four types of cheese, same goes for the breads, breakfast lacked any real variety) - fresh danish pastries and croissants would be a welcome variety because dried foods like biscuits are not really intercontinental breakfast cuisine |• No fruit at breakfast apart from plums and sometimes slices of watermelon for at least 5d; greater selection of fresh fruit needed|• Budget double room was too small |• Lots of hills so could be negative for those who are elderly or disabled even though the location is near to main attractions - however, it was actually well located for us, my elderly parents found it a struggle to get to the hotel especially after a long day out - I remember we stayed at another in Sultanahmet and it was pretty much flat with only small inclines that led to the blue mosque|• No facilities to have fried egg - only boiled eggs are an option|• Didn't see any cockroaches in breakfast hall or toilets as quoted by a previous reviewer - although the food (incl jams and chocolate spread) were left open without any covers - personally I would have covered them and added a label on the outside so people know what's what|• Light fixtures were dirty and hadnt been dusted in a long time - cleaners need to have added that to their checklist|• Quality of cleaning is not consistent for a hotel|• The fixed shower head was dirty|• More hangars needed in bathroom|• Bigger cupboard required because for a triple room there was very little space - we lived out of our suitcase for 7d|• Need a baggage-stand near door (to place luggage on upon entry because otherwise if the room did have bed bugs, the luggage would be compromised with them too)|• Juices at breakfast (in the tank) were not nice at all|• Curtains had fallen off their rails and no one ever noticed until I raised concerns regarding lack of cleaning on the fourth day, at which point the hotel manager came in and got the curtains fixed|• Coleslaw tasted off/expired - it was not fresh (on day 6 of our stay)|• Mattress was NOT comfortable - I initially thought it was me but all 5 of us had bad backs by the...

A Cozy Refuge in the Heart of Istanbul

Our 15-day stay at this charming little hotel was unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped by its warm and welcoming atmosphere. A majestic wall facing the entrance greets you with its imposing presence, while a winding street wraps around the building, adding a picturesque touch to the urban landscape.

Each morning, the call to prayer awakened us with its sudden yet serene sound. The song of the swallows nesting in the wall softly roused us, creating an unparalleled sense of peace. Stray cats, common in Istanbul, gracefully roamed the surroundings while the laughter of children playing in the street mingled with the conversations of tourists and locals. The local presence is palpable, surprising you with its embracing warmth.

Inside, the hotel is very well laid out. Despite its small size, everything fits perfectly, making every corner functional and cozy. Upon entering, you are greeted by the receptionist, and there is a comfortable armchair with chairs and sofas for waiting during check-in and check-out. The rooms are small but well-organized, featuring a bathroom with a shower and beds matching the option chosen. Every detail is designed to maximize comfort in a limited space.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with kindness and genuine empathy. Whether offering thoughtful recommendations for exploring the city or ensuring our stay was as comfortable as possible, the manager went above and beyond. It’s rare to meet someone who truly cares about their guests, and it made all the difference. I can only wish every hotel had a manager like him. His genuine care, attention to detail, and kindness made our stay unforgettable. In a world where authentic hospitality can sometimes feel scarce, he stands out by going above and beyond, treating guests not just as clients but as valued individuals. If all managers were like him, traveling would always feel like coming home. We are deeply grateful for the warmth and compassion he showed us, and we will carry that feeling with us long after our stay.

Every interaction felt deeply personal, and we could see that the hotel was managed with both heart and professionalism. The manager took the time to understand each guest's needs, ensuring everyone felt truly valued. This level of care and attention sets this hotel apart from others I’ve stayed at. This is the perfect spot if you enjoy cozy and charming places where the manager takes personal care of you. Whether it's bringing you medicine if you catch the flu or offering honey, lemons, and tea—anything to make you feel comfortable and welcome.

His education, good manners, and knowledge enhanced our evening conversations and added an intellectual dimension to our stay, making it even more enjoyable.

Thank you, Zeyn Hotel, for a truly...

What an experience it was to stay here!! The rooms are nice, nothing fancy but very clean and maid service was daily, they did a great job keeping our room from becoming chaotic. Beds and pillow are very comfortable. The location is great and you can walk everywhere and easy access to transit.

The real standout for me was the staff. The hotel manager has a heart of gold and treats his guests like family members. He goes above and beyond what he is supposed to do. Dealt with multiple front desk persons, all of whom were kind, helpful, and also would go above and beyond what they're supposed to do. I believe that their hiring process is what makes each and every member of this hotel's team special. Edde, who works in the breakfast hall is someone who shines bright and will make your morning memorable (daily breakfast included). Mahmoud and Ahmed at the front desk made me feel like I was not at a hotel, but staying at a close family members home. Ramadan and Fareed helped me with whatever request I had. There was one evening I asked if there was a good local hookah place to go to, Mahmoud just finished his shift and took his own (unpaid) personal time to walk me all the way to the location to ensure I got there safe. Any solo female traveler will feel so safe here. Kids are playing on the street late into the night and the staff ensures everyone's safety and comfort. Again, you're literally treated like a family member here!

I knew these people had hearts of gold when they would not accept tip money stating that it is a pleasure to serve their guest. I literally had to force each and every one of them to accept the tip money. (Even then some did not accept it at all)

If you go here, please don't forget to tip the hard working staff!

I will be staying here again and I cannot recommend it enough. This hotel is an absolute bargain compared to other hotels in the area, I truly feel like I should have spent more per night. I spent 5 nights here and feel like I left having make new friends with the staff.

If you're on the fence about which of the hundreds of hotels to pick in this area, let this be your sign to...